Over 30 Hockey League

Week of February 16 (Game 1) – This game had all the feel and look of a playoff game even though we are only halfway through the season.  Both teams generated plenty of offense, their defense controlled the dirty areas at the net and the goalies pretty much stopped every scoring chance thrown their way.  In a back and forth game, Gang Green played to a

1 – 1 tie with the Rhinos as each team earned a well-deserved point.

History was also made in this game as the Rhinos became the first Over-30 team in the league’s 27 year existence to record 4 ties in a season.  There have been teams before them that have recorded 3 ties, but no team had ever recorded 4 ties, until now!

After an entertaining first period that was played fast paced and back and forth that saw both teams generate prime scoring chances only to be denied by the defense and goalies, all the scoring for this game took place in the second period.  Halfway through the period on a turnover near the blue line saw Dominic steal the ball and feed Cappy coming down the right wing from the point and beat the goalie top shelf far side.  With just under two minutes to play in the period, Carlos Machado took a feed off the cycling passing of George Medeiros and Shawn Miville (playing defense all game) to score his first goal of the season tying up this game.

Both teams pressed during the third period for the go ahead goal but neither goalie budged stoning them every chance they got.  Simply put, goalies Jake Deehan and Scott Rosato put their stamp on this game and matched each other save for save.

Week of February 16 (Game 2) – In the history of the Over-30 league we have witnessed certain players who have impacted their respective teams with their play and leadership style.  Never have we witnessed a hockey stick impacting a player!  The numbers don’t lie.  After leading the league in goals last season with 13, Jim Barber is on pace to shatter that number and do it again this season as he scored his league leading 7^th goal.  In his previous 33 seasons played prior to this year, Jim has scored a total of 143 goals.  Do the math people as 143 divided by 33 equals an average of 4.33 goals scored per season.  It’s definitely that black Vulcan stick!

And the goal scoring continues as Black Hole won their second straight game with a close 3 – 1 win over Coach’s Corner who still haven’t found the win column after 6-games played.  Simply put, this was the Jim Barber show.

In the first period, Coach’s Corner came out running and set the pace with some aggressive fore checking.  This strategy paid off as John Mastrocola was set up by the passing of Angelo Deluca and Luigi Derenzes giving his team the early lead three minutes into the game.  For John, this was his 4^th goal scored in his last three games (take that all you hecklers in the Stadler & Waldorf luxury suite).  However, just over a minute left in the first period saw Jim be in the right place at the right time, sliding and extending at the top of the crease to redirect Matt Farrell’s shot from the right wing, set up by Steve Iacoviello.

In the second period, halfway through Jim struck again on a blast set up by Steve to give his team the lead.

New Recruits

Last week we saw (3) new recruits showcase their talents for the Over-30 League Director.   

All three players brought speed, youth and played to impress.   

All three could be an instant boost to any roster they are assigned to.., or they may be used as fill-in players for the rest of the season and build them into the draft next season.

In either case.., players with shaky attendance records should be scared. 

10 vs 10 = ??

Last week was the FIRST week that both teams had 10-players on each bench for BOTH games and the results speak for themselves.

So that means that "10 vs 10 = Competitive Hockey".., and that's all the League Director wants.

We asked the League Director for a comment and he had this to say.., 

"We had two full benches and two competitive games (with the help of the new recruits) and that's what I want to see.., week in and week out"

In other words; do your job as you were drafted and intended to do.

Referee Ranking

Now we give our referees a fair amount of badgering when it comes to non-calls, missed goals, and the "I didn't see it.., or it's not my end" Defense.

The Head Honcho and #1 Over-30 Referee Jon Picard was noticeably absent last week.., so the Assistant League Director Mike Naczas had to put on his XXL Referee Shirt and show the League that when Pic is not around.., Naz is the #1 Referee.

Looks like Rick Aylwin is always going to be second fiddle to Pic & Naz.., as Naz had to overrule him and set him straight on a couple of calls last week.  

The good news Rick is when you're paired with Bill Abcunas you're our #3 ranking which overrules Bill's #4 status.., and you both overrule Ed Nigro who's #5 on the depth chart as Ed was seen "Gronk Spiking" the face-off drops.

Face Off Warning

We wanted to take this time to warn all the Centerman in the League to use extreme caution when stepping in the face off circles (especially in the offensive and defensive ends) to take a draw against John Colucciello.  This video has surfaced of Cooch taking drastic measures to win the draw.

Out Hustled

Dominic "The Dominator" DeFrancisco is without doubt one of the best hustlers in the game.., but last week Dom was out hustled by a new recruit prospect.., that made the league director comment .., "When was the last time you seen Dom get out hustled?"

The unnamed newbie prospect stock went up 10-points after witnessing that epic battle;

Prospect - 1

Dominic - 0

Making "His-TIE-ry"

Congratulation to all the players that played (and the referees) who participated in last week’s Rhino's vs Gang Green historical game.

You all made "His-TIE-ry" for playing in the Rhino's All-Time  League Leading 4th Tie of the season.

As we check the standings this week.., they are exactly where Dan Broderick said a team with that many ties will be.., "In 3rd place!"

We're only halfway through the season.., could we see a 5th or even a 6th tie and will they finish in 3rd as the only man from the Over-30 League to be inducted into the Dek Hockey Hall of Fame predicted? 

Stay tuned...

BYE Week Award Sandwich

You take (2) Slices of Dunkin Donuts Player of the Week Awards and you stick a BYE week in the middle of them and there you have it a (5-goals, 3-assists) sandwich worth $20 of FREE coffee.

Poster Boy

After another back-to-back multi-goal game that resulted in a natural hat trick.., there is no truth to the rumor that Vulcan Industries is considering making a Vulcan Black Promotional Poster featuring Jim Barber.

What is true is Vulcan CEO John Kelleher is looking to put together another order.., so if you want one, or want to replace an obsolete Vulcan or Snipe stick.., talk to John.

Sure, you'll spend $100.., but you might get some of that money back in the form of FREE Coffee & Cheeseburgers.

Attorney Disclaimer:  Not all Vulcan Black Stick users are guaranteed FREE Coffee & Cheeseburgers.  Just like Red Bull doesn't give you wings.., Vulcan Industries does not guarantee goals.., as you still need to be talented.

Some restrictions apply, not valid in all 50-states, no money back guarantee.., so ask your wife's permission before investing.   

2019 MISI Award?

Did anyone save Dan Broderick's broken Mylec Stick Blade?

After almost breaking it over  Jim Barber's head.., the league's most "Senior-est" player had a "Senior moment" and forgot to drop it before being called for a penalty (ironically, right in front of his own penalty box)

Dan's blade should have been autographed and saved for the 2019 MISI Summer League and awarded as either the "Iron Man Longevity Award" or it could have be awarded as the "2019 MISI MVD Award" to give  Jason Carrien something to win during the summer.

Piece of Lumber

Dan Broderick had to do something he hasn't done in many years.., go to his back up stick.

Dan's back up stick is a true piece of lumber in the form of a 2001 Montreal Wooden Stick (circa 2000).., about the same time Matt Farrell was in grade school.

No "I" in TEAM

Speaking of Matt.., there’s no "I" in "TEAM".., but all those letters are in "Matt Farrell".., and why is that important?

It's not.., but;  

Matt Farrell came into this league "legally" through a sponsorship program that has some players calling for Matt's birth certificate and his registration application to be made public. 

They want to know if Matty checked the box saying stating he was "Over 30" and if he's illegally taking advantage of the elderly.  

We checked Matty's DNA on Ancestry.com and learned that he is 86% 30 (on his mother's side) and has committed no fraud.., and furthermore DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) states that Matt has every right to stay in the league because he is playing in his 3rd season and that counts as an "Anchor Baby" status.

So for those of you who want to build walls to keep Matt out of the league.., just remember there were other players before Matt that snuck in under the radar (Ray Dow, Jason Carrien) to make teams a little better, bring some fresh competitive talent to the league and to; Make Abcunas’-league Great Again

MISI Stock Report

With daylight savings only a few weeks away.., it's time for the MISI Captains to begin scouting their summer draft picks.

Sources say that after (2) “Player of the Week Awards”; Jim Barber's MISI stock is trading higher and scouts expect him to go before the 4th round (as previously and erroneously drafted)

Those same sources also predict that "Back-To-Back Champion" Mike Naczas will not be the last pick this season.  Mike's leadership and promotion to Defense Coordinator for Black Hole, coupled with his "Shut Down Defense" (Check the stats they don't lie).., has some MISI Captains thinking they may want to consider trading up in the draft to get Naz before the last pick of the draft.

Gang Green Defenseman Brian Capodilupo is also seeing huge gains in his stock this week as Cappy buried his second goal in back-to-back weeks.  Unconfirmed rumors are floating his name as a potential replacement captain. 

With Gains comes Losses.., and unfortunately Shawn Miville has been downgraded to a potential 2nd round with his disappointing Rhino season(s) along with his lower body injury.

National News

Let's hope "The Wall" doesn't keep any future potential Over-30 players with $250 (CAsh or Check) from entering and playing in the league.