Over 30 Hockey League

Week of September 9 (Game 1) – Blues Brothers, aka the Portuguese Powers, left no doubt that they would start fast and start early scoring goals to kick off the 26^th season of the Over-30 league, as they jumped out to an early three goal lead, then scored two more goals late in the game, to coast to a 6 – 2 convincing win over Maybe One.

In the first period, relying on their team speed and balanced two-line scoring, Blue Brothers scored three goals in a span of just over three minutes to set the pace for this game.  Dave Costa started the outburst five minutes into the game, as he was set up by the passing of Mike Luise and Dominic Defrancisco.  Less than thirty seconds later, Dominic scored from the high slot, set up by Tim Hickey and Bob Snyder.  Two minutes later, Mike scored from the slot, set up by the hustle of goalie turned forward Tim “skinny legs” Hickey.

Needing a response to counter and get back into this game in the second period, Maybe One made a game of it as Ray Nickerson was set up on the wing less than thirty seconds into the period by Matty Iannello and Brien Sullivan.  Five minutes later, Ray struck again out front as he was set up by Brien and John Carey.  However, the surge in momentum only lasted a few minutes and the team spirits were crushed when Jim Clarke scored, set up by Dave and Tony Medeiros, with only twenty seconds to play in the period off a shot from the right point that should have been stopped by the goalie.  A huge momentum swinging crushing blow to the gut of Maybe One.

In the third period, maintaining a two goal lead throughout most of the period, saw the Blues Brothers extend their lead late as Dominic scored with just under three minutes to play, set up by Dave and Mike.  This was followed by Tony scoring from the wing with a minute to play, who was set up by Mike and Bob.  Game, set and match!

Week of September 9 (Game 2) – Following in the footsteps of the victorious Blues Brothers proceeding them, Trojan Horse left no doubt that they would start fast and start early scoring goals in jumping out to a commanding four goal lead and holding on for a close 4 – 3 victory over Fool’s Gold.

In the first period, similar to what happened in the previous game, Trojan Horse erupted with an offensive scoring outburst, as they scored four goals in a span of three minutes.  Walter Maslak led the way in the opening period, scoring the game’s first two goals in a span of eighteen seconds as he was first set up out front by Nick Romano and Cappy, and then set up again by Nick and Angelo Deluca.  Less than a minute later, Shawn Miville scored on a bomb as he was set up by Mike Delorey.  A minute and a half later saw Rick Cassano cap off the scoring onslaught by Trojan Horse as he was set up by Nick and Cappy.  Needing to get back into this game after this scoring blitz saw Fool’s Gold Mauro Colucciello answer from the high slot as he was set up by Shawn Wyatt and Sergio Costa thirty seconds later.

In the second period, after settling down overall, Fool’s Gold turned up the offense and pressure on the defense of Trojan Horse which paid off as Ray Dow was set up at the point by John Colucciello and his bomb eluded the goalie with thirteen seconds to play in the period. 

Both teams had scoring chances in the third period and both goalies were on their game.  A minor penalty three minutes into the period resulted in Niko Vramis scoring off a feed from Cooch.  Fool’s Gold pulled their goalie for an extra attacker and pressed for the tying goal, but, the four goal deficit proved too much for them to overcome.

After the game, Nick Romano was all smiles after his 3-assist performance, as he was under the impression that his assists counted towards his Pink Stick Bag totals needed for this season.  Sorry Nicky, only goals count and the powers that be are considering counting those 2 penalties you took as a minus against any goals that you may happen to score.

What’s in a name?

Every late summer… the (5) team Captains are given their team color and roster.  Some captains take the time and effort to put some thought into the team and color scheme, while others.., are not so creative.

This week we break down the meaning behind each of the teams names for the 2017-2018 seasons for;  Maybe One, Trojan Horse, Blues Brothers, Fools Gold and Team Cherry

Maybe One Captain Matty Iannello at first it was a mystery as to why “Maybe One”?

In the past Matty has used movie references like; Cuckoo’s Nest, Lord of the Rink, and Dead Men Walking to reference a few.

This year initial speculation was “Maybe One” referred to how many regular seasons games Scott Young will play under his new Captain.  Another theory was how many games goaltender Jeff Deharo would miss for “business trips” at the end of the season to lock up a another “Leading Goalie Award”… but upon further investigation “Maybe One” is the number of wins Matty’s peers said they might win this season.

Always a bit more creative taking color and team into consideration Trojan Horse Captain Jim Barber came up with the name based on the maroon color and his hopes that a Championship Team is hiding within his roster. 

The question is when that Trojan Horse rolls up to the giant playoffs gate will one of the most successful Over-30 Captain be inside or will that horse just be full of manure?

Newly minted Captain Dominic DeFrancisco is still getting used to the name game.  Being the “Blue” team Dominic got some ill-advised advice and tried to go with the low-ball team name of “Blue Balls” which was quickly nixed by upper management.

Instead he went with Blues Brothers and we speculate that because he’s was either sad that he has the Luise “Brother’s”… or the fact he has current Pink Stick Bag holder Mike Naczas playing defense in front of Alby. 

However Dom, don’t be to “Blue” as the last time the Luise Brother’s, Naz and Jimmy Clark wore “Blue” on the same team was;

Poor John Kelleher… He got his team color “Gold” and then his roster…he thought he had the next NHL expansion team and wanted to go with the Golden Knights before being persuaded that his team “looks good” on paper but it’s really just Fools Gold.  

His other alternative name being considered was “Cubic Zirconia” or “Chinese Knockoff”

Team Cherry… We don’t know how to interpret Captain Dan Broderick’s choice… and seeing that Dan is a Dek Hockey Living Legend and Hall of Fame Inductee..., we are going to give Dan a pass and chalk up his naming convention to early signs of dementia.

"Fake Team" News

As you all know… the “Over-30” is quickly becoming the “Over-50” League as 30% of the league are (or will be) 50-years or older for these upcoming seasons.

We toyed around with the idea of having a “All-50+” team and giving them 17-players to compete against the rest of the Spring Chickens in the league.

Team “Broken Hip” or could have potentially looked something like this;

Goalie: Alby Luise

1^st Line: Ray Nickerson - Mark Stickney - Pat Pirone

2^nd Line: Kelleher - Nick Romano - Mike Luise

Checking Line: Umberto Biancardi - Bob Snyder - Ron Aquino

1^st D-Pair: Alex Leone - Brien Sullivan

2^nd D-Pair: Jim Clarke - Mike Naczas

CPR Pair: Dan Broderick - Ed Nigro

The key guy on the team will be Tony Bono filling in whenever needed… as several of the players above will miss games for;

• Doctor’s Appointments
• Early Bird Special at the Continental
• Pre-Registering for Nursing Homes
• Sponge Bath Night
• Or just plain forget they had a game

The main reason for not combining all the “Senior’s” into one team is that the League could not get an insurance binder to cover that potential liability.

Plus, having that many players on one team could lead to a AARP Sponsored Class Action Lawsuit seeking a Senior Citizen Discount Price for team “Get off my lawn”

The side bet would have been… Could team “Metamucil ” win more games in one season than Shark Attack won in both of their seasons of (5-14-3-2)?

Looking at that roster… I bet they would finish 3^rd in the league, because to quote the “Dek Hockey Hall of Fame Legend” Dan Broderick once said; “This is the only league where you can go 0-0-12 and finish in 3^rd”… So true Dan, it’s so true.

Missing Game #1 Reason?

The webmaster was noticeably absent last week for the 2017-2018 season debut and his new team couldn’t be happier as they posted the first win without him.

The real question is why did the failing Captain miss Game #1?

• Was he shopping for a “Bigger (and better) Boat” than last season?
• Nervous about playing with the #1 draft pick Shawn Miville??
• Celebrating his wife’s 50^th Birthday at Cirque du Soleil’s “Ovo” to ensure he continues to get clean laundry and hot home cooked meals???

The poor webmaster begged Management for a sneak peek at his jersey… while all requests were denied.., look for the webmaster to show his silent protest to the front office this week.

Saugus Police Manhunt

Saugus Police have issued a composite view of the "Drive for 5" Killer... and the sketch looks eerily like someone who's stolen 15+ priceless pieces of "Blue Glass Pyramid Awards" from the Over-30 League over the past years (Mostly meaningless and some controversial Scoring Title Awards), but that not the crime Police are monitoring.

Another “Drive for 5” opportunity and another “4-time Consecutive Winner” is being placed under suspected “Drive for 5 Killer” Matty Iannello.  Stop me if you heard this... but;

Remember when Jamie Kehoe won “4-Championships” in-a-row and was chasing history to be the 1^st ever 5-time Champion??… But, ended stranded on the “Island of Misfit Toys”… and when Tono Bono attempting the same feat was left waterlogged in a “Yellow Submarine”… both while under the leadership of the soon to be “Greatest of All-Time” Over-30 Hockey Player… Matty "The Great One" Iannello.

Well.. either the 3^rd time is a charm.., or Matty is a damn jinx.., because his goaltender Jeff Deharo is going for a personal (and league) best with a 5-time Leading Goalie Award attempt.

Stay tuned to see the 1^st ever “Cinco de Winner”… or if Jeff only wins... “Maybe One” 

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