Thursday, December 29, 2011

Mychalchuk pots " 5" in 8-2 win over Action...

The "Free Agent Frenzy" continues as Swan River Action owner/player Walter "Wallet" Lepholtz's quest for the perfect roster is stymied once again. Icing a full lineup, Action had no less than 10 new 'Hired Guns" and it appears Lephotlz , who over the years has signed more free agents than the late George Steinbrenner, will continue the carousel until a bonafide contender emerges. Running with eight skaters, (the oh to familiar two D, six forwards combination,) CU showed a most impressive blend of defensive play and dangle, leading them to a convincing 8-2 victory. Rock solid net-minder Mike" The Wall" Smith, held free wheelin Action forwards Wayne Bass and Jeff Riddell at bay all evening.
The Wall
Rookie sensation Clayton "Freight Train" Mychalchuk continued his current scoring streak by wearing out the twine an impressive five times. The rookie was all smiles post game, "I haven't scored this many goals in a game since playing for famed coaches Toefil Sagert and Lloyd Jones back in wee wee!" Playing on a line with veteran forwards Jeff "Nifty" Knight and Rob "Blogmeister" McDonald, the young rookie found himself being spoon fed all evening. Turning back the hands of time, McDonald and Knight aka "The Give and Go Brothers", completed not one but two Tic-Tac-Toes , reminiscent of their early glory days with the club.
Freight Train
On the backend, Darren "Muggsy" Mullin was a solid +6, despite routinely having to cover for his "wandering" defence partner.
Muggsy
"I'm a wanderer, a wanderer, I getta around, and round and round !"

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Annual Christmas Red vs White Classic..

Kevin "Special K" Kopecky was the latest member to be inducted into the exclusive "40 year old" club. Making the presentation on behalf of the Credit Union Hockey Club was veteran defense-man Craig "Zdeno" Zamzow.
Coming off a big 11-5 victory over the Valley Outlaws, CU held it's annual Red vs White Christmas Classic. Honorary team captains and elder statesman Brian Minish and Barry Eggie had the dubious job of drafting teams. After a grueling 45 minute high tempo, end to end affair, Eggie's team Red made a miraculous come from behind win to secure this years cup. With many former standout alumnus in action, the game was not short of a little "Old Time" hockey... setting the bar high, Eggie lead Team Red with four goals and three assists. Although unable to attend,(enjoying the fruits of his recent contract signing), Garrett "Big Country" Watson reassured management that he would go easy on the egg nogg this holiday season and continue his twice/day work outs. Click on the above link for the official press release.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Gritty Game ends in 5 - 5 Draw...

The fourth meeting between CU and their cross town rivals Swan River Raiders was a feisty, fast skating affair. The game featured not one , but two sets of brothers donning the rouge, blanc, and grise. On loan from the Everett Silver Tips, Evan "Relax" Morden, joined his younger sibling Riley "The Grin" on the CU back end. Suffering from jet lag , bus legs, and some of momma's home cooking, the older Morden struggled all night to find his legs.



Accompanying  Garret "Big Country " Watson on the right side, younger sibling Kurtis " Little Country" provided a key goal early in the game. With the Raiders controlling the play early, the younger Watson intercepted a clearing pass, walked in over the blue line, wired a screen shot that found the back of the net.

With the lead changing hands on  every shift, CU sniper Jeremy Gray went top shelve not once , but twice, to give CU a two goal lead.  The Raider Nation quickly tied the game and then went up two. Robbed by a fantastic glove save by Raider tender Warren "Catcher" Clark early in the game , defense men Craig " Straight Blade" Zamzow scored on a greasy back hand to put CU within one. Stepping up to the plate yet again, Gray completed the hat trick, tying the game late. Pressing  for the win, Clayton "Spice" Mychalchuk found himself in the middle of a" blue paint special " as the buzzer sounded. Recounting the evenings action, the "Brothers in Arms " enjoyed a cold one, preparing for a tilt with the Outlaws on Wednesday night.

Little and Big Country

The Brother's Grin

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Zamzow, Mychalchuk, shine with "Wing Night" on the Line...

CU gave the Minitonas loggers an early Christmas gift to the tune of a 15-3 licken.  The home coming was especially sweet for Minitonas's other prodigal son, as smooth skating rookie center-men Clayton "Hot and Spicy" Mychalchuk did not disappoint. Playing his edgiest game of the season, Mychalchuk not only let his physical presence be known, but also turned the "Trick".


Playing up front for the game, Craig "I thought I was the Wing King" Zamzow had his best offensive outing since the Hornets cut him 13 years ago. Scoring four goals , one of which would have surely put him into the "Top 10".... Zamzow seemed to have found the touch, not only around the net, but had no problem going toe to toe with Mychalchuk around the wing table!



Garret " Big Country" Watson, playing in his first game since inking  his contract, kept his scoring streak alive. Unnamed sources have speculated that the strapping power forward has been leading a double life. Unconfirmed reports have the lofty center-men feeling quite comfortable in the kitchen. With the annual CU skate and Christmas potluck just around the corner, big things may be expected of the rookie.



Randy "Red Line" Matieka, making his season debut, played the 1-3-1 system to an absolute "T". Struggling to find his legs and lungs, Matieka set up office on the oppositions blue line. Nice to have ya back Cherry Picker!!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Smith Outstanding in 7-2 win...

It took less than one game for premiere puck stopper Micheal Smith to regain his all star form. Smith was near perfection, shutting down the high Flying Kenville offense at every opportunity. Flyer young guns, Bray "Back Door" Mullin, "Dangling" Darren Miller, and "Jacked Up" Jared Penner, were repeatedly robbed by Smith. Swan Valley AA Midget Stampeder call up, Ryan "Abs" Cable, providing a little offense, lead all CU scorers with a pair. Jeremy " Jack Pot" Gray continues to have his way with opposition goaltenders. On  a current six game run, the "Hands of Butter" right winger produced yet another two goal game performance.

Abs

Add caption
It's official,  rookie sensation Garrett " Big Country " Watson has been offered a contract, after what can only be described as a very impressive four game try out. The six foot four power forward averaged a point a game, and has become very comfortable at either playing down the middle or flanking the wall. It was suggested by current team president Blaine "Soup" Campbell, that the eager young forward may want to try to get a few tips from former CU draw master Ryan "Cowboy" Keown. Rounding out the scoring for CU were Wade "The boy has my touch", Cable and Jeff " Nifty" Knight!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

CU blow 2 goal lead...AGAIN !

An uncharacteristic shaky start by all-star tender Mike "Smitty" Smith and some questionable play making by defense Craig "Give it Away" Zamzow helped the Silver Seven skate to a 7-6 win. It took less than a minute for the Seven to draw first blood, when Smith  misjudged  a sharp angled shot that caught him short side.


 A see-saw battle that saw the lead change hands countless times, eventually saw the Silver Seven hang on to record the win. An errant pass onto the tape of a defender by Zamzow , quickly turned into a 3 on 0 , with the Seven capitalizing.  Looking for some redemption on the following shift, the normally smooth-skating  Zamzow, who on most nights embodies everything an offensive defense man should be... 
lightning fast, a skilled play-maker ?, a booming shot and savvy, yet still able to defend his team's zone by employing blinding speed, went end to end not once but twice, evening the score. 




Extending his scoring streak , Jeremy "OT Kid" Gray added two to keep the game close. Singles by Warren "Wheels" Gray and Garrett "Big Country" Watson were still not enough as CU fell just short once again on the comeback. Although held off the score sheet, power forward Kevin "Special K" Kopecky seemed to have found his stride. Entering the twilight of his career, the ageing winger appears to have  all injuries and equipment issues behind him. CU will be counting on him to regain the scoring touch that once had him as one of the leagues premiere scorers.




Sunday, December 4, 2011

The "Buck" stops here...

Snapping a two game losing streak, CU tagged the Mighty Bucks 5-3 Sunday night at the Centennial Arena.  Rookie sensation Clayton "The Spice" Mychalchuk, broke a two game scoreless streak by netting a pair. Relying on his break away speed, and foregoing  his defensive responsibilities, Mychalchuk finally capitalized on  two of his numerous breakaways. 

The Spice
The defensive trio of Darren "Mugsy" Mullin, Craig"Zdeno" Zamzow and "Black Jack" Blaine Campbell played a near flawless game. Limiting the end to end rushes and pinch ins, the back end provided goaltender Mike "Smitty " Smith with more than enough support to secure the victory.  Rounding out the scoring were Jeremy "OT Kid" Gray, Pat "Crash Morden and Rob "Blogmeister" McDonald. Unconfirmed sources have Brian "The Thrill " Gilroy being reactivated from the IR list in time for CU's Wednesday night tilt with the Silver Seven. Time will only tell.
 

Thursday, December 1, 2011

CU lose 7-6 to the Swan River Raiders...

The losing streak continues for CU, as lack of defensive responsibility continues to plague the front end. Continuing to give up early leads, CU found themselves playing catch up once again. The Raiders  opened up a 2 goal lead, and carried it into the second period. CU sniper and current team scoring leader Jeremy "  Jack Pot " Gray, started a stirring comeback by scoring two quick goals to even the score. On the ensuing shift, the shifty right winger completed the hat trick giving CU it's first lead of the game.

Jack Pot
Chris " Count on me" Zamzow, seeing action for only the second time this year, scored what was thought to be the insurance goal, providing CU with a 2 goal cushion late into the game. 

Count on Me 
A shift that  forwards  Pat "Crusher" Morden and Rob " Blogmiester" McDonald would soon like to forget, saw the relentless Raiders score three unanswered goals  to take a one goal lead.  With 30 seconds left, a somewhat confused CU bench managed to pull their goalie but failed to add the extra attacker. With time expiring, a dejected CU team headed to  the dressing room .
Joining IR listed player Brian "The Thrill" Gilroy in the press box, healthy scratch defensemen Craig "Zdeno" Zamzow  viewed the game as a  minor set back. " It's pretty obvious we have a lot of work to do in our own end, would  be kinda be nice to see a few more Red Jerseys  inside our own zone, did Munro just get back from a vacation, he looked a little sun/wind burned after filling my shoes on the blue line. " 



CU will try to get back on track when they face the Mighty Bucks this Sunday evening. 



Wednesday, November 23, 2011

CU go 1-1 in back to back games!

CU opened the first of back to back games with a 5-4 win over the Valley Outlaws. Being out shot 2-1, CU goaltender Mike"Smitty" Smith was simply outstanding between the pipes.

Smitty

Capitalizing on their limited scoring chances, recent midget call up Ryan "Ribs" Cable lead all scorers with a pair. Jeremy "OT Kid" Gray, Clayton "Hot and Spicy" Maychalchuk and Rob "Blogmeister" McDonald added singles. McDonald, not known for either his soft hands or goal scoring abilities, pancaked a delicate back hand over a somewhat shocked Outlaw net minder for the winner. A strong defensive outing by the trio of Brian "Magic Man" Minish, Garret "Big Country" Watson, and Darren "Mugsy" Mullin, especially in the final minutes, held the Outlaw onslaught at bay, securing the victory.

The second game in as many nights saw CU face a much improved Silver Seven squad. After spotting the Silver Seven a 4-0 lead, the CU comeback started with an end to end rush from Riley " The Grin" Morden with just seconds remaining in the first period.

The Grin

The brothers Gray got things going in the second, scoring a goal  apiece, to close the gap to one. Unfortunately John "The Franchise" Pasternak poke checked Warren Gray, tiptoed around a startled Craig Zamzow and on the ensuing rush the Silver Seven salted a 5-3 victory.
Rumour has the arena staff still trying to locate CU defense men Darren "Mugsy" Mullin's jock, after having numerous undressings at the hands of slippery Silver Seven  forward Dave "Magic Hands" Chamberlain.

Mugsy


The game also marked the season debut of Chris "Crackin" Zamzow and saw Kevin " Special K" Kopecky activated from the IR list. Paired together with Mark "Mini" Munro on the second line, the trio played well defensively, but were held scoreless. Forced to leave the game early with a reoccurring elbow injury, Zamzow was quick to comment on the play of his line mate , " Kopecky better lay off the Italian food, it looks like he has lost a half dozen steps since his glory days with the Hornets!"  Kopecky offered his thoughts " The ribs felt fine, however my back is a bit sore after having to carry my left winger all night, good thing he plays only twice a year, with his hangnail injury and all!"
CU's next game has them hosting the Swan River Raiders this Wednesday at 10:00 pm.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

10-9 ... CU hang on in the " Race to 10! "...

Still feeling the "after effects" of drinking from the "Roblin Hounds Chalice", CU threw all defense to the wind  as they went toe to toe in a race to ten with the Minitonas Loggers. Icing seven skaters, and  relying on standout free agent  net minder  Darren "Better make that a Triple tonight Boys!" Fedorchuk, CU manged to hang on to a 10-9 victory over a very fast skating Logger squad.


Rounding out the trio of d-men, versatile power forward Pat "Crusher" Morden saw action on the blue-line for the first time this year. Not sayin CU defense was of biblical proportions, but if Morden took the role of Moses, he more than once lead in the parting of the "Red Sea" as the Loggers threaten to tie late in the game,   falling  just short of a monumental come back.



Sniper Jeremy "Jake " Gray continues his scoring streak , adding yet another hat trick , while standout rookie Clayton "Hot and Spicy" Mychaluk responded with three of his own. Also scoring were Blaine "Soup" Campbell with two,while singles went to Mark "Mini" Munro and Rob "Blogmeister" McDonald. 


The IR list still has Brian "The Thrill" Gilroy listed as day to day with a high ankle sprain, and Kevin "McRibs" Kopecky indefinite with an upper body injury. CU heads down Highway 10  Tuesday evening to face the Valley Outlaws  in the comfy confines of the Minitonas Polar Dome.


Sunday, November 13, 2011

9-4 Semi -final win over Roblin Bullets... 14-3 Final..

CU continued their offensive onslaught, once again they registered nine on the score sheet.The line of Harness, Knight, and Mychalchuk responded with a five goal performance, while Warren "Wheels " Gray lead all scorers with a hat trick. The victory secured CU a spot in the " A" final against a young Flyer Squad from Kamsack.

With over 3 plus hours to burn until game time, CU found themselves once again in the comfy confines of the Roblin Motor Inn. Faced with the daunting task of Pizza , Nachos, and some live entertainment as a pre-game meal and nap,CU  felt a quiet confidence building heading into the championship game.  Quelling all rumors that "he may not play in the A Final", import sniper Pat "Hardcore" Harness reassured CU Brass that all was well, he was playing the A final ,and that his wife wished him and the team best of luck !
Jumping out to a quick 5-0 lead, CU had the young Flyer's reeling to put a plug in to stop the bleeding. With the score 7-0, the Flyers scored two quick goals and appeared to be on the verge of a comeback. A key icing  by team President and standout defense man Blaine "Soup" Campbell settled the bench down, and CU  skated to a 14-3 win. Following the trophy ceremony, club treasurer Craig "Zdeno" Zamzow holding true to tradition, passed the cup for all to drink to the sweetness of victory!



CU Hockey Club "Drink from the Cup!"

CU went 3-0 to capture the first annual Roblin Hounds Men's Rec Hockey Tournament.  With a 9-1 victory over the Inglis Stingers in their opening game, scoring came early and often. The line of Patrick "Hardcore" Harness, Jeff "Knifty " Knight and Clayton "Hot and Spicy" Mychalchuk scored deuces apiece, accounting for six of the nine goals. Harness, on loan from the Valley Outlaws, recorded a record 22 shots on goal while Mychalchuk was a close second with 20. Failing to pick up his check on a seemingly harmless dump in, Mike "Smitty" Smith's  shut out  bid was broken with only minutes left. Also scoring were Brain "Magic Man" Minish with two, and Jeremy "Jake" Gray with a single.





Post game carb and protein replenishing to the tune of 140 plus wings courtesy of the Roblin Motor Inn had the  all star goaltender all but forgetting his save pct. of  842.




Wednesday, November 9, 2011

CU rip Action 9-3...

Bolstering a surprisingly full squad of 12 skaters, CU skated to a convincing 9-3 win over Swan River Action. The scoring slump that has dogged CU sniper Jeremy "OT Kid" Gray appears to be over.  Regaining his infamous scoring  touch, Gray responded by  tallying a Hattie and assisting on two others.

Jeremy "OT Kid" Gray




Keeping the scoring streak alive, veteran forward Brian "Magic Man" Minish continued his assault on the team scoring lead by knocking in two. Blaine "Soup" Campbell also dented the twine twice,while singles went to Pat "Crash " Morden and Mark "Mini" Munro. 

Mark "Mini" Munro
The Injured Reserve list appears to be getting smaller, as the past two games marked the return of diminutive CU forward  Rob " Sizzlin" McDonald. Asked if he thought McDonald was rushing his return, CU president and 3 time league  all-star  Blaine Campbell offered these thoughts. "Well, he was having trouble keeping up to the play, he didn't catch a pass or register a shot on net, and he seemed to be  able to turn only one way. I'd have to say he is 100% fully recovered!"

Rob "Blogmeister" McDonald

Still listed as day to day are defense men Kevin "Special K" Kopecky and Craig "Zdeno" Zamzow.  CU's next action has them attending the first annual Roblin Hounds Fall Classic Tournament this weekend.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Raiders win 6-5...


Facing a full “Raider Nation” of 14 plus skaters, CU ‘s  8 skaters  fought gallantly , but could not hang on , succumbing to a 6-5 defeat.  Mike “Smitty “ Smith was stellar between the pipes, handling  more rubber than a guidance counsellor at an all-girls prep school. 


The brothers Gray, reunited upfront for the first time this season, were an offense threat all evening.  Elder sibling Warren “Wheels “ Gray , lead all scorers with a “Hattie”, two  of which were gifts from younger brother Jeremy . 

 Garrret  “ The Grain Buyer” Watson, playing in his second consecutive game for the rouge blanc and grise , although  held  scoreless, played a strong defensive game.



Nursing the effects of a “long day at the curling club”, stalwart d-man Blaine “El Presidente” Campbell, still managed to log 60 minutes. Frustrated with the forwards floating around center ice, Campbell was heard commenting between gasps, “Stay on the fucking boards Mini, on the fucking boards!”


Making his season debut, “Dancing” Danton Ashcroft was also searching the bench for oxygen. Playing alongside Campbell for the entire game, the young defensemen potted his first goal of the season despite coughing a lung.
This loss to the Raiders evens the season series at a game apiece. 

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Ramsey Downholer's Pilot to air...

This just off the Ramsey Downholer's website, they appear to have an air date set for their pilot; Saturday December 17 at 7:30 pm on CityTv in Canada. For those of you unfamiliar here is a little taster of what they offer on their Website. This could possibly be the funniest set of videos that I have seen in a very long time. Set up as a reality based series, it takes you inside a "Beer League" team. You will find a link to their website under our favorite links side bar . Check it out fellows, it is f*#cking Hilarious..


 

CU clip Flyer's wings 6-3...

SVCU doubled up on a young and feisty Kenville Flyer hockey club 6-3 last Wednesday evening. Still feeling the effects of hosting the “Halloween Extravaganza of the Century”, the experience and patience of the “Red Machine”, proved to be too much for the young Flyers to handle.



Former CU free agent goaltender Darren “Make mine a double” Fedorchuk was outstanding between the pipes for the Flyers. Keeping the game close, Fedorchuk proved to CU Brass that he still has the" magic" that lead CU to the “B” championship last spring.


With an IR list longer than most teams’ rosters, CU was forced to call up local boy turned “Grain Buyer” Garrett Watson for a three game stint. Boasting a lineage to famed CU goal scorer Barry “Bulls-Eye” Watson, the young commodities broker did not disappoint.  Potting his first 2 goal game since squirts, Watson played an instrumental role in the team’s victory. 


Defying father time yet again, Brain “Magic Man” Minish continued hie scoring streak with  two, while singles went to Wade “Jumper” Cable and Warren “Wheels” Gray.  With defensive partner  Craig “Zdeno” Zamzow still listed as day to day with an “Upper body “injury, Gray took it upon himself to perform those all too familiar “ Up the Middle” passes that  never seem to make the right colour jersey.


Making his 2011 debut, club patriarch Barry “Shooter “ Eggie reassured Minish that yes, all arena staff have been trained in the use of the “portable defibrillator machine” and John has promised  that at least one would be in attendance at all CU home games.
Scoring woes continue for CU sniper Jeremy “OT Kid” Gray. It has been rumoured that the elite right winger was bribing teammates to trade sticks with him, and was even considering switching hitting to left handed . Always one to offer words of encouragement to struggling teammates, 3 time all-star Mike “Smitty” Smith was quick to quip “ Man , you would think Jake being club treasurer and all, he’d be able to at least buy a Fucking Goal !"


CU ‘s next action is this Sunday night when they tangle with cross town rivals Swan River Raiders.