The Scene at Dorothy Talbot Memorial Rink as the Tents Claim the Jim Muniz Cup
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
After what seemed to be an interminable postseason, 2+ months to play 7 games, the Tents are back on top of the Cape Ann Beer League Hockey World.
After easily Dispatching the Gulls, the Tents faced a tall task in beating the defending champion Kings!. The Kings!, led by goalie Cusumano, Endicott, Millsy, Disco, The Ciarametaro Family, Shairs, Fullerton and other guys who's names I apologize for not knowing, dumped the Mugs in 4 in the opening round.
Here is how the series played out.....
Game One: Kings 7 - Tents 2
After polishing off a keg and 10 pounds of steak tips the day prior, Todd has the worst game of his career, and is responsible for this loss after gift wrapping two goals for the Kings with reprehensible turnovers in his own zone. This was a "Throw away the game tape" game for the Tents, who dug themselves an 0-1 hole at home.
Game Two: Tents 4 - Kings 2
Derric Souza stole this game for the Tents. Spectacular Point blank saves and rebound control stymied the Kings while the Tents methodically tallied four goals. Series tied.
Listen to the entire hour of that video. If you do, you will know what it felt like for The Tents over a three week span of not knowing when Game Three of the championship series would be played. Lack of commitment to playing the games when they are supposed to be played caused the CAHL championship series to go dormant for the better part of a month. A time where many Tents almost lost their championship ambition. During this period, the ordinary and mundane task of taking a shower claimed Tents defenseman Jack Doyle, who slipped and fell on a wet surface and broke his hand, finishing his season.
Game Three: Tents 4 - Kings 0
The Tents put forth an effort that will live on forever in CAHL lore and changed the lives of all three fans in attendance. An undeniable dismantling of the Kings will to win from the opening face off.
Ladies and Gentlemen I would like to introduce you to a special friend we all know, his appearances are as rare as a solar eclipse. Psycho Child.
Andrew Fulford's competition induced alter ego, Psycho Child, made his presence felt all over the ice. His intimidation tactics and expert chirping skills landed him squarely in the sin bin FOUR times which triggered an immediate ejection with four minutes remaining in the contest.
Psycho Child brought our compete level to new heights. Everyone contributed. The forecheck was as good as this league has ever seen and the defensensive quartet of Paul Russo, Austin Sousa, Rob "Moose" Morrissey and Brian Doyle smothered any chances the Kings even thought of having. The backchecking efforts off the entire forward unit, especially by Michael Russo, Brett Biondo and Garrett "Jagr" Webb clogged the neutral zone for the Kings. The best game in Tent Hockey history garnered the Tents a 2-1 series lead.
Game Four: Tents 4 - Kings 3
The Cup is in the Building.
This game was a thriller. Mike Richard spotted the Tents an early 1-0 lead but the Kings wouldn't quit. They clawed back to tie the game three times until Tom Salah netted the Championship Clinching goal.... figures.
A back and forth battle for the ages ended with a second championship in Tent Franchise History.
Uncle Jerry and Rob Ross handed over the MUNZ CUP to Player/Coach/Owner Norman Michael MacFarland who skated off into history, the Cup raised proudly to the sky.
Great Season for the CAHL, lets keep this party rolling. Big thanks to Parsons for keeping this league running.
Championship GALA invitations will be mailed to deserving recipients. If you only showed up to the Cup Clinching game, you might not make the cut. Band wagoners need not apply.
Until Next Year. AMF.
