Who would have thought that after a year ago, where there no chance of playing Tomcat hockey, we would start of 2022 with no hockey? Well here we are. However, there is hope this can be short-term and the Tomcats will be back come February. As long as amateur sports can resume, we will resume.
This does mean we will look to push off the Annual Tournament to make sure we can actually play it without restrictions. Look for an email coming soon. To be clear…we fully intend to have an annual Saturday tournament, after missing it in 2021.
In other breaking news, the Tomcat contract with Miller has expired. That means our official beer is no longer MGD. Instead, we have agreed to use Rush beer as the official beer after negations with legendary Canadian power trio band. “Why not have two Canadian forces of nature, Rush and The Tomcats, partner up,” said an excited Tomcat President and life-long Rush nut, Rocky? Geddy Lee, front-man for Rush indicated, “we love reading the Tomcat blog each week and we have always found inspiration for our songs from the creative writing of Harry Ballsonue.” “While both Rush and Harry are now retired, the beer agreement still makes perfect sense for both parties,” continued Geddy.
Go out and get your Rush Beer and support the Windsor Tomcats!
Stay safe and stay tuned for more information about the return to hockey and the tournament.
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.
On Saturday, Tomcats picked up The Animal off waivers, he was put on Waivers by the Edmonton Kozaks. “He was injected into the line up on Tuesday night. “We need to fill our roster with a few more players because we have had guys not coming out, COVID, injuries, unknown reasons, so the Animal was a perfect pick up for us.” Stated General Manager Finner.
“It has been a whirlwind, I thought I was going to clear waivers and be sent down to the Bismark Bisons but then the Tomcats picked me up and here I am in my first game with this great club’, stated The Animal.
First game, the Lizard Kings took it 5-2 in the second game, the Swamp Rabbits won 6-3. Kramden could not miss and scored 6 goals he was like Leon Draisaitl out there.
Highlight of the night A cross floor pass, with Chevy blasting one at the net and Bender came across and made the save. That is your highlight of the night.
“I thought the team played well in both games, the post was my friend tonight, I think Chico hit the post three or four times on me tonight”. Stated a beaming Bender.
Special thanks: Sunny would like to thank all the Tomcats that brought in non perishable cans of food and to those who gave money for such, “The Tomcat Spirit is alive and well, so great to see”, stated Sunny.
Thanks to those who came early and helped with the empties for Sparky, thanks to the Animal, Bullwinkle, Chico and Stevo. Rocky presented a beautiful wallet to Sparky for all his hard work.
Animal was presented with two tee shirts and a Tomcat coozie and was welcomed to the team, it was too emotional for him to say anything, he began to weep when the tee shirts were presented to him. Tunzie an old team mete of his from the Beirut Bandits said, “He is overcome with the love the Tomcats have poured on him and can’t speak, he is crying uncontrollably up in the Tomcat room. He thanks everyone for their support and can’t wait to be back in the line up next Tuesday.”
Thanks to Sparky, for getting The Rake to pick up cheese, Kobassa and a case of Steam Whistle. The Rake came up on stage after hockey and put out the spread, thanks to Sparky and The Rake for doing that.
In Ending Please let Rocky know if you are able to play next week. A simple text is greatly appreciated.
Is it just me or does Sunny not have the greatest blue eyes you have ever seen? Thanks for reading, I’m Ophelia Butts. Something Cute…. Like Sunny
Not quite sure if we can call it a ‘short’ bench with 2 spares a side because play certainly didn’t seem to slow down much between games; but I did hear a few players wishing for another body….
The Chico Chargers featuring the stellar scoring duo of Soupy and Sparky took the first game; whilst the Bender Bulldogs featuring a newly ‘we can build it better’ Rocky (sporting a sweet knee brace with ‘flame’ decals) and high scoring return/first game for the Matador (more on that in a minute) took the second. Man; it was like a completely different team and approach for the Bulldogs; who were completely unstoppable in the rematch and really hammered the other side into submission.
Definite highlight of the night was a sweet-sweet deke by the Matador on Chico. You know it was ‘bad’ when Sparky turned around and whispered: ‘here’s that jock strap you lost’ to poor Chico. Coach Sealion chimed in as well; ‘defensively we let our goalie down. I mean how can you leave Skippy back there alone as a D man? The lad has no stick skills; shot; scoring or real playmaking ability. If it wasn’t for the numerous shots he blocked (Rake would be proud); the score may have been even more lopsided. Good to see his cardio improving and nice to see he can play well as a D’
Better highlight of the night was summed up perfectly by the Matador afterwards: ‘I really don’t care about the hockey; it’s about the camaraderie with the guys afterwards’. Yes; I swear the Matador said ‘camaraderie’. Who would have thought the big man with the sweet ‘Stevo’ like dekes had such a big heart?
Next week Sparky’s seeking a few good Tomcats to come early and clean out the empties. If you can help; show that Tomcat spirit and come early to lend a hand. As Rocky says; ‘those empties really add up and keep the beer flowing’
Finally; let Rocky know if your ‘in’ for next week
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?
Windsor Tomcats 