Over 30 Hockey League

Week of September 25 (Game 1) – After dropping losses in their first two games of the season, ReUnited made some lineup changes shaking things up. After controlling most of this game, while missing four players, ReUnited collapsed with five minutes to play and fell to Top Secret in a heartbreaking 4 – 3 loss.

Top Secret started off fast, as Doug Sedille scored an unassisted goal only forty-six seconds into the game; his first goal scored after a ten-year hiatus from the league.  Five minutes later, Rich Pelletier was the unlikely benefactor of a gift pass by the defense and buried his chance from the high slot, tying this game.

In the second period, ReUnited took control of this game.  Only forty seconds into the period, rookie Mike Duggan jumped up into the offense and scored his first-ever league goal on a highlight tic-tac-toe passing play by Matty Iannello and Ray Nickerson.  Four minutes thereafter, Rich scored his second goal off the feed of Matty and Ray.

In the third period that saw limited shots attempted by both teams, Top Secret made the most of their opportunities, scoring three unanswered goals, led by Matt Farrell.  With just over five minutes to play and heading to a loss, Doug stepped up and buried his chance off the passing of Matt and Joe Shannon.  Twenty-three seconds later saw Tim Hickey take advantage of a fortunate bounce tying up this game, assisted by Matt.  Looking like the game was heading to overtime suddenly changed with a minute and a half to play as Matt took a timely pass from about thirty feet out on John Mastrocola’s hustle and scored the game winning goal, sending ReUnited to their third straight loss.

Honored Guests (Week #3)

As we continue to pay tribute and honor our history.., four more “blasts from the past” made their way up to Hockeytown for a couple of ceremonial faceoff photos.

Former Referee George Hodgon put the stripes back on for his photos.., as it was great to see George after such a long hiatus (don’t be a stranger).  We might even let you referee from the chair you were in.., at least you won’t keep getting in the way like the other two refs on the dek.

Another Screw up (Part 1)

Well enquiring minds wanted to know and we have our answer as to why Ricky Cassano was on the top of the leader board but yet doesn’t have any stars? 

Turns out the season of “Wow”.., refers to; “Wow - another screw up”.

Apparently calls from within the Last Call organization were made to the Over-30 leagues front office to complain about the recorded stats. 

Sure enough Gino Tammaro’s points were recorded under Ricky’s name in the Excel spread sheet which means; “wow - someone screwed up again.”

The issue has since been resolved and we’re sorry that you thought Ricky was leading the league in points (and) sorry to Gino for not having your photo in the top spot (as you rightfully earned).

Another Screw up (Part 2)

After the Week #2 win for Last Call, Captain Dan Broderick was proclaiming he recorded his 500th assist. 

We’ll Dan.., don’t go celebrating at Encore just yet. 

Your assist was never recorded on the game sheet by either referee or the head statistician.., therefore it does not exist in the record books. 

You are another victim of poor stats recording.., or as Ray Nickerson likes to say “They Fu@#ed me again”

We’ve covered this issue extensively in previous forums.., the Referees are under Management Orders to keep the games moving along and will throw our any random numbers to the timekeeper. 

If you want to ensure you are properly credited. You need to speak up at the time of the goal.., otherwise like Dan, you’ll still be chasing that 500th assist.

For the record: We know Dan will “officially” break 500 with the team he has in front of him.., all he has to do is get the ball to Gino Tammaro (and not Ricky Cassano)

Catering

It seems some players think the Over-30 is catering to Matty Iannello when it comes to losing streaks.  Last season it was Jon Picard (for Mike Naczas) and this season after back-to-back blowouts to start the season ReUnited gets Mike Duggan (for Joe Conray).

The Over-30 League Director of Player Management wants to ensure that there is no collusion with “The Great One” and the only “Catering” by the Over-30 was on Week #1 when you got a free Gatorade.

Finally there is no truth to the rumor that if Reunited loses a 4^th straight that an email to Rob Sheridan will be sent inquiring about his playing status.

Immediate Impact 

Mike Duggan’s waiver signing had an immediate impact for ReUnited last week.  Mike who was drafted to play center on the second line was actually playing defense in the absence of Rob Valley and he (Duggan) even put them up X-1 with his first official goal to start his Over-30 career. 

However, that’s where the happiness ended as ReUnited (who was up 3-1) halfway through the 3rd period… lost 4-3 to a young Matt Farrell who picked the top corner on Scotty Rosato with 1:32 to play.

Positive take a ways from ReUnited’s 3^rd straight loss:

• First time you had the lead in a game
• You only lost by 1-goal
• Scott Rosato looked 100 times better
• Everyone makes the playoffs

Who’s the Captain?

This reporter is a bit confused on who is actually the Captain for ReUnited.

Recently defrocked “C” Matty Iannello was recently photographed taking the “Captains” spot during the George Hodgon ceremonial faceoff.., and we heard he was behind the Mike Delorey (to forward) and Mike Duggan (to defense) during a pre-game adjustment.

Which leads us to wonder… who is really in charge and who's the Captain?

Gaffe’d it up

Nice outlet pass Carlos Machado.., you almost won the $1 Gaffe of the Week prize for your “gaffe” pass to Rich Pelletier who collected your errant pass and immediately converted it into a goal.

The only reason you’re not scratching a $1 ticket is because Pat Pirone topped you with his even gaffe-ier “gaffe”… more on that later.

Obsolete

Thankfully we live in a world where camera film is all but obsolete.., just like Nick Doherty’s (second photo) is also now obsolete and thankfully we don’t have to waste any film keeping up with his “Patti Labelle hairstyles” – (google it, if you’re too young)

Nick went from wino.., to a good Samaritan.., to now looking like someone who would order a “Iced, Half Caff, Ristretto, Venti, 4-Pump, Sugar Free, Cinnamon, Dolce Soy Skinny Latte” from Starbucks (which is a real order)

Short

The Gold Miners came up “short” last week during their 4-1 loss to Loose Cannons.

But; the good news for the miners is they hit a “pocket of gold” with their new Logo & Number yellow shorts (courtesy of Todd Bryson) who delivered the shorts pre-game. 

Unfortunately Gary Goodwin was the only player not shy about changing on the bench as none of the other players donned the new shorts.  Look for an unveiling party this week.

The Gold Miners are the first team in league history to order matching logo shorts.., and the trend is catching on as ReUnited are the next team looking to place an order with Todd.  Will matching shorts help them win?  ~we’ll find out

Tribute Gaffe

It’s too bad it wasn’t “Steve Oppedisano Appreciation Night” last week because Pat Pirone would have paid Steve the ultimate tribute with his awkward falling backwards on his ass (from a pass) that literally hit him in the foot and knocked him over.

That play is single-handedly what the Mortimer & Randolph $1 “Gaffe of the Week” was created for.  So; good luck on your ticket Pat.., and watch out for more hot passes.

Still Not Vaccinated

Two weeks ago it was Manny Nunes… last week it was Nick Doherty.  Ironically it’s the same two players that were battling for the “2021 Déjà flu Season League Leader” when Manny (28) bested Nick (27) by just one lonely point.

This season neither player is taking any chances and are competing until the final buzzer of the 3^rd period is sounded (despite the score).

Up 4-1 with less than 45-seconds to play… any veteran of the league and the sport would just dump the ball low into the offensive corner, however Nick Doherty on a 2-on-1 was still trying to score on Jeff Deharo after a defensive breakdown and claims of his team “hanging him out to dry” in the weening minutes.

Manny and Nick… CVS is just three buildings down on the right after you turn right out of Hockeytown.  Go see the Pharmacist and tell them you both suffer from “Picardi-itis”.., being next to Hockeytown they know exactly what that is (and how to treat it).  Ask them for a vaccine booster shot to cure your Over-30 diagnosis.

Buzz Kill

Even one of the best women’s street hockey goalies in the world has a bad day at the office.., and we knew it wasn’t going to be good day when Ray Dow from accounting airmailed his expense report right over Sandra’s shoulder from behind his own white line.

In Sandra’s defense she was probably trying to make some last minute alterations to her size “31” prom dress when Ray’s shot caught her offguard. 

For you new (and newer) players it’s Sandra Glista not “Sandra Brum” as indicated by her black ballroom dress.  Most people have pretty BIG shoes to fill… this season Sandra has a pretty BIG jersey to fill, as she fills in for Jake Brum who is on indefinite IR.

However; don’t blame Sandra for the fall from the “Hot” team to a “Warm” team on the standings page. Blame Omerta goaltender Dave Giusti who was on fire last week stopping 24 of 25 shots and ending your undefeated season.

1972 Dolphins

What’s that sound… another bottle of champagne popping open for whoever is still alive from the 1972 Dolphins?

After Last Call’s loss last week… and as stated on page 4 of the commemorative booklet (last sentence on the page)… “No team has ever gone undefeated and won a championship”.

That’s one accomplishment we haven’t seen in 29-seasons and 57-championships.., and we don’t think we will ever see it.

That and Joe Shannon’s 35-Goals and 65-Points season will never be repeated.

Welcome Wagon

Paul Sequeira made his presence known last week in just his second Over-30 game with 2-goals including a breakaway goal to help end Last Call’s perfect season.

Normally Paul a 2-goal performance might get you in the running for one of the weekly awards.., but the committee award the Dunkin Donuts Player of the Week to Doug Sedille (who also had 2-goals)…, since we’re not sure if ole Doug will score another multi-goal game (so we had to take the bird in the hand) and award the iconic #16 with some free coffee.

But keep playing putting up numbers and you’ll either be drinking free coffee, eating a free cheeseburger.., or scratching another losing Mass Lottery ticket.

Schedule Reminder

Because of the 6th team and the winter holidays falling on Saturday(s).., we have to have (3) "Double Games Weekends" to keep the pace of our 15-games season.