Righty Suds win Awesome Playoff-daveur!

Schlitz 1-1 vs Cadavers 1-1

Thursday September 24

Canton 10:50pm

Suds 5

Cads 3

Final. Overtime. Shootout.

A playoff daveur for the ages saw the Righty Suds win a tense shootout battle to advance to the final game of the 1 loss bracket in the Islanders Division Playoffs. Its been a while since our squads have met in the playoffs given that we've been in separate divisions, but thanks to some resiliant play by both squads earlier in the week this playoff showdown was finally made possible. The assembled daveurs would take to the ice in Canton just before 11pm for some late night action. Here are your rosters.

Schlitz (righties)

Nelson, Neil, Capraro, Parker, George, Ken/Mitch, Dave Di, Chuck, AK, and Greg

Matty CEOBMF in the pipes.

Cadavers (lefties)

Larry, Howard, Steve, Roman, Matvey, iJosh, Scott, Mark, Campbell, Jeff, and Hammitt.

Lizzy in the pipes.

The game was as tight and tense as you would expect in the first period. Both teams would get chances, both goalies would get into the game nicely making solid stops. The Cadavers would actually jump out in front in the early going when iJosh would bury a feed from Roman that would beat Matty and the Red would go up 1-0. This just stoked the fires in the Beercans and they seemed to go a little harder as the period went on.

The teams were definitly going after each other and there was no shortage of incidental or not so incidental contact going on. This would culminate in Hammitt taking a penatly for an open ice take-down of George... not his first infraction but the first one that gave him the gate. This came just at the end of the period.

The Zebras would have a quick word with the benches during the intermission basically saying Hammitt needed to be cool and we all needed to be quiet, and just play the game. Advice noted... not necessarily heeded.. the game would go to the second... 1-0 Red.

The Second would see a significant change in the game when Chuck Slate would tie the game just under the 15 minute mark on a helper from point man Greg James. The game tied and fiesty Mark Reynolds would go off at 12:42 and as the ensuing power play wound down Chuck would score again, this time from Dave Diloretto. This put the Gold on top with 10:40 in the second and clearly the Red were back on their heels. It wasn't long after that, that the hard working Beercans would get another one. This one credited to Pete Capraro but all I remember is Nelson practically standing on top of Lizzy and pleading with the ref that the puck had crossed the line during the melee in front. Red defender Mike Campbell after the game would confirm that it was a goal and that's how the Zebra's took it, and with 8 minutes left in the second it was 3-1 Gold.

The Gold would then take a pair of calls before the end of the period, with Nelson going for a hook at 5:39 and Pete going for an Unsportsmanlike at 4:16... I dont remember what Pete did but it must have been good. Anyway 3-1 Gold end of two.

The Third would be no less exciting and tightly played than the first two periods, and again the game would take a dramatic change. Mike Campbell would take a call at 13:19 that the Red would successfully kill off. Just after the kill, Steve Baker would connect on a beautiful shot that came from now point man Mike Hammitt. (it should be noted Hammitt did a good job staying in the game after his first period bumper pool). This came at ten and a half minutes to play.

Campbell would go one more time to the box at the 8 minute mark but again the Red would do a nice job killing the penalty and would again use the kill to maintain, even gather momentum.

The Red, down a goal, would press the play as the game entered the final five minutes.

Steve Baker, you may recall if you've played with him, has a wicked slapshot. He would put it on display as he would take a pass from Matvey down low on the goal line and would RIFLE a shot at an oblique angle that went like a laser into the net with exactly 2 minutes to play.

Tie game.

The last two minutes would see both teams in a frenzy to make something happen... but nothing did. The game would go to overtime. The five minute overtime would see some great chances from both clubs, in particular the blogger remembers a great chance that iJosh just couldnt get the handle on. Both keepers played extremely well in the overtime making critical stops on quality shots. Alas... there would be no blood in the short overtime period and the game would have to be decided on Penatly shots.

Both teams picked 5 shooters, and the Red went first. Larry Bell wound up and laid a fairly weak offering into the pads of Matty. The Gold would send Dave Diloretto down who would score on Lizzy and the Gold were up 4-3. The next shooter for the Red was Jeff Fosdick who offered an equally weak attempt that Matty would snuff out without any trouble. Things weren't looking good for Team Zombie.

Neil Shah was up next and would have no trouble buring his effort and the Gold were up 5-3. Steve Baker would take the next shot for Red and Matt once again would have none of it and turned aside the attempt. Kevin Parker would go next for Gold and Lizzy would make a nice stop to hold back the Beercan tide.

Now in a score or lose situation Mark Reynolds would try out his luck on Matt. The shot was good but Matt was just not to be denied and as he turned away Mark's chance he was mobbed by his Gold teammates who celebrated a very hard fought win.

The Gold would now get a chance to play the Last Call on Monday night for a chance to play for the title. A nice little run the Schlitz have had in these playoffs, which has been a nice end to a kind of so-so season.

Game Stars:

3rd Star: Steve "slapshot" Baker who was all over the place and did a great job generating the offence the Red needed to stay in the game.

2nd Star: Chuck "2 goal" Slate for a great effort and nice finish to help his team to victory. Good work.

1st Star: Who else can it be but the Shootout King. CEOBMF, Don't bring that weak shtuff here, Matt Kilroy. A great performance, particualarly in OT and the shootout to bring home a nice victory for the Gold. Great work.

PLAYOFF 'DAVEUR THURSDAY!

Schlitz (1-1) vs Cadavers (1-1)

Thursday September 24th

Canton 10:40pm

Playoff Elimination Game.

Well kids its happened once again. Its been a few seasons now since we have met each other in the playoffs thanks to the league placing us in different divisions. This year there was no separation and both teams finished in the middle of the pack in the Islanders Division. Thanks to the double elimination format both teams lived again after dropping their first games. The Schlitz lost to El Tigre in OT, and the Cadavers lost to the Shock in a game that was tied with less than a minute remaining. Thanks to victories over the Blues (Schlitz) and D-Minus both teams stay alive and now face each other on Thursday night to see who can stay alive for one more round.

As it happens we've divided the teams on another creative (what else would you expect) basis as per the last 'daveur event of the season.

These rosters do not include drop outs for this week...

Schlitz – Right Handed Shots
Nelson
Ken G
Greg
George
Kevin
Blake
Chuck
Pete
Dave
Neil
Ken D
Matt - Net

Cadavers – Left Handed Shots
Roman
Matvey
Campbell
Ijosh
Jeff
Scott
Larry
Jasse
Hammitt
Mark R
Howard
Goody
Brian
Lizzie - Net

Daveurs Double Up! Both teams advance to Thursday!

Schlitz vs Blues

Monday September 21

Canton 9:30pm

5-2 win!

There was more doubleheader playoff action last night in Canton and this week was both similar and markedly different than last. Both games were very close, and tied most of the way just like last week's games but this time the Suds and Zombies pulled off the win in both cases and now advance to face each other on Thursday night at the same rink.

The first game saw a very nice Schlitz lineup against ancient rival's the Blues in the first elimination game of the evening. Here's the lineup.

D1: George, Jeff

D2: Dave, Mark

O1: Nelson, Steve, Pete

O2: Neil, Kevin, and AK

Matt in Net

This game would go through a long process of "feeling it out" and finding the pace of the game as the teams went back and forth. Both keepers warmed to the task and the Zeebras were calling things tight as there was clearly a competitive "playoff" atmosphere on the ice.
Steve Baker would go for a rough, a match with 38 from the Blues only 3 minutes into the game. Capraro would go at the end of the first for an interferece. No blood on any of the power plays. The first would end 0-0.

The second would continue back and forth, Kilroy made some just tremendous stops, scooping up anything that came near him. Capraro (thug) would go again on a iffy holding the stick call but again the PK did just fine. Then the Blues would get a break. A classic unable to clear problem in our own end and plunk it was 1-0 Blues with 6 and a half left in the first.

Capraro wasn't done making the scoresheet as he would find teh net, on a helper from Steve to tie the game back up 1-1 with just under 4 left in the second. The play would continue, fast (relatively) and intense and we would go to the third still tied at one.

The third got off to a bang when Kevin Parker and 38 from team Blu would go for matching roughs and the sides skated 5-5. The Blues would take another penalty, and the Suds, AK in particular showed great composure resisting the retaliation and staying clear of the box the rest of the way. Miracle... I know.

The play continued past the 6 minute mark and George made a long end to end push that resulted in another snuffed shot by the Blue keeper. Worse yet number 6 (red pants) would scoop up the puck and race down the other end on a long break away and would finish it past Kilroy and the Blues would lead 2-1 with only 5 minutes left.

Once again, the pride of Old Milwaulkee would rise to the top and the tuckered Suds would take the game right back to the Blues over the next 3 minutes. Then 35 would lose his cool and once again AK would do a first rate job in drawing the penalty without retaliation and off 35 went to the box with 2:29 remaining on an interference (mugging). It was classic. He popped off as the entire Blue bench was screaming at him to keep his cool. Not to be smug but that due was overdue for a call all night long and it couldn't have been sweeter for it to come when it did.

The result was astounding. The Suds would hold the play in the zone, make a nice couple of passes and George would unleash his best slapshot of the game that would find its way through traffic and into the net for the tie with just 2:11 on the clock. Credit Kevin Parker with the assist.

Obviously nothing was over yet, and the Suds refused to relinqish the momentum they had worked so hard for. The play stayed in the blue end, and a minute later the puck would go around the zone from Nelson to Steve then back out to George who topped his best slapper on the previous shot, with an even better one that would hit paydirt and gave the Suds the lead with 1 minute to play. Just massive.

The blues would pull their keeper but couldn't muster a comeback and first Neil then Nelson would would pot empty netters at 41 and 18 seconds respectively to put this one, and the Blues on ice.

The Blues were very stand up and congratulatory in the handshake and there has rarely been a more satisfying playoff win for the Schlitz... other than championships... as far as I can recall.

Good stuff. Major ups to everyone involved.

Game Stars:

3rd Star: Matt Kilroy. Excellent work by the BMF/CEO as he turns away a lot of rubber in this one. Our boy continues to gain experience in the pipes.

2nd Star: Steve Baker. The man with the wicked shot didn't get a goal but 2 assists and a lot of legwork on the night. Good game.

1st Star: George "get that coon outta here" Moorachian for two unbelieveable slappers that would tie then win the game for the Suds. A great effort by George all night long and a well deserved game star for the defenseman.

This comment came in this morning from Pete Capraro about this game:

"Grit" is all I have to say for game 1, Braveheart style."

Which brings us... to the nightcap.

Cadavers vs D-Minus

Monday September 21

Canton 10:40pm

4-2 Win!

The nightcap would see a tired group of suds join the 6 guys scheduled to play for Team Zombie. The Dead would defer to the Minus and thier red shirts and would again play as the Schlitz for the sake of visibility. Here's how the lineup went.

D1: Steve, Mark

D2: George, Jeff

O1: Roman, Matvey, and Hammit

O2: Nelson, AK, and Howard

O3: Neil, Scott, and Ken G.

Lizzy in Net.

Lots of double ups as you can see from the roster.

This game was not nearly as contentious as the first game, as witnessed by the complete lack of a penalty from either team for the whole game. The Dead in Yellow would strike first, about 3 minutes into the game when AK Douville would bury a pass from Neil and put them up 1-0. AS really good night all the way around for Ken who had good chances all night.

The score would stay that way until well into the second.

Jeff would make a horrible clearing attempt on the right boards that was scooped up and bandied about in front of Lizzy until they popped it home for tie. This was only a minute or so into the second. The play would continue at a slower, but still urgent pace for both teams until the Dead would break the tie with a bang bang play of their own. Keeping the puck in the red end Mark would feed Nelson who would feed Mitch who would tap home the puck for the lead after a lot of gritty hard work in front of the net. This goal has been up for debate and probably could be credited to Ken G or Nelson but from my perspective Ken touched it last so he's getting the goal weather he wants it or not.

Before the period was out Old Reliable Nelson would surface again with more mucking in grinding that would result in paydirt. Nelson would bang home a play from Jeff, and Mitch and would give the Golden Dead the 3-1 lead with a minute left in the second. We would go to the third 3-1 Zombies.

D-Minus wasn't done and again capitalizing on a shakey play in our own end would make the game 3-2 with 7 minutes remaining. That led to some anxious moments on the Zombie bench but those fears would be put away when Roman would do his best Nelson imitation and woudl plunk one home from the side of the net after mucking about the zone for a minute or so. Credit Matvey and Howard with the helpers on Roman's goal.
That was it. Game over 4-2 and a pair of nice playoff wins for the 'daveurs.

Game Stars

3rd Star: Lizzy. Another very solid playoff performance from our Gal in the pipes. Great work.

2nd Star: Ken Goldenberg for a goal and an assist and an all around good night.

1st Star: Do I have to say his name? Doubling up. Mucking and grinding like he... likes it. Working hard and making others play hard around him. A goal and an assist at least. Nelson Bleeping Sharfman. Great work as always my man.

So now we are down to the nitty gritty.

Playoff 'Daveur.

Thursday Night.

Canton 10:40pm (I know the schedule says 10:50 but lets go with the normal rink time)

Bring it. Loser goes home.

Playoff Doubles Continue Tonight!

Alright 'daveurs... the Playoffs continue TONIGHT in Canton with some very interesting matchups on Tap. Tonight the Suds, losers to the Shock in a close game last week (4-1 2 e.n.g.s)in game one will take on old time rival The Blues who joint the losers bracket courtesy of a 1-0 loss at the hands of the Shock. Interesting that the Shock has risen to the winners bracket and done pretty well here.

The nightcap sees the Cadavers, losers to El Tigre in OT facing D-minus who won the play-in game only to lose to CH Terriers in "game one" but should be a makeable mark for the Dead in Red tonight.

The deal now is win to advance. The winners get to play again on Thursday night, also in Canton. So if both teams make it we get the RARE AND WONDEROUS... PLAYOFF 'DAVUER.

Now if that isn't motivation enough... I don't know what is.

Here are your rosters for tonight. Good Luck Team.

Schlitz vs Blues
9:30pm Canton

Nelson
George
Kevin
Blake
Pete
Ken D
Dave Di
Neil
Steve

Mark Reynolds

Matt – Goal

Cadavers vs Dminus
10:40pm Canton

Roman
Matvey
Ken G
George
Jeff
Neil
Hammitt
Reynolds
Howard
Lizzie - Goal

Shock and Tigers beat Daveurs to open Playoffs

Schlitz vs Shock
Monday September 14
Bavis 9:30 pm

Cadavers vs Tigers
Monday September 14
Bavis 10:40pm

Monday night saw both teams in action as the summer playoffs began. Both games were very close, in fact both games were tied 1-1 as the the game went into its final minute. Both games saw a great and sincere effort by the assembled ‘daveurs, and yes… both games resulted in heartache for our beloved Suds and Zombies as both teams would lose and be exiled to play in the “losers” bracket starting next Monday night… when both teams again play on the same night.

These same night games are killers for us, even with the expanded rosters because anyone that can’t make it… can’t make both games. We were very thin for Monday night’s playoff games but, being the good do-bees that we are, no extra subs were called in to fill in the gaps as these are the playoffs, and all players had to have at least 5 games service to be eligible to play.

The first game saw the Schlitz, playing as the 6 seed meeting the Shock who were the 3 seed for the division. The Shock are very similar to us and we’ve had some decent results playing them in the past. This game would show that we could certainly run with them, and clearly the Suds had every opportunity to take the game… but the Shock would have something to say about it.

Here’s your early game roster.
Matt CEO/BMF in net.
D1: Dave Di, Kevin Parker
D2: Steve Baker, Jeff
O1: Capraro, Shah, and Slate
O2: Sharfman, Jasse, iJosh and KenMitch.

The game would be very even and there were good chances at both ends as the play got going. The Shock goaltender would have a terrific night turning away plenty of rubber… only to be matched by Matt in our end who again had a very solid performance in the pipes. No blood … or score after the first period. The Shock would take a penalty in the first but no luck on the PP.

The second would only be more of the same as the forwards would get plenty of chances, just none that found their way in, and the Gold played solid on D.

The game would go to the third… at this point with regular updates from the zeebras on the score of the Patriots game that was going on… and finally there would be some scoring.

About halfway through the third the Gold would have a breakdown int their own end and the Shock would jump on it and finally get one past Matty for a 1-0 lead. True to Beercan pride the Gold would knuckle up and get one right back. This one would be a textbook hard work goal that went from Steve Baker on the point, down to Nelson who would muck it out into a chance and Dr. Jasse would provide the finish to tie the game up 1-1.

Down the stretch we all came, Dave Di and Steve taking some chances, Kilroy making great stops, all kinds of good things happening for the Gold in a very tight game.

Then just under a minute the Shock would unleash their best defenseman… a number 43 who would go end to end, turn our D and bury one past Matt at the 40 second mark. Interesting that as I go back an look at the roster on the score sheet there is no number 43.. but what can you do? The Shock had taken it to us, and despite pulling Matt the Gold were unable to answer in the time remaining. The Shock would pot an empty netter at about 20/-15 seconds and that made it 3-1. The little bastards would throw another one at the net as time expired and it would go making it an unnecessary 4-1 and that was that.

A tough game for the Gold given how close and how many opportunities there were to be had. Once again a beatable team slips past us, just at the last minute.

The mood postgame was fairly somber and it didn’t help that Management was asking for players to double up as the roster was VERY thin for the nightcap against the Tigers, who you know were going to be ready for the playoffs.

The Cadavers would dress in Yellow, as we always do when playing El Tigre and despite the confusion of the scorekeeper and Zeebs, managed to field a full 13 for the game.
Here is your Zombie lineup.
Lizzy in Net
D1: Steve, Kevin
D2: Mark Reynolds, Jeff
Offense: Dr. Pounds, Howard, Roman and Matvey were joined by returning skaters, Jasse, Nelson, iJosh, Neil, and Chuck Slate

Major kudos have to go out to the guys that doubled up right off the bat. Thanks to everyone who was willing to brave the stiffness and soreness that was sure to come the next day from a double game skate

The Golden Zombies, despite fielding such a tired team played great against the Tigers. This game looked like a carbon copy of the first game through the whole first period. Great chances for the Gold, great goalie play by the opponents keeper, and good play on our own end. Lizzy made some great stops and the Gold got after everything the Tigers threw at us. Just before the end of the first the Tigers would finally get one and would go up 1-0.

The Gold would answer quickly, just like in the first game and it wasn’t many minutes into the second when Roman would take a feed from Mark Reynolds and shot one that was deflected, then went end over end in a perfect arc right into the net to the amazement of the Tigers and our bench. Just like Roman planned it.

The Tigers had taken a penalty in the first, and Chuck took one for the Zombies also. The second would see Reynolds go for a check but no blood on the power play.

Again a 1-1 game into the end of the third. Great chances all over the place. I’m sure the blogger is leaving out many interesting opportunities but given that he skated twice… just can’t recall them right now. Please comment if you know I’m leaving something out.

Down to the final minute we go. No goals but a very interesting call came with just 25 seconds left. On the far boards Steve would tangle with one of the big Tiger forwards and both would fall as the Tiger held his stick. The Zeebra would call STEVE and give the Tigers a power play for the final seconds of the game.

Thankfully the RedGold would kill the penalty, in regulation and into the overtime period, but got no significant boost form the kill. The Tigers would be able to hold it in our end as the time went below 2 minutes and then a shot from the point would receive a perfect deflection on its way and went in to seal the deal for the Tigers.

sigh.

Another just brutal game to lose, this time in Overtime against a team we could not only run with, but had every opportunity to beat. There were good portions of the game when we took the play right to them, but their keeper kept coming up with great stops.

PLAYOFF FEVER TONIGHT!

Schlitz (6) vs Shock (3)

Monday September 14

Bavis Arena 9:30pm

Cadavers (5) vs Tigers (4)

Monday September 14

Bavis Arena 10:40pm

A playoff double header in Rockland tonight for both the Suds and Zombies. Thats right both teams are technically underdogs (as the lower seed) tonight as the Suds take on the Shock in the first game, and the Zombies take on traditional rival El Tigre in the nightcap.

We will need all hands on deck for both games tonight and there are many 'daveurs that are unavailable so we will need every body we can get. Some guys will be skating both games just to fill out the roster. We have good players available, even if they aren't plentiful, and we should have a good chance in both games. Lets bring it.

Here are your rosters as of Noontime on Monday.

Schlitz (6) 9:30pm vs Shock

Neslon

Mitch

Kevin

Chuck

Pete

AK

Dave Di

Neil

Steve B

Jasse

Jeff

Matt in net.

Cadavers (5) 10:40pm vs Tigers

Roman

Matvey

iJosh

Scott

Mark

Howard

Jeff

Jasse

...and prob a few more from the first game.

Lizzy in Net

Cads go down in Season Finale

Cadavers (15) vs Shock
Monday August 31
Dedham 10:10pm


4-2 loss.




This one sounded like a tough one for the dead in Red. The blogger is going to throw it out to a bevvy of Guest Bloggers who all contributed to this one. Lets start off with a very well rounded summary by ROY Neil Shah.
Here's Neil:

Forwards (LW-C-RW):
Chuck-Ken-Neil
Howard-Goode-Kevin
Defense:
Matvey-Steve
Hammitt-George
Lizzy in Net

General Comments on the Game:

Generally, we outplayed them- we were skating hard and our team definitely generated the lion's share of chances in the game. Unfortunately, we could not finish. Numerous times we were stopped on point blank shots at the door step. I personally missed two breakways that could have tied the game late in the third period. The first one was a decent save on a backhand deke; the second one I had the guy beat but completely flubbed the shot on a rolling puck.

In terms of individual performers, Howard deserves to be singled out for having a solid game. In addition to the goal, he played hard and generated some good chances through forechecking and hard work on the boards. Our defense was solid most of the game, but we had a few breakdowns late that led to their goals. Offensively, we generated a ton of chances but just didnt score enough.

Although I'm normally loathe to complain about the refs, there were some blatant missed calls. Hammit got called for interference when two of their guys skated into each other and fell down. It was so obvious that one of their forwards flat out admitted that there had been no penalty; the two guys literally just ran into each other and Hammitt got the penalty because he happened to be standing a few feet away. Perhaps even more harmful, the refs blew the whistle twice where Kenny was literally all alone in front about to tee off a shot because the goalie had "accidentally" knocked the net off on the moorings. It was complete coincidence that both times he knocked the net off were after making saves on breakaways that left him sprawled and out of position with Kenny wide open in front of the net.

Excellent work Neil. Thanks for your contribution to the blog.
Now lets hear from Kevin Parker who always has a colorful story to tell:

Let's see... 10 guys. George, Hammit, Matvey, and Steve On defense.
Goody, Howard (who played a very good game by the way) and I were a line and Neil, AK, and Chuck rounded out the squad. Lizzy in net. We played well enough to win but had one bad stretch where we had some 'timely'
penalties and gave up 2 goals in the span of like 30 seconds which kind of killed us. D had a good game and the forwards skated hard all night.
Not going to say we got hosed by the zebras....but we got hosed by the zebras. Decent showing for the 4th, Howard had a dizzying array of beer available (MGD, The Champagne of Beers, Miller Light and I think I even saw a BL Lime or two) and we did ourselves proud by finishing off the entire cooler before leaving. Little victories. Little victories.

Hope this helps. Had a tough time remembering all the way back to Monday. Need to go lay down now.

You'll be glad to know that Kevin made a full recovery after a long nap under his desk earlier today...
Now lets hear from Howard on the game:

Opponents Goalie - “Iron curtain”

Sit down… I scored the first goal. We held the 1-0 lead going into the 3rd period. We went up 2-0 briefly with a sneaky short-handed goal by Matvey who got the assist from the opponents defenseman who when attempting to skate the puck up ice looped in front of their goalie and Matvey simply tweaked the puck off his stick and past their unprepared goalie for a nice 2-0 cushion. Then within about 30 seconds it was 2-1 while the Cadavers were still short handed and 60 seconds later, 2-2. The elder Zeeb set the tone in the 4th quarter with some horrendously bad calls that left even the opponents team members scratching their heads. The lop-sided penalty calling continued and soon enough the score was 2-4. Major let down! According to Kenny, the player of the game – the Zeeb for his bad play calling. Calls the zeebs failed to make that they should have included the two times Neil led a 2 on 0 breakaway with Kenny close behind and as Neil’s first shot was rejected by their goalie, he then conveniently popped the net out of position, which resulted in the Zeeb blowing the whistle to end play and denying Kenny the easy follow-through.

Tough game to digest if it weren’t for the nice ample variety of cold beer (Schlitz, Bud, Bud Light, Bud Light Lime, Miller High Life and Miller Lite) waiting in the parking lot.

Thanks Howard. Great job on the summary and the goal. The Blogger thanks you.
Lastly lets hear from Matvey:

Our scouting report on them was that they shoot from everywhere, and that proved to be true. They took shots from mid-ice, and everytime they crossed our blue-line they looked to get into a shooting position. Lizzy made a number of great stops, one of those was a "clean" breakway from their blue-line - begotten by the guy dropping Hammit while pursuing the puck coming out of their zone. That was as clean of a trip as you can get, but ref's arms must have been too tired 'cause no call followed. So Lizzy stopped the breakaway and shut the door for most of the game.

In the 3rd, after gettting some slight idea of how we are being slighed by the zebras a call on Hammit led to a penalty-kill. We had a great effort killing the penalty and everyone was so eager to step in that at one point we had 5 people on the penalty kill, but luckily that went unnoticed, for about 10-15 seconds. In the resulting confusion I jumped on the ice, but ending up a 3rd D on the ice, I played up. After some intersting maneuvering by their D and trying to skate the puck in front of their own net, all I had to do is to time my poke-check :) - having the goalie sliding away from the post helped as well, but that ended up being our 2nd goal. I just skated back, but the guy who turned over the puck was pretty mad, and by all accounts threw his stick to the ice - no punishment or reaction from the refs on that one either.

Unfortunately, we were still on the pentalty kill, and they did manage to score a goal before the penalty expired. Another goal followed within a minute and all of a sudden it was 2-2. In the meantime the game featured 2 clean breakaways for Neil, one was set up by a nice pass up the middle (I think), and another one was Neil intercepting the puck in the mid-air during penalty kill and taking off. Both times Neil was stopped by the goalie (different moves on each breakway), but both times the goalie knocked the goal of its moorings. Again, no call from the refs, and both times we had a man coming for clean rebound opportunity.

Well, Shock did score 2 more times, with us going to the box, and them not so much...one of the plays was George making a great effort, back-checking a guy trying to get a break-way. George was sent off for hooking, while the "Shock" guy told George "Great Play" and then after the game was also saying that he had no idea where the penalty call came from.

After the game, by a unanimous vote in the locker room, the game star was awarded to the zebras

Very nice! Very nice indeed on the guest blogs gentlemen. Too bad about the game result but... them's the breaks.

Looks like both teams are in action for the begining of theplayoffs on Monday September 14th... so mark you calendars... we will need everyone for that night!

Beachdaveur 09!

Another great year for Hockey @ the beach as Beachdaveur 09 took to the familiar stretch of shoreline on Duxbury Beach last Saturday August 22nd. While not as large as last year's event the quality was still on display as the afternoon and evening featured 'daveur regulars the Undefeated Six Foot Sandwich, Jello shots, Burgers, and a massive Tuna Steak, along with heaps of other munchies and cold beverages for a 4th period of epic proportions.

See the entire Flickr Photoset HERE. Many photos of the afternoon and evening's events.

The organizers were the same as last year and deserve credit for an even smoother operation this year than last. Mike Campbell, Mark Reynolds, Pete Capraro, Matt Kilroy and Mike Jasse were the primary movers and shakers with the vehicles, permits and equipment to make the evening spectacular. Fire pits, horseshoe game fixin's, grills, tables, the works for the assembled daveurs on the shoreline.

Attending this years event, other than the organizers, were return beachers Dr. and Mrs. Pounds, Mrs. CEO Kerry Kilroy and little Herbie, Larry, newly weds Kathy and Damon Oakley, and Dr. and Mrs. Blogger. We were joined by first timers, Steve Baker, Neil Shah and #1 fan Sarah, and John (friend of Campbell).

Major kudos go out to Steve "don't forget me when voting for Rookie of the Year" Baker for bringing along a Gigundo Tuna Steak that was just a delicious as it could be. This fish was even better served fresh off the grill with our feet in the sand. Steve caught the tuna himself, and claims the fish was in the order of 25 pounds or somthing... I could be way off... given that it was a foggy night, for the blogger and the beach. I know one thing the Tuna was awesome.

More kudos go out to #1 fan Sarah for bringing the Jello shots this year. Gin based and yummy there was a push to get them all down before the jello got... uh.. un-gelatinous.

Thanks to Hurricaine Bill some 400 miles off shore the evening was cloudy and the cool air caused a dense "atmospheric layer" along the beach that gave the sunset some serious visual drama.

Pete set up the fire pit to the side so that everyone could be close to the horseshoe pits. It was nice to have the fire as the evening got cool. Kilroy broke out the massive soccer ball that somehow attracted kids from the next group down the beach to come and play with some of the 'daveurs in the darkness.

Good stuff all around. I have a feeling next year's will be even better. If you've missed the first two years... you

don't want to make that mistake again. This was a great event. Thanks again to everyone who attended.

GoldenZombies take D-Minus.

Cadavers (14) vs D-Minus
Monday August 24
Quincy 7:10pm


8-1 Win


Another good night by the swamp for Team Zombie as the summer season begins to wind down. We have collectively had good luck with this new team, who has struggled through their first year in our division. The Tenured ‘daveurs will recall when we looked just like that team, for many years, just scratching for a tie or a win. We’ve been where they are now, many times for sure. They have a lot to like about them in the Blogger’s opinion. Excellent unis. First rate logo for said unis. Good turnout and thanks to their keeper a good effort against the skating Zombies. The Cads wore the Schlitz colors as the D-minus jerseys were red.

The roster for the Dead in Yellow looked like this. Captain Mark Reynolds wasted no time assigning the positions in the pregame room
D1: Mark, Steve Baker
D2: Jeff, Roman
O1: Larry, Jasse, and Neil
O2: Goody, Parker, Scott and Nelson showed late to make the “rotation”

The game would go pretty much as expected but thanks to the D Minus goalie it stayed very close for a very long time.The Red in Gold would get lots of chances and the Minus Keep would be more than up to the task turning all kinds of junk aside. The Zombies wouldn’t break through until just under 3 minutes left in the first when Neil would bury a pass from Mike Jasse for the first of the night. This was followed not more than minute later by a classic breakdown in our own end that would tie the game.

This particular play was one of a handful where Roman and Jeff tried to show textbook examples of how NOT to play Defense. Holding the puck too long (Roman), not passing cleanly out of the zone and turning it over (Jeff)..the result… a wraparound goal on Matt and exchanged angry stares between Jeff and Roman.

Larry and Jasse would prop up the Dead though just before the end of the first when Larry would score courtesy of a Jasse rebound and the Zombies would have the lead back, 2-1 after 1.

The second period would stay close and scoreless for nearly the duration. Both keepers played very well, and Matty continues to round into a very nice keep in his own right, showing genuine talent and cool in the appropriate situations.

The Zombies would take a penalty, Larry for a check, but the kill would be no problem. Then the Gold would knock hard on the Minus doorstep getting bunches of chances. Kevin Parker would finally answer the multiple calls from the bench to “lift it” and would score on a wobbly floater that would find its way home. Mike “Goody” Goodwin would help close out the period on a play from Roman and Nelson and would finish the play nicely for a cozy 4-1 lead after two.

Those last two goals took the wind out of the Minus, who had really played pretty well up to that point. Again the Tenured ‘daveurs will be familiar with the feeling that once it goes… it goes hard. That’s the way it went for the Minus as the Zombies would have their way for 4 goals in the third. Neil from Larry at about 8 minutes. Then Larry from Neil and Nelson at about 3 minutes. Nelson would get his own hard work goal (what else does he score?) from Neil and Jeff with 2 minutes left. Things were in full decline and slide at this point. Goody would wrap things up with his second, with a helper from Steve Baker just 30 seconds later.

At this point the Blogger needs to mention that the Zombies in Gold were clearly taking advantage of a wounded team at this point. Piling on came to mind, but there was really no malicious intent. Again, we’ve been there, we’ve had another squad feed on us like sharks with blood in the water when we were down, that’s just the way it goes. One exception however. Steve Baker has quite a shot… a cannon really… and Steve was clearly anxious to get on the board as he unleashed said cannon from about 10 feet away in the slot as time was winding down. That was probably unnecessary. In fact one of the Zeebs even mentioned to one of the Gold that if someone had done that to us up 8-1 there would have been a scene… and the Zeeb is right.

Just for future reference lets try to keep things on the “good sport” side of things. The D-Minus were a bunch of good guys that were trying hard and didn’t really need to have their noses rubbed in it too much. … in that vein… The Coon of Shame kicked open the locker room door during the post game. Steve had already left but the Coon went sniffing around for his bag, asking for him, dropping cigarette butts and hiccuping around the room… mumbling something about being called “George” for the rest of the season and something about ‘Where the bleep the Tuna guy went”… just a word to the wise… lets keep the old Coon at bay and play smart.

So that aside… lets give out some Stars and awards.

3^rd Star: Nelson “late to the show’ Sharfman. One goal and 2 helpers and all the hard work you can watch…

2^nd Star: Larry SW Bell for a pair of goals, and an assist

1^st Star: Another great night for Neil “R.O.Y.” Shah, with a nice round 2 goals, 2 assists. Great work.

Honorable Mention1: Goody for a pair of goals and a nice all around night.

Honorable Mention2: Roman Bleeping Kurin. That’s right. Roman played D all night, as Jeff’s partner no less, and had a helper. He not only survived the night with Jeff, despite glares and comments, and had an all around solid effort. This capped off with the fact that ROMAN BROUGHT BEER for the 4^th period. A very nice clutch of BL Limeys on ice. So nice for an early night by the Swamp. Thanks Roman, for the beer and for skating D with Jeff all night.

Tonight! Zombies and DMinus in the Swamp!

Cadavers vs D-Minus

Monday August 24
Quincy 8:10pm

Another reasonable hour at Quincy to get your week started off right. We've had some success with this new team and hopefully we can keep the ball rolling tonight. Just a quick check and these guys not only have a page but a nifty logo... seen here... I really like it. Something else to like about these guys is that according to their page they are 0-11-2 so far this season... I'm not even going to say anything else...

I'm still recovering from the Beachdaveur Saturday and I know some team members were going to Springsteen last night so I look forward to sharing some stories soon with pics on this here blog. Standby for updates.

Here is your roster for tonight:
(this was from the email... may be different come game time)

Cadavers

Campbell
Nelson
Jeff
Scott
Larry
Jassman
Greg
Blake
Chuck
Pete
Mark
Dave
Howard
Matt – Net


See you tonight at the swap... taking applications for Beerman!

Suds and Blues Battle to a draw

Schlitz (14) vs Blues

Wednesday August 19

Quincy 7:00pm

4-4 Tie

A hot night by the swap gave a steamy backdrop to a classic back and forth contest with longtime rival the Blues that appropriately ended in a draw. How many of these games have we played against these guys? If only the Schlidaveur International Statistics Division hadn't become a ressesion casualty... I could tell you. I could tell you how many back and forth up a goal, down a goal, games we've engaged in with these guys that we are so evenly matched with. This was just the most recent in the long string.

The game was an early start but we had no trouble turning out a strong eleven for the contest, led by the Manager of the Pipes and Pads CEO/BMF Matt Kilroy. The rest of the crew was:
D1 Dave Di;Jeff
D2 Mark R; Steve Baker
O1 Dr. Jasse, iJosh and A.K. Douville
O2 Roman, Neil "R.O.Y." Shah, Matvey and Howard Heppelman

There was eager anticipation in the pregame room... even some "natural" defenseman talk... but the early going didn't look very pretty. Mainly the fact that the Gold had a some difficulty with getting 5 guys on the ice for the faceoff. We managed to start the game and stay out of our own way for the first few minutes then settled into the rythem of the game. It was clear we would get our chances, and with some effort we could handle what they had. On the flipside, we couldn't be 1. Stupid or 2. Lazy or we would pay.

We did indeed pay as the Blues would strike first just under 13:00 in the first. A classic breakdown in our own end and a good bang bang play from #35 on the Blues who buried it.
The Suds would rally a bit and hold it together which was nice to see. AK would keep his cool in an early scuffle with a Blue that resulted in a power play just under the 10 minute mark of the first. The Gold would build some momentum and later in the period would finaly break through. Dave Diloretto would make a nice interception on a pass with help from Jasse and would bury his chance to tie the game. Dave played great, as he's done all season and was a truly stabilizing force on D all night, and then jumping up into the play to create shots on offence. The first would end 1-1.
The Gold would continue the momentum into the second and Mike Jasse would land a rebound that came in from Dave at the point and Neil down in front and would result in the games first lead for the Suds courtesy of the Good Doctor.
Given the game and the up and down theme you know what comes next.... The Gold would give one back after a classic breakdown in our own end. The puck would go "round the world" in our own end with just about everyone on the ice "almost" getting there to touch/challenge their guy or the puck. The result? Pass, pass, pass, shoot, tie game, 8:34 left in the second. Then the Gold would continue the slide with Zebra trouble. Howard would go for a slash at 7:17. Mark would go for a hold at 5:20, and to close the period out Matvey would go with :25 remaining in the second, and a good string of penalty kill minutes in the books by the suds. After 2... 2-2.

During the second intermission there was lots of "come on... we're right there...", and "just a little more effort" and the boys felt tired... in the game... able to win it... but tired and trying to psyche up for the stretch. It was there. The Blues had their regular crew, 35 was back in form after missing a few of our matches, but more importantly they didn't have the second Robbins... the young one with the red pants that has troubled us so. The game was there for the taking... but we'd have to take it. The Blues for sure wouldn't give it to us.

With that in mind the Gold applied themselves to the task with all they had. There were lots of fans for the game. Matvey and Jasse had wife and child on site, AK had some friends and there were a bunch of folks fo the Blues. The game would look like it was going to go the Gold's way when we got a break about 5 minutes in. AK would make terrific break up and created his own breakaway just outside the opposing blue line. AK would keep ahead of the D and make a nice drawn out move that finished beautifully... Suds up 3-2.
It was less than 4 minutes playing time later that we were unable to keep the wheels from falling off the cart with anohter Zebrapocalypse. Matvey would go for a "body check"(iffy), then with the delayed penalty coming Neil would get called for a "Trip" and both would go at 8:08. Neil had made a play on the forward in a strong backcheck and dove hitting the puck first but dropping the man. Bang, bang. Down 5-3. It only took the blues 41 seconds to tie the game... and really it was less than that.
With time short the Suds tried to grind it out, but somehow it was slipping away. The worse came under 2 minutes left when the Blues would score again, on another weak breakdown to go ahead 4-3. It had all come unravelled for the Gold, but they weren't in the ground yet... and there was still some time on the clock. The Beercans would gain possession and then a faceoff in the Blue end as we came to just over a minute. Dave smartly called for the goalie and we pulled Matt for the extra attacker. iJosh would join Dave and Jeff on D, and I think the Russians and Neil on offense. The Gold would manage to keep the play in, but just barely as time wound down. Neil would gain possesion and take a serpentine trip through the zone, masterfully keeping possesion as Blues flailed at him. He curled at the top of the zone and dished to Jeff, back at the right point and standing RIGHT on the line. The zebra was practically looking over his shoulder as Jeff collected the puck on the line and flung it low and wide on the net. It took a hop and a skip and plunked right into the far corner for a tie. The Blues griped that the puck was out, but the Zeeb stood firm... hell... Jeff had to talk his D partner Dave Di into it after the game but I'm here to tell you... It stayed in the zone. Tie game. 4-4. 30 seconds left. That was it.

Game over, and something slavaged from the night, a tie that felt kinda like a win given how much of a bummer it would have been to lose.
Another classic with the Blues. I'm sure there will be a few more.

Game Stars.... ahh.... maybe not with a tie. Honorable mentions to...

Dave Diloretto for a goal and an assist...and steady D when we needed it.

Neil Shah for two helpers and great work all night.... especially that last shift.

Dr. Jasse for a Goal and an assist... and just bein' the Doctor.

AK for the nice breakaway goal... AND keeping his cool drawing penalites not taking them.

More importantly big ups to the Jasse's and the Nikhamiks for coming out to see the game. Always nice to have some fans... big and small.

Cat chow again... Zombies fall to Tigers

Cadavers(13) vs Tigers
Monday August 17th
Dedham 9:00pm

2-1 loss

This one sounds like it was frustrating. A good matchup against a team we've had some really great games against this season, the Zombies let a one goal lead slide and and lost by one to the division rival cats.

Sounds like there was 12 Dead in Red on the scene with the CEO in the pipes.

The good news was the goal by Mike Campbell that put the Zombies on top. By all accounts it was a beauty with the assist from Matvey.

Here's Mike with a description of the goal:

"Campbell scored the sweetest goal of his life. Pass from Matvey, to me in the slot, skating backward so I could receive the pass on my forehand, and poked it right by him, stick side. Woooo."

The funny thing is this is almost exactly how the goal was described to the blogger by another player earlier in the day. Here is Pete Capraro with his own take on it:

"Campbell had a thing of beauty goal even with audio "ding" to it."

Nice.

That was the end of the good news.. other than the CEO but we'll get there in a second. Hammitt took the gate when his temper got the best of him (you're shocked... I know) and resulted in some shuffling among the players. The resulting let down saw 2 goals by the Tigers and not much hope for the Zombies to regain the momentum.

Here's Pete again on Hammitt's exit:

"Hammit was like a bull in the china shop on his final double penalty, hilarious to watch from a few feet behind him, guys dropping left and right."

...and Mike Campbell on the same:

"Hammit got thrown out, so we made him go buy beer. The no one drank it, so I took it home.
That was it."

The other player I spoke with said you could see the fuse shortening on Hammitt as he got more frustrated... he decided not to say anything... then never got the chance as Ham never came back from his next shift. There's no official ruling here... but the Coon shook himself got up... walked around the bag a few times and took a long hard hungry stare at Mike as he was leaving after the game... I'm just sayin'.... Mike, try to stay to the end of the game next time?

The only other good news here is that very quietly and workman like our friend and CEO and spiritual leader Matt Kilroy is turning into a very nice little goaltender. Here is another comment from Pete on Matt and other notables from the game:

"Many comments from the bench that big Matt is starting too look and act like a top level D league goalie.

Jasse had 2 stellar backhand passes, leading the defenders into the boards, then dishing behind himself onto the tape of another dead in Red.

Larry had too much caffeine before the game, blatantly trying to break some noses, impressive work though and fun to watch."

Thanks guys. No game stars. Tough one.

Lets get'im next time.

DONT FORGET!

TONIGHT IN QUINCY SCHLITZ VS BLUES 7:00PM!!!

Lets have a good night against these punks!

Tonight in Dedham. Cads-Tigers

Cadavers vs Tigers

Monday August 17th

Dedham 9:00pm

Another hot one team... so I figured you could visualize the nice cool water that this young woman is enjoying... I'm quite sure she's a hockey fan...

Lets get a good turn out for this one with team Tigre. It would be very nice to bring home a W tonight... Here is your roster.

Roman
Matvey
Campbell
Nelson
Larry
Jasse
Hammitt
George
Kevin
Blake
Pete
Neil
Jeff- Asked...tentative
Matt - Net

Suds Punish D Minus after Traffic Debacle

Schlitz (14) vs D-Minus

Tuesday August 11th

Canton 10:10pm

9-1 Win

This was a strange one on a hot night in Canton. Apparently there was a car fire right before the 139 exit off of route 24 that cause major problems. Poor iJosh was reduced to updating his Facebook status from his cellphone... chatting with Ken as they sat next to each other in traffic (in their own cars) then turning around and going home having missed the game for all his trouble.

Sounds like it took its toll on ours and Dminus' roster so things came out even. Nice to play a "weaker" team on a night like this. Nice to see those numbers on the scoreboard for us. Here are some quick Guest blog comments. First from Capt. Mark Reynolds:

"Not much of a game last night. An overwhelming 9-1 win for the Suds.
About 1/2 the team for both sides didn't make it to the game due to a car fire on Rt. 24.

We played with 5 skaters for 1/2 of the fist period until replacements arrived. No one complained about not enough ice time.

The Suds took a few penalties on BS calls, but it didn't impact the game.

Congrats to H.H. for scoring his first goal!"

Thanks Mark. Friends Mark happend to leave out that he had a FIVE GOAL NIGHT. That news would come in from our man Larry Bell who would submit this recap of the night's fun:

"I got there just as the game was starting after sitting in traffic for 1/2 hour on 24 about 1 mile from the exit. Apparently there was a car fire, but it was extinguished by the time I passed by. Campbell, Steve, Howard, Mark and Scott were our only 5 skaters at the time and Brian was in net. George and Hammitt made it onto the ice by the start of the second, for a strong 8. I think D- had about 10, but it didn't matter. We were in their zone all night and peppered their goalie who held down the fort as best he could. But, he could only do so much, they are a truly bad team.

Scoring Summary
1st: Heppleman 1 - unasst, Baker 1 - unasst, Baker 2 - unasst
2nd: Reynolds 1 - unasst, Reynolds 2 - Campbell, Reynolds 3 - unasst
3rd: Reynolds 4 - Hammitt, Reynolds 5 - George, Baker 3 - unasst.

9 goals, 3 assists - another stellar night by the refs and scorekeeper...

Penalties
1st: Baker - Penalty Shot for D-, stopped by BCare.
2nd: Campbell - Tripping, Campbell - Tripping
3rd: Baker - High Stick, Pounds - Tripping"

Good work boys. Sorry about the rough traffic... but I'm glad to hear about the outcome.

Lets hope we draw this crew for the first round of the playoffs for one of the teams.

Suds vs D-Minus Tonight

D MINUS VS SCHLITZ
Tuesday Aug 11
CANTON 10:10pm

"Hot town, summer in the city
Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty.
Been down, isn't it a pity Doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city... All around, people looking half dead...Walking on the sidewalk, hotter than a match head.
But at night it's a different world.
Go out and find a girl. Come-on come-on and dance all night Despite the heat it'll be alright... And babe, don't you know it's a pity That the days can't be like the nights
In the summer, in the city In the summer, in the city

... stay out of the heat boys and girls and get over to the nice cold rink if you can. The Beercans have a tilt in the chilly confines of Canton Sportsplex tonight against new division foe D-Minus. Managment is squaring up the roster as we speak. Lets make sure we have two things...water... and beer. Its true, as our friends from Lovin' Spoonful tell us... its a pity the days can't be like the nights... Get on over to Canton tonight and enjoy the hot humid postgame... dare I say hopefully have a victory beer in the parking lot.
Here is the roster as of noontime Tuesday.

SCHLITZ
Campbell
Ijosh
Scott
Larry
Hammitt
Kevin
Mark
Ken D
Howard
Goody
Steve
George
Neil (asked)
Brian in Net