The Tomcats provided their input on the completely overdone movie franchise by playing one of the fastest paced nights of hockey many can remember.

Not sure if there was something in the water this week but each team, every player, was moving at pace typical of the annual Saturday tournament. It to say the games were chippy…they were not. Very clean hockey, no funny business, but really, really fast moving.

The track teams were made up of:

Bender’s Bugattis – Bender in Net, Kamikaze, Bullwinkle, Animal, Hurricane, Soupy and Rocky

Falcon’s Ferraris – Falcon in net, Killer, Matador, Chico, The Professor, Snowpants, Doc and Shack.

The Tomcat Algorithm worked again as game one was won by a single goal for the Ferraris and game 2 was a tie. ChatGPT has nothing on the Tomcat Algorithm!

As with most weeks this year so far, goal tending was stellar. The Bugatti’s total the most team shots in a single night on record, but only put a few past Falcon. The legend was in top form it seemed. The planned and controlled reps for the aging Falcon appears to be working.

Also a historic night as 4 scoring records were broken! 4 in one night! You see, Hurricane scored 4 times and each goal he scores breaks his own record by being the latest goal scored by the oldest active Tomcat. Last night’s record is likely to fall again in the near future.

Solid Tomcat – Due to only 2 teams playing, the Terror was asked to sit out. However, the Terror came out to return some gear he borrowed and also help set up despite not being able to play. That guy is a true Tomcat! Any Tomcats ever ask themselves did I set up or tear down tonight? You should always do at least one each night.

Watch for email from Soupy for December 8th – gathering with significant others at The 519 Beerhouse in Tecumseh. Always a great time.

Final night of hockey is December 19th. Pizza and Drinks after hockey. All Tomcats old and new can come out. Give Rocky a heads up if you plan to attend so we can coordinate pizza order with Jingles.

Another great night at the Kapusta! Almost two full teams made for lots of spares, thus the pace of the games was quick as guys could give it their all and then go catch a blow.

Teams:

Killer’s Killers – Terror in net, Hurricane, Big Ned, Doc, Soupy, Shack, Animal, Snowpants and Killer of course.

Green Giant’s Giants – Bender in net, The Professor, Bullwinkle, Kamikaze, Matador, Chevy, Rocky and Green Giant of course.

Once teams were selected, many guys were skeptical. The Killers were a bunch of forwards, they were stacked…the Giants were stacked with more speed, etc. None of these complaints were true BTW and the results proved this out. Game ended in a dead tie and the second was slight edge to the Giants. Very even hockey…the doubters will always find something to complain about.

The stars go to the duo of Bullwinkle and The Professor. Those two were on fire all night for the Giants showing relentless pace and homing up on several nice passes to score a good portion of the Giants’ goals.

Shout out to Tonto for bringing his case despite not being in the lineup due to a lower body injury. Also shout out to Big Ned for organizing the ever growing stick mess in the Tomcat room. Rocky was overheard saying he will begin randomly selecting a few sticks a week to donate of guys don’t claim their sticks and only leave 1-2 on the room with their name/number on them.

Last night of hockey for 2023 is December 19th. Usual pizza party downstairs. Also be on the lookout for an email about a Tomcat gathering on Friday December 8th at the 519 Beer House.

Another Big Net Night in the books and the crowd at the Kapusta were not left wanting. Scoring was plenty, but also were great saves. Chico and Bender adjusted their tactics to cover the wide swaths of open net and highlight saves occurred every few minutes of play.

Obviously, the big nets favor goal scorers, but even non-goal scorers. Chico pointed out even Rocky popped in couple of goals in game one. The nets really do make a difference!

Doc made his second appearance and the knee is showing great improvement. Doc too popped in a couple of goals as he comes back into form. Rocky noted he enjoyed getting back to a little front-of-the-net action with Doc…”feels like the good ‘ole days,” noted Rocky.

The Matador also made his season debut and the Matty Meter quickly jumped up a few notches (that is the meter that measures the amount of swearing during the game). Matty looked almost in full season form while on the floor.

Both Matador and Chevy came with beer, including two full cases from Chevy! Or should we say “Chevy D?” It was noted that Chevy’s shorts were dropping down below his boxers all night, making the Tomcats wonder if he has started a rap career on the side.

Final Night of Hockey:

December 19th will be the final night. Start making plans to attend as we will have an after party. Retired Tomcats will be asked to attend as well. An idea was put out there for the event. Instead of pizza, should we do a Tomcat Potluck instead? Let Tomcats bring out something to share? Let Rocky know.

Extended Holiday Gathering: Also, is any Tomcat willing to arrange a night at a local bar (maybe the 519 Beerhouse – support Schooley’s new venture??) where Tomcats and significant others can gather for drinks and good times prior to the holiday? Similar to last year’s event at Johnny Shotz (without the bar room brawl ideally)? Also let Rocky know if you can take the ball on this.

Sure, last night was Halloween, and that made for a very obvious excuse to cancel hockey. Lots of guys with younger kids that need to be home to assist with Trick or Treating duties.

However, truth be told, the real reason for cancelling was not that guys were needing to be home on Halloween. No, instead, future Tomcat President, Soupy, recruited several Tomcats to staff a secret strike team of Halloween Ninjas to police the streets of Tecumseh in search of candy-stealing teenagers.

Turns out, there are bands of teenage girls driving around in vehicles and stealing full bowls of candy left out my homeowners that use the honor system while they take their own children out for Halloween.

It gets better…since Soupy and his lovely wife Serta have young sons, they themselves implemented the honor system and left bowls of candy out for trick or treaters. By chance, Soupy witnessed a band of 5 teenage girls swipe his candy (bowls and all). Being the leader of the elite Ninja squad established to stop this very crime, Soupy confronted the scoundrels who yelled some explicit profanity at him, tossed the bowls on the ground and left with the candy. Witnesses heard the teeny boppers mention something about Soupy often makes one too many moves and gives up the ball too often…not sure what that is all about?!?! While the thieves made off with the loot, Soupy hopes the confrontation scared off other would-be candy stealing groups from taking more candy from last night’s Halloween festivities. Soupy is said to be planning attend Tecumseh Council in the near future to see how future Halloweens do not have to worry about such inappropriate behavior.

In other news, Snowpants did not get the cancelation email and showed up to hockey thinking it was costume night:

Word has it, Snowpants played hockey by himself and scored his first hat trick of the season

Next week: BIG NET NIGHT. We need some brave goalies to man the vast expanse of the big nets. BIG NED bobbleheads will be given out to the first 6 fans that enter the arena.

Guest reporting for the Tomcats,

Mike Ockhurts

It finally happened…we had enough Tomcats come out to host a mini tournament. Last night was also The Falcon’s return to the Kapusta floor. The Falcon asked if the Tomcats had procured a defib machine yet just in case. However, no defib was needed and The Falcon showed no rust at all. Played like he was in mid-season form already.

The three teams selected by Greek Gods were:

Shack’s White Pouncers – Chico in net, Shack, Green Giant, The Professor, Rocky, Kamikaze and Jingles

Sunny’s Black Bouncers – Bender in net, Sunny, Animal, Bullwinkle, Killer, Snowpants and Big Ned

Soupy’s Green 12 Ouncers – Falcon in net, Soupy, Skippy, Tonto, Nico, Chevy and Hurricane.

The pace was definitely stepped a notch (mini’s tend to bring more competitiveness out of the boys), but overall good hockey with mostly close games once again. The parity this year has not gone unnoticed. Maybe with Stevo retiring, the overall talent level has trended back towards the mean (talent was marked on a curve due to Stevo’s incredible skill level).

After a 2-2 tie in game one, Shack pulled in his team and exclaimed, “Boys, we need to come out and pounce!” That was all that needed to be said as the Pouncers went on to win all remaining games and the mini. Look for a motivational book to be authored by Shack in the near future.

Tomcat Record Set – Hurricane scored a couple of times and with each goal, he continues to break is own record as the goal scored by the oldest Tomcat of all time. Also, it was confirmed with Hurricane’s most recent goal, 895th of his career, he has now surpassed Wayne Gretzky for most professional goals scored during the regular season.

Next Week – Next Tuesday is Halloween. Rocky will send out an email and see if we have enough players to make a go of it. Also, the Big Net Night will cover the following week, November 7th.

New Tomcat Bar – Part-time Tomcat, Schooley, has purchased a drinking establishment now called the 519 Beer House. It is in the old Sir Richard’s on Tecumseh Road in Tecumseh (for old school Tecumseh kids like Rocky and Falcon, it is where Trevi Pizzeria used to be). If you are looking to get out and grab a cold one, go support Schooley! He has supported 519 sports faithfully, so let’s show our support!

Until next week,

Tomcats Forever

Sunny Spartans – Sunny, Soupy, Nico, Hurricane, Shack, Kamikaze, Doc, Bender in net

Green Giant Goat F$&%ers – Chevy, Tonto, Green Giant, Jingles, Killer, Animal, Bullwinkle, Professor, Chico in net

It was “Greek Night” at the Kapusta! The teams were aptly named, as the Greek Trio of Spartans, led by franchise player Sunny, dominated the Goat F$&%ers, taking game 1 2-1 and game 2, 5-1. Sunny, Shack, and Soupy danced around the floor like a young Kamikaze at a 90’s Toronto Rave! 

As has been the case this entire season, goaltending was phenomenal! Chico has been a staple all year, and Bender stepping in the past 2 weeks has been outstanding! He was thrashing around in net like the giant inflatable arm flailing man outside of AutoMaxx! The Goat F$&%ers, loaded with big shooters, were peppering him with shots all night. Bender stood tall with a highlight reel of saves.

It should also be noted that newcomer, Nico, scored his first ever Tomcats goal. Nico tried to take the ball as a souvenir, but Sunny quickly intervened stating, “you got your first goal, now you can help set up for the night next week!” Soupy claims he made the pass to set him up, but video review showed him handing his phone number to a puck bunny in the crowd while the goal was scored. He was quoted afterwards, “I may not have made that pass, but you know I’m gonna shoot and score with that 10 in the crowd!”

Last night also marked the triumphant return of Doc to the Tomcats. Running around the floor on a bionic knee, the “Man of Steel” left his mark on the game. There was an incident in the second game in which Kamikaze ran over Chico in front of the net, Doc, jealous that it’s HIS job to run over the goalies, quickly piled on top of Chico.

In other news, Tomcat Schooley has purchased the old Sir Richards Bar at Banwell and Tecumseh. It is now called the 519 Beer House. They are still getting everything set up, but it is open for business, I encourage all Tomcats to stop in for a beer! A Tomcat Xmas party may also be held there in the near future, with only 1 stipulation from Schooley…NO FIGHTING! 

A few of the fellas were wondering this week, when Tomcat Legend Matador will make his highly anticipated season debut…his energy on the floor has surely been missed! 

That wraps it up for this week, be sure to let Rocky know if you are in for next week! 

Enjoy Guys…

I’m Guest Column by H’aida da Salami

With the way the first game ended in a 2-2 tie; fans couldn’t help but wonder if players were still hung over from recent festivities.   Worry not as the hockey; and particularly the goalies placed exceptionally well. 

But whether it be the tie; or players simply wanting to ‘soldier’ on;  or perhaps ‘settle’ who had the better team – the second game featured an extension of time (15 minute periods).  Upon the announcement Hurricane muttered; ‘Great – the median age on our side is already over 50).  

‘Maybe’ it was the time extension; or maybe it was the fact Tunzie’s Turkeys simply were ‘younger’ (And I overheard Soupy mutter ‘better looking’); but the Turkeys did ‘cook’ up a 3-1 ‘win’.  

Tonto’s Trimming’s; had Sunny, Shack, Hurricane, Animal, Professor, Skippy, and Chico in net; whilst Tunzie’s Turkeys had Bullwinkle, Soupy, Green Giant, Killer, Nico, Kamikaze and Bender in net.  

Skippy and Bender made their season ‘debut’ and received the ‘opening’ year gift; to which Skippy quickly filled and ‘shot’ back – at which Soupy uttered; ‘Damn – no washing or anything’.  Skippy was ‘quick’ to remind the marque player he’s drank from the Stanley’s Cup.  

And while you’re wondering if team names were predicated by the recent Thanksgiving festivities; or eagerly awaiting teams and their names for the 2024 Stanley’s Cup; I noticed Yuri Handzonmecac. 

Yurri

Warmest night of the season so far…who would have thought an October evening would be so warm???

Pretty full benches as well, and once again, very even teams.

Rocky’s Ramblers – Shack in net, Hurricane, Rocky, Sunny, Green Giant, Bullwinkle, Chevy, The Professor and Snowpants

Big Ned’s Broncos – Chico in net, Animal, Big Ned, Tonto, Kamikaze, LaBamba, Soupy and Nico (Tonto’s buddy)

Game 1 ended in a victory for the Ramblers 4-3. However, game 2 was won by the Broncos 3-2. The Tomcat Algorithm keeps working.

Shack and Chico were the evening’s top performers by making ESPN-level highlight saves time after time. Them boys can play!

Tonto brought out a friend to be a guest player. Nico showed good speed and hands. A few nicknames are under consideration…The Sensei, Lone Ranger…etc. to be determined in the future if Nico continues to be a part-timer.

Shout out to Kamikaze for showing up with a 24 instead of his assigned 12 pack. Good to see him out for the first time. The evening also saw LaBamba and Sunny play for the first time. Awesome to have most guys back out!

Keep checking the beer list and bring your cases out on assigned night or earlier if you cannot make rhetorical assigned night.

Also, please, please, please reply to Rocky each week. As simple text or email reply is all the Tomcats as of you. Who can’t do that???

Until next week,

Tomcats forever!

Week 3 at the Kapusta went off without a hitch, with Soupy leading the charge in Rocky’s absence. 2 teams, with only 1 spare a side, but you would never know it, as the pace was fast and again, the goal tending stellar!

Chico Cock Knockers – Chevy, Soupy, Killer, Animal, Shack, Chico in net

Terror Taint Ticklers – Snowpants, Tonto, Green Giant, Hurricane, Big Ned, Terror in net

Game 1 end in yet another tie, 4-4, with Chevy scoring top corner with 10 seconds left to tie it up.

Game 2 saw the Cock Knockers come out blazing, taking it 3-1. It has been a season for the goalies so far, as both Chico and Terror have a 1-1-5 record. What a dual it has been! It will come to an end next week, as Terror has to head to Tijuana, Mexico for “work reasons”…we will need a goalie to step up, with Bender still on his sabbatical in PEI, Shack has offered to play if needed, pending Falcons availability.

Hurricane made his debut last night, starting off the 64th season of his career, with no signs of rust! Word is he plans to play until he’s 80, what a legend!

A scary moment for Green Giant out there, as Soupy tried one of his patented 1 on 4 dekes. Sick of the dangles, he tried to step up and put a shoulder into him, but to his surprise, Soupy drove right thru the big man, sending him flying and a yard sale of gloves and stick all over the floor. Giant was quoted afterwards as saying, “it was like hitting a brick wall, if that wall was made up of pizza dough and feta cheese!”

All around another great night for the Tomcats, looking forward to next week!

Cougar Bush

Several active Tomcats, La Bamba, Chevy, May Day, Big Easy, Hatchie, Schooly and some retired Tomcats, Bubbles, Stevo, Sea Lion, Bundura, Bagz and one non Tomcat, Red Squirrel attended Battle Creek for a mini training camp.  All players reported in, in extremely top physical shape and were able to withstand the intense demands on them during the four day camp.

Chevy the organizer had this to say, “ We had an amazing time, probably one of the best years ever, I would also say that there may be a few spots opening up, depending on returning attendees and if enough interest we could expand to 16! Something else everyone should know is the trip is going to be a 3 day 2 night trip and comes in under $400 US, that includes golf carts and accommodations.”

Over all this past year, from what I was allowed to know, was that it was a great year, with lots of laughs at South Kitchen and of course at the bar called the Dock. Everyone had fun on the course and this years winner of the two man scramble was La Bamba and Bubbles.

if you are a all interested, it would be up to you to contact Chevy directly to discuss with him, what it would take for you to be put behind the wheel of a Gull Lake golf cart for next year.

The trip next year is, September 11,12 and 13.

The second week of 2023 is in the books. A typical warm September evening at the Kapusta, with lots of sweat and cool down needed between games.

For the first time ever, the Tomcat season kicked off with three straight tied games. Two tied games on opening night and game 1 of night two was also a tie. Talk about even teams!

TEAMS:

Bullwinkle’s Squirrels – Chico in net, The Professor, Tunzie, Rocky, Soupy, Chevy, Bullwinkle

Lizard’s Lizards – Terror in net, Green Giant, Jingles, Animal, Tonto, Lizard, Shack, Big Ned

El Choppo was supposed to play but was a no show. Sounds like a half-case fine.

At the end of game 1, both teams were tied. 3rd tie in a row!

The 3 straight tied games speaks to stellar goalie play. So far, the two netminders have been Chico and Terror. These two have made each goal tough to earn, and have showed no rust from the offseason.

The Lizards had no intention and allowing the tied-game streak continue and poured on the speed in game two. They were all over the Squirrels, giving zero time with the ball. They peppered Chico with shot after shot and ended up winning game two easily. The first win of the season!!

Doc stopped by while he recovers from knee surgery. Being a solid Tomcat, he came with a case of 24 MGDs in hand! Nice job Doc!!!

Speaking of Lizard, it was great seeing him back out, along with Tunzie. Both have had family commitments that kept them from the Kapusta floor for most of the previous season. Great to have their youthful speed and hard driving hockey play back on the floor!

After week one, while the Tomcats enjoyed some suds on stage, it was decided that The Professor should be deemed a full time Tomcat. Rocky made that official on stage last night. Welcome officially to the Tomcats Professor!

Soupy had the book and will run next Tuesday as Rocky is out. Rocky will still send out the email but any last minute changes next Tuesday need to be communicated to Soupy.

Until next week,

Tomcats Forever

The small turnout on the first night did not prevent the Tomcat season from a great start. As with every first night, lots of hugs and handshakes on stage before hockey, great banter during the games and lots of suds and laughs afterwards.

Future President Soupy picked teams and pretty much showed the Tomcat Algorithm who’s boss by selecting very even teams. The teams were:

Chico’s Black Mustangs – Chico in net, Animal, El Choppo, Soupy, Shack, and Tonto

Terror’s White Camaros – Terror in net, Green Giant, The Professor, Rocky, Snowpants, Bullwinkle and Jingles

Games ended in a 4-4 and 2-2 ties…yes, parity prevailed!

Thankfully resident handyman and electrician, Sparky, was on hand despite being on IR to start the season. The Sparky Clock stopped working during game 1, causing the Tomcats to go old school and bring out the score flip sign. However, never fear, Sparky grabbed his tools and the clock was back in action in no time!

Killer also showed up after hockey and brought out his case early as he will miss his assigned night. That is being a solid Tomcat!

Rocky will update the beer list on the website shortly. Until then, refer to email from Rocky from last week to see when your nights are.

See you all next Tuesday!

Tomcats Forever!

A crew of loyal Tomcats spent their Saturday morning prepping the Kapusta for this season. Rocky still needs to hear from a few guys on availability for this Tuesday. 6:30 start.

$55 start of the year and you will get a gift.

Check the beer schedule and bring your case early if you might miss your weeks.