Over 30 Hockey League

Week of December 12 (Game 1) – Perhaps the end result was fitting for both teams still trying to establish their games and play with some consistency.  Shockwave jumped out to a two-goal lead but settled for a 2 – 2 tie against Olive Pits, as both teams earned a valuable point in the standings.

Right from the opening faceoff, Shockwave let their opponent know they had come to play.  With a strong 3-forward fore-checking plan on the defense, paid off quickly.  Forty seconds into the game, Mike Roberto benefited from the pressure by Pedro Fontes to score from the left circle with his first goal of the season.  Not letting up on the game plan, after some relentless fore-checking by pesky Dave Wilson (who had his running legs going all game) behind the net resulted in a loose ball out front that Sergio Costa put in the net for a two-goal lead.

After a scoreless second period that saw Shockwave continue to control this game, for some reason Shockwave started to sit back in their play instead of sticking to the game plan and keep fore-checking.  That mistake was the wake-up call that Olive Pits needed, led by their top player on defense Dave Costa who initiated another two-goal deficit comeback.  Three minutes into the third period, it was Dave Parquette taking a pass from Dave Costa to get their team back into this game.  As Olive Pits started controlling most of the play, with three minutes left in the game, Rick Cassano took a pass out front from Dave Costa to tie this game.

Overtime saw Shockwave ramp up the running game again and have the better of the play.  With three seconds to play in overtime, Dominic Defrancisco had the best chance to win it as he was fifteen feet straight out but his shot was saved by goalie Dave Guisti low stick side, robbing Dom and preserving the tie for his team, while Dom was shaking his head in disbelief (Dom just blame hanging around Tony Medeiros too much for your lack of finish!).

Week of December 12 (Game 2) – After blowing a two-goal lead last week resulting in their first loss of the season, Drama Queens came into this game motivated.  Unleashing a devastating scoring punch early in the game, scoring four unanswered goals, Drama Queens jumped out to a commanding lead, then held on for dear life to defeat Snow White by the score of 5 – 4.

In the first period, it was all Drama Queens as every shot they took in a two-minute span of time ended up in the back of the net.  Three minutes into the game, Don Maccini was set up out front by Ray Dow and Manny Nunes.  Thirty seconds later saw Joe Carlton stay hot and score set up by Tim Hickey.  A minute later, Ray converted a pass from Don out front that was followed up by Jamie Kehoe’s floater from the right point, set up by Don that eluded the goalie (a very mental tough start by Scott Rosato).  The consensus around the rink was this game was over!

Not so fast Snow White let it be known.  Three minutes into the second period saw the comeback start as Matt Farrell was set up by the passing of Ray Nickerson and Shawn Mulcahy.  Keeping the pressure on Drama Queens saw Chris Ducharme score at the buzzer off the cycling of John Kelleher and Nick Romano.

1st Star

Matt Farrell

Viewer Submissions

The PUTA Forum is our version of the National Enquirer.

Stories that are 33% truth, 33% fiction, 33% comedic take, and a 1% plausible deniability.

When people ask “Who writes the forum?”... the answer has never wavered over the years as we always reply... “The forum writes itself”

Some people like the forum, some take it personal and some don’t see the hidden messages that are riddled throughout weekly storylines..., and still some even like to complain about the weekly content.

So here’s an opportunity for anyone in the league to submit a story line, a rumor, an observation.., whatever you want to share through guaranteed complete anonymity to the readers

All you have to do is watch the games.., pick up on something comical, impressive or a key take away from the game and write a paragraph about it (and be creative).

We’ll take your storyline and include into a “Viewers Submission” section of the forum and you retain total anonymity.

Just keep it clean, respectful and if you want to include a relatable image or video we can upload that as well.

Jailbird

The top brass are encouraging the Referee’s to use their power of authority to start tossing players into the box for an unsportsmanlike penalty if they continue to complain about calls or berate the officiating.

Joking and friendly bantering is one thing.., but when it becomes excessive chirping the Referees can turn you into a 5-minute Jailbird.

In the words of one of the league officials.., “Just shut up and play the game”

If you have a problem with the officiating please following this simple chain of command to prevent yourself for sitting for 5-minutes.., Talk to your Captain and if your complaint merits a further conversation with the referee he will be the one to decide whether to elevate your concerns through his “C” or tell you to “just play the game”

Snooze Alarm

The two-time defending champions are playing a new style of hockey called “catch-up” as they continuously come out to a slow start and then are forced to play “catch-up” hockey.., and it’s not the fault of the award winning goalie Dave Guisti.., they are just a team of slow starters.

The last 2-games the Olive Pits must have been hitting their snooze alarm during the first 2-periods because they typically don’t wake up until the 3rd period.

They were down 2-0 going into the 3rd period for the past two games and both times forced the games into OT to at least steal a point and a much needed win.

More Superhero’s

Last week we referred to Dave Costa and Elder Lopes as a defensive pairing that was almost “superhero like” by logging major minutes in their fight against offesive attacks..

Well don’t look now but Jamie Kehoe and Donny Maccini are the top two defense leaders.., and that got us thinking.

Those two could be superhero’s too.., with just one “ambiguous” exception:

Ambiguous Defense?

Aside from Donny Maccini’s ambiguous sexuality.., we’re really confused about his hockey position.., is he a forward or a defenseman?

Resident Roadrunner “Speedy” Maccini is now looking more-and-more like a power forward than a slow easy mark on defense.

We’re just left wondering if it was Captain Jamie Kehoe’s decision.., or was Jamie reacting to a request from his goaltender Jake Brum to move him up?

No Celebration Needed

When he’s not burning marquee defenseman.., Donny Maccini is a bona fide goal scorer with his 1st goal of the season while playing forward.

Whether he’s a forward or a defenseman one thing you will not see from Donny is “excessive celebrations” after scoring a goal.

Like the cool side of a pillow.., Donny just hobbles his way back to the bench with minimal high-fives.., there’s no one-man kayaking, no snow angels, no shooting his glove out of the air and definitely no “YEEAAHH” going on.., if anything he looks a little aggravated about having to score and show the others how it’s done.

Youngest Dwarf

Snow White is a totally different team when Matt Farrell is in the line-up.., now that’s an obvious statement but the “Truth about the Youth” is when they have Matt Farrell, Jason Carrien (IR) and new comer Pedro Fontes all in the lineup.., they will be one of the toughest teams in the league.

Last week Matt went on a tear after his goaltender Scotty Rosato spotted the Drama Queens a 4-goal head start.., probably because Scotty bet a $100 on black to win by 2.

Down 4-0 only halfway in the 1st period it was looking like a Drama Queens blowout.., that is until Matt said enough is enough and started his journey towards an impressive hattrick against the top goaltender Jake Brum to become the Dunkin Donuts Player of the Week (despite the team loss).

Also out a $100 was goaltender Scotty who did not cover the spread with the 5-4 loss

Man Down

Though he may not know his nickname, Pedro Fontes learned first-hand why his teammate earned the nickname Gary “Stonehands” Goodwin last week.

Formally known as “The Curse”.., “Stonehands” earned his nickname for his aggressive style of play that accompanies his “soft scoring touch”.

“Stonehands” was an easier than his other nickname Gary “The Bull in a China Shop” Goodwin.

Last week Gary took out his own teammate with a stick to the face on rookie Pedro.., and since it was his own teammate there was no high-sticking penalty to be called.., even though Snow White Captain John Kelleher insisted they give Gary a penalty for his negligence.

The Reason Why?

Why was the biggest guy in the league Mike Surette so pissed off after his team won last week?

Was he mad because;

He missed an empty net goal in an attempt to ice the game.., that ended up being called icing instead.

He was mad at an icing call that he thought wasn’t icing.

He was mad because Captain Jamie Kehoe moved Donny “Speedy” Maccini up to forward and now Donny is getting all the press coverage, easy points and accolades.

All of the above

Italian Dedication

Casey Kasem here again fulfilling all you requests and dedications for your subliminal messages to teammates.

This week we got a letter from a frustrated captain that goes by the alias “The Great One”

Dear Casey,

I have an Italian right winger who has a reputation for constantly going offsides during an offensive attack. I’ve tried explaining my logic on attacking the offensive zone with him.., but while I’m talking to he’s thinking about pasta and cannolis.

So Casey can you please play a song that will help him get the message about not going offsides?

Thank you

“The Great One”

Orange you glad?

Hey Matty Iannello..,

Knock, knock!!

(Matty) Whose there?

Orange?

(Matty) Orange who?

“Orange you glad…,” that you had the week off and didn’t have to deal with offside calls, an unstable assistant Captain and your team is not in last place?

Referee’s Wanted

Attention Over-30 players the league is looking for some additional referees who want to spend their “Bye-week” refereeing.

Currently the league has 55-referees and (2) actual referees to oversee the weekly action. If you’re one of the players that thinks they can do a better job then step up and show us what you got.

Candidates should have the following qualifications:

• The ability to look in two different directions at once.
• The ability to accidentally hit the whistle and listen to every player in the game complain about it.
• Withstand the constant whining and complaining about how terrible the refereeing is.
• Get berated for something you didn’t see or observe.
• Make sure while watching 10-players running all around you you record the proper goals, assists and penalties.

Benefits include:

• No 401k
• No Insurance(s)
• Minimum Pay
• No Paid Vacation
• No Sick Pay
• Free Loaner Whistle

In other words.., if you think you can do a better then come on down you’re the next contestant on “I’m a better Ref than you!”