Suds Grind Out the Generals!

Schlitz (13) vs. The Generals
Thursday January 3rd
U-Alcatraz-Mass 10:30pm

2-1 Win!

Isn't there a song that says... "you came... just when I needed you most..." ? Well the Flying Beercans got a couple of things they needed the most at just the right time last night at the Prison by the Bay.

The First was our friends the Generals on the Schedule. The Schlitz fielded 11 last night with a lineup with a mix of vets and newcomers (and only 2 "regular" defensemen) on a chilly late night at our favorite place to play. At least it was warmer in the rink than outside.
The Second was a One Goal Shutdown and the First Win for Netminder CEO/BMF Madd Matt Kilroy. Hard to believe that its taken this long for Matty to get his first W. He's been playing great all season (pre and post Thumb incident) and it was overdue. The great play of Kilroy was backed by the...
Third Thing. A Terrific step up performance by fill in defenseman Pete Capraro who had a Goal and and Assist that powered the 'cans to a 2-1 win at chilly U-Alcatraz.

The game was tight through the first until Capraro capped a rush with a beautiful wrist shot that beat the keeper stick side. That came near the end of the first period and was a nice lift. The Gold had been getting chances all period but it was nice to finally break through.
Pete played opposite Jeff Fosdick, and Mike Hammitt partnered with Marc Valenti. Hammitt had a great game in his own right getting off hard shots and controlling the blue line abley. Hard to really call him a "fill-in" but he's logged most of his time lately at forward so last night was a slight departure. Did I mention no penalites..? Good Job Mike.

The Flying Beercans would score again halfway through the second when Vet Supreme Nelson Sharfman banged one home from iJosh and Capraro that gave the Gold some insurance. Nelson was grinding it out all night (as usual) and its always nice to see him rewarded for his effort. He and iJosh were joined by Chris Fosdick, Mike Jasse, Scott Pounds, and newcomers Mark Bates and Blake Underhill. All the forwards did a good job, despite heavy legs to keep after the Generals and not let them up as they got more desperate late in the game.
The Shutout (while close...) was just not to be for Kilroy as he let up a long (but hard... not to mention difficult) shot from the point with about 2 minutes left in the third.
There were only a few anxious moments after that and the 'cans finished this one out in style.

This late addition came in from Dr. Jasse and the blogger likes the comments so much he's adding them here. Thanks for chiming in! Here's the quote:
" Some STELLAR stops by our boy, Kilroy. Pretty nifty glovework for the man w/ the half-digit on his glove hand.
How 'bout the 2 consecutive shift offensive SEIGE that Chris, Jasse and Blake laid on the General's D zone!?
Capraro's goal; a zippy snap-shot that he buried stick side.
Mike Hammit played outstanding
Blake almost popped his cherry with a couple of chances at the goalie's doorstep
Nice assist and goal on IJosh's [Nelson's]score
No penalties
The cold Coors and Miller post-game (courtesy of Dr Pounds)
Good car talk during the 4th period-and kudos to those who hung around to brave the cold and enjoy a brewski."
The Blogger concurs....

Game Stars.
3rd Star- I'm going with Hammit. I really think he had one of his best nights with us. He covered a lot of ground, constantly breaking up plays as they came up the ice. Even though none of his shots made it through... it sends a message to the keeper... and beleive me he's thinking about it. Good job Mike.



2nd Star- Pete Capraro. Goal and an Assist and a whole 'lotta ice covered in a really good step in performance. This guy has excelled wherever he has been asked to help. A true team player. Great job Pete!




1st Star- Who else can it be? His first (long overdue) win after a number of solid performances for the CEO/BMF Matt Kilroy. Great work Matt... you've been a game saver for us and your play has gotten better and better. Congrats on the one goal win.


Fourth Period Awards to all the guys who stayed to swill a quick beer slurpy in the ambient 3 degrees and breezy after the game. It shows true grit to drink your beer while it freezes in the can. All we were missing was the sweeping searchlights, barking dogs and the old fashioned siren to complete the feel. Good job men... no one beats us in the 4th. In tribute to all of you I run this photo... because it was a good excuse as any to run it... enjoy. I can't help but think she better skate pretty hard in order to keep warm... no?