Championship Report (8/25/08)
The Blue FIn’s Bistro Hockey Team played in their first ever Championship against Labatt’s. Labatt’s finished in first place in the regular season. They lead the league in goals - with nearly 50 more than the closest team. They also have the top 4 scorers in the league for goals, assists, and points.
But the FIn’s were ready. No one was willing to let a season of hard work go unrewarded. All the glorius statistics meant nothing to the Fin’s….they only wanted to capture the last and most important statistic.
Just over a minute into the game, Labatt’s lit the lamp first on a goal that stunned the Fin’s. The Fin’s kept fighting with short shifts, high energy, and a ton of heart.
But Labatt’s scored two more goals early in the first period and with a 3 goal deficit, the Blue Fin’s composure started to slip through their fingers.
Dave ‘Big Ragoo’ Berent got his team right back in it when Mike ‘Steel Pecs’ Hofmeister fired a laser-like pass across the net. Berent snapped the puck in the net like Wonder Woman deflects bullets with her super bracelets. (Of course, the reference to Wonder Woman is in no way degrading to Dave, who is like some masculine super hero kind of guy who cooks fish and scores goals….and maybe even has an invisible jet.)
Still in the first period, Labatt’s scored their fourth goal to restore their 3 goal lead. (4-1) In the 2nd period, the game became much more physical. It was, by far, the most agressive game Labatt’s played and arguably the word ‘chippy’ was appropriate at many times.
Seven penalties were called in the second period, but the FIn’s could not take advantage. Ken ‘Scooby Doo’ Glanvile scored an unassisted goal in the 2nd period and again a comeback seemed attainable. (4-2) Labatt’s however, took advantage of a power play and the momentum swung back to Labatt’s. When they increased their lead to four goals, desperation started to set in for the Fin’s.
Leading the Fin’s on the ice, Stephen ‘Locomotive’ Tsotsoros skated as hard as he could for the entire game. Another notable performance was recorded by ’The White Shadow’ - Keith Locker. Recognizing the importance of the game, and the predicament his team was in - Locker assumed the unfamiliar role of drawing penalties - instead of committing them.
The Blue Fin’s scrambled in the 3rd period and never gave up. Labatt’s 7th goal (7-2) essentially iced the game and the championship. The Blue Fin’s played hard, but didn’t have the chemistry they enjoyed in the previous few games.
It was a great season. Here is your Blue Fin Bistro Hockey Team:
Captain Mike McGee - defines the word hustle on every shift - also a GREAT CAPTAIN
A. Captain Matt Pusteri - fast, fast, fast; wicked back-hand shot
A. Captain Mike Hofmeister - a natural goal scorer, and witty to boot
Adam Hoover - played one of his best seasons yet, he gets better every single game
Stephen Tsotsoros - he’s the only guy with an actual hockey last name. He led the team in scoring.
Dave Berent - sponsored the team, owner of Blue Fin’s Bistro - and is always a threat to use the fists
Mark Ross-unmatched eye-hand coordination, great poke checks, and by far the best locker room stories
Joe Moreschi - plays with heart and plays inspiring defense
Keith Locker - plays blue collar hockey - skates hard, hits harder
Wes Gyure - long time teammate, but subbed this season - plays tough D and also scores goals
Bob Cwikla - he’s fast, his legs never stop moving - he gets his own rebounds and scores a lot of goals
Dan Fahey - awesome defense, the other teams have trouble getting by him
Ken Glanville - no one else provides the emotional lift that Kenny does. he’s as fast as anyone on skates
E.J. Darisse - goalie - he is one of the very best goalies you’ll see on ice - C, BC, etc.
John Probasco - only guy to get booted from Blue Fins. he’s an afternoon delight - any time of the day
Bill Rusin - doesn’t like people with big noses