What a whirlwind start to the 2021-2022 season. Navigating the COVID pandemic, necessary precautions, almost losing the Kapusta to a baseball club…it was not without a lot of worry and planning. Nonetheless, the Tomcats prevailed and played 12 consecutive weeks of hockey after cancelling the entire 2020-2021 season. That is as sweet as victory as ever witnessed by the Tomcats.
Thanks to all those Tomcats that did what was necessary to make this happen…getting vaccinated, foregoing playing if potentially exposed or not feeling well…these things made this season so far possible.
Not sure what the remainder of the season brings with Omicron, but we will navigate it as necessary in the only way we know how…the Tomcat way.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all Tomcats and their families. We are all part of a special and unique family that has brought us all together and kept us together since 1989!
Tomcats Forever right?
As a little trip down memory lane, here are some photos from Tomcat family holiday gatherings of yesteryear. Can’t wait to make these events happen again when we are past the pandemic!
The Tomcats did it! They finished a full first-half of the season under COVID without any issues. Guys stepped up and avoided coming in if they felt sick or had any exposure via work, school, personal lives. That is part of being a solid Tomcat these days.
As for the hockey, two team night with full benches. The goalie ranks are really thin for the Tomcats these days so The Matador was set to fill in as one of the netminders. However, the Tomcat Team Generator algorithm was thrown a curveball when Tonto was subbed in for The Matador. Huge props to Tonto for taking the helm in net for the first time ever as a Tomcat. He is truly a pro!
Chico and Tonto minded the nets last night and what a great job by both tenders…thanks Tonto for suiting up!
Chico’s White Winters took both games but Tonto’s Black Treetoppers put up a valiant fight all evening.
After hockey the boys headed down to the bar for drinks and pizza. Several legends came out to celebrate including Sea Lion, Turk and The Bundura. Being true Tomcats, Sea Lion brought a bottle of rye to share and Bundura came with beer. This is a week after Turk brought out food and drinks for the guys. You wonder why they are still legends to this day? “Proud of how the boys have been playing,” stated Head coach Sea Lion.
Towers of Power – With stellar D like this who can score on the Tomcats?
Thanks to all who played and came out to celebrate. Thanks to Jingles for ordering pizza, thanks all Tomcats that stayed to clean up afterwards. Happy Holidays everyone!
Perfect shirt for this time of year and for Tomcat hockey!
Hockey starts back on January 11th unless omicron forces our government into bad decisions. We’ll keep you posted.
First the cold…the Kapusta was a little nippy due to the winter weather and the fact some windows were left open. The guys were not very anxious to take off their hoodies and long pants for warmups. Thanks to The Rake and Chevy for finding the offending windows and getting them closed. On the opposite end of cold, was Tonto. That man was hot last night. Scoring from everywhere, seemingly everywhere on the floor at the same time…career night for Tonto! “Who needs the Lone Ranger when you have Tonto?” asked Sparky.
Teams:
Hurricane’s Heaters – Chico in net, Big Ned, Stevo, Hatchie, Tonto, LaBamba, Hurricane, Rocky and Kamikaze
Rake’s Radiators – Bender in net, Beep, The Rake, Animal, Soupy, Sparky, May Day, Snowpants and Chevy
After game 1, where the Heaters were man-handled, losing by a margin of 8-4, people were questioning the team drafting algorithm used by Rocky to pick teams each week. So far, this year, the algorithm has been pretty spot on, with really close games. Somehow, the Heaters messed up their lineup, leading to an unbalanced game.
After some tweaks, the teams balanced out by the Heaters winning convincingly 7-3. So for the night, the algorithm worked as both teams scored the same amount of goals. Technology is a beautiful thing!
Hard Reality:
The Turk made an appearance and brought out drinks and food for the boys. But this was no ordinary visit. George came out to announce his official retirement from the Tomcats. After a couple of years of being on IR, having knee surgery, Tomcat doctors have forced George into retirement. “While the knees are good for everyday activities, especially golf, the constant starting and stopping is just not ideal,” explained The Turk.
The Turk and the boys after toasting to an incredible career!
After such a stellar career, including having the shot blocking record (one that may never be broken), the Tomcats used the evening to recognize The Turk. A banner has hung along the Wall of Legends to memorialize Turk’s career.
Tomcats Forever was sung and tears were shed as we wished The Turk well. He will be around, but just not suiting up any longer. Cheers to a great career!
Shout out to The Big Easy as well. He came out to say hello (still on IR) and brought out some beer for the boys. Put’er there Big Easy!
Next Week:
Final night of hockey with pizza and drinks afterwards. So far, sports and athletics are not restricted, so we are a go. Rocky needs to know by Friday who is in so we can plan accordingly.
“We have been trying to land the Hatchmo for 15 years, and finally we signed him in the summer and he got to play his first game last night, what a thrill not only for the Windsor Tomcats, but for Tomcat Nation.” Stated Coach Sea Lion
Hatchmo, who has been sought after for quite some time, got to play for his home town, in front of his family and friends. Drafted by the Carolina Cardinals, of the World Floor Hockey league, he was assigned to the Fayettevill Frogs, Hatchmo toiled in the minors for years, as Captain he lead them to 9 Brazen Cup Finals winning four of them. In 2014, his rights were traded to the Florida Tucans were he signed a 7 year 7 million per deal. This summer, taking a hometown discount, he signed with the Tomcats for 2 years at 3.5 per.
Hatchmo brought a 15 pack of Coors Banquet, ‘Just Because’, put her there…… “It is a great honour to finally don the Black Silver and White and play for my hometown team.” A weeping Hatchmo stated.
signed in off season for two years at 3.5 per…Hatchmo did not disappoint in his first night out ….
Rake made his season debut tonight. “He did not seem to be missing a step out there…quick as a bunny he is..” Indicated Killer Snowpants, although not playing, put away the sticks and the clock. What kind of Tomcat Team spirit is that, fabulous. Shack showed up and brought some beer for the boys, what a Tomcat, thank you Shackalicious.
TEAMS Rake Meteors Rake, Chico (G), La Bamba, Soupy, Hatchmo, Stevo, Tonto, Hurricane
Killer Comets Killer, Bender (G) Chevy, Beep, Rocky, Anvil, Big Ned and Sunny Very very good hockey with Team Meteors taking both games, 4-3 in the first and 5-4 in the second. Great goaltending on both sides. If you have not been playing, you are missing some fine action on the Kapusta Kow Floor.
Mr. Gordon’s Golf Report
The Mr. Gordons Dirty Growler Golf League wrapped up their golf season on Thursday with their annual banquet. Some highlights included Rookie of the year, going to Hollywood, because he is a golfer now, Best Dressed, Cribzie,(He is so dreamy) and the Mr. Gordon’s – Dirty Growler, golfer of the year, went to: May Day. Hatchmo (as last years winner ) presented the trophy to May Day. “He was selected by the committee and there is no better man to get this award this year, for all the organizing and the improvement in his game, he truly is the golfer of the year.” Indicated Hatchmo.
League to start back up on Monday’s in March, if you are interested in playing, all you have to do is let the Commissioner know you want to play the coming Monday by Wednesday at noon. Until then, we have the golf channel for now.
Is it just me, but is Bullwinkle the sexiest Tomcat ever? Thanks for reading, I’m Ophelia Butts.
In Ending:
If you cannot play or want to play next week, contact Rocky directly, either in email or in a text. (No faxes or smoke signals). Tomcats Forever.