This Week in SCOHA – October 23rd, 2024

Well gang, I wrote this last night while the Leafs were getting folded up like those silly paper snowflake things people like to make then feel like an artist. Christmas is right around the corner, folks. I don’t want to sound like the old man yelling at the clouds but I am so not ready for that. Anyways, before tonight’s midnight deadline to post this blog, let’s recap the last bit of action before I get fired by Terry.

UNITED DIVISION: October 11th:

BLACKHAWKS 5 BRUINS 3: Marc “Taco” Bellhumeur wasn’t in a humorous mood as he came to the rink like a man on a mission. This time around, Marc had 2 goals and an apple as his Hawks flew by the Bruins 5-3. Ryan Chard wiped things up with a goal and 2 assists for the winning side. For the Bruins, Jeff “mulberry and apple” Pye made the game sheet with a Gretzky-like assist and then served 2 minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct detrimental to the sport. No biggie, happens to the best of us, Jeff.

FLYERS 6 REDWINGS 2: The Wings got oversauced 6-2 by a spirited Flyer club that appears to be rolling now after a bit of a slow start. Devin “it’s not hot outside, I am” Friesen looks to be earning his keep after signing a lucrative contract extension over the summer, collecting 2 goals and adding 3 assists. Mike Rostecki also chipped in with 2 goals and a hamburger helper. Redwings got a goal from Kyle Allen (no relation to Tim) in a losing cause.

 

UNITED DIVISION: October 18th

FLYERS 3 BRUINS 1: Bruins are appearing close to turning the ship around but fell a bit short on this night, losing to the men in orange 3-1. Whoever #12 was on the game sheet scored a monumental goal that will be seen across the world while Flyers goaltender Paul Gabrielle turned aside 28 shots for the W.

BLACKHAWKS 4 REDWINGS 1: Despite missing 6 regulars, the Hawks breezed by the Redwings 4-1 to keep their perfect record alive. Newcomer Brent Ellis was the game’s first star, collecting 3 goals while Shawn James racked up a goal and 2 assists for the winners. Rookie Wes Smith scored the lone Redwing goal then took the game puck home for his mantle.

 

MASTERS DIVISION: October 20th

BRUINS 7 DEVILS 3: This game was feisty with a bit of snarl. When the final buzzer sounded, the Bruins escaped with a 7-3 victory. Wayne Sliwinski padded his scoring stats with 3 goals and an assist. Other than that, everyone and their pet were in on the scoring on this night. For the Devils, rookie Eddie D’Ostilio, Guy “Remington Micro” Shaver and Alfonso Tinebra lit the lamp. Is there even a lamp there? Who knows, just sounded good to say. Spare goalie Joe “near and” DeFaria spared for the Devils and faced 39 shots. Not enough tubes of Rub a5/35 could be rubbed on his knees after this one.

BLACKHAWKS 5 SENATORS 4: The Hawks scored twice in the last 2:34 to topple the Senators 5-4 for their first win of the season. Dino “diceman” Giudice scored the eventual game-winner, his 100th goal of his illustrious career. 4 penalties against the Sens did them in, folks, there’s no sugar-coating it. Senator players didn’t shy away from the media after the game, disappointed with the result but guaranteed o their fans that they would give an all-out effort this upcoming weekend.

PENGUINS 4 SHARKS 4: Penguins Peter Fantauzzo scored twice as they picked up another point in the standings with a 4-4 draw against a pesky Shark team. Shark rookie Joad Durst scored a highlight-reel goal as he continues to eye rookie of the year honours in this damn league. I saw he does it. Not up for discussion. This score could’ve been much higher if it wasn’t for the 5-ell saves both goaltenders made. Stick tap to Ted Marszalek and Sandro Marrone on their great game between the pipes.

 

GRAND MASTERS: October 20th

SHARKS 4 REDWINGS 1: On Ron Cooper bobblehead night, Ron sent the fans home even happier with a key goal as the Sharks took a bit out of the Wings 4-1. Dale Scott chipped in with a pair of assists for the winners while Billy “popcorn” Kircos scored the lone Wing goal, hopped the glass, then gave the puck to a young fella watching his favourite SCOHA heroes. The boy had no idea who Bill was but accepted the gift anyway.

STARS 3 FLYERS 0: Brad Ballman recored another shutout as a spare as the Stars lit up the Flyers 3-0. Steve MacDonald scored the eventual game-winner for the Stars who are starting to turn things around despite a dismal start to the season. This MacDonald kid has all the tools to go far in this league, you heard it here first.

 

THE PREMIUM PLUS TOOL REPAIR & PACKAGING WORKHORSES OF THE WEEK:

UNITED: Brent Ellis (Blackhawks)

MASTERS: Wayne Sliwinski (Bruins)

GRAND MASTERS: tie: Brad Ballman (spare Stars) / Ron Cooper (Sharks)

 

Well that’s a wrap on last week’s action. Fellas, just a heads up, the blog is written according to what is written on the game sheets.  Enjoy the rest of the week, see you at the rink this weekend!

 

Chris Marttila

SCOHA Blogologist-in-Chief