This Week in SCOHA – October 3rd, 2023

Hey folks, not gonna lie, we are all settled in nicely as the 3rd week is already in the books. Let’s skip the small talk and get right to the action…

UNITED DIVISION:

REDWINGS 2 BRUINS 2: This was a defensive battle that saw both teams only muster up 23 shots combined. Bruins captain, GM, and team bus driver Nick Mol scored a beauty of a goal while redwings got goals from Justin Bisson and whoever the heck wore #71. These two hockey clubs skated hard and took zero shifts off and were both rewarded with a well-deserved point. These Bruins are getting their feet back, fellas. After a bit of a wobbly September, they are ready to compete for the cup. I know it’s still early but I’m just saying.

BLACKHAWKS 7 OILERS 4: This Blackhawk team came to training camp ready to prove all the nay-sayers wrong. They are rolling over teams like that lawn rolling thing that I believe doesn’t work, mainly because mine got stolen out of my backyard but that’s beside the point. Anyways, Marc “taco” Bellhumeur continues to lead the way for his Hawk team, scoring two goals and adding an assist for the winning side. Newcomer Kevin Scime added a pair to blend in well with this powerhouse of a team. For the Oilers, Shawn James scored a pair and Steve Ditta and Chris Marttila (blog guy) scored in a losing cause. Oilers were back at practice Monday morning with a no-puck skate to try and shake off this defeat.

FLYERS 3 SHARKS 1: Flyers captain and all-around nice guy Mike Haslam scored a goal that passed Lanny MacDonald on the all-time scoring list as the Flyers swam past the Sharks 3-1. Duane Marzi scored the loan goal for the Sharks who are just waiting to go on a winning streak that will have everyone’s eyebrows raising. Flyers netminder Paul Gabriele continues to fit in well in the Flyer net. His autograph session after his first SCOHA game is still being talked about as over 9 fans stuck around to talk to paul and get a few things signed. Watch Flyers #11 skate. This guy might be the best skater SCOHA has to offer, next to that #15 guy on the redwings blueline, Anthony Whitwell. That’s just some chatter I overheard in the hallway.

MASTERS DIVISION:

BRUINS 1 KINGS 0: This was a typical Gord Bryce defensive-first game as both teams only managed one single goal. As exciting as warm cod salad with tarragon sauce and boiled eggs. Scott “the wall” Johnson recorded his 2nd shutout in 3 games as the Bruins squeeked by the Kings 1-0 in front of a season-high 4 fans. Johnson thanks numerous hours in the gym over the summer as the reason he fast-tracked his progress in this league. Bruins have all the pieces to contend for a championship according to Bryce. We will see how things go as the schedule gets tougher for the next 3 weeks as they embark on a lengthy road trip out west while the circus keeps them away from their home rink. Let's all keep the noise down and talk about Terry "those aren't colours, they're" Hughes who scored another bigtime goal for the Bruins! What a game...

REDWINGS 4 STARS 3: Two things we know: Steve Watt can score goals and seatbelts save lives. Watt (also knows as Killa Watt) scored the eventual game winner as the Redwings surprised the powerful Stars 4-3. These Redwings are starting to mold together like sour cream and finely chopped dill. Stars had trouble containing the pesky forecheck all night long. Only bright spot for the Stars was Henri Marfisi who had a pair of snipes in a losing cause. Stars captain Chris Barratto threatened some line changes after this game. We will see what lineup he pencils in for this Sunday.

SHARKS 3 PENGUINS1: Sharks GM Ron Cooper has assembled an aggressive team that refuses to lose a battle along the boards. Besides his unparalleled commitment to the community, Cooper also embraces the weekly chore of watching opposition game films to gain an advantage for his hockey club. It certainly paid off this past weekend as his Sharks inked a win over the Pens 3-1. This Ed Aitchinson kid is going to turn some heads this season if he keeps up this ferocious effort out there. Ed notched the game winner and was awarded the game sheet to hang on his fridge with that plastic W kids magnet. Dave Smith scored the lone goal for the Penguinos.

BLACKHAWKS 7 FLYERS 3

I had over 5.5 on my Proline, mixed in some obvious Italian soccer games and my ticket won me a whole 38 bucks. The Hawks preyed on the Flyers 7-3 with Steve Smith, Ernie Dunston and Terry “don’t call me Tommy” Lee all scoring a pair for the big win. Let’s not forget about Andy Horwath, who chipped in with 3 assists and went home with the game puck for his mantle. Let’s pause and talk about Steve Smith for a bit. The guy plays the most meat and potatoes hockey ever. He walks through the kitchen with his Kodiak csa approved work boots just to show everyone the type of hockey he plays. Anyways, this game went pear-shaped in a hurry but like I say, it’s a long season, plenty of time to fix the hole in the boat.

Well that’s all from this end of the ice. For those guys not playing this year, we miss you out there. Glad you can still catch up on the goings-on with this silly blog. For those nursing some early-season injuries, hope you heal up quickly. Have a great rest of the week, see you on the weekend.

Chris Marttila

SCOHA Blogologist