Windsor Tomcats

By Harry Ballsonue. 

I read the article ‘where have  all the Tomcats’s gone’ with great interest.  I no longer cover the Tomcats as a sports reporter, but I follow them as a fan…religiously (Tomcats Forever and all that Jazz).

So I looked to see if I still had any old contacts in my phone, and I did…so I contacted Stevo. 

He told me that a guy like Skippy, who works in a place with a lot of young people being hired should be recruiting people for the Tomcats.  He also added that the Tomcats organization is probably doing a recruitment drive as he’s noticed some new names playing Tuesday nights. And then he mentioned that he’s glad he’s not playing anymore because he’d be afraid to play against the ‘Spitter’ guy.  “Who wants to be spat at?” asked Stevo.

Stevo also mentioned that he always thought he could play for 40 years, but it just was not in the card.  His impression was that once he couldn’t play out on the floor, he would’ve considered playing goalie. However, his knees just do not permit him from getting up and down like he could 20 years ago (someone will remember his Dominic Hasek style when he had to play in net).

He did say he will try to get some Tomcats to come out on the Christmas pizza night…not to play but to have pizza.  “You should see lots of Tomcats that night.  Once  a Tomcat always a Tomcat, especially when it comes to pizza and beer,” added Stevo with a wry smile.

While you’re thinking is it “Spitter” or “Splitter,” and while you are thinking about hockey, pizza, naked women and Santa Claus, do you think I could put my Harry Ballsonue?

It seems almost every other week poor Rocky is scrambling to find enough players to even have a game go on, but now we’re scrambling for goalies as well?   Just what exactly has happened?  Did we not generate some relief with the addition of ‘young bloods’?   Is the organizations ‘core’ players maybe getting ‘too’ long in the tooth?   Do players simply have too many outside competing interest (Jobs, childcare, ‘honey do list’). 

So many questions, so many theories.  I wonder what the over/under is on having a ‘mini-tournament’ this year?   

Let me start:  First mini will be next week with the very highly anticipated ‘big net night’.  Who doesn’t want the opportunity to ‘light the lamp?’.  I’m pretty sure some players who’ve ’yet’ to notch a goal will have ‘plenty’ of opportunities….

Second over/under:  A Tomcat night of hockey absent  of the preferable 3 spares a side ‘WILL NEVER’ be canceled for lack of ‘attendance’.  The Tomcats have, and always will find a way to prevail. 

Tomcats forever, and forever a Tomcat – truer words haven’t been spoken, and it warms the heart when you see new and ‘old’ veterans out in the public ‘proudly’ rocking the Tomcat swag.  

While we all watch, wait and determine how much ‘gas’ to give on any night – sans a bench full of spares, let the betting begin on which ‘non-typical’ scoring Tomcat will ‘score’ next week….

Cleo Vulva

The Tomcat Blog returns after a 1 week hiatus. Last week was a quiet one, as the tomcats played 3 on 3, due to a lack of players. Bullwinkle was running things last week and when asked why there was no blog written, his response was, “Je ne parle pas Anglais! 

I can only read and write the Italiano, so I no make a de Tomcat Blog. Anche, I was too a busy a running a circles around all these young Fugasi’s on the Kapusta Kow! Capiche?” 

A simple, “I didn’t have time” would have sufficed, but ok! 

Doc’s Devils – Soupy, Doc, Matador, Animal, Hurricane, Tonto, Shack in Net

Snowpants’ Saints – Chevy, Snowy, Bullwinkle, Kamikaze, Hobbs, Splitter in Net

Last night was full of energy, and hard play. A couple incidents to be aware of and try to keep the play clean. The Tomcats put out a call last minute looking for a goaltender, and Tomcat newcomer, Splitter stepped up to play! He did not disappoint, making save after save. The Soupy Algorithm worked wonders, as both games were tied, 6-6 and 2-2, respectively. The “Saints” certainly didn’t live up to their name, as the aptly named “Dirtiest Player in the League” Kamikaze, was up to his old tricks.  Word is, Stevo is still feeling the effects of the Kaze’s stick work years into retirement. 

Hobbs showed why he got his nickname, as he was Fast and Furious around the floor! A beauty goal and some great playmaking. Shack had a highlight reel desperation behind the back glove save to stop a sure goal. The play on the tomcat floor has been on another level this year. Great passes, unreal goals, and playmaking unseen since the golden era of the early 2000s. 

The Tomcats had to go old school for the second game, as the Sparky clock stopped working. The old wooden flip board was brought out, prompting youngin’ Splitter to say, “I’ve never seen a score board like that before!” Sparky will be called in to repair, hopefully for next week. 

One of the Saints goals was on a 2 on 1, with Soupy back on D. Shack, in net, was quoted after as saying, “The scorekeeper’s should have marked that goal mid-play, with Soupy as our last night of defence.” It should be noted that during the play, soupy tried his patented spin-o-Rama back hand pass, right on the tape of the opposing team. Soupy said, “1 out of 10 times, it works every time!” 

Tomcat legend Hurricane’s goal scoring streak came to temporary end last night, as he did not record a goal. He had to leave early with an apparent upper body injury, causing some tomcats to question if he was just trying to save $5…hoping for a quick recovery. 

Looking for a date for the Tomcats Xmas party, prolly 2nd or 3rd weekend in December. 

Enjoy Guys. 

Guest Column by Haida d’Salami

And the decision is….hockey was fast once again.

Kamikaze’s Kamala’s – Falcon in net, Shackpack, Chevy, Skippy, Big Ned, Kamikaze, Matador, Rocky and Animal

Tonto’s Trumps – Terror in net, Bullwinkle, Doc, Soupy, Hobbs, Tonto and Snowpants

As we are all now aware, the Trumps were victorious taking both games. “Roger absolutely stood on his head for the Trumps” noted an exasperated Chevy. “We could not get anything by him’” added Big Ned. even though early polls called these teams even, the results swayed much more in favor of the Trumps.

While we love seeing the pace of hockey really pick the last few weeks, we are also running into chippy/choppy play. Guys need to play the ball and if you happen to be up against someone faster than you, simply do your best but do not grab them, lean into them, put your stick between their legs, chop at them. There as an incident last night where this type of play led to frustration and came to a head. PLAY THE BALL and keep your hands on your stick and that stick down on the ground. Simple really.

Bullwinkle is in charge next week as Soupy and Rocky are both out. We are looking for our first of two Big Net Nights to occur on Tuesday November 26. Plan accordingly.

Also, we are looking to arrange Tomcat Night at the 519 Beerhouse as a holiday gathering. What Friday or Saturday night will work for most? Let Rocky or Soupy know.

Until next time, Tomcats Forever!

On what may have been the warmest late-October night on record at the Kapusta, the action was as fast-paced as seen yet this year in the 2024-2025 season. Both teams were moving the ball quickly with pretty passes and the goalies were outstanding. “Seems like tournament-paced hockey,” stated Sunny.

The evenly matched teams selected by the SoupyGPT were:

Black Cats – Terror in net, Animal, Matador, Rocky, Sunny, Killer, Tonto and Big Ned

White Ghosts – Shack in net, Hurricane, Hobbs, Chico, Snowpants, Poppy, Soupy and Chevy

Despite three spares a side, the hockey was so quick that short shifts were required to let everyone get a breather. The goalies also asked for longer periods, so 18 minute periods were played, further adding to the needed extra blows on the benches.

And did you notice in the lineups there was a return of a player for the first time this season??

The Matador made his debut this season. No rust to speak of on the floor, but the oxygen mask was required on the bench between periods. Rocky wondered if the jump in pace was due to Matador’s return.

With the uptick in pace, we also noted a little additional chippy-ness and stick work on the floor which is not what we want. All Tomcats are reminded to keep sticks low, don’t play them between players legs and never chop downwards. Also, if the keepers are in the motion of covering the ball, back off…your stats are not worth the risk.

Thanks to the Tomcats that brought out their beer, and cheers to Chevy for bringing a 24 when only a 12 was required. The Tomcats are still concerned with some Tomcats that never respond to weekly emails and have missed their beer night without so much of a word or attempt. Be a Tomcat and do what is right.

Until next week,

Tomcats Forever!

The unusually warm October weather made for an early-September feel in the Kapusta. “It was a sweaty one again,” exclaimed The Falcon. “About 20 degrees warmer under our goalie equipment,” he continued.

But the temps weren’t the only thing on the rise…pace of play between the very evenly matched teams was evident. “That was a quick pace tonight and the teams were really gelled,” said a tired Terror on stage afterwards.

As selected by the infamous Tomcat Algorithm (now being referred to as TomcatGPT), the teams were;

Big Ned’s Nighthawks – Falcon in net, Ned, Rocky, Doc, Tonto, Killer, Bullwinkle and Animal

Chico’s Cheetahs – Terror in net, Chico, Shack, Hobbs, Hurricane, Chevy and Snowpants

As mentioned, teams were very evenly matched and the Cheetahs took both games by a single goal. Doesn’t get much better than that! Kudos TomcatGPT!

And speaking Chico, yes, he is back on the floor!

Seems like some players have missed their beer night. This includes Jingles who is MIA so far this year. Several Tomcats are asking Rocky to fine players who do not bring out their beer on or ahead of their assigned night. The stock pile is low so if anyone misses, we might be beerless. Check the schedule send in your case if you are still unable to play on your night!

Tomcats looking to schedule the annual Big Net night. Look for more details soon. We are also batting around the idea of a youth vs. experience night where we determine median age of current Tomcats and divide teams on that age. Will youth or experience pan out??

Until next time, Tomcats Forever!

The Tomcat recruiting train continues by injecting a mix of youth and experience. Within the last two weeks, Swayze and Poppy have come out and impressed Tomcatland.

More important than being good on the floor, Tomcats have to be good onstage, meaning good guys who enjoy the company of other Tomcats and turn hockey into life-long friendships. Poppy, as a very first-time guy was opening beers and handing them out on stage…if that isn’t a true Tomcat trait then I am not sure what is.

Shack was back in net again for the Tomcats as we have managed through a bit of a goalie drought. Word on the street is Chico may be back in the lineup soon. Rocky was overheard saying g the recruiting efforts are now very focused on finding a young goalie who can be a regular. “Ideally a guy that can flex from floor player to goalie on a whim like a Shack and Chico,” Rocky stated.

Bullwinkle had a career night scoring 6-7 goals (we post count). A few came off of feeds from Rocky causing one Tomcat to ask “Is this the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show?”

Respond to Rocky when you get the weekly email and we’ll see you next week. Check the beer schedule and bring out your beer early if you are going to miss.

Tomcats Forever!

This week’s action was chock full of the young and hungry Tomcats. When you have Big Ned, Hobbs, Toretto, and newcomer Swayze, on the floor at one time, you can bet the action will be noticeably faster!

Swayze was invited out by Bullwinkle to give Tomcats a try. He quickly fit in and found his stride. “Another young guy that puts pressure on me,” said Vice President Soupy. “I was once a young gun but these guys are so young, I have to consider myself more seasoned at this point,” continued Soupy.

While Team White was a little heavy on youth, including the forever-youthful Bullwinkle, the game ended with a one goal difference in favor of White.

However, in the second game, the youthfulness really stood out and White easily beat Black.

STICKS:

The Tomcat room has way too many sticks. All sticks were moved to the room on the other side of the stage. Each Tomcat is allowed to gather their sticks but only keep 2 back in the room. Later in the season, we will donate the unclaimed sticks that remain in the second room.

Check the beer list and respond to Rocky when the email comes out.

Tomcats Forever

Two teams with 3 spares a side…the Tomcat ideal number. Doesn’t get any better!

The evening saw the debut of The Terror, Big Ned and Toretto.

Teams:

Terror’s Titans – Hurricane, Hobbs, Rocky, Shack, Killer, Snowpants, Soupy and Terror

Falcon’s Fighters – Animal, Bullwinkle, Doc, Big Ned, Chevy, Toretto, The Professor and Falcon

The Fighter’s, with their youth provided by Big Ned and Toretto, plus the those-guys-are-too-old-to-be-that-fast speed from Bullwinkle and The Professor was just too much for the Titans. Add to it exceptional play from Falcon between the pipes, and the Titans really never threatened. The Fighters took both games easily.

Rocky is hoping to collect final start of the year money from everyone next week and start of the year gift will be provided. Watch for the weekly “who’s in” email and respond quickly. Falcon is out next week so lining up 2 goalies will be key.

Check the beer list and bring your beer early or on your night. Don’t leave the Tomcats thirsty!

Until next week,

Tomcats Forever

Week 2 at the Kapusta was another short night, With 1 team having 1 spare and the other having none. That is usual for this time of year, come October the benches will be filled! It was discussed going 3 on 3, but ultimately the regular 4v4 was played. 

Sunny Sex Workers – Professor, Bullwinkle, Sunny, Animal, Falcon in Net 

Hobbs Hookers – Snowpants, Hobbs, LaBamba, Hurricane, Griff (Sunny’s son), Soupy in Net

Despite being short guys, the play was still very fast-paced. 1 three-period game was played with the Sex Workers taking it 11-7. Soupy made his season debut last night, playing net. Rumour is his nickname may soon change to 11 Carat, given how many goals he let in. Hurricane was willing to strap the pads on, and even brought his wrong handed trapper, but it was decided not to risk putting his Tomcat record point scoring streak in jeopardy, so he stayed out. He was also overheard saying, “soupy should play net, he needs to learn what it’s like to play defence for once!”

Start of the year gifts were handed out to those that paid their $60. An awesome long sleeve tee for the boys, thanks to Hollywood for the design and taking care of it! 

As you can probably see, we are short for goalies, due to injuries and other commitments. Terror should be back next week, and Chico will hopefully be off IR soon after his latest Botox surgery; you think he’s just naturally THAT good looking??? 

Let Rocky know if you know a goalie to come out and showcase or if you want to try your hand in net. We can’t waste Soupy’s talents playing goalie…plus, he’s brutal in net! 

Enjoy Guys. 
Guest Column by Haida d’Salami 

The turnout was low but the temperature was high. A light turnout for the first night of Tomcat hockey as many guys had commitments that will taper off shortly. While the temperature in the Kapusta was about 85F, it was 110F for the goalies. Big shout out to Falcon and Shack for manning the pipes during the heat wave!

Adding to the heat, we had short benches, meaning lots of running and sweating across the board.

Teams:

Falcon’s Black Boilers – Falcon, Hobbs, Chevy, Skippy, Hurricane and Rocky

Shack’s White Warmers – Shack, Snowpants, Animal, LaBamba, Doc and Killer

A 3-period game was played. Pretty good action for opening night as all the guys were shaking rust off. The White Warmers won the evening but the scoring was close.

Doc kicked off the scoring for 2024-2025 by netting the first goal. Hurricane broke his own record for the 24th time by being the oldest Tomcat to score a goal.

Next Week:

Rocky is out of town. Soupy will be in charge. $60 for start of year and Soupy will hand out the gifts (did not arrive last night). Check the beer list and bring yours early if you won’t be here on your night.

We need sticks cleared out so we plan to move all sticks to the other side of the stage and only 2 sticks per Tomcat can reside in our regular room.

Rocky and Roxy spent a week in Portugal ahead of the start of pre-season training. Here are some pictures from the hike above the clouds.