Due to extensive coverage of Team Canada’s win over Mexico in World Cup qualifying, coverage of Tuesday night’s Tomcat action will be slightly delayed. Stay tuned for more.
However, next week, Sparky is asking for a few good Tomcats to show up early 6pm or shortly thereafter, to help load up the empties. The room is packed and needs to be cleared.
As well, reminder to clear out your sticks leaving only 2 in the Tomcat room. We have way too many and need to remove many before we make a donation of sticks to a worthy cause.
Let Rocky know by Friday is you plan to play next week.
Tuesday saw a return of regular sized nets. As such, scores were more normal but the pace of play was quick. While balanced on paper, it looked like the White Whispers were much too strong for the Black Barkers in game 1. Powered by the amazing goal tending of Bender, and a hat trick by Killer, the Whispers took the game easily, 6-2.
Killer showed why we extended his contract. No further questions.
However, in game two, after a motivational speech from Captain Sparky, the Barkers came out firing, using energy and speed to get an early jump on the Whispers. Stellar goal tending by The Danish allowed the Barkers to take game 2 by a score of 4-2.
Couple of reminders…
Sticks – The Tomcat room is getting way too cluttered with sticks that never get used. We are asking every player locate their sticks and remove any (bring home or move to other room on the other side of the stage). Once we get through this process, all remaining sticks will be moved to the other side. Eventually, we will keep some extra sticks over there, but will likely donate many of them that never are claimed.
Empties – Sparky and/or Soupy will be doing an empty run soon. Please be in the lookout for a date and offer to come early to help load them up.
Let Rocky know by Friday if you plan to play next week. Maybe The Terror and Matador make their debuts?
Last night was the first ever Big Net Night where the Tomcats dropped the regular nets in favour of nets akin to the size of true regulation ice hockey nets. The thought, let’s have a night where goal scorers can really shine.
And shine they did…the game scores were 10-6 and 11-10 for the night…more than double the normal amount of total goals.
Falcon and the big net (and a Sparky bomb)Bender and the big net
When asked about the evening, and the big nets, The Falcon stated, “It’s a lot of real estate to cover and it was hard to relearn my angles, but overall wasn’t a terrible experience. I hope Yuri doesn’t publish my GAA anytime soon as the number is now skewed.”
Some Tomcats were confused if it was Big Net Night or Big Ned Night. “I was expected to received a Big Ned bobble head when I entered the Kapusta,” said a disappointed Sparky.
Big Ned with the goalies on Big Net Night
The night also saw the debut of Hollywood, playing for the first time this season. Not sure if any injury was re-aggregated. We will see, but awesome to have him back.
Shoutout to Big Ned who helped tear down afterwards and actually put the big nets away. Not all Tomcats think to help that much.
Shoutout also to Sparky (okay, Tonto) for ordering pizza for the boys on stage afterwards. Great job Tonto! A true Tomcat.
A Tomcat legend, Sparky! He usually gets credit for all food brought out, even when he doesn’t bring it out.
Finally, shoutout to LaBamba for calling in and cancelling himself for feeling under the weather. All Tomcats signed an agreement to never play when showing any symptoms, and LaBamba showed great integrity staying home. Thanks LaBamba for being an awesome guy!
Stay tuned for announcements on future special nights.
Let Rocky know by Friday if you are playing next Tuesday.
The halls of the Kapusta smiled as the perennial defensive stalwart, Sparky, made is 2021-2022 debut. After an extended delay to start the season, Sparky once again graced the floor. “I can’t see or breathe well,” said an exhausted Sparky between shifts, “but it is good to be back!” Despite needing time to adjust to being back in action, Sparky showed little rust in his return. “All-star veterans like Sparky are plug-and-play,” said Coach Sea Lion. “He knows the game, he knows himself, he knows how to adjust and make things happen,” continued the coach.
Also making a season debut was Kramden. “It’s been a while since lacing them up, but feels great to be back in a Tomcat’s uniform,” said Kramden.
Teams:
Black Hot Wires – Falcon in net, Kamikaze, Big Ned, Sunny, Chevy, Hurricane and Sparky
White Neutral Wires – Chico in net, Schooley, Bullwinkle, Kramden, Tonto, Killer, Snowpants and Cribzie
The hockey was fast and the games were close. Afterwards, Snowpants addresses the group to remind everyone that if the goalies are about to cover the puck, there are to be no swipes at the ball or their trapper to try to win the ball. It makes no sense to take that risk. Tomcats management will watch for this and make calls if more of this occurs.
Reminder – Next Tuesday is BIG NET NIGHT! Yes goal scorers, the nets will be bigger, so in theory, more goal scoring should occur. Vegas insiders are already predicting next week could also be considered BIG NED NIGHT based on the recent offensive blitz from Big Ned!
Please let Rocky know if you are playing next week by Friday of this week.
“Only a goalie can appreciate what a goalie goes through”. Jacques Plante
Bender made his Tomcat debut and did not disappoint, “He was Like Dominck Hasek out there.” Stated Soupy.
“I was a bit nervous, I don’t mind telling you that, but after the first couple of saves I got into the groove and kind of never looked back.” Stated Bender.
With four spares on one side and three on the other, hockey was fast and furious, looking at playing 15 minute periods possibly starting next week. “I find the periods go by too quickly, playing 15 minute periods could be a good thing.”Stated Chico.
Holdout Cribzie, made season debut, after negotiating a 4 year, 5.5 million per year deal. He played like the Norris Trophy candidate that he is. Tomcats were wise to
Sign him and he is so dreamy.
Rocky left early with what was described as a lower body injury, believed to be a groin pull.
SOUPY STINGERS: Bullwinkle, Soupy, La Bamba, Rocky, Big Ned, Stevo, The Ginger Bread Man, Kamikaze and Chico
Scores wereL 2-1 for the Soupy and 5-4 for the Beep Hornets.
Special thanks to Kamikaze for getting the ice. To Soupy for making the teams and setting up the beer in the cooler. To Big Ned for putting away the sticks.
Reminder: If you are dressed and ready to play and are just sitting on stage checking texts why not pinch in and help set up.
If you are not able to play next week, please let Rocky know as soon as you know you are out.
“It certainly feels like mid season form out there.” Stated Bullwinkle after a stellar night of hockey.
Blast from the Past: Motley Crüe….
The El 519 Gatos Locos: Doc, Lovie, Sparky, The Matador, The Big Easy, Sunny, The Danish and the Captain, La Bamba
Is it just me or is Cribzie the best looking of all the Tomcats?
Tuesday night, an October evening, felt more like a start of the season September evening in the Kapusta. It was warm and sticky, but the hockey was cool and fast. Another 2-team night that saw the season debut of Tunzie and Rocky, along with the return of The Danish between the pipes. The Danish is back from a 2-year stint with the East Coast Halifax Heathens. He was called into action when all Tomcat goalies were unable to play, and the Zamboni driver was out of town.
“There was no rust for The Danish at all,” said Stevo. “He was flashing the leather just like the good ole’ days,” Stevo continued.
Teams:
Chico’s Croissants – Bullwinkle, Rocky, Stevo, Schooley, LaBamba, Big Ned and Chico
The Danish’s Danishes – Kamikaze, Tunzie, Soupy, Chevy, hurricane, Anvil, Tonto and The Danish
Chico’s team took the first hame 4-2 but the Danishes stormed backed in the second to win it 5-4.
NOVEMBER 2 – Big Net Night – yep, goal scorers dream. We will have a night where we bring out the big nets. To mix it up a bit, lets see the scoring changes when we challenge the goalies to cover larger nets. Do not miss this night. Maybe a mini??
Let Rocky know by this Friday if you are playing next week. check the beer list to see when you are expected to come with refreshments.
All Windsor Tomcats playing Tuesday night had to show they are fully vaccinated. The owners of the Kapusta Now Palace, keeping in line with the Windsor-Essex County Public Health Instructions regarding proof of vaccination requirements for persons entering facilities used for sport and recreational fitness activities.
The Windsor Tomcats will of course comply fully and ask that all Tomcats that were not there on Tuesday October 5, 202 to fully cooperate next week and or weeks to come.
TEAMS:Bullwinkle Astra Zeneca’s: Bullwinkle, Snowpants, Ginger Bread Man, Beep, Tonto, Chevy and the Falcon
Sunny Moderna’s: Stevo, Big Bed, Bender, Kamikaze, Sunny La Bamba, Skully and Chico.
First game, The Antra Zeneca’s took the game 3-2. In the second game, with the Moderna’s leading for a good portion of the game, 3-1, a couple of late goals saw the game tied after the two 12’s were played. Two over time periods of 2 min each, could not decide it and the game ended up in a tie.
One thing that needs to be mentioned is that “Nice save Chico” was said about 23 times last night. Not taking anything away from the Falcon, but the slick Astra Zeneca’s were like the five Russians out there making Chico earn his beer last night.
Skully and Bender made their Tomcat debuts… Skully signed a one-year deal in the off-season for $750,000. Bender was a second round pick in 2017 and has toiled in the minors as a forward and as a goalie. He was shown the Tomcat goaltending equipment in the Tomcat room…and seemed very impressed.
Schooley‘s play; Schooley‘s rookie card went up $200 after his display last night…He is wearing #15
Bender is a Goalie and is expected to suit up in net in a few weeks. Assigned Number 80
You can feel the snow from the stop. Skully has it going on.
Skully’s rookie card, price has jumped $200.
Beer List: Beer list is out, please check it out to see when you are to bring your beer. You don’t want to be ’that guy’ who misses his beer night….Ever.
Not Playing Next Week: If you are unable to play next week, let Rocky Know. Beep and Sunny have advised. Falcon to let us know if he can play mid week, we may need a goalie come Tuesday.
I think Snowpants has a great smile. I hope you enjoyed today’s blog, thank you for reading, I’m Ophelia Butz
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
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.
These fine Tomcats will go down in history as the first Tomcats to grace the Kapusta floor since the beginning of the Pandemic
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!
Hollywood showed up to grill some sausages for the boys, despite not being able to play. A true Tomcat he is!
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:
Triple-sided Tomcat beer koozies!
Despite huge challenges, the Tomcats are back. Let Rocky know your status for next Tuesday by this Friday
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.
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??
Bender is a Goalie and is expected to suit up in net in a few weeks. Assigned Number 80
You can feel the snow from the stop. Skully has it going on.
Skully’s rookie card, price has jumped $200.
Windsor Tomcats 