Windsor Tomcats

This past Tuesday, the BoD of the Tomcats (along with other Tomcats keenly interested in the future of the organization) met at Rocky’s house to discuss the previous year and to make decisions about next season and beyond.  Like any Tomcat gathering, lots of drinks and good food was shared over some funny stories and laughs.  Those in attendance included Rocky, Hollywood, Sparky, Sunny, Snowpants, Doc, Beep and Soupy.  The meeting did cover off on official Tomcat business and below include highlights of what was discussed and decided.  NOTE:  If you disagree with any decisions, rather than complain, show up to this meeting next year and have your voice heard.

• Finances – Lots of money in the Tomcat slush fund.  We ended the season with the second highest total in recorded history.  This is despite 3 cancelled nights, less mini tournaments (more guys), etc.  Very good year from that perspective and see below for how we plan to use some of these funds.
• Start of next Season – September 19, 2017
• Start of Year Gift – A special gift is being looked at that will cost substantially more than the typical beginning of the year gift.  With lots of money in the coffers, and with a slight increase in the initial season cost ($50 rather than $40), the BoD think they can make this happen.  Final prices are being looked into.  Just be prepared for a very nice gift come September.
• Goalies – 2016/2017 was often a struggle to make sure we had enough goalies each night.  Several items led to this including the year-long injury to Razor, Hollywood now on swing shifts, Chico busy with his kid’s sports the first half of the season, Skippy very limited in the amount of nights he could play due to work, etc.  We were fortunate enough to find The Terror and Scuz.  As well, Danish was able to sub-in often, and we also can occasionally look to Stevo, Hurricane and Matador in a pinch.  We are hoping Razor will be able to come back into the fold next season and the Terror was also a very consistent goalie for us so hoping for more of that next season.  Tied to this was the next item of discussion
• Cancellations – There will always be cancellations that Rocky has to deal with come Tuesday afternoon.  The BoD discussed how to minimize this but ultimately decided it is unavoidable.  It is imperative guys give as much notice as possible, and lack of communication will be dealt with 12 pack fines.  Since we will often find ourselves in a situation where we think a mini will occur (thus 3 goalies), but the numbers dwindle meaning we only need two goalies, having one goalie able to play out is key.  That means guys like Chico, Scuz, Hollywood, Stevo, Hurricane and Matador are ideal third goalies.  We also discussed how we could have 3 goalies rotate across 2 teams, or 2 goalies rotate through 3 mini tournament teams if really in a pinch.  We would like feedback from the goalies on that.
• Recruiting – To help when there are cancellations, the BoD discussed finding a few more guys to have as spares for next year.  We brought out Ricki on a few nights this year and he fits in well.  Beep and Sunny are reaching out to a couple of guys that will hopefully be showcased in the fall and could be potentially are next batch of full timers.  If you have a friend that would be a good fit for the Tomcats (meaning he fits in on stage after the games – and isn’t a hot head on the floor), then let one of the BoD members know and we will make sure to have them come out in the fall.  We also discussed if previous players who have left or have been injured will be back…Razor, Jingles, Spinner, Junior, etc.  We will reach out to these guys to see their status next year.
• Tournament – This past year, we intended to go with the longer format for the second year (play each other twice).  However, due tot he mix up at the hall, we reverted back to standard format.  The BoD discussed and decided the original format (play each team once) is better, and will be the direction next year.  However, since we won’t be under a time deadline like we had this year, the periods will be 10 minutes.  So 20 minutes of play per game, each team playing each team once, with the 1st and 2nd place team going into the championship.  3 minutes will be given between games to keep the day from running too long.

  We also discussed the festivities afterwards.  This year was the first time we stayed at the Kapusta for pizza and drinks (Purples closed).  The Bod decided they like that better, so we will do the same next year.  However, we will look to see if the hall will let us use the bar downstairs, like they do for the Christmas year-end night.

  Captains were selected and for next year they are:  Rocky, Cribzie, LaBamba and Chevy.

  Doc and Kamikaze will continue to run the tournament as they did a bang-up job this year.  The teams were smaller this year so having extra players identified and showcased for the tournament will be critical.  No other planned changes to the tournament format were discussed.

• Christmas (Last night of Hockey) – No Change…pizza and drinks supplied by the Tomcats and celebrate down in the bar after the last Tuesday of 2017.
• Rock Bottoms Christmas Party – The BoD members love this event and it will be a go again for this season.  It will be earlier (likely the Saturday of the weekend of American Thanksgiving in late November).  Sunny, Chevy and Snowpants to plan per usual.  No full meal like last year, but different snacking foods will be brought out during the evening.  If you have never attended this event, you are missing one of the best nights the Tomcats have each year!
• Rough Play – Overall, the BoD thought this year was pretty well played with only minor incidents here and there.  Self policing is still the solution.  Guys need to call themselves or their teams out when this occurs.  The BoD members will always have immediate and final say for any infraction and will pull guys aside to discuss.  So that means, if there is a questionable call, and a BoD member makes the call, the call stands and it is expected all players accept the call.  So if Rocky, Hollywood, Sparky, Sunny, Doc or Snowpants say contact was made and the other team gets the ball, then the other team gets the ball in the corner and play resumes.  There will be no arguing.  Nuff said!
• New Business – No other official events planned besides the Patelone de Neige Golf Tournament and what is mentioned above.  The BoD are open to ideas however.  A Tomcat Golf league was floated and may be of interest to some Tomcats.  Speak to Sparky if interested.  Also, the idea of allowing goalies to use actual floor hockey or junior goalie sticks (not player sticks) was floated and the BoD seemed open to trying it out on a trial basis in the fall to see the ramifications.  Goalies should discuss with Hollywood.  We will likely bring out some sample sticks in the fall and let the goalies try it for a night and see the impact to the game.  The Tomcats are a progressive organization!

That about sums it up.  if you have any questions, let Rocky or a BoD member know.

Tomcats forever!

Management

Oh My Good Bye, Season Is Done by Harry Ballsonue

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment”

Buddha

Some observations about the season, Rocky, in his first year as the President and CEO of the Windsor Tomcats did a super fantastic job, Kudo’s to Rocky.

Anyone who has interest in the Windsor Tomcats should consider attending the year end Board of Directors meeting.  This meeting was opened up to everyone  a few years ago, and this is an excellent idea.  The product you get on the Kapusta Kow Floor, is because of the hard work of the executive over the years, the likes of the Bundura and Sea Lion, Crispy, to May Day, to the Rake , Razor, Sunny, Rocky and of course Stevo.

Don’t be dejected the season is over, there is another one next year

Your insight and input could continue to produce a great Tuesday night product but if you sit on your hands then no one will hear you.  Please consider attending and let Rocky know that you will be there.

Also, don’t forget about the Tomcat Year End Golf Tournament, who would not love to hold the Pantaloon de Neige Jug and kiss it at the end of the Tournament win.  That goes Friday June 16, please send Snowpants and email, saying that you will play, you are a fool if you don’t….it is that simple, he pours his heart out for this tournament, and showing your support for the Tournament and the Tomcats would be the way to go.

Also, The Turk has a tournament and it is June 3, please text, call,  smoke signal, fax or email him, to get your four man, scramble team in.

I would like to write a few more blogs as the summer goes along, I am hoping that the Tomcat allow it and post the summer blogs, and speaking of such, WHY DON’T YOU CONSIDER WRITING SOMETHING about your summer and what have you……guys would love to read what you have been up to and how your summer training is going in preparation for free agency (for some of you) or a return to the Tomcat fold, even if it how you make your Rum and Coke, fans, players, management and every puck bunny would love to know.

More Smiles to come next year, when the Tomcats Return in September

Remember the famous line of past Tomcat Team Captain, Rex Albert, “Don’t ask what the Tomcats can do for you….ask WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR THE TOMCATS”!

We shall see everyone at the Tomcat Golf Tournament, looking forward to covering that event. Until then, Tomcats Forever !!!!

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing”  Socrates

While you are pondering the last quote and pronouncing it Sow-Crates, do you think, I could put my Harry Ballsonue

The final night of hockey went off without a hitch.  In a season that saw very few mini tournaments, there was just enough guys to play a mini (18).  Early arrivers decided playing 3 teams with one sub each was better than 2 teams with 2 full lines.

As well, early arrivers including Skippy, Ricki, Rocky, LaBamba, Sunny and Bulldog had to dissemble the banquet tables that had been left across the Kapusta floor from Easter holiday celebrations.  Kudos out to these gentlemen for taking quick action to prepare the floor for hockey.

At this point, we usually talk about the three teams, the lineups and who won…but not this time.  In the end, this was the night cap for this season…a season that saw many new changes/obstacles/etc…new president, late start due to roof repairs, and almost cancelled tournament which had to be started early at the last minute, struggles fielding goalies, lots of season long injuries, etc.  So rather than focus on the hockey played, let’s focus on what really matters…enjoying a drink and laughs on stage afterwards.

The Tomcats provided more than enough beer and mixed drinks.  As well, The Rake took Tuesday off from work to prepare giant sub sandwiches for the boys.  He also ensured some side dishes such as potato salad and coleslaw were available to round out the post-game meal.  LaBamba had the tunes blaring as guys reminisced about the season.  Great end to a great season!  Also a shout out to Sparky for taking all the empties and clearing out the equipment room.

Announcement – The Board of Director’s are opening up the final year-end meeting to any Tomcat.  It is scheduled for Tuesday May 2nd at Casa de Rocky (2672 Paul Martin Court).  Rocky needs to know who will attend by next Tuesday, April 25th.  Text Rocky if you plan on attending.  Meeting will commence precisely at 6pm!  Come have a say in the future of the Tomcats!

And speaking of Rocky, here is note from the president:

Fellow Tomcats,

As my first season of being president comes to a close, I wanted to take time to thank everyone for a successful season.  I had lots to learn so I appreciate all the patience as I tried to fill the shoes of Stevo…not an easy task.  Hopefully the year was enjoyable and hopefully Tomcat hockey still provides something to look forward to each Tuesday.  As I look back on the year, there are definitely observations I have and truths that will always come with being part of this fine organization.  In no particular order, here are the items that I believe are truths:

• There will always be a core group of guys that help set up and tear down…unfortunately, there is also a group that never assists.  Don’t be in the last group.
• Certain guys will always let me know if they are in or out…others will always need to be chased…don’t be in the last group.
• Whenever I or the Tomcats need something, guys like Snowpants, Doc, Sunny, Kamikaze, Sparky, The Rake, Hollywood, The Falcon, Stevo can be counted on to help out and take the ball if needed.  This place keeps moving along because of guys like this.
• Soupy, Sunny, LaBamba, and Matador will always try to pay each other’s $5 nightly fee and everyone also tries to cover Sparky.  Sparky also tries to always pick up the tab for some other Tomcat.  Several other Tomcats randomly pay for other’s hockey…love seeing that!   
• I am glad we found The Terror and Scuz as several nights of hockey would have been cancelled had we not due to lack of goalies.  Shout out to Falcon who is easily the most consistent goalie that we can count on week to week. 
• Speaking of goalies…we always need to have one of three goalies for a given Tuesday to be a two-way player (can play out as well)…many times we head into a Tuesday thinking Mini, but end up with only two teams so having a goalie that can play out is a huge bonus (Chico, Hollywood, Stevo, Hurricane, Matador).
• Last minute cancellations are like death and taxes…so flexibility and agility is needed each week (see the above bullet)
• Physical play will always creep in so “Play the Ball” shouts will always be required to help remind guys there are no NHL scouts watching.  However, competitive juices are good to have, so we just have to manage this.  Play hard, but play fair is how I see it.
• We all miss Lovie’s on-stage stories…
• If Labamba is playing, that means we will have tunes blasting afterwards
• Guys like Rake, Cribzie, Sheepdog will always bring out some special snacks randomly…and Sparky will always get the shout out for it.
• Tomcats will always be a great group to be part of

So until next season,

Tomcats Forever!

Bringers of the Bottles:   Tomcats

Between the Pipes: Falcon, Skippy and Hollywood

Starting Line Up:  Sparky, Rocky, Sheepdog, Chevy, LaBamba, Rake, Killer, Doc, Kamikaze, Matador, Soupy, Bulldog, Stevo, Sunny, Snowpants, Cribzie, Ricki

PUP (Physically Unable to Play):  Razor, Jingles, Spinner, Hurricane (will show up for drinks), Terror (will show up for drinks), The Turk, El Choppo (will show up for a refreshment or two).

Healthy Scratches: Scuz, Tunzie, Chico, Beep

Sitting in Press Box:  Hicksee, Crow

With the Bad Axe Bearcats, waiting to be called up:  

Captains for the Mini:  Will we hold the numbers for a mini?  So far so good.

Come for the surprise afterwards!

The warm April weather made for a steamy night in the Kapusta.  Only one sub for the Black Knights and 2 subs for the White Warlocks.

Knights – Falcon, Soupy, Rocky, Labamba, Doc and Turk

Warlocks – Chico, Matador, Chevy, Sparky, Killer, Rake and Sheepdog

Due to the low subs, and hot temps, the first game saw periods of 15 minutes while the second game only had 12 minute periods.  The teams were also worried any longer periods would have led to cardiac arrest for the Matador.

The Knights proved to be too much for the Warlocks securing victory in both games.  Doc was a scoring machine having many ask if it is a contract year for him.  The night also saw Rocky play a lot of forward and contribute to the scoring…maybe the long-time defender is looking for a position change??

Huge shout out to Turk…he arrive early and set up the entire Kapusta on his own…how many guys have ever or would ever do that?

Next week is the last week – special surprised plan.  Would be great to see ALL Tomcats out for that one.

Empties – Sparky needs a few good men to arrive early next week to load the empties for the final night.  Who can step up to the plate for the Tomcats?

Golf – Two golf outings planned…The Kapusta Open and the Pantalone de Neige.  Please se wither Turk or Snowpants to let them know if you are in our not.

Bringers of the Bottles:   Rocky (24)

Between the Pipes: Falcon and Chico

Starting Line Up:  Sparky, Rocky, Sheepdog, Chevy, LaBamba, Rake, Killer, Doc, Turk, Kamikaze, Matador, Soupy

PUP (Physically Unable to Play):  Razor, Jingles, Spinner, Stevo

Healthy Scratches: Skippy, Scuz, Bulldog, Hollywood, Hurricane, Sunny, Tunzie, Snowpants, Cribzie, Terror, Beep (might make it)

Sitting in Press Box:  Hicksee, Crow

With the Bad Axe Bearcats, waiting to be called up:  

Captains for the Mini:  Likely only two teams at this point

2 Weeks Left: April 11 and April 18 by Harry Ballsonue

I told my girlfriend she drew her eyebrows on too high, she looked surprised !

TEAMS

The Black Rocky Cobra’s: Captain, Rocky, Falcon, Stevo, Sheepdog, Sparky, Soupy, La Banaba and Doc

The Albino Snowpants Boa Constrictors: Captain The Snowpants, The Terror, The Rake, The Turk, The Kamikaze,The Matador, The Chevy and The Cribzie

I must say that hockey was good, but somewhat unfair, the Black Rocky Cobra’s seemed to move the ball effortlessly where the Albino Snowpant Boa Constrictors had some difficulties.  In the first game, the Cobras took it 9-4.  The Boa Constrictors could not make enough sharp passes.  The second game saw, the Rocky Cobra’s take it 7-2. Matador and Snowpants did what they could out on the Kapusta Kow floor, but it was just not enough to keep up with the well oiled Rocky Cobra machine.

At one time, the Cobra’s had an actual 4 on 1 break, I shit you not!

To start the second game, La Bamba was not on the bench, an upper body injury was thought to be the issue, reporters from 3 major sport networks rushed to investigate, but it turned out that it was just an equipment problem, but, after,  when Soupy went into the women washroom after La Bamba had left, Soupy’s eyes started to water and he asked for a gas mask.

I can’t recall the last time a penally  shot was awarded on a Tuesday night, but one was last night.  Stevo on a clear cut breakaway found Kamikaze stick in his feet and went down like a sack of potatoes, in the process knocking down The Terror. He was seen with a rug burn type scrap on his left knee and was limping through the parking lot on her right knee.  If you’re wondering, yes, he scored on the penalty shot.

“I was lucky Bundura or Sea Lion were not reffing tonight, or they would have given me the penalty for goaltender interference”, Stevo quipped.

Reminder to everyone, no hacking or wacking at the goalie.

Great job by Sparky bringing food, some smoked kielbasa and cheese was enjoyed after hockey, thank you Sparky!

DID YOU KNOW
Did you know that The Rake has held a summer ball hockey school for the past 24 years and that this summer he will be holding his final one.  Graduates of the school include Sheep Dog, KIller, Doc and Kamikaze.

Did you know that Rocky is planning a big surprise after hockey on the last night of hockey, which is April 18 (it is food not table dancers)

Did you know Masters is on this week Thursday to Sunday Greatest show on earth.

Did you know that the Matador is the Minister of Balls.

Did you know that Shack has been handed down a life time ban from Tomcat Hockey for missing the tournament.  Other players bannned in the past, Julian Gautier, Dino Mignon, never to play again.

Did you know that La Bamba has a restaurant business.

MANAGEMENT INVESTIGATING

Tomcat Management is aware that La Bamba is out of the line up quite often, however the Tomcats have discovered that La Bamba is taking time away from hockey in order to over look his restaurant business called, what else “La Bamba”.

“Play Offs are coming and we are asking that La Bamba concentrate on hockey and not his outside restaurant interest”, stated Coach

Sea Lion, “The premier defenceman can serve up taco’s in the off season, during the hockey season, we need him to serve up some hockey plays”.

Tomcats concerned too much time spent on Restaurant Business

La Bamba has asked that this mural be painted on the Kapusta Kow Wall, “North side wall , so the sun can shine on it” La Bamba had said.

GOLF

The date has been set for the 2017 Annual Windsor Tomcats Golf Tournament – Friday June 16^th at Sutton Creek Golf Club.  Tee times beginning at 10 a.m.  Cost is $46.25/person for golf and cart.

This From Snowpants, “Dinner to follow in the clubhouse.  Everyone to order whatever they want – at their own expense.  Still early to finalize whether Sutton Creek will do a discounted special dinner.  Format will be individual stroke play.  Pantelon De Neige trophy ceremony to follow.  $5 skins (optional but encouraged).  Any requests for select foursomes will be accommodated as best as possible.

Please  call/text me at (519) 977-4929 or send at vferranti@citywindsor.ca  First 24 golfers are in”.

“The most important shot in golf, is the next shot”  Ben Hogan

The Turk is also organizing a golf outing called the Kapusta Open and it is on Saturday June 3, you are asked to see the Turk for details. (Also it has been mentioned in the past on this web site) Scroll Down.

OLYPMPICS

I don’t own an NHL franchise, but I still think it is a good idea that the NHL is not going, what if a franchise player Beep, or Sunny or Soupy were sent by the Tomcats and got hurt.  Plus, who is watching hockey at 3 a.m. in the morning….?

Nice Reunion – Its been almost 5 years since Stevo last saw Chiquita (on his right). When he ran into her last week while on vacation, she oddly enough, ran home so he could meet her 4 yr old daughter ‘Stevania”, and for some strange reason, her mother. Stevo didn’t stick around for the whole story.

When you are sitting there thinking, Beep is going to the Olympics, do you think I could put my Harry Ballsonue.

Bringers of the Bottles:   Kamikaze (24 from last week), Sheepdog (12)

Between the Pipes: Falcon, Terror

Starting Line Up:  Sparky, Snowpants, Stevo, Rocky, Sheepdog, Chevy, LaBamba, Rake, Cribzie, Killer, Doc, Turk, Kamikaze, Matador, Soupy

PUP (Physically Unable to Play):  Razor, Jingles, Spinner (close to making a return)

Healthy Scratches: Skippy, Scuz, Chico, Beep, Bulldog, Hollywood, Hurricane, Sunny, El Chopo, Tunzie

Sitting in Press Box:  Hicksee, Crow

With the Bad Axe Bearcats, waiting to be called up:  Ricki

Captains for the Mini:  TBD

Skinny: Two teamer…had to convince The Terror to play just to have 2 goalies!

The Annual Pantelone de Neige golf outing will be on Friday June 16th at Sutton Creek.  Tee off will begin at 10am sharp.  Golf will be $46.25 per person.  We can stay after for drinks and food.

Please reach out to Snowpants to let him know you are in as there is only room for 24 golfers.  More details will follow as we get closer to the date!

Another unique night for the Tomcat history books.  Both a mini tournament and a two team night occurred on the same night.  How is that possible??

The night started off with a rare 3-team mini tournament.  Three goalies were on hand (Falcon, Skippy and the Danish – actually 4…Hollywood came prepared to play net as well).  Even with the last minute cancellations, we still had enough guys to go with three teams.

Sunny’s Blackcats – Sunny, The Danish, LaBamba, Rake, Bulldog, Snowpants and Rocky

Soupy’s Whitefish – Soupy, Skippy, El Chopo, Hollywood, Matador, Sparky

Beep’s Redbirds –  Beep, Killer, Falcon, Tunzie, Hurricane, Turk

Things looked lopsided after the first game when the Whitefish took it to the Blackcats.  However, thereafter, the play really leveled off with each team taking some wins, losses and ties.

Then it got interesting…the Whitefish, seeing they were out of contention, did not want to play the second to final game and suggested Black and Red just play.  Many of the Whitefish had already started to change out of their gear but some held on to still playing.  Rather than just have the Red and Black play the final game, it was suggested that the Whitefish split up evenly into Red and Black and one final 20 minute game be played among two teams…so it happened.  A three-team night became a two-team night.

One of the Whitefish that did not return to play was Hollywood.  He had a “Stevo – I’m not having fun anymore” moment and did not suit back up as he thought the play had been too rough and was not willing to get injured.  Speaking of injuries, the all-time leading Lady Byng award winner, Bulldog, was responsible for an elbow that caused El Chopo to be cut above the left eye.  Clearly an accident coming from the most gentlemanly player the Tomcats have ever had.

Only 3 weeks left in this Tomcat campaign…rumor has it something special is being planned for the last night on April 18th.

Until next time,

Howie