Pending Unanimous Official Tent Hockey Anthem
Note: Please take this blog seriously, if possible. It helps.
The Event Company Tents have completed the first requirement of their journey..... don't finish last. For the second consecutive season, The Tents have accomplished that. First year teams usually don't have a shot. Posting a 10-5-0-1, which was good enough for second place by virtue of the very narrow advantage one has by tying a game rather than losing in overtime, the Tents are in good position heading into the Best of Five series against the Beer Mugs (two-time defending CAIHL champs, I'm sure you've seen their golf shirts). Gonna be a tough series against the veteran Mugs squad.
Its about time to get to know your favorite #TentHockey players. Their strengths, not their weaknesses because we don't like to discuss minor (sometimes major) details, and a general observation or two of the personality.
We start with Player/Coach/Captain Norman Michael MacFarland. The heartbeat of the team. Gets under the skin of opposing players with relative ease. Hard working and unselfish is a staple of his game, not much departure from his characteristics in life. Great hands. Great Vision. Surprisingly Competetive given his usually calm demeanor. Can sauce and snipe when he needs to. Grade: A+.
Second Player, Brian Doyle/Todd Brunson. (Sorry mates, half of my reading audience wont get through the whole article so I'm contractually obligated to put myself in the number two slot.) With Zero goals, Todd is the only player in the Tent Hockey organization without a goal. 1 goal shy of his career average. Sprinkle a few assists like (chocolate sprinkles) on a vanilla ice cream and you have a real nice treat, right? Ok so my offensive game is marginal at best, but there is another full half sheet of the ice that needs defending. Just really my dojo, the defensive zone. Active stick and good puck battler. Refuses to stand in front of slap shots (PTSD from puck to face) and must rely on his quick reflexes to bail him out. Todd Brunson supports the much maligned stat of +/- (Because his plus minus is usually high). But Credit for that must also go to his defensive partner.....Grade A+
Rob "Moose" Morrissey is a solid Puck Moving Defensemen who has almost zero trepidation of rushing the puck forward the Offensive Blueline. Steady as they Come. Solid shot, great awareness and big size to his advantage. Unfortunately, Moose decided to go cheap and get the severely tinted protective shield. Me might have to cut him some slack for that. Grade A+
Rory Kain is our most skilled defenseman. He is an offensive threat as well as a sure handed puck handler in the defensive zone. Can play with finesse while also getting down and dirty when the time calls. Grade A+
My favorite player on the team, Austin Sousa has made a very strong impression with the team in his first year. Cant say enough about his transition back to defense. Solid on his stick, great positional player as he puts himself in the right position to make a play. Grade A+
Goaltender Derric Souza has turned heads with his lights out goaltending. Highlight reel saves all season. Cool, calm and collected game in and game out, Souza is not only part responsible for the Tents ascention in the standings, but also negotiated a deal with our sponsor. Grade A+
The rest of the forwards we begin with Rick Melanson. Rough around the edges at times not one person can deny his consistent offensive production. Team guy. Comes to the defense of his fallen teammates without hesitation. Solid slap shot with the ability to make the opponent pay for his mistakes. Dick Melanson will play a key role in the playoffs for the Tents. Grade A+
Next up we have Garrett "Jagr" Webb. Sporting number 68, Webb uses his size to to his advantage winning puck battles and getting shots on net. Always look for Webb streaking up the wing entering the offensive zone with speed. Grade A+
When Cameron Scola wants it, has the ability to make huge impact offensively. Potting some pretty goals after returning from offseason surgery. A few defensive plays away from becoming an all around guy. Predicting alot of production in the playoffs a la Mike Ryder in 2011. Grade A+
First line winger Andrew Fulford goes to the greasy-grimy areas of the ice to make plays. Tough customer who has no problem dropping the gloves. Scores goals at a clip not matched by many. His contract stipulates no Chicken Finger Cheese Steak Calzone will be eaten within 4 hours of opening faceoff. Grade A+
Sniper Brett Biondo has dazzled with his speed and hands. A one on one nightmare for opposing defensemen, Biondo is an offensive juggernaut. Grade A+
Last and Totally least Tom Salah may be the most interesting and effective #Tent there is. Intensity drives him. He is the player that can set the tempo while keeping players engaged. I like Tom. The Ladies like Tom. and Tom likes Tom. Several time this season, Mr. Best Looking Underclassman has drilled fucking bullet one timers for statement goals. He makes this face after he scores these type of goals that would make a woman blush. My man. Grade A+
There you have it folks, if you made it this far, you are probably a player or one of our 11 fans. Thanks and have a nice day and come to our games and dont make fun of us (me) for caring way too much about a beer league hockey team that gets its tires pumped constantly. And if not shame on you.
P.S. Go Bruins/Giants.
Love,
Todd
