Over 30 Hockey League

Week of March 26 (Game 1) – Both teams came into this game motivated.  Labatt Blues needed a win to keep pace with HABitual Complainers in the race for first place overall; while Consigliere needed a win to clinch that final playoff spot.  In the end, Labatt Blues jumped out to a quick lead in the first period and never looked back as they shutout Consigliere by the score of 7 – 0.

This game was the Anthony Lauletta and Shawn Miville highlight show as they both scored 2-goals in the first period, with Shawn adding 2 more goals in this game to pad his lead in the leading scorers’ race.  Gary Goodwin accounted for the other goal for Labatt Blues, while goalie Bill Gardynski Jr tied a personal best with his third shutout of the season.

Week of March 26 (Game 2) – With their 7 – 5 loss, Island of Misfit Toys were officially eliminated from the playoff race for the spring season, but not before they went down fighting and put a scare into HABitual Complainers.  Once again, the lack of consistent goaltending was their undoing, as the players gave everything they had on the rink for 30 minutes, but could not overcome their biggest team weakness.  For HABitual Complainers it was uncharacteristic of them to give up 5-goals in a game, but the desperate play of island of Misfit Toys dictated otherwise.

Five different players scored for HABitual Complainers with Tony Medeiros leading the way scoring 2-goals and adding 1-assist, followed by Joe Carlton’s 2-goals.  For Island of Misfit Toys, George Medeiros’ hustle all game paid off with 2-goals and 1-assist, while Shawn Wyatt and Sergio Costa each recorded 1-goal and 1-assist.

Week of April 2 (Game 1) – With a playoff spot assured, Consigliere could finally relax.  Yet, they were still in the midst of a three game losing streak and needed to turn their game around as they head into the playoffs.  This would have to wait as they were shutout for the second week in a row, losing to HABitual Complainers by a 3 – 0 score.

All the scoring that HABitual Complainers would need came in the first period as Dominic Defrancisco scored six minutes in, set up by Joe Carlton.  Twenty seconds later, Dominic returned the favor to set up Steve Medeiros for his first goal of the season with the other assist coming from Jim Barber.

In the second period, Joe added an insurance goal with just over a minute to play on a pass from Dominic to give HABitual Complainers a commanding lead.

Dominic was the best player on the rink in this game, his three zone play was fully on display, and he was the catalyst for his team’s victory.  Goalie Jeff Deharo recorded his first shutout of the season, but, Consigliere didn’t put up much of a fight with only 11 shots on net the entire game!  

Week of April 2 (Game 2) – Needing a win to remain tied with HABitual Complainers in the race for first place overall in the standings, Labatt Blues scored a goal in each period while playing solid defense in shutting down Broken Promises, 3 – 1.

Mark Stickney scored the game’s first goal in close at the end of the first period, set up by Ray Dow and Walter Maslak.

Five minutes into the second period, Shawn Miville scored on a bomb from the left wing that the goalie had no chance on as he was set up by Mark and Dan Broderick.

In the third period, John Kelleher scored for Broken Promises making this a game with five minutes to play; however, Shawn scored an open net goal to seal the win and set up the showdown game next week.

Last Digs

This is it… the last P.U.T.A. Forum of the 2016 Spring Season. 

We end all the “Trash Talk” and let the players and teams focus on what’s important and playing the best (2) games of your season (if) you want to be a champion.

Before we ride off into the sunset on the back of another successful “Trash Talk” season, we still have a few parting shots.

TBT or TBS

Facebook has TBT (Throw Back Thursday)… The Over-30 League is going to coin the phrase TBS (Throw Back Saturday) for this Saturday only.

For years now we have heard about Mike Naczas and the time he played goalie and shut “The Stoneham Reckers” out.   It’s been one of Mike’s long lasting claims to fame.  Tune in this Saturday as Mike will replace Billy Gardynski Sr in net for the last meaningless game of the season. 

For Mike, he will either continue the mythical legend and keep his GAA at 0.00… or, he’s going to get his doors blown off and the only “0” in the score will be his “10” – 5 Loss.

We hear that Billy & Jimmy Connell along with Larry Russell are signing a one-day redemption contract with Broken Promises while a few of the other Reckers will get a “One Day Pass” from the Senior Center to come cheer on Broken Promises and Booooo Naz in net for Island of Misfit Toys.

However, (if) and mean “if”… Mike shuts out Broken Promises will he be eligible for the Goalie of the Month Award, and can he present himself with the Dunkin Donuts Player of the Game?

Wing”Ah”

Jeff Foxworthy thinks you might be a “Redneck” if you “Own a house that is mobile and five cars that are not”… well for Pat Pirone, you might be a “Bostonian” if when calling for a line change you refer to yourself as a “Wing-Ah”

Pat was gassed, gasping and waddling to his bench yelling for a “Wing-Ah… Wing-Ah”. 

We’re not sure if Pat needed a change or he was calling in an order at Buffalo Wild Wing-Ah’s.

Hey Twerps!!!

Hey Twerps!!!  Yeah you… The Mastrocola Brothers.  Part of “Failing” the “Pink Stick Bag Challenge” is actually using the “Pink Stick Bag” to store your failed sticks in. 

It’s not a decoration for home… it’s a symbolic part of the challenge that you two failed.   So someone better be carrying it this Saturday for the last game of the season.

Oh, and because Dan Broderick blew hit challenge out of the water… you two get to carry in for another season (or until you get the honor of passing it).  Ask Jim Barber about that.., he carried it for 3-seasons.

No “C” for you

Seinfeld’s “Soup Nazi” said it best when he said “No Soup for you... Come back one year”

For Over-30 Captains Scott Young and Matty Iannello they are facing the same fate… “No C for you... Come back one year”.

For Scotty is simple… A leader needs to be present to lead and playing in only 5-games during a 12-game season is not very Captain worthy.  As previously mentioned Scotty will transition to an “A” for “Absent”

For the former “Great One”… Going 1-11 isn’t going to cut it for the declining leader. 

In recent years Matty has twisted his ankle (Been Called Fat Matt).., Lost the “Pink Stick Bag Challenge”.., Relinquished his scoring title domination to Shawn Miville (twice).., and hasn’t won a championship since 2012 when the “Big 3” were still relevant

Don’t worry… we’ll find you Stray Captains a suitable lovable home where you can just focus on your playing ability and not your leadership.

Playoff match-ups TBD

Even though there are two regular seasons games left to finish the 2016 Spring Season… one has meaning and one is going to be a sideshow.

HABitual Complainers vs Labatt Blues in a winner take all for 1^st place… and what many speculate is preview for another rematch for the Championship game… while Broken Promises vs Island of Misfit Toys focus will be in the net minding area (and we don’t mean Scotty Rosato’s).  Bring beer, bring popcorn and if you have a vuvuzela, bring that too and watch Mike Naczas try and repeat history (or make it).

Lauletta… French for;

Turns out “Lauletta” is French for “Lob Wedge”… Either that or Anthony Lauletta keeps his Hockey Sticks in his golf bag.

After Anthony shanked and we mean shanked a shot into the netting 10-ft above the goalie, he was witnessed doing what all players typically do after missing… looking at the blade of his stick.

If you “don’t hate the player, hate the game”… then “don’t blame the stick, blame the player”.

Rule #66

In the history of the Over-30 league there are times when a player's behavior, mannerisms, personality or playing style dictates that a new rule be created and incorporated into the league.  Such was the case with Pat Pirone and the "excessive digging” at the goalies glove for the ball after a whistle... or the Manny Nunes "diving and embellishment”.., or Scott “El Baby” Young and the "excessive deliberations” with the referees in explaining a call. 

We can now add to this list with the new John Colucciello Rule #66.

Rule #66a:  If a player takes longer than 5-seconds to move into the faceoff circle for a faceoff said player will be thrown out for the draw and replaced with another player.

Rule #66b:  Any player who publically displays the male version of the Jane Fonda Workout during the pre-game warmup featuring meaningless arm twirls of the stick, cross body arm bar stretching, prone back stretching and other “gay-esk” exercises will subject his team to a 1-minute bench minor.

Rule #66c:  Any player who continues to try making those “no look” behind the back passes that simply never work will be given a 1-minute minor penalty for showboating.  This will also apply to self passes off the back of the net.

Rule #66d:  Any player wearing #66 is not allow to complain about Rule #66

The Nominees Are:

Last week of the season and there’s still a lot up for grabs

• 1^st place and 2^nd place are still undecided
• Goalie Award (very close)
• Season MVP
• Individual Awards

This is you last week to impress the judges and get some last minute votes… It’s also your last chance to send a few messages before the playoffs, so we offering up a few challenges to some key players;

1^st and 1^st Runner up: Still undecided who will claim 1^st and move on to play Consigliere in the first round.  It’s winner take all between HABitual Complainers and Labatt Blues.  This is a statement game for both teams.

Leading Goalie Award:  Another tight race between Jeff Deharo and Billy Gardynski Jr.., with Jeff scheduling a “business trip” and conveniently missing the last game of the season (again), can his absence help him lock up another controversial title?

However, if Billy Gardynski Jr can post a shutout (or allow only “One” goal against the HABitual Complainers, Billy can swoop in and claim sole possession of the glass prize. 

Anything greater than “one” goal and Jeff celebrates another title from his Las Vegas Hotel room.

Season MVP:  Weeeellll… we really can’t disclose whose names are being considered because it’s a very-very tight race.  But, if you’re reading this and thinking that you might be one of the candidates, you’re probably right and better end your regular season playing one of your best games.  All positions have a potential MVP candidate (Forwards, Defense and Goaltending) so bring your “A” game and perhaps it will be you next week when they announce… “This year’s 2016 Spring Season MVP is… (You?)”

Individual Awards:  Another category where we can’t disclose the nominees, but we can say that a lot more players are being considered for this award over the Season MVP award, so again this is your last week to impress the judges.

Individual Player Challenges:

• Dominic DeFrancisco – You’re out of the running for the Leading Scorer, but you have an opportunity to prove to the league that you are a great assist leader and make the players around you better.  With no Tony Medeiros you’ll have to prove yourself and set-up the other players around you.
• Dom’s Challenge:  Less scoring and more assisting… Help your Captain.

• Jim Barber – With Tony not playing this is your time to step up and score more than one damn goal this season.
• Jim’s Challenge:  Score a goal or two

• Shawn Miville – Congrats on locking up another Leading Scorer Award… your challenge is what we are calling the “Dateline 20/20 Challenge”.  Finish the season with 20-Goals and 20-Assists.  You need 3-Goals and 4-assists
• Shawn’s Challenge:  Score 3-Goals and 4-assists

• Billy Gardynski Jr – You already read about it
• Billy’s Challenge:  Keep it under one!

• Ray Dow – Playing and learning from the best and having the privilege of being part of a defensive pairing with a “Hall of Fame Legend”… It’s time to put that JEDI Training to good use and finish the season with a couple more points and perhaps be the first recipient of the Mike Hollingsworth Defenseman Award.
• Ray’s Challenge:  Make history and win the first ever Defenseman Award

• Mauro Colucciello – You’ll be facing a “Fill-in” goalie next week… It will be a perfect opportunity to score a couple of goals and make you season total a “Prefect Ten”
• Mauro’s Challenge:   Score “two for ten” and we’re not talking about joints

• Scotty Rosato – Tough season for the former #1 goalie, however you are solidly in 3^rd with just 29 Goals Against.  The only thing you are missing is a Shutout.
• Scotty’s Challenge:  End the season with a Shutout and give Broken Promises some momentum going into the playoffs

• Nick Romano – 12-Goals and 3-Assits… why don’t you work on your passing game.  Everyone knows you’ll shoot from anywhere, but show us you can pass too. 
• Nick’s Challenge:  Try doubling your assist total and record 3-assists and zero goals.

• Jeff Deharo – Sit back and wait for the text
• Jeff’s Challenge:  Enjoy Las Vegas… visit the Lion Den at MGM, hit the World Buffet at the RIO, and Say Hi to Rick and the boys at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.

• Bill Abcunas – Do your job “Every” week and stop stealing points
• Bill’s Challenge:  Right the wrong

With all that Said…

This concludes our regular scheduled program and we look for to the Spring 2016 Playoffs… but before we go we wanted to congratulate the following players on the pending retirement after this season.

Congratulations and good luck to: