| "Smiling Pete Lodi" Pink Stick Bag Challenge |
The Pink Stick Bag Challenge came into existence during a conversation between the League Director and Jim Barber for a fresh new idea, during the summer of 2012. The focus of the conversation revolved around Jim’s hockey game and his offense (or lack thereof). Yes, he always had the speed, but, could he produce goals on his own when it mattered? This was the motivating factor in creating this challenge. To provide even more incentive to Jim and generate conversation, the pink stick bag was born. Based on the legendary smiling Pete Lodi who was the first-ever, and only player in the Over-30 league, to carry all his sticks in a stick bag. Even though Pete was very limited to no offensive talent and skill, he made up for it with a fashion statement.
The challenge was based on a historical statistical summary of the challenger’s personal stats (goals or points) over a five year period (ten seasons), broken down into an average total per season. From this average the challenger’s final number was determined as the number to be achieved.
Lose this challenge and you would have to live with shame of carrying the pink stick bag, as well as wear the mandatory (and visibly showing) item of pink! Win this challenge and you could still walk away with your dignity intact. Adding fuel to the fire, each winner or loser of this challenge would be further recognized by having to wear a patch on their team shirt signifying that you either “passed” or “failed” this challenge. This patch has to be worn for one full year.
Please see below the various losers and winners of this challenge over the years with their weekly summary of production (or lack thereof):
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| Challenger # 12 - Ray Dow |
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| Its a sad day in the Dow family seeing this, especially dad Dirty Dick Dow |
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The 12th challenger to take the Pink Stick Bag challenge is Ray Dow.
Ray needs to achieve the following to pass this challenge:
5-goals scored
Pass the challenge and win a $50 Gift Card… along with a “PASSED” patch for your jersey Ray just like Dan Broderick, Scott Young, Tony Bono, Angelo Deluca and Nick Romano.
Fail and like many who have failed before you… carry the Pink Stick Bag for an entire year and get a “FAILED” patch for your jersey, like Jim Barber, Matty Iannello, Tony Medeiros, Tony Mastrocola, John Mastrocola and Naz.
For those of you who are counting, here are the game by game weekly running totals for Ray’s chase for pink stick bag infamy.
|
| GAME |
SHOTS |
GOALS |
HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME |
| 1 |
2 |
0 |
Ray yeah that Jofa helmet doesn't fit your game and obviously doesn't help your scoring abilities either. Time to lose that helmet Spanks.
|
| 2 |
4 |
0 |
Ray just like we told Nicky before you that assists do not count in your pink stick bag challenge. C'mon Spanks, time to step up.
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| 3 |
3 |
0 |
Looking more like Petey the Dog at this point of the season than Spanks. Let's go Spanks time to dial it up!
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| 4 |
3 |
1 |
Better late than never Spanks. Question is will this jump start his goal production?
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| 5 |
3 |
0 |
Spanks on a 5-on-3 power play when someone gives you a pass for a wide open shot, you ALWAYS take that shot, and NEVER EVER pass it!
|
| 6 |
6 |
1 |
Finally we got to see some desperation hockey out of Spanks that paid off with another goal. We won't mention anything about how it was a flutterball knuckler that went in.
|
| 7 |
0 |
0 |
Did not play
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| 8 |
2 |
0 |
As Spanks heads into his bye week and the last rotation playing all the other teams, Naz is getting that pink stick bag ready cleaning it up for the eventual hand-off.
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| 9 |
3 |
0 |
Cmon Spanks the girl was in net and still you couldn't score.
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| 10 |
6 |
0 |
Even a $20 side bet by Spanks isn't motivation for him to score a goal. Time is running out........tick tock.
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| 11 |
0 |
0 |
No passes back to the point, no shots taken, yep we hear that fat lady singing "stick a fork in him, he is done!"
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| 12 |
2 |
0 |
Sorry dad Dirty Dick Dow but your son failed this challenge. We will send you the photo of him accepting that pink stick bag. A day of infamy in the Dow family.
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| Totals |
34 |
2 |
FAILED |
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| Challenger # 11 - Nick Romano |
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| Nick Romano hard at work plowing all that snow and wasting the taxpayers money. |
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The 11th challenger to take the Pink Stick Bag challenge is Nick Romano.
Nick needs to achieve one of the following to pass this challenge:
7-goals or
6-goals (one of which is a game winner)
Pass the challenge and win a $50 Gift Card… along with a “PASSED” patch for your jersey Nick just like Dan Broderick, Scott Young, Tony Bono and Angelo Deluca.
Fail and like many who have failed before you… carry the Pink Stick Bag for an entire year and get a “FAILED” patch for your jersey, like Jim Barber, Matty Iannello, Tony Medeiros, Tony Mastrocola, John Mastrocola and Naz.
For those of you who are counting, here are the game by game weekly running totals for Nick’s chase for pink stick bag infamy.
|
| GAME |
SHOTS |
GOALS |
HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME |
| 1 |
5 |
0 |
Sorry Nicky but assists and/or penalties do not count towards your totals. Only goals count, and you scored zero goals!
|
| 2 |
5 |
2 |
How do you like me now boys after that jump start performance? After someone commented that his Pink Stick Bag Challenge photo on the website reminded them of Mark Henderson, the ex-convict driving his John Deere tractor and plowing a spot for John Smith to kick his winning field goal aqainst the Miami Dolphins in that 1982 game, Nick went out and showed he is committed to beating this challenge.
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| 3 |
3 |
0 |
The good news Nicky is that you are leading all scorers in the Over-30 scoring race; the bad news is it aint from scoring goals! Keep putting up all those assists.
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| 4 |
1 |
0 |
Another assist Nick? Shame this challenge wasn't about getting assists or you would easily beat this challenge. 8 games to go and still you need 5 more goals. Real goal scorers step up; time to step up Nick.
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| 5 |
3 |
0 |
Another goose egg Nicky? At this rate of non-goal scoring you better pray to the Hockey Gods that this warm weather continues right through December so you don't miss any more games.
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| 6 |
5 |
0 |
Nicky repeat after me "I need to score goals, not assists."
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| 7 |
2 |
0 |
Nothing Nicky to show again for the game? It's going to be fun watching you stress out trying to score goals in your last five games.
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| 8 |
1 |
0 |
I won't confirm nor deny that Nick has already conceded when he mentioned and showed us where we can put that "failed" patch on his shirt after his game.
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| 9 |
3 |
1 |
Hope still flickers, especially after scoring a big GWG. A goal a game pace the rest of the way Nicky to beat this challenge? Naz is praying for a snow storm in early December.
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| 10 |
6 |
1 |
Seeing Nicky wear those pink shorts in his game, was this a way to change his luck or has he already conceded to defeat in this challenge?
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| 11 |
5 |
1 |
With the pressure on Nicky scored, and now only needs one more goal in his last game to beat this challenge. We are predicting a Tony Bono moment taking place, circa spring 2013, of Nicky scoring a goal in the last minute to beat this challenge.
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| 12 |
3 |
1 |
Nick Romano beats that pink stick bag challenge in quick dramatic fashion, scoring 15 seconds into the game. Congratulations Nicky as he steps up in his last four games, scoring a goal in each game!
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| Totals |
42 |
6 |
PASSED |
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| Challenger # 10 - Angelo "Kato" Deluca |
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| Angelo Deluca |
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The 10th challenger to take the Pink Stick Bag challenge is Angelo “Kato” Deluca.
Kato (currently referred to as Otak) needs to achieve the following to pass this challenge:
6-goals
Pass the challenge and win a $50 Gift Card… along with a “PASSED” patch for your jersey Kato just like Dan Broderick, Scott Young and Tony Bono.
Fail and like many who have failed before you… carry the Pink Stick Bag for an entire year and get a “FAILED” patch for your jersey, like Jim Barber, Matty Iannello, Tony Medeiros, Tony Mastrocola, John Mastrocola and Naz.
For those of you who are counting, here are the game by game weekly running totals for Kato’s chase for pink stick bag infamy.
|
| GAME |
SHOTS |
GOALS
|
Highlight of the Game |
| Game 1 |
3 |
0 |
As quoted by the prophet Kato before the season "this will be too easy for me as I will score a hat trick in my first two games this season." That goose egg posted, together with the girl shutting you down, confirms you should stick to trying to play hockey and not making predictions Otak! |
| Game 2 |
6 |
1 |
With his team missing players on offense, Kato scored the only goal for his team breaking the ice and taking that first step away from pink stick bag infamy. |
| Game 3 |
5 |
1 |
With the pressure on from the constant heckling coming from the Stadler & Waldorf sideline luxury suite patrons, Otak silenced his critics by scoring another goal. After the game Otak commented "what pressure?" |
| Game 4 |
5 |
1 |
Otak is Hot, scoring a goal in three straight games, silencing his critics and heclers along the way! |
| Game 5 |
7 |
0 |
Alas, that three game scoring streak is no more for Otak. For the second time this season, Naz shuts down Otak; maybe Naz knows something the rest of the league's defensemen don't. |
| Game 6 |
4 |
1 |
C'mon Otak you are actually going to take that goal you scored? A wrap around that the goalie is there and it somehow slides under him into the net. How much did you pay the goalie to score that one? |
| Game 7 |
6 |
1 |
7 games played, 5 goals scored. Ho hum what challenge? This is too easy! |
| Game 8 |
6 |
0 |
Seems like the law of karma came back and bit Otak in his ass after playing down this challenge. Sorry Otak, but penalties (2 of them) do not count towards your goal totals. |
| Game 9 |
7 |
2 |
Easy money and leaving no doubt in beating this challenge. The nickname Otak is officially retired; welcome back Kato! |
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|
|
|
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| Totals |
49 |
7 |
PASSED |
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| Challenger # 9 - Mike Naczas |
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| Mike Naczas |
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| You earned this Naz. We see you carrying this for multiple seasons. Anyone else notice the missing Munchkin in this photo Tony Mastrocola? Just like their challenge, John was on his own carrying his brother. |
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For only the second time ever, a defenseman will attempt to defeat the Pink Stick Bag Challenge. The next challenger is the Assistant League director Naz. Being the 25 year silver anniversary, we had to make this a special choice.
We modified the challenge slightly and are giving Naz (2) passable options.
1) 1-goal, 7-assists for 8 points Or…
2) 9-assists is also acceptable
Pass the challenge and win a $50 Gift Card… along with a “PASSED” patch for your jersey, just like your idol and predecessor Dan Broderick wore along with Scott Young and Tony Bono.
Fail and like many who have failed before… Carry the Pink Stick Bag for an entire season and get a “FAILED” patch for your jersey, like Jim Barber, Matty Iannello,Tony Medeiros, Tony Mastrocola and John Mastrocola.
For those of you who are counting, here are the game by game weekly running totals for Naz chase for pink stick bag infamy.
|
| Game |
Shots |
Points |
Highlight of the Game |
| Game 1 |
0 |
1 |
Not sure if this assist actually touched Naz' stick or if it deflected off that orange pylon mascot sitting on the team's bench. After further review by the Toronto video offices, the assist stands and is credited to Naz. |
| Game 2 |
0 |
0 |
No points for Shawn Miville = no points for Naz. The Great One not only personally shut down Naz but made it his mission and made a statement in the process declaring "Not on my watch" Naz!! |
| Game 3 |
2 |
1 |
There are only 9 seconds left to play in the game, Naz's team is winning 6-3, and the opposition allows Shawn Miville to get open and score, conveniently after Naz gives him a pass? Something is fishy here. Are the goalie and defense in collusion with Naz? |
| Game 4 |
1 |
0 |
In a game matching up Naz trying to record a point vs. Mike Surette getting another delay of game penalty, both players failed to live up to the hype, as they both posted goose eggs in this head-to-head matchup. |
| Game 5 |
0 |
0 |
Another game, another goose egg posted. Making matters worse for Naz was allowing Jim Barber (he of the zero goals) to send him a message and bull rush Naz down the wing knocking him down to the floor. |
| Game 6 |
0 |
0 |
Oh no, Shawn Miville now out on IR. Turn out the lights Naz, the party is over! |
| Game 7 |
1 |
0 |
You can change the shirt you wear, change your pre-game routine, but, if your team only scores 1 goal, you can't change the end result of no points!! |
| Game 8 |
0 |
0 |
When the girl has more scoring chances than you, its time to accept reality, raise that white flag, and acknowledge your quest is over. |
| Game 9 |
0 |
0 |
Can you hear that Naz? That's the Fat Lady singing! |
| Game 10 |
0 |
2 |
Hold on Fat Lady and stop the singing; Naz received some "divine intervention" this week and is still alive! |
| Game 11 |
2 |
0 |
Let's see Naz we have pink bandanas, pink socks, pink sneakers, pink gloves for you to wear. Maybe we will put have you wear all of them when you start the spring season. |
| Game 12 |
1 |
1 |
Congratulations Naz on making Over-30 league history by becoming the first-ever defenseman to have "failed" the challenge. Let your boy Jim Barber know he has company now on that failed bench! |
| Totals |
7 |
5 |
FAILED |
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| Challenger # 8 - Dan Broderick |
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| Still sporting his Team Canada Shirt at 80 |
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For the first time ever, a defenseman will attempt to defeat the Pink Stick Bag Challenge.
The next challenger is a Dek Hockey living legend… a Hall of Fame inductee, and once considered changing his middle name to “Mylec”.
Dan “Mylec” Broderick is our next 2016 Spring Pink Stick Bag Challenger… and this one should be easy to achieve and in fact we are giving Dan a Senior Citizen Discount.
Dan’s initial challenge was going to be 5-assists and 1-goal… After some negotiations with the Webmaster, the Assistant League Director and Dan’s agent we modified the challenge slightly to accommodate Dan’s AARP status and his most recent Over-30 stats, we are giving Dan (2) passable options.
1) 5-assists and 1-goal (which the fans would like to see achieved)
Or…
2) 6-assists is also acceptable
Pass the challenge and win a $40 Kelly’s Gift Card (Courtesy of the Webmaster, the Assistant League Director) that you can use towards a Clam Plate… along with a “PASSED” patch for your jersey, like Scott Young and Tony Bono.
Fail and like many who have failed before… Carry the Pink Stick Bag for an entire season and get a “FAILED” patch for your jersey, like Jim Barber, Matty Iannello,Tony Medeiros, Tony Mastrocola and John Mastrocola.
For those of you who are counting, here are the game by game weekly running totals for Dan’s chase for pink stick bag infamy. This table will be posted on the website on a weekly basis so that you can all place your side bets and have a good laugh at Dan’s expense.
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Game
|
Shots
|
Points
|
Highlight of the Game
|
|
Game 1
|
5
|
0
|
As this is the first game of the new season for Dan and he is after all a Hall of Fame defenseman, we are giving him a one week senior citizen pass and will withhold comments until next week.
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Game 2
|
4
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1
|
For two periods, Dan had to concentrate on playing defense and slowing down the younger opposing players before he got into the offense and record his first point of this challenge.
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Game 3
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6
|
2
|
Officials in Toronto are still reviewing the video on Dan's first goal of the season as it was so slow it needed help deflecting in off the other team's defenseman to go into the net.
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Game 4
|
1
|
1
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We kept telling the powers that be on this challenge that 6 points (all assists) was too low for Dan. Now they can watch Dan smile all the way to Kelly's Roast Beef grabbing the $40 gift card in the process.
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Game 5
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1
|
1
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Keeping his point streak alive at four straight games, Dan adds another assist to his totals and now only needs 1 point to smash this challenge. Dan quickly silenced all those pre-game critics who were promising him that he would get zero points in their game.
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Game 6
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3
|
2
|
Mission accomplished by Dan and history is made in the pink stick bag challenge as Dan smashes that challenge in only 6 games, becoming the quickest ever player to beat this challenge! Congratulations Old Man and enjoy your Kelly's Roast Beef $20 gift cards courteousy of Jim and Naz.
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Totals
|
20
|
7
|
"PASSED"
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| Challenger(s) #6 & #7 - Tony and John Mastrocola |
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| Where's the pink item Tony? |
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Tony and John Mastrocola aka “the Munchkin brothers”
Pink Stick Bag Points Watch Winter 2015
For the first time ever, a brother combination will collectively attempt to defeat the Pink Stick Bag Challenge. Tony and John Mastrocola are the 6th and 7th players chosen for the dreaded Pink Stick Bag Challenge. The Munchkin brothers need to score 14 total goals this season; otherwise, they will inherit the Pink Stick Bag from its newest owner and current loser of this challenge, Tony aka “the Portuguese Power Failure” Medeiros. In addition, if the Munchkin brothers fail to score 14 goals, they must wear the mandatory and visibly showing item of pink color.
For those of you who are counting, here are the game by game weekly running totals for the Munchkin brothers chase for pink stick bag infamy. This table will be posted on the website on a weekly basis so that you can all place your side bets and have a good laugh at the Munchkin brother’s expense.
(They need 14-GOALS to beat this challenge)
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Streak
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Player
|
Shots
|
Goals
|
Highlight of the Game
|
|
Game 1
|
John
|
5
|
0
|
Looks like the silent treatment given to his critics provided no motivation in the scoring department. Time for another psychological strategy.
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|
Game 1
|
Tony
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2
|
0
|
When Shawn Miville scores 5 of your team’s 7 goals, you aren’t going to see many passes or even the damn ball.
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Game 2
|
John
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6
|
3
|
One of the brothers needed to have an impact game. As expected it was John providing the scoring and emotional boost for the Mastrocola
brothers by scoring a much needed natural hat trick.
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Game 2
|
Tony
|
0
|
0
|
After watching his brother earlier carry the scoring touch for their cause, the pressure may have gotten to Tony. Hearing those constant voices in his head reminding him to do his job, Tony decided to go head first into the boards to shut those voice critics up once and for all.
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|
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John
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Bye
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Week
|
Giving his shoulders and back a well-deserved week off from carrying Tony.
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Game 3
|
Tony
|
1
|
0
|
Three games played into this challenge and still no goals produced. Allegedly Tony feels his time to score goals is coming. Odds makers are now saying that John will need to score all 14 goals required for this challenge.
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Game 3
|
John
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4
|
0
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Trying to gain an edge, John takes a penalty in his game only to find out that penalties do not count as goals in this challenge.
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|
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Tony
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Bye
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Week
|
Rumor has it Tony, during his bye week, was looking around for a sports psychologist to help him turn his game around.
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Game 4
|
John
|
1
|
0
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Only 1 shot on net John? Yeah, the Mastrocola’s are in trouble if you can’t generate any offense.
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Game 4
|
Tony
|
1
|
0
|
A clean breakaway in the third period that is shot right into the center of the goalie’s pads……..still no goals this season. Keep looking Tony for your game because it is non-existent at this point!
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Game 5
|
John
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5
|
1
|
At the halfway point of the season, John is a respectable 4 goals scored; projected to score 8 goals this season.
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Game 5
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Tony
|
4
|
1
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Finally, Tony scores his first goal of the season. Will this turn Tony’s season around? Or was this just a one-time event?
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Game 6
|
John
|
5
|
0
|
Having a couple of wide open quality shots against Senior and still no goals? A pink bandana would be a good fashion accessory for you John.
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Game 6
|
Tony
|
1
|
0
|
Yep, as we suspected, Tony scoring a goal was a one-time occurence. Time for tony to start thinking about wearing something pink.
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|
|
John
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Bye
|
Week
|
Frustrated by his brother's lack of scoring, John used his time off to find a lawyer to start legal proceedings to change his last name to get out of this challenge.
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Game 7
|
Tony
|
4
|
0
|
The effort is there, but, no one cares about effort; they care about results. And right now the results are non-existent.
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Game 7
|
John
|
0
|
0
|
Rumor has it John missed his game to go to a Halloween party dressed as the Fat Lady. Question is was she singing that this challenge was officially over?
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|
|
Tony
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Bye
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Week
|
Allegedly, Tony is planning to sneak into Hockeytown and replace some of the blue rink tiles with yellow and make his own yellow brick road to the front of the nets.
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Game 8
|
John
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5
|
0
|
Three games in a row not scoring a goal. With 8 games left between the brothers to score 9 more goals, we think John is now hearing that Fat Lady singing in the background.
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Game 8
|
Tony
|
3
|
0
|
In a game that saw team mate Shawn Miville score 4-goals, Tony was seen following Shawn around the rink knowing that Shawn had the magic touch, hoping that some of that magic fell onto Tony. In a word - NOT!
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Game 9
|
John
|
4
|
1
|
Could have scored 2-goals, but missed a wide open net in the second period due to seeing too much pink glare.
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Game 9
|
Tony
|
1
|
0
|
Another non-productive effort after admitting before his game that he is having a tough season. On his ride home, Tony's wife suggests some pink fashion accessories to wear next season.
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Game 10
|
John
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4
|
2
|
Makes a statement by wearing his pink wristbands that results in scoring 2-goals, then throws the wristbands to brother Tony who refuses to wear them.
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|
Game 10
|
Tony
|
1
|
0
|
Tony's refusal to wear the pink wristbands results in the law of karma coming back to bit him in the ass, posting another goose egg on the score sheet.
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|
|
John
|
Bye
|
Week
|
With 2 games left to play and needing 5 goals to beat this challenge, John rests up his shoulders for that final push. Can he carry bother Tony the rest of the way?
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|
Game 11
|
Tony
|
2
|
1
|
It takes Tony 5 games until he scores a goal; too bad the season only lasts 12 games and not 20 games. He may contribute more, not less, to the totals.
|
|
Game 11
|
John
|
2
|
1
|
Goals John, you need goals to beat this challenge. The 3 assists look good on the score sheet, but don't help you in this challenge.
|
|
|
Tony
|
Bye
|
Week
|
With the week off, Tony's wife takes him shopping to pick out an early Christmas present, something in pink!
|
|
Game 12
|
John
|
5
|
0
|
Thrown off his game as he finally witnesses his brother actually doing something this season by scoring multiple goals, the shock prevents John from scoring.
|
|
Game 12
|
Tony
|
4
|
3
|
Yeah where was this all season Tony? Too little too late!
|
|
Totals
|
|
70
|
12
|
FAILED!!
|
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| Challenger #5 - Tony Medeiros |
Tony is now the 5th player chosen for the dreaded Pink Stick Bag Challenge. Tony aka the so called Portuguese Power has to score 12 total goals this season; otherwise, he will inherit the Pink Stick Bag from its newest owner and current loser of this challenge, Matty Iannello. If Tony fails to score 12 goals, he will not only have to carry with him that pink stick bag onto the rink to each game of the 2015 Winter season, as well as wear the mandatory and visibly showing item of pink color.
For those of you who are counting, here are the game by game weekly running totals for Tony’s chase for pink stick bag infamy. This table will be posted on the website on a weekly basis so that you can all place your side bets and have a good laugh at The Portuguese Power’s expense.
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|
Game
|
Shots
|
Goals
|
Highlight of the Game
|
|
Game 1
|
0
|
0
|
Tony did not play this game as he was in Florida meeting with his sports psychologist to set up his mental season strategy of how to beat this challenge.
|
|
Game 2
|
8
|
1
|
Eight shots taken, only 1 goal scored? If Tony keeps that shooting percentage up all season, Matty’s ownership of the pink stick bag should be short-lived. Say goodbye to receiving any passes Dominic and John.
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|
Game 3
|
0
|
0
|
Another missed game by Tony who made the strategic decision to go coach his son’s ice hockey team so he could pick up some pointers on how to score goals from the little guys.
|
|
Game 4
|
7
|
3
|
The Portuguese Power finally makes his long awaited debut for this challenge, scoring a natural hat trick with a statement game.
|
|
Game 5
|
5
|
0
|
Knowing that his success in beating this challenge depends a lot on the running, set-up game of Dominic Defrancisco (Tony’s binky), Tony steps out of the spotlight for a week to let Dominic shine.
|
|
Game 6
|
10
|
0
|
No Dominic playing (Tony’s binky) and it showed as Tony played more of a defensive team game. 10 shots Tony, no goals? Really? 10 chances to score? Tony used to be money in overtime; not this game as he had two prime scoring opportunities to be the hero but failed to capitalize.
|
|
Game 7
|
7
|
1
|
The pressure may just be getting to Tony as he scored another goal, once again had multiple scoring opportunities, but gets tossed out of the game early in the third period to negate any remaining chances to score.
|
|
Game 8
|
2
|
0
|
Not much to add here as Tony showed up in the third period due to attending his son’s ice hockey game. One period played, not enough time to make an impact. Pink is now looking better and better as Tony’s favorite new color.
|
|
Game 9
|
8
|
1
|
Those two games missed will come back to haunt Tony along with the fact that he just cannot score on a breakaway. Tony is the new Nick Romano, takes lots of shots from anywhere on the rink and cannot score on a breakaway.
|
|
Game 10
|
8
|
0
|
No Dominic, no binky hand feeding Tony any scoring chances. Another 8 shots taken with no goals to show for it. Tony, it’s time for you to start deciding on what item of pink you will be wearing come September.
|
|
Game 11
|
7
|
1
|
Rumor has it that Dominic missed last week's game knowing that Tony will not beat this challenge and was shopping for that pink item Tony will be wearing come September.
|
|
Game 12
|
10
|
0
|
We always knew that Matty I’s ownership of the pink stick bag would be a short-term rental. Tony becomes the second consecutive challenger to fail the pink stick bag challenge. Finally, the pink stick bag goes global with a Portuguese owner!
|
|
Totals
|
72
|
7
|
"FAILED"
|
|
| Challenger #4 - Matty Iannello |
After his run for glory in beating the Pink Stick Bag challenge was unexpectedly cut short by injury, Mattie will once again be the fourth player chosen for the dreaded Pink Stick Bag Challenge. After the last two players chosen for this challenge were based on a total point’s basis, it was time to go back to basing this challenge on total goals scored! With that in mind, Mattie has to score 13 total goals this season; otherwise, the Pink Stick Bag will be passed down from the first original loser of this Pink Stick Bag Challenge, Jim Barber. If Mattie fails to score 13 goals, he will not only have to carry with him that pink stick bag onto the rink to each game of the 2014 Spring season, as well as wear the mandatory and visibly showing item of pink color.
For those of you who are counting, here are the game by game weekly running totals for Mattie’s chase for pink stick bag infamy. This table will be posted on the website on a weekly basis so that you can all place your side bets and have a good laugh at The Great One’s expense.
|
| Game |
Shots |
Goals |
Highlight of the Game |
|
Game 1
|
5
|
0
|
Relax people according to the Great One, chalk this donut production up to the fact that it was the first week and after dealing with all the paparazzi, autograph seekers, screaming fans (or was that Ray Nickerson?), getting familiar with his role as team captainand making all those passes to his linemates, Matty simply had nothing left in the tank.
|
|
Game 2
|
1
|
0
|
Questionable playing status coming into this gamedue to a lower body injury, Matty took the floor but still produced zero goals. With only 1 shot on net, Matty didn't have the ball much on his stick this game. Rumor has it that if the Great Matty I cannot defeat this challenge, he will retire before seen carrying Jim Barber's pink stick bag.
|
|
Game 3
|
0
|
0
|
Allegedly Matty and Cooch took thier daughters to some boy band concert causing the Great One to miss his game. Unconfirmed rumors had Matty visiting Scott Young to pick up scoring tips on how to finish.
|
|
Game 4
|
5
|
1
|
Maybe it was the inspiration of attending the R5 concert with his daughters as Matty scored his first goal of the season and finally got that scoring monkey off his back. At the quarter point of the season, looking at Matty's chances of beating this challenge we will quote another boy band NSYNC here and just say "bye, bye, bye."
|
|
Game 5
|
4
|
0
|
Another goose egg put up on the score sheet. Is he playing injured or are the critics right, he is no longer referred to as the Great One anymore; rather the soon to be newest owner of the pink stick bag.
|
|
Game 6
|
8
|
1
|
If Matty does make a historic comeback for the ages to defeat this challenge, circle this game as the turning point. It took the return of Matty's wingman Anthony Lauletta to bring out Matty's long dormant A-game. Is Anthony Matty's binky?
|
|
Game 7
|
6
|
0
|
Maybe Matty has dyslexia and has this challenge all backwards in his focus. Its about scoring goals Matty, not assists. If assists counted towards this challenge, you would be ahead of the game with 9. The Great One? I think not.
|
|
Game 8
|
4
|
0
|
Another goose egg on the score sheet. How quickly the Great One's game has sunk; he is now a passer instead of a goal scorer. Its all about giving the ball to a proven goal scorer in Anthony Lauletta, right Matty?
|
|
Game 9
|
7
|
2
|
Can this be the actual start of the greatest comeback ever in the short history of the pink stick bag challenge? is there still life in that goal scoring stick of the Great one? Needing 9 goals in his last three games, we think not. Stick a fork in the former Great One, he is done for this season.
|
|
Game 10
|
8
|
1
|
Too little, too late now. All goals scored now can be considered garbage time goals scored after the outcome has already been decided.
|
|
Game 11
|
8
|
0
|
After clinching the final playoff spot, Matty can now shift his attention on how to have his daughters jazz up that pink stick bag to make it more marketable for the upcoming marketing campaign.
|
|
Game 12
|
11
|
1
|
It's official. The Great One has now become the Average One. Going down in Over-30 league history as name that player who was the first to inherit the pink stick bag from Jim Barber.
|
|
Totals
|
67
|
6
|
"FAILED"
|
|
| Challenger #3 - Scott Young |
The premise behind this individual challenge is simple. Scott Young’s, aka The Pretender, offensive goal production has steadily decreased due to the fact that he just can’t “finish.” As a result, we made it easy for Scott, after a lot of El Baby whining by him, his challenge would be based on points and not goals (rumor has it that he would not accept this challenge unless he got his way, um, we mean unless we based this on total points).
As a result, Scott was the consensus third pick for the dreaded Pink Stick Bag Challenge to prove to us that we are all wrong and that he can actually finish! Essentially, Scott has to score 14 total points this season. Otherwise, the Pink Stick Bag will be passed down from the first original loser of this Pink Stick Bag Challenge, Jim Barber; Scott will also be required to carry onto the rink with him his new pink stick bag during the 2014 spring season, as well as wear the mandatory and visibly showing item of pink color (a pink bandana would look good).
For those of you who are counting, here are the game by game weekly running totals for Scott’s chase for pink stick bag infamy. This table will be posted on the website on a weekly basis so that you can all place your side bets and have a good laugh at The Pretender’s expense.
|
|
Game
|
Shots
|
Points
|
Highlight of the Game
|
|
Game 1
|
3
|
2
|
Even though his team lost in OT and he scored a goal and assist, you could hear Scott emphatically shout out so all could hear "Who can't finish? At this pace I will beat this challenge by week 8."
|
|
Game 2
|
0
|
0
|
Strategically misses his game due to son's youth hockey game, allowing the odds makers time to increase the odds against him in beating this challenge. Rumor has it that Scott put big money down on himself with a local bookie.
|
|
Game 3
|
5
|
3
|
5 shots taken and still no goals produced, again only producing assists. Scott is smiling all the way to the bank, vowing to become the first-ever pink stick bag challenger to produce only assists in beating this challenge.
|
|
Game 4
|
6
|
2
|
Scott points out how ironic it is that not only is he easily beating this challengebut look at who is leading the league in points. Pretender? More like Finisher!
|
|
Game 5
|
3
|
2
|
Another game, another 2 assists. Although we are still trying to figure out how you can get credit for a phantom assist after you blatantly slash the opposing player on the back of the knee (which the referees failed to see happen) and instead of heading to the penalty box, you get rewarded.
|
|
Game 6
|
3
|
1
|
Trailing by a goal late in the game and frustrated by his lack of scoring goals (any goals), Scott lets his emotions get the better of him and takes a costly penalty. Add to that, Scott makes the call and lets Steve Oppedisano take his place on the rink when he pulls his goalie.
|
|
Game 7
|
0
|
0
|
White Lightning captain Scott "I am leading the league in points" Young decides to take another week off. How does his White Lightning team respond to Napoleon missing the game? By winning thier first game of the season.
|
|
Game 8
|
3
|
1
|
Scott puts aside his personal accomplishments this week to respect "the streak" and coach his team to thier second win in a row. It's all about the team now according to Scott as his team has finaly turned the corner. There is no I in team according to Scott.
|
|
Game 9
|
5
|
3
|
Show up late, no problem. Have a breakout game scoring 2 goals and add 1 assist, no problem. Achieves his required quota points after only playing in seven games this season to defeat the pink stick bag challenge, no problem. Watching Jim Barber keep that pink stick bag for another season, PRICELESS!
|
|
Totals
|
28
|
14
|
"Passed"
|
|
| Challenger #2 - Tony Bono |
The premise behind this individual challenge is simple. Tony’s offensive point production has steadily decreased ever since he reinvented himself as a defensive forward in the Over-30 league. We thought that this scoring slump may have also been due to Tony trying to balance his Over-30 league responsibilities with his son’s hectic and always changing youth hockey schedules. Thus, Tony was the consensus second pick for the dreaded Pink Stick Bag Challenge to prove to us that we are all wrong in our assessment of his talents. Simply put, Tony has to score 9 total points this season. Otherwise, the Pink Stick Bag will be passed down from the first original loser of this Pink Stick Bag Challenge, Jim Barber, and Tony will have to carry onto the rink with him his new pink stick bag during the 2013 winter season, courteousy of the Over-30 league.
For those of you who are counting, here are the game by game weekly running totals for Tony’s chase for pink stick bag infamy. This table will be posted on the website on a weekly basis so that you can all place your side bets and have a good laugh at Mr. Bono’s expense.
|
|
Game
|
Shots
|
Goals
|
Highlight of the Game
|
|
Game 1
|
2
|
0
|
Has that deer in the headlights look, feeling the pressure by constantly asking himself "what the hell did I just get myself into?"
|
|
Game 2
|
0
|
1
|
Breathes a sigh of relief knowing that the point monkey is off his back.
|
|
Game 3
|
0
|
0
|
Team mates are trying to set Tony up for points, but, are frustrated over his lack of finish. The new team strategy is to have Tony stand by the net and shoot the ball of him.
|
|
Game 4
|
4
|
3
|
Even with a big game production, Tony whines about the referee's shafting him on points, insisting that he scored 3 goals and 1 assist, not 2 goals and 1 assist. Provides an email witha breakdown of each goal scored for proof, but, still doesn't get any credit for the "alleged" extra point.
|
|
Game 5
|
2
|
1
|
After spending a few days being tutored by Matty Iannello on how to score, the lessons paid off as Tony scores on a breakaway, making a world class move to beat the goalie.
|
|
Game 6
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Email excuse # 1 "I will not be at my game this saturday February 23 as my son is playing in a tournament in Albany New York."
|
|
Game 7
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Email excuse # 2 "At this time it does not look like I will be able to make saturday's game, as I am on call and cannot leave my house when on call, as i cannot get someone to cover for me for a couple of hours. I don't anticipate anything changing between now and 5:00 pm."
|
|
Game 8
|
4
|
2
|
With the pressure mounting from the sideline hecklers in the Over-30 league, from his wife and even his son, Tony commits to ending this point watch sooner rather than later, by scoring 2 goals.
|
|
Game 9
|
0
|
0
|
Tony admits that his zero production was not his finest hour; however, he insists that there is still nothing to worry about, and he will meet this challenge (secretly hoping that he will not miss another game).
|
|
Game 10
|
0
|
0
|
If missing a half empty net was worth a point, Tony would only need one more point. Shortening his shifts and rotating only one forward at a time in the third period doesn't help Tony's cause.
|
|
Game 11
|
0
|
0
|
Pulling another oafer, 0 shots taken, 0 points scored and 0 on the intensity meter, it looks more and more like pink will be Tony's new favorite color. Coincedence? Tony has gone shotless and pointless in his last three games, as his team has lost all three games.
|
|
Game 12
|
5
|
2
|
Needing 1 point with time winding down, Tony scores a highlight reel goal while falling down on his back with only 27 seconds left to play, to beat the pink stick bag challenge to cap off an incredible comeback. Tony receives a standing ovation from his team mates and others standing around the rink (except for Jim Barber who is seen cursing and yelling at goalie Alby Luise).
|
|
Totals
|
17
|
9
|
"PASSED"
|
|
| Challenger #1 - Jim Barber |
The premise behind this individual challenge is simple. Jim’s offensive goal scoring has gone south ever since the Over-30 league moved away from Tewksbury and the Olympic-sized rink where Jim could outrun anyone. However, times have changed and back to the smaller rink upstairs at Hockeytown.., his league goal production has diminished.
We thought that the time that Jim spends updating the website also played a role in his lessened goal production, but, everyone knows that he never has any free time to actually update the website. So, Jim was thrown a challenge to prove us all wrong. Jim has to score 7 goals this season or else, starting in the spring season, he will have to carry onto the rink with him his new pink stick bag (ala smiling Pete Lodi), courteousy of the Over-30 league.
For those of you who are counting, here are the game by game weekly running totals for Jim’s chase for pink stick bag glory. This table will be posted on the website on a weekly basis (not!) so that you can all place your side bets and have a good laugh at Mr. Barber’s expense.
|
|
Game
|
Shots
|
Goals
|
Highlight of the Game
|
|
Game 1
|
3
|
0
|
No commentary as it is only the first game of the season.
|
|
Game 2
|
3
|
1
|
Scores his first goal, giving himself momentum and confidence early in the season.
|
|
Game 3
|
6
|
0
|
Asks for a rules clarification if assists count for half a goal scored.
|
|
Game 4
|
0
|
0
|
How can you expect to score goals when you can;t even generate 1 measly shot on net?
|
|
Game 5
|
8
|
3
|
Scores a hat trick, his confidence sky high, knowing he only needs to score 3 goals in his last seven games (thanks Scott Rosato)!
|
|
Game 6
|
4
|
0
|
Team gets shut out by Bill Gardynski Sr, halting the premature celebration of confidence.
|
|
Game 7
|
5
|
0
|
No shots + No goals = No game presence.
|
|
Game 8
|
4
|
0
|
More penalties recorded than points........inclusive of one horrible holding call.
|
|
Game 9
|
2
|
0
|
MISSED A WIDE OPEN NET!!!!!! Enough said.
|
|
Game 10
|
3
|
1
|
Scores a goal while allegedly shaking off concussion-like symptoms.
|
|
Game 11
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Misses his game due to company party. Where is the commitment? This decision would prove fateful.
|
|
Game 12
|
5
|
1
|
Scores on a blast of a shot, but, 6 goals is not 7. Finds out that a push does not equal beating this challenge. Say hello to the first-ever recipient of the Pink Stick Bag - Jim Barber!
|
|
Totals
|
43
|
6
|
"FAILED"
|
|
|
|
