Windsor Tomcats

Beer Bringers: Tomcats (24) Soupy (12)

Net Minders: Razor, Bearcat, Chico

In the Line Up: Spanky, Rake, Sparky, Doc, Chevy, Cribzie, Snowpants,  The Matador,  Soupy, Sunny, The Turk, Sheep Dog, Tunes, Jingles, Hurricane, Stevo, Spinner ,Crow, May Day, La Bamba, Lovie, Flintstone

Out of the Line Up: Bulldog, Skippy, Falcon, Killer, Rocky

I.R.: Junior, Hollywood

Long Term I.R. ( Out for the rest of season): Zaba, Mez

IMPORTANT: Outdoor Game is a 6:00pm start time….please write that down somewhere!

News: Chico and Doc have a sign in sheet for the Out Door Game (being held at Lansberry Park April 29) So if you have not signed  it, please do so. Please not that this game starts at 6:00pm …so be there 5:30 to get dressed and ready to play! $10 to play and $10 for pizza.

The Skinny:  If you cannot make it text Stevo. If you know earlier rather than later,  then why let Stevo know in advance.

Mini or no Mini: Mini is how she is looking….

Captains for the Mini: TBD

In The Press Box, Healthy Scratches: The Danish, Kamikaze

By Harry Ballsonue

“Pray, forgive yourself, appreciate others, listen to your gut, do things you enjoy and remind yourself that we are all loved and connected, as Tomcats and at a higher level.”
Sandra Lumb, with a Tomcat twist

I really don’t know who won the tournament …I was told it was the Green Chevy’s but I don’t know, as the white board was never updated, Stevo said to me as he was walking to his car, at the end of the night, “Next week, I am doing nothing, I am not brining the cooler down, I am not writing on the white board, nothing, I am not even handing over the player list for a team to be selected.”

The Green Chevy’s : Chevy, Soupy, Cribzie, Falcon, Chico, Hurricane, Doc and the Kamikaze
The White Rocky’s: Rocky, Tunes, Spinner, Snowpants, Sparky, Flintstone, The Turk, the Rake and the Danish
The Black Sunny’s: Sunny, Lovie, Matador, Stevo, Razor, Hollywood, Killer, Skippy and Spanky

So, I am told Green won, but I don’t know by how much and what the scores were….

Spanky was presented with a ‘Property of the Windsor Tomcats” shirt for his dedication to the Tomcats years and years ago, when he named the Kapusta Kow Palace, the Palace of Kapusta Hills…the name got changed around (a tich) but Spanky gets credit for the name and it is intersting how no one ever calls the Hall by it’s correct name and that everyone calls it the Kapsuta Kow.

We have come a long way Baby….warm ups at the Kapusta Kow Palace …”It is a testament to this organization. Look at all the guys that are here…It’s beautiful out today and look at everyone…it almost makes you choke up,” stated the Falcon.

Stevo’s birthday is coming up and the boys purchased him a bottle of Spiced Rum (Brooozzer did the purchase) and Sunny presented the bottle to Stevo, who said, when he got the bootle, “Sorry for yelling at you guys.”  Stevo had pointed out an infraction that Soupy had committed on Killer (interference) and stated that, it was suppose to be a fun night and that no ‘rough hosuing’ was required.

The three star seleciton as selected by La Bamba, the third Star, # 81 Rocky, the second Star, # 55 Snowpants and the first star on the night, #18 Soupy.  Well deserved on all three stars, and all three palyed well on the night.

Cribzie blocked a shot with his eye socked unfortunatly and had to leave the game early, medical staff indicated the the eye was fine but that there would be a shiner for a few days.

Cribzie is considering wearing a mask as blocking shots with his face is just not working any longer.

There are still some (Matador) that have night signed up for the out door game, so please sing up if you know you are going to play (Hurricane we know you are still pending at this time).

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE OUT DOOR GAME STARS AT 6 PM AND GOES TILL 8 PM. THE COST IS TEN DOLLARS PAYABLE TO EITHER DOC OR CHICO. WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR ‘OUTSIDE’ PLAYERS, SO PLEASE SIGN THEM UP NEXT WEEK, SO THAT DOC AND CHICO CAN ORGANZIE THE EVENT.  THE HOCKEY COSTS $10 AND THEN THERE IS PIZZA AFTER FOR $10.

The Tomcat NHL PLayoff Pool Draft will go on April 15 right after hockey, everyone is encouraged to participate.  The cost is $11 dollars.

The Tomcats are asking, due to the conflict in Ukraine, that no Tomcats, fans of Tomcats and anyone else in the world buy, purchase or recieve Russian Vodka. “It is riduculaus what Putin is doing, so let’s hurt them in the wallet and stop buying Russian Vodka,” and enthusiatic and devote Ukrainian Hollywood had stated.

Some big food plans are being set up for April 15 and Apirl 22 (last night of hockey) you do not want to miss it.

Crow is to be added into the lineup for the remainder of the season.  Some standing room only tickets were available at the Kapusta Kow Palace, but as soon as word came out that Crow would be inserted into the lineup, all the standing room tickets were sold out.  I am hearing Scalpers standing on the sidewalk of Tecumseh Road were being asked about tickets for the April 8 game and one scruffy looking scalper  said, “With Crow in the lineup, $500 for a pair of tickets for the April 8 game is not out of the question.”

Also being added is La Bamba.

“Tomcats will often use a player to sell merchandise. Check out page 69 of the Tomcats catalogue for the latest in hockey fashion. Wear what Tomcats wear…Wear what Ogie wears!”

Wilst you are seriously checking out the picture of Ogie, can I put my Harry Ballsonue?

Click here to read the latest St. Felix.

By Harry Ballsonue

“Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute and it seems like an hour.  Sit with a pretty girl for and hour and it seems like a minute.”

…Albert Einstein, Theoretical Physicist

That is how most of the players feel about Tuesday night, “I wait all week for it, and bam, the night goes by so quick”, says the Matador, Chico concurs, “I know what he means, I came here, a few years back, and then got invited into the Tomcat fold, now I have 20 friends, it is a great feeling”, Chico stated.

Black Rake Ravens Rake, Sunny, Rocky, Jingles, Killer, Razor, Hurricane and Spanky
White Chico Meadowlarks Chico, Tunes, Stevo, Sparky, Falcon, The Turk and the Kamikaze
Green Doc Sandpipers Doc, Soupy, Matador, Snowpants, Cribzie, Sheep Dog, Flintstone and Danish

White Wins!

The White Meadowlarks take the Mini with a solid 5 points, but if you look at the board all the games were tight and all three teams put points on the board. “I was very happy with my team, I tried to pick guys that I knew liked to play with each other,” stated Doc

The Green Doc Sandpipers finished second and had a chance to win the tournament in the final game against the Black Rake Ravens, but, they would have had to win by 5 to do so.  They ended up tying 0-0 in a tight tight defensive minded contest and ended up finishing second.

“I was very happy with how the team played…… losing to Black in the first game with them (Hurricane) scoring with only  37 seconds left on the clock  hurt, but we fought back the rest of the tournament and found a way to get it done,” stated Chico.

The three start selection as selected by La Bamba, …the third star, #35 Turk, The second Star, # 17 Soupy and the first star, #30 the Falcon.  If there was a fourth star, Stevo would have been that guy, he played well and deserved recognition for games well played.

After 15 years, it is time to protect my hands!

Killer wore a pair of hockey gloves, a first for him, and he did very well out on the Kapusta Kow Floor

The action got a little tense with Black and Green going at it pretty strong.  One clash up, saw Snowpants and The Rake in a little fight for floor space, but over all, from the hacking and wacking at the ankles,  all went well, and only 4 nights remain at the Kapusta Kow. Cherish these last four weeks boys.

Mez is out for the season due to an off ice training injury. “I thought I still had lots of hockey left in me this season, but St. Felix was no match for the Hockey Gods and they have sidelined me for the rest of the year,” indicated Mez.

Solids on the night, Soupy brings 8 tall boys, citing that he cancelled late last week and Head Coach of the Tomcats, Sea Lion, for no reason what so ever brought 28 Molson Canadian.  They are to be enjoyed next week.

Spinner is expected to be back in the line up next week, but there is still no word on Junior, who is listed as ‘week to week’

Hey, whilst you are checking out Killer’s new hockey gloves, do you think I could put my Harry Ballsonue.

The contents of this message are to be destroyed after reading. I am writing to you from Inuvik, NT, north of the Arctic Circle. I have been drafted here by higher powers to ensure that our borders are safe from Russian invaders. Tensions are high with the situation involving our brethren in Ukraine, but be assured we will hold strong.
While on assignment management has found me a local team to play for and hone my skills. The partnership will most certainly produce a great number of prospects. The Tomcat’s farm system is growing and the potential vast. With my new team things are looking up for their season. They have never had a player come down from the big club. So expectations are high for a successful season. The new club is not that different from your own Tomcats, made up of local law enforcement officers, and Canadian Forces members, makes things feel a bit like home.
The minor league circuit is tough on the body, and mind. We have to travel long distances over roads made of ice just to find opponents. It’s a gritty kind of play here, old time hockey I guess, but that’s why our GM though it would be best for me to come here and grow as a hockey player. And hopefully find a solid player of two that the Tomcats can pick up.
Aside from the hockey, life has been great to the Oglethorpes. We are settling into our new accommodations, and work life. The people here are very warm. They are used to people coming and going, and have a motto “You’re here for a good time, not a long time.” I hope this holds true as I miss the days of suiting up in my Tomcats sweater and hitting the Kupusta Kow Floor running. Leaving everything out there, only to be rewarded with a cold beverage and some quality time with the best group of fellas you’d ever meet. So until things settle down I will remain here and ensure that our nation stays free. I hope to one day be back in black, and I will be playing my heart and soul out, in the hope that I can once again earn a spot on one of the greatest teams of all time.
TOMCATS FOEVER!
P.s check out our blog. http://www.southtonorth.weebly.com

Cheers,
Ogie

“…I am currently rifling through all my Tomcat swag deciding on which white and dark to bring…
If Tomcat jerseys were shoes we would all be Imelda Marcos.”
Lovie……

By Harry Ballsonue

Black Sheep: Sheep Dog, Tunes, Jingles, Flintstone, Hurricane, Chevy and the Danish
White Mountain Goats: Mez, Falcon, Cribzie, Snowpants, Kamikaze, Hollywood and the Rake
The Green Yaks: Sparky, Lovie, Sunny, Matador, Stevo, The Turk and Bearcat

The Green Yaks take the Mini, with 7 Points, solid Captaining by Sparky for picking his team, “It was interesting how the process worked, I was ecstatic with the team selected, and with us getting 7 points and winning the MIni, I think you can understand why”, a beaming Sparky said.

Hockey was very good and a special thank you goes out to Danish, who on last minute notice, filled in for Razor.

The Danish watches end to end action …when asked about the goalie photo of last week the Danish said “geez…I thought the baseball gloves were photo shopped from a female baseball team …you mean that photo was legit?”

Also a call out goes out to Bearcat, who played an outstanding night of hockey. Bearcat will be back in Early April for more action between the pipes.

Bearcat looks on at the action …when asked about last weeks goalie photo he said ” I use to have a baseball glove when I was a little boy, but now I have a mans hand”

The three Star selection as selected by La Bamba, the third star, #33, Bearcat. The Second Star, #55 Snowpants and the First star, with 8 goals on the night, #17 Sunny- Husky Eyes. The three stars, played exceptionally well and the placements could have been mixed around quite easily. “Super performances by all three”, indicated the Falcon, and added “they were like a sophisticated sports car, like a Ferrari or a Porche”.

Falcon watches the fierce action …when asked about last weeks goalie photo he said “Baseball gloves??? I guess when you get pedicures and manicures one might wear a baseball glove.”

His Caption Super solid done by Lovie, who brought out a 24 of Rolling Rock, when I asked him, why he said, “I missed the boys”. No other reason then that. What a great guy, no wonder he got front row seating for this years team picture.

Bad news for Kamikaze as Management pulled him aside and spoke to him about the trip on Stevo. They gave him some options:

1) play on Sunday Nights with the Sandwich Towne Skipjacks from now on

2) go to Ukraine and become a freedom fighter and work your way back in the hearts of fellow Ukrainians, The Turk, Chevy, Hollywood, May Day, The Bundura, The Legend and Stevo.

3) Solve the mystery of the missing Malaysian Flight

4) Hand in all your Tomcat Swag

5) Promise not to do that again!

Kamikaze is considering all 5 options and will report back to the Tomcats next week, with what he plans to do.

5 weeks left, if you know you can’t play next week, get a hold of Stevo. (use your texting machine) If you are interested in playing in the out door game on Tuesday April 29, sign the sign in sheet. (on stage…exit right)

Hey, whilst Kamikaze is knocking Stevo down and the players and the crowd are saying…”whooooooo”, can I put my Harry Ballsonue.

By Harry Ballsonue

Black Crows: Sunny, Crow, Jingles, Sparky, Chico, Killer, Rake and the Kamikaze
White Doves: Stevo, Tunes, Snowpants, Hurricane Hollywood, Turk, Mez and Big Ned
Green Canaries: Rocky, Soupy, Chevy, Razor, Flintstone, Spanky, Eonee

The Black Crows take the mini, with some very intense hockey, you would think it was a regular tournament. But before I talk about the hockey, I want to talk about some solid moves by some fantastic guys.  Last week, Sunny was unable to make it to hockey….he never called as he just could not…what does he do this week? He brings a 24 of Sleeman Original.  How solid is that? Razor, he is supposed to bring a 12…..what does he do? He brings a 24 instead. Super solid Razor! The Rake, says “I gave late notice last week, here is something for the Tomcats.”  What does he bring?…a 12 of MGD.  A super solid by the Rake…a super fantastic gesture by super fantastic guys.

The Turk, suggested that the Tomcats purchase some Yuengling Beer from out of Ohio. “The beer is brewed in Pottsville Pennsylvania, it is very good beer” The Turk had stated and added, “We should get some for the stage.”  The Turk Concluded.  Jingles, gets into his vehicle and drives to Ohio and picks up two cases for the Tomcats. The beer was enjoyed by all. 

After hockey, once again, a ton of guys sitting up on stage, drinking beer and mingling with the Yuengling.

So what about the hockey you might say, well, Sunny picked a super team and the boys on the Black Crows did very well on the Kapusta Kow Palace. “I thought we did well, nothing but good hockey played tonight,” indicated Sunny, who had his son come out to watch.

Sally and Sunny…it’s a family affair!

Three stars as selected by La Bamba, 3rd star, Crow, 2nd star Eonee (Spanky’s son) and the first star, Chico, who played goal.

Spanky and Eonee…it’s a family affair!

A first for the Tomcats an Uncle, a son and a dad…that is what you got, tonight as all three were on the White Doves. Stevo, his son Big Ned and Stevo’s brother, Hollywood who just happens to be the Uncle of Big Ned. “I have waited since my son was 4 years old for tonight, it was a fun moment for me, to be on the Kapusta Kow floor with my son…..he needs some more seasoning in the minors, but I hope he can come out next year on March break and play again,” stated a beaming Stevo.

Big Ned, Hollywood and Stevo…it’s a family affair!

Tomcat statisticians want to point out that the Hurricane scored more goals then Chevy on the night, “Yes, my mentor scored three and I only got one, he deserved it, he is a great player and I have looked up to him since I arrived on the scene”, indicated Chevy.

Chico had made and announcement that dealt with the Outdoor game.  The game is to be played on Tuesday April 29 and he asked if anyone is interested in playing that they sign up.  A sign up sheet was placed up on the stage.  Doc and Chico are taking over the outdoor game from Bulldog. “We are really looking forward to organizing the night and I hope everyone comes out and has fun”.  Chico then added, “The cost is only $10 and Chevy and his wife are sponsoring the event, so a big thank you goes out to them”. An ecstatic Chico had indicated.

Chico was good enough to fill in, in the net and interesting enough all three goalies shared one common thing….what is it? Check out the photo and see what it is!

Notice anything??? All three net minders are wearing baseball gloves!

Another great night of hockey, only 6 nights left….in the Tomcat Tuesday night hockey season…..

Hey, whilst you are checking out the goaltending equipment, would you mind if I put my Harry Ballsonue.

By Harry Ballsonue

The Florida Black Pelicans : Turk, Chico, Falcon, Soupy, Spanks, Rocky, Jingles. The Tampa Bay White Toucans: Stevo, Hurricane, Doc, Matador, Hollywood, Snowpants and Sheepdog.

The first game between these two teams ended in a 3-3 draw. The second game saw the Black Pelicans take it 6-4. Congratulations go out to Soupy, who made the teams. “I thought the two games were both well thought out. The games seemed close, so I am very happy with the teams that I had made,” indicated a grinning Soupy.

If you are looking at all the players and wondering, Hmmmm…..where is everyone, that is a very good question. The Tomcats organization knew several players would be out of the line up, but then 6 (six) players bailed on the day of the game….How does that work you ask? Well it is sad, but it does happen.

“If anyone, and I mean anyone, wants to give me grief about carrying too many players, well, tonight is the perfect example of why we do it. 6 guys bail on game day, but yet, we still can have a game with 2 spares a side,” indicated Stevo, the President of the Tomcats.

“I thought tonight the hockey was excellent,” indicated the Matador. “I wish we could have only 2 spares each night…hey you 20 guys that did not show up, don’t show up next week either,” The Matador concluded.

With no three star selection, due to it not being a mini tournament, honourable mention has to go out to the two goalies, the Falcon and to Hollywood, both played suburb games with save after save after save.

Stevo needs to get some honourable mention, not only for the cool sweat shirts and hoodies that he handed out, but for the 4 goals he scored tonight. “I was very fortunate that the Sea Lion and the Bundura were not reffing tonight, so this way none of my goals were called off,” a bemused Stevo had indicated.

Snowpants and Sheepdog show off their new Tomcat attire…”I need to build a bigger closet for all my Tomcat clothing,” Snowpants had stated.

It was thought that the Rake had not shown up tonight, because he had been traded, but that was not the case and remain he remains a Windsor Tomcat.  “We always get inquiries re: the Rake and his availability at the trade deadline, but our asking price is more then what teams are willing to spend.  To us he is worth keeping as he is a great guy and a key component on defense,” indicated Tomcat G.M. Finner.

Some new Tomcat towels were seen on stage…and a Tomcats Forever sign was taped up above the stage for all the Tomcats to note and enjoy.

Rocky sits with his new Tomcat towel, a player mainstay.

Next week, several players are missing – La Bamba, Bulldog, Junior, Matador, Doc, Sheep Dog. If you know you can’t play on March 11, why not let Stevo know as soon as you can, instead of waiting for Tuesday to arrive.

Whilst you are trying on your new hoodie, do you think I could put my Harry Ballsonue.

Click here to read the latest St. Felix.

Tournament day was like many others seen in the past, with each team coming in focused on having the chance to be called Champs, and bask in the glory of capturing the ‘Stanley’s Cup’. Play throughout the day was predictably fast, and very nary were there goals scored which might be considered easy. Each team had their chances, and as the day progressed it seemed players were able to find new ways to keep the crowd rockin. When the battles were complete the best two teams on this day squared off and played a match which well go down as one of the best championship games seen in years.

While I had predicted the showdown would feature Lovie’s Legion of Doom and Snowpants Blackjacks, the Jingles Jets had other plans. Weeks prior to the tourney every oddsmaker on the planet had speculated who would walk away champs. Maybe, just maybe those articles counting out the Jets played a role in motivating the team. Jingles himself, after being barraged with the endless media request and questions surrounding his choice of line mates commented, ‘We have a great bunch of guys on this team that are really going to surprise the readers of the Windsor Tomcats blog. Everyone on this team can score at will. We just have to play smart and make sure we keep an eye out to match up with the other teams top players. If we do that well, I have no doubt we will be in that final game”.

By the time the Jets started their third game of the tournament, Jingles knew he was destined to reach the final game. And while that third game may not have much on the line for the Jets, Lovie’s Legion of Doom needed a tie or win to advance them. In what can only be described as a scoring clinic, Lovie’s team was simply dominant and easily took the match 9-6. It may well be a Tomcat tournament record with both teams combining for a total of 15 goals. The win knocked out Snowpants, who later commented, “They played some great games today, and while we didn’t get to play in the finals I’m really proud of my guys”.

Stevo’s Stingrays had already been mathematically eliminated as the team struggled all tournament to score goals. Long time Tomcat Hurricane commented, “Stevo picked a great team; but it simply wasn’t our day. We certainly needed to click more out there and pop in a few more goals. Four goals all day long won’t win you many games”.

The stage was set with the Jets and Lovie’s Legion of Doom hitting the reset match, but this time instead of simply another win, both would be vying for the chance to call themselves champs. In what can only be described as fitting, after 2 periods of play neither side were able to celebrate just yet and a very rare sudden death overtime was required. Tomcats history will show that this was only the second overtime in the 25 years of the tournament. The previous time had Sunny scoring for the Polka Kings, four years ago, (also a Winter Olympic year). While extra time may have been needed, the Jets took very little of it to score on a mad scrum in front of Razor. As the ref signalled a goal, the Jets began to celebrate.

Afterwards many a player who stood glued to the action commented it was probably one of the greatest matches witnessed. Not due to simply entering overtime, but because both teams had played a very clean hard fought game. Matador, who I would have picked as a solid 3rd star commented, ‘We may have come up short, but each of the guys played like champs. My hats off to Jingles and his team on a great game”. Super solid by Matador, and spoken like a true sportsman.

While the Crow deservedly captured MVP accolades, the true star on the day belongs to Doc Kellemann,a retired Tomcat player who graciously donated a personalized towel with each payers number inscribed. Now that’s a true Tomcat, thinking of all his brothers above the cost to himself. It’s been my 5th season covering this great group of players, and the gift by Doc just captures the heart and sole of the essence of being a Tomcat. Super solid Doc, Ad as I await the remainder of the seasons games to be played, I will faithfully use my press towel whilst Pattyn Megroin.

Pattyn

By Harry Ballsonue

The Jingles Jets take the tournament in dramatic fashion, with an over time win, a goal scored by the first pick over all, Crow. “It was an exciting tournament, that’s for sure….I had a lot of fun and hope everyone else did too” said a beaming Crow.

With a strong tournament, Crow was also selected the MVP of the tournament. “He is like a water bug out there, there is no better player today in this tournament” indicated Cribzie, a Stanley’s Cup Champion today as well.

Team Stevo, who had a solid team on paper, went 0-3 on the day a very disappointing outcome for them, as Soupy had said, “Stevo picked a great team, just not very good players”.

Team Snowpants faired well, with Chevy leading the way, with goal after goal after goal, but it was not enough for them, to make it into the final. “I personally had a fantastic day even though we did not make it into the final” indicated Chico.

“I am very happy to have won today, a tremendous effort by the entire team, I can’t say enough about the hard work everyone put into today’s games”. stated a jubilant Jingles.

It was a very good tournament, I know watching, there was some pushing and jockeying for position, but over all, no craziness, which made the organizers very happy.

Tomcats paid tribute to the two refs, Bundura and the Sea Lion along with the four goalies (Falcon, Razor, Skippy and Bearcat) Even the four Captains (Lovie, Jingles, Stevo and Snowpants) were recognized with beautiful Miller toques.

The most gentleman like player went to Hurricane. “A good choice, as he plays hard, but not a hacker and not dirty”, indicated the Matador.

Contributor awards were presented to Snowpants, for his incredible work on the Family Feud Game at the Christmas Party, to Razor, for his super work on gathering prizes for the tournament.  To Rocky for his diligence on the web site and for donating some prizes and for Hollywood who worked hard on the tee shirts for all the teams and of course the superb Tomcat Tournament Tee Shirt, which may just be the best tee shirt ever.

Well that is it for another tournament, I can’t believe it has come and went already, as a reporter you wait for this kind of event, like the Super Bowl, but now it is over.

Hockey on Tuesday’s will be mundane for the next few weeks as the tournament slows down the drive of the players, but it will pick up, just in time for spring to arrive and the warm weather to wake up BBQ season.

Please don’t forget, there is NO HOCKEY THIS TUESDAY, we are back again March 4.

CHECK THE APRIL ST. FELIX FOR STATS, SCORES AND STANDINGS ON THE TOURNAMENT.

Hey, whilst you are sipping from the Stanley’s Cup, do you mind if I put my Harry Ballsonue.