Wild night in Brockton and the return of Lizzy!

Schlitz (22) vs Generals
Thursday February 21
Brockton 9:00pm


5-2 Win!




One thing is for sure, we are like old Patriots. Win, lose or bizarre event you just had to tune in because you literally never knew what would happen or how the game would go down. Last night was a goodie. The Blogger shows to the rink a few minutes late and is greeted with rumbles and mumbles about where the F*@%^ng goalie is... Hmm. No OEJ and its less than 15 minutes to game time. A quick trip back out to the car for my cellphone and a confirmation with the home office that Mike was "In" for tonight... then a message to OEJ himself. No luck. No answer. So as I'm closing my phone..... doesn't our friend Lizzy DeFlurin come walking across the entry way to the rink.

It just so happens that our pal Liz is here scoring the game tonight. To which I say "Do you want to play? I mean can you play...please!" She says yes and calls up a friend who lives just a few minutes away to have her stuff brought down.
Now we are closing in on game time here so time is short. The Zebras (whom Liz had been chatting with the whole time) start the clock for the first period and let her (and the team) know that if she isn't ready (or some goalie for us) at the end of the (run-time) first period than the Schlitz forfeit the game. But if she CAN get ready before the period is up... we play a regular game from the time she's ready. The Schlitz will have to start with a Delay of Game penalty... but really. Who cares?
So the guys are skating around a bit Larry scores one or two while the stats don't count but we are getting some skating in and Lizzy's stuff shows up in no time and she's changing in the lobby.

Wouldn't you know it. With 1 minute and 22 seconds remaining in the first Lizzy is set to go and the refs blow the whistles while stepping on the ice and start the game.
Needless to say we all (the skating Beercans) owe Lizzy a debt of gratitude. Honey, it was so lucky for us that you were there and willing to suit up for us. We all really appreciate it. Not only that but you played great. Consider yourself back in the regular rotation, and the holder of a great big I.O.U. for a case of whatever beverage in the world you would like. Cash it in anytime you want. Thanks again.




So there you have it.The game was off and running and the play went back and forth quite a bit while the two teams kind of felt each other out as the new game began. In fact we played the entire second period scoreless, but not without many many opportunities in the General's end.

The Beercans had 13 total that broke down like this.
O line 1: Larry, Dr.Jasse, and Chris Fosdick
O line 2: Nelson, Dr.Pounds, and Matt Elliott.
O line 3: Gregson, Hammitt, and Pearlman
This group would go on to be known as the "Plummer Line" due to the fact that Hammitt and Gregson's pants are usually riding so low you can see the... well you know what I mean. Another name I liked for this group was the "Battle Ship Line". Pearlman's kid was quoted as saying "When you guys came out together the other team looked like a bunch of midgets."
Indeed.
D line 1: George and Marc Valenti
D line 2: Mike Daley and Jeff Fosdick

The Generals struck first about a minute into the third period. This after we had done a good job creating consistent pressure in their zone. Definitely not Lizzy's fault as we left her a bit out to dry without getting back. Not to worry as about a minute and a half later Marc Valenti let go a laser for the Gold's first tally. Credit hard working forwards Chris and Larry for the helpers.
The Beercan's held the play pretty well at this point and the Generals were starting to ice the puck.
At the 12 minute mark the group of Nelson, Scott and Matt Elliot cycled the puck around the zone resulting in a rebound goal. The play had been started by Scott grinding the puck from the side boards over to Matt for a good shot that gave Nelson the rebound bid... which he tucked away nicely. Good work from that line.
The play continued with the Dead continuing to get chances here and there so the game was a tight 2-1 until Dr. Jasse made the rounds with 2 minutes and change remaining.
Let's listen in to Mike telling a teammate about the goal...
"I scored the eventual game winner by adhering to Andy Brickley's mantra of sometimes you just have to throw it at the net and good things happen. I was along the goal line and previously tried a number of fancy-dan passes that didn't work out so I just flung it at the goalie and approximately 16 bounces later it fell in. Got me officially off the snake-bit club after Monday's highway robbery."
Well put Doc. Good goal.
The Generals weren't finished. A with a minute to go they took a faceoff right down the ice into a breakaway and scored to make it a one goal game again.
The Generals even pulled their keeper as time wound down but to no avail. Jeff Fosdick fed Nelson in their end for the dagger, an empty net goal with about 20 seconds on the clock.
Believe it or not, not enough strange things had happened yet, because after the ensuing face off the Generals just stood there as Matt Elliot took a pass from Nelson and scored with 7 ticks left on the clock. I suppose you can chalk that one up to "defensive indifference". But hey, it all looks good on the scoresheet.
Ok. Let's hand out some pats on the back.
Honorable Mention 1: Jasse for the "Ricochet Rabbit" game winner.
Honorable Mention 2: The Plummer Line. This has to make a return. It just has to. Also I think we can come up with a better name than that... whatever you guys like, we'll go with that....after all, who's going to argue?
3rd Star: Mike Daley. I don't think he made the scoresheet but the dude was all over the place all night. If he wasn't making offensive chances, he was bailing us out in our end. Great work as always Mike.
2nd Star: Nelson Sharfman. The Greybeard just keeps on truckin'. How about 2 goals and a helper? Ok. No problem. When #14 checks into the game, you better be ready to work. Good job Nelson, Larry's still within reach for the scoring title.

1st Star: Ok... to borrow a phrase. "...do I have to say Her Name?" I shouldn't have to. You know her, you've missed her, and last night we couldn't bleeping live without her...
Lizzy.
Some great work from a great teammate. Not only does she jump on the horn and get her stuff brought down to the rink, but she changes in no time at all and then proceeds to make a bunch of nice stops backstopping our way to a good solid win. This was a game that was 1 goal difference nearly the whole way.
Way to go Liz. Nice to have you back.



As for that other goalie... a certain someone might be getting a visit from our furry friend... very soon.

Zombies grind out a tie with the Windsuckers

Cadavers (22) vs Windsuckers

Monday February 18th

Milton Academy 8:30pm

4-4 Tie

A full scale Presidents day tilt with the Windsuckers last night at Milton Academy. The Cadavers took on division rival the Windsuckers and came away with a nice come from behind effort that gained a point to save a slightly scary evening. Here’s the story.
The Zombies were well stocked with 11 skaters and the forwards made nice with the rotation even without Nelson’s abacus.
The forwards were Roman, Matvey and Scott, with Larry centering Jasse and The Chuckster. Ijosh found a home in there somewhere and while floating through the lines he did noting of the sort on his way to a 2 point night.
The Defensive crew was staffed with “Always nice to see you…” Stephan and George, spelled by the infamous Campbell and J.Foz. Backstopping was CEOBMF Madd Matt Kilroy.
The game started out ingloriously for the Zombies with a bizzare episode in our own end. The puck came up the right side of the zone, the forward received the puck then under pressure passed back to Campbell on the same side. The puck went through Campbell off his skate toward an unprepared Kilroy who tried the old “Ole-backhand I think I’m gonna catch it” stop and the puck agonizlinly slipped over the goal line for the first goal of the game. No dis to the Chairman of the Pipes, that one was all on us for springing it on him. Regardless… it was clear the Dead in Red were in for an interesting night.
Thankfully roughly two shifts later we heard from the big man on D Mike Campbell took a long shot from near the top of the zone (perhaps even slightly out of it) that found its way to the back of the net. Good move by Mike, often we don’t just fire away as often as we should. This one paid off. Which led to the following exchange on the bench.
Jeff: “Good one.”
Mike: “Yeah. I’ve never scored the first two goals of the game before.”
The Zombies seemed to snap out of the early going funk and started to create some chances. The forwards cycled well and the Red was able to get several good shots on net. The ‘suckas keeper was solid, stoning just about everything close in, he only seemed to struggle with the outside stuff.
The cycling resulted in a nice “clean it up” goal from Dr. Scott Pounds. The assist from iJosh and George who had done a great job of keeping it in at the point. That was fairly consistent all night. The duo of George and Stephan did a great job holding the play in their end and creating some chances. I think Stephan had at least 2 (poss 3) Patened Wennik end to end and around the net-ers.
That was the end of the good news for the Dead. Chuck “I just wanna get on the scoresheet” Slate was whistled for an interference call just at the end of the first period. It was funny to watch Campbell check with the ref to…you know make sure he got the right guy… PIM whore…
The ensuing start of the second went poorly as the ‘suckas took advantage of the power play. Their guy with the purple pants, clearly one of their best, charged through the neutral zone then turned an off balance and badly beaten Jeff Fosdick (this was a theme…) just inside the zone and then buried it past Kilroy. 2-2.
The second period saw a bit more cycling from the Red but again they seemed to jump on every chance and the ‘suckas continued to work hard, and got good chances on us. The Windsuckers broke through again and scored again…twice… but no one can seem to recall the circumstances of the third goal. Regardless we headed to the 3rd Period down 2-3 and we have another conversation overheard on the bench...

Jeff: "One period to go. When was the last time we came from behind to win a game?"

Mike (and everyone else): " ... "

The bad mojo was still flowing as the third frame got off to a shakey start.
There was a mad scramble in front of Kilroy who made the initial stop, but then inexplicably chose not to cover the puck and instead tried to shovel it out to his right, the only problem was that the ‘suckers had a guy there who buried it putting the Zombies down 4-2 with about 10 minutes left in the game.

Big man on D Mike Campbell came through again with roughly 6-7 minutes left as he took a big shot to the net after rushing up the zone from the right point to the left side. Again he had an important momentum goal and the Dead were down by 1 and calling on all reserves of Zombie Pride and legs to save the night.
The chances were coming and the ZP magic carried the play as we set up shop in the 'suckers end. With about 3-4 minutes remaining we set up a face off in thier end on the left dot. Larry wins a nice draw that comes back to Jeff Foz at left point. Jasse ties his guy up, likewise Chuck on the other side and Larry keeps his guy in place so Jeff has a nice open lane into which he pounds a slapshot that goes off the keepers right pad and into the net for the tie.

The Dead in Red were able to hold fast for the last few minutes and get a few more agonizing shots that never found paydirt. All in all, a good salvaged tie with the 'suckas.

Major props to the Windsucker's goalie Sean who along with another guy (big defenseman) hung out for a few beers. As we were all dressing and leaving the fire alarm went off in the building so the fourth period was kicked off under the flashing lights of the responding Milton FD. Nice of them to come by and keep everyone busy while we enjoyed a little apres skate.

Ok lets give out some awards... only a tie I know but what the hell.

Honorable Mention 1: Dr. Scott Pounds with a beauty of a goal.
Honorable Mention 2: Jeff Fosdick saving an embarassing evening with a nice bit for the game tieing goal.

Game Stars

3rd Star: The Russians. Both Matvey and Roman had really good games despite not making the score sheet. Matvey played excellent center wining draws and making plays. Roman passed the puck well and really got some things going. Good work both of you.
2nd Star: iJosh for a two point night (both assists) and all the chances and movement that helped the forwards do a great job cycling all night.

1st Star: I don't think he's been here before but lets hear it for Mike Campbell for two critical goals and a ton of great stops .. usually covering for his (badly beaten) D partner. Great effort all night Mike, good job!

Good skate by all involved. We've now tied our last two against these guys... next time let's make sure we get it done.

Suds fall to the Golden Gophers in Dedham

Schlitz (20) vs Golden Gophers
Wednesday February 13th
Dedham Rink 9:00pm

6-2 Loss.

A tough draw for the skating Beercans against a C level team at the new digs in Dedham. Despite a valiant effort on the part of all participating Schlitzers, the Suds fell to the higher division group who certainly played up to their ranking.

Let's roll with the guest bloggers.

Here's Greg James on the tilt:
"Lost 7[6]-2 to a C division team that clearly practices once per week, we missed several great chances including a Nelson breakaway, I was thrown in the box when an opponent fell down simply for being within 2 meters of me, I fell down several times just stepping onto the ice, Campbell was thrown out of the game... Nuff said..."
Good recap Greg.

Now here's CEOBMF Madd Matt Kilroy's take on the game:
"Lost 6-2. They were the bottom team of the C division. I think it was Paul's test to make sure his divisions are correctly aligned. Anyway, they were pretty good. They all could skate and they passed great. We scored first and stayed with them through the first and most of the second. I think it was only 2-1 them, at the end of the second. Then they scored more. We had lots of penalties and they had a couple power play goals. Campbell had three penalties by the end of the 2nd and was tossed. It was a skate your balls off game. Good natured game, no one got out of hand on either side. We were a little winded at the end. Much fun though, good workout. Brian made some great saves. If I were in goal it would have been about 12-2.
1st goal parker from nelson
2nd goal hammitt

Another nice recap. Thanks Matt.

Here is another from regular guest contributer Matvey: "Good game, we were right there with them for about 2 periods. I think the score was 3-1 after 2nd period. We actually scored first, and then they got a couple of power play goals. We were out of gas by the 3rd period and Campbell was thrown out on his 3rd minor of the game end of 2nd or start of 3rd - can't remember.

They were quicker and better than D level teams - so when a D team usually turns the puck over 50% of the time - they wouldn't, so instead of jumping the play trying to force a turnover and getting ourselves out of position we needed to skate with them and just play better positional hockey. I think with their quickness they got us running around in our own end a few times creating a lot of chances.


Here are a few brief notes from Mike Campbell:
"It's a new rink.
The doors were still sticky.
I felt it was necessary to contribute to the well being of the rink by
"breaking" in the penalty box door, by opening and closing it
repeatedly... Seven times, in fact. (Once was to let Parker in.)
I was just trying to help."
Ok Mike.

Lastly some more notes from Nelson Sharfman:
"For the record, Nelson was stoned on two break aways and one beautiful feed from Kevin. The goalie was good. I was not.
I did have one assist on a goal by Kevin. Hammit had the other goal on an assist from Kevin.
We skated with them for a while, but our legs gave out and theirs didn't.
The goalie played a hell of a game and kept us in it much longer than we deserved.
Greg did actually back into the person who fell over, but it was a pretty cheap call nonetheless."
Good effort boys.

Let's hope our future games at the new rink go better than this one.

Dedham Preview!

Team,
Check out these spiffy pics courtesy of our man on the scene Dr. Scot Pounds! This looks to be a significant upgrade from the digs at the Prison by the Bay. I don't think anyone will be missing those games, as long as it doesn't take forever to get to.
Great work Scott, way to work the scouting team!
Look at all that brand new rubber matting... I bet it smells like tires and fresh paint.
What's with the BC pukefest color scheme?... not that I'm complaining.
Reminds me of Campbell's back yard the day after Thanksgiving...
Soon to be pictured here...Mssrs. Campbell...Bell... Hammitt... Nikhamik... Capraro...
Sorry guys, I couldn't resist.
Woo eee doggies! Let's hope we have a better record here than at the House of Horrors... Prison by the Bay... UMAlcatraz. Good F*ng Riddance!
We will take to this very sheet on Wednesday night as the Flying Beercans... err Golden Schlitz. 9pm against the Golden Gophers... hopefully these guys won't show up in a bus from Minnesota. The league website says they are 1-14-3... in the bottom of C4 Division...who knows what that will mean until we play them. I'd like to think we have a good shot.
See you then.
Thanks again for the pics from Scott.
Go Suds. Go Zombies.

Double header-Double wins against the Clinic.

Schlitz (19) vs. Clinic Maroon
Tuesday February 5th
UMass 9:20pm
9-1 Win.

Cadavers (21) vs Clinic Blue
Same night 10:30pm
5-1 Win.


Well how do you like that? The last two games to be played at the Prison by the Bay this season by ANY NESHL team's and its a double header starring US and the clinic... both Blue and Maroon. At least we made the most of it and had a good night all the way around by all the reports that have been coming in to the Blogger.
Two big blowout wins against a pair of Clinic squads that really... we should blow out.

Let's give it to the Guest Bloggers...
Matvey on Game 1: we had 12 skaters to start and then Nelson came in a little late, so we went with 3 full lines from the middle of the first period. Line that I was on was: Roman, Jasse and myself.
Then one line was centered by Nelson, I think he had Matt Eliot on a line and another center was Mike Daley. Scott, Peter and Killroy were the other wings.
D: Mike Campbell, Marc Valenti one pair
and then Dan and Dan another pair.
I think we started slowly, but it was 9-0 or so close to the end of the game and then they got several chance and magaged to score one late.
Final score was 9-1.
Scoring plays:
Our line had a good chemistry with Roman stepping by passing the puck :)
I scored a goal that was assisted by Roman and Jasse.
Jasse made a very nice pass to Roman who took a quick shot, but shot it into the sprawling goalie. I got to the rebound in time to flip it over the goalie.

Another goal was a nice play, Roman passing me the puck, I send it Jasse's way and Mike just flipped it behind the goalie.

One scoring play was Campbell taking a good shot from the point after getting a puck from Roman.

One more, Nelson winning a face off and in the same motion passing it to Eliott who took a quick shot and beatthe goalie.
There was one small altrecation and Peter was sent to the box as part of matching penalties. I think Peter was just trying to pick up some PIMs to get on a goon squad for the next Schlid.

Nice recap. Now we'll get some thoughts from Dr. Jasse:

Greg James-Freight Train Down the lane. A forward in a D's body. Played hard all night.Kept jumping into the o-zone with the puck and creating opportunities.

Mike Campbell was his usual hard-chargin' self. A bullet of a wrist shot for a goal. Lot of talking out there to his teammates; we need more players to communicate like he does.

Nelson-He only had like 17 goals I think. Played ass off as usual. Always setting the tone for his line-mates.

Matt Kilroy-some spectacular passes (one behind his back from his but). Set Pete C up with a sweet pass for a WIDE open net that.....well, we all remember Glen Wesley vs the Oilers.

Brian the goalie. Got some good zzzzz's the first game but played very solid in the second.

Marc V-what a cannon. When he has the puck at the blue line I'm usual camped out in front of the net in prayer, "Please don't hit me." Very solid 2-way game.

Thought Mike Hammit skated very well-continuous to get low hard shots on net or make plays from the point.The Russians-Brialliant passing and playmaking. They set me up for mine that my grandmother could have finished.

Excellent work. Major Kudos to both Matvey and Jasse and everyone else that chimed in with some info. I'm finishing this a long time after the fact so that's going to do it for this one. I leave you with some lasting momentos of our least favorite league venue...that with any luck we shall never visit again.