Opening Day 2022
Last week; September 10th 2022 was the start of the 31st season and our 4th decade for the Over-30 League. Some players playing on that date (and this season) will have played in all 4 decades.
Coming off of highly celebrated 30th Anniversary spectacular where we honored our heritage, former iconic players and historical events.., this season you will notice some updates and changes as once again we reflect back on our roots with the new league jersey style and the new updated logos.
The “old” old man logo was officially retired last season and “the reaper” was a one off special edition. What you see now is the new updated branding for the Over-30 League and a special thank you to Jason Glista for giving the old man a much need face lift.., along with Jim Barber & Todd Bryson for the new concept on the jerseys that once again pays tribute to the roots of your “commute” to Hockeytown.
This season we have had the largest turnover of players with (8) new rookies coming into the league and (3) returning veterans to fill the vacated spots. The Over-30 League long tradition of being an “Invitation Only” league along with its balanced draft formatting and excellent organization are just some of the reasons players are seeking to join the league.
As always; your participation and weekly attendance is the most important aspect of the league. The Over-30 League Board of Directors work year round and are committed to putting the best product on the dek for its players and officials. Keep your commitment to the league and more importantly to your teammates by showing up every week and the invites to participate in future seasons will continue.., loose interest or miss to many (non-IR related) games and face a possible removal from the roster and the league.
Once again Mylec has agreed to extend our partnership for another season. This season you will see new league logo stamped balls, another end of the season “Mylec Player of the Year” Award and they have extended an online league discount to our players.., See the new "Shop Mylec" page.
Lastly; as the world starts to come back to normal (post Covid).., there are no league protocols in place (unless otherwise directed in the future), so please use your best judgment. It you test positive - stay home!
The Draft
Every season since 1992 one man sits at his kitchen table and decides who’s going to play with whom.., (and though not always fulfilled).., he does take and considers special requests for teammates. The “one-man” draft is not always popular with the players.., but for 30-seasons it’s worked and somehow in the end it always works out to be a semi-balanced league based on players committments and participation as intended during the draft process.
Starting last season and continuing this season, the Board of Directors has taken the naming rights away from the Captains and instead opted for pre-naming the drafted teams. We didn’t do this because some of the Captains just aren’t that creative.., we did it because we wanted to incorporate team logos into the 30th Anniversary booklet and into the website going forward.
So over a Saturday morning breakfast a few people look at the final rosters, make some team and player connections and come up with a suitable name.
So why is your team called?
Devils Disciple’s – Captain Ray Dow personally requested Scotty Rosato, John Carey, and Mike Roberto this season. Those guys together have won Hockeytown Championships with the Blue Room Devils (but that was “back in the day”)
Will the sophomore Captain regret his request of his “Devil’s Disciple’s” and spend this season and next burning in hell?
Vulcan Grip – Captain John Kelleher and his Vulcan branded hockey sticks have had a log lasting grip on several Over-30 players who are committed to the brand.
John’s “Vulcan Grip” and his 6th Generation (Black & White) stick is available now at the new “FJB” price of $125. If you don't have one, get one... it will increase your point production.
Goombahs – Newly inducted Captain Angelo De Luca has been promoted from a “Capo” to a “Captain” and once again his street level “Goombah’s” of Rick Cassano and Gino Tamaro who will act as Consigliere(s) on his line.
Will Angelo be able to lead under pressure or will he get whacked by his underboss Tony “Not U2” Bono?
Roadrunners – Captain Dominic DeFrancisco (and at least on paper) probably has the fastest forward(s) in the league. The only way opposing defenses are going to be able to stop these “Roadrunners” is with an ACME Anvil tied to a rope with a bucket of birdseed in the goalie crease.
Our only concern is that this year’s “Pink Shirt Challenger” Gary Goodwin and his often uncontrollable speed will run into one of those painted tunnels on the side of a rock while trying to score 6-goals this season.., Good Luck Gary (Beep Beep!)
Captain’s Mutiny – After last season’s demotion to Assistant Captain.., Matty Iannello is back in the Captain’s seat where he belongs. However his decision in the playoffs last season to override his former Captain’s “In Game Adjustment” cost them a 2-goal lead with 5-minutes to play.
With Jim Barber going overboard during a “Captain’s Mutiny” will “The Great One” be able to right his new ship of fools that he’s been given this season?
Justice League – Captain Jamie Kehoe has a lot riding on this season. Not only is Jamie in an exclusive “4-Conectutive Championship Club” as a player.., but he also started his own even MORE exclusive club as he is the first ever Captain to lose 4-conseutive Championship games.
Now Jamie has a new recruit of Superhero’s from DC & Marvel to help him seek justice… the return of Rob “Superman” Sheridan, Ray “The Hulk” Nickerson, Mike “Captain America” Luise, Paul “Shazam” Sequiera, Paul “Flash” Firicano, the dark knight himself Dan “Batman” Broderick along with the newest superhero Ron “The Flyin Hawaiian” Aquino have joined forces with the “Justice League” to hopefully prevent a 5th consecutive losing disaster.
First Injury Report
We start the 2022-2023 Season with our first IR report of the season;
Defending Spring 2022 Championship and Leading Goalie Winner Jake Deehan is expected to miss the entire Winter season with a upper body injury. Rumor has it he threw something out of whack while hoisting the Over-30 Championship Trophy all around Cape Cod when it was his “Day with the cup”.
Marquee defenseman Steve Silveira who went down last season is still on IR with a lower body injury. Steve also missed the 2022 MISI League and is slated to return early this season
Another big name defenseman John Carey popped up expectantly on this report with a lower body injury. Reporters are still digging for details – more to follow.
Bob “Mr Connections” Snyder when under the knife in the off season.., where not sure what the procedure was… or if he’s having his pronouns medically changed for this season. But we wish Bob a speedy recovery.
Injury PSA
Speaking of injuries.., we want to remind players to keep control of their sticks and keep their emotions in check. This is a fast pace game and injuries are sometimes unavoidable.
Like every street hockey players says “I have to get up for work tomorrow”… so keep it clean and keep it safe.
This PSA is brought to you by Matty “The Great One” Iannello who reminds us that even the great ones are not untouchable. Originally Matty team was going to be green… but after seeing this photo it was decided he would look better in purple this season.
