GAME RECAP FOR BANFF TOURNAMENT, OCT. 4-6/03

3rd place, and tournament Sportsmanship Award for the 2nd year running!

The good guys faced Conundrum Friday night, The Roughnecks Saturday and The Rhinos on Sunday morning at 7:30(!!!!) Previous warnings went unheeded, as some of the players (i.e., Michelle and Vatcher) decided to light it up on Saturday night despite the early gametime. (Editor's note: I'm actually eating now - lunch - for the first time since yesterday's post-game cereal) The accommodations were excellent and included a huge hot tub, and the weather was gorgeous, making for an all-around fun weekend full of booze and hockey (in that order).

The Hazards had some notable deletions from the lineup, as Falusi, Wagner, Bernie, Tom and Clem were all missing, and Captain Bert was only available for the Friday game. But subs Jason, Smatts and Rob filled in, along with a surprise guest appearance by George to shore-up the blue line.

The game notes here will be sketchy at best, due to my hangover and the fact that I'm pulling this stuff from memory. I therefore apologize in advance for missing any important details or leaving something out.

Game 1: Conundrum 2 - Ice Hazards 0

Who are we playing again?

Turns out that Conundrum is 3/4 Cripplers, 1/4 US Imports. That's okay though, as the Hazards really held their own, only losing 2-0 to a team that, on paper, should be much better. Dallas stopped 26 of 28 shots, making a couple highlight reel diving saves in the losing cause. Interesting game note: there were 0 penalties called during this game! Also, the defense for Conundrum was stellar, allowing only 6 shots on goal.

After the game, the rest of the evening was spent at the chalet, playing cards, throwing chocolate, whipping Kenny with Twizzlers, and receiving noise complaints. Thanks to Big D for the pre-game spaghetti.

Game 2: Ice Hazards 3 - Roughnecks 2

A "must win"!

The Hazards were confident going into this one, and took an early lead on a point-shot by Rob that eluded the goaltender for the Hazards first goal of the tournament. The Hazards took the 1-0 lead into the dressing room after the end of the first period. The Roughnecks tied it early in the second but Jason broke the tie on a breakaway for a 2-1 Hazards lead. Matt got another in similar fashion to put the Hazards ahead for good. Also in the second: the Roughnecks had thought they'd tied it up, except their player had tackled Dallas on his way to the net! You know that's the only way he could get around you, Dal.

Although there was little scoring in the third, it was an eventful period, as Dallas made a ridiculous diving save on a two-on-one to preserve the win. Also, playing their usual physical game, Captain Dear thought it might be fun to mix it up with Gigantor in front of their net! They each received minor penalties for the fracas.

Post game nonsense revolved around the hot tub, where two hockey teams plus a stagette is a recipe for disaster! Then a bbq, compliments of the league, was interrupted by Gary of the Rhinos who decided to streak through the compound. We were all temporarily blinded, only to recover in time to see Michelle almost rip her knee to shreds on the stairs to the hot tub. A quick cab ride later and we were enjoying $7 beers at the Banff Rose & Crown, and trying to find the stagetters at Aurora nightclub. Too much alcohol was consumed and some players stayed out WAY too late for the next morning, but seriously, how many weekend tournaments do we get to play in Banff?

Game 2: Ice Hazards 3 - Rhinos 3

Win to keep playing.

What a game by both sides, especially at 7:30 am when the rest of the world is sleeping (including Michelle). The Hazards opened the scoring again, just a few minutes in, as Vatcher tipped home a point shot from Scott after winning the draw, and the good guys were on top. The Rhinos tied it during the first, and the period ended 1-1.

The Hazards re-took the lead in the second on the powerplay, as Kenrico shoveled home a rebound in the slot to make the score 2-1. The stinking Rhinos tied it again, but Matt broke the tie late in the second on a partial breakaway to make it 3-2 Hazards at the second intermission.

The Hazards fought valiantly in the third, but halfway through the period got caught on a bad line change, and the Rhinos capitalized with a tying goal. They pulled out all the stops late, as a tie wouldn't be enough to get them to the finals. Dallas was pulled for an extra attacker, and Dean selflessly gave up his spot on the ice to Jason so a power play line could play the final minute. Your heroes came close on a few occasions, keeping great pressure on with solid work by the point men, but the Rhinos goalie shut the door to end one of the best Ice Hazards' efforts in recent memory.

After a quick hot tub session and a late checkout, the door was closed on the 2003 Banff tournament. My sincerest thanks to all that played and gave so much this past weekend (and to Mel for cleaning up some random fluid on Saturday night!). And most of all to Michelle, who not only booked the hotel, got us a deal on the rooms, took care of all the money issues and bought enough groceries to feed a developing country, but also cooked a huge pancake, bacon and eggs breakfast on Saturday. And especially for being so loaded Saturday night that flashing and inappropriate groping at the pub took place on your behalf. You're truly a role model for us all. :)

Finally, the Ice Hazards consistently honourable play earned them the distinction of Most Sportsmanlike Team for the second year in a row. Another feat for which we should all be very proud.

Next game: Tuesday October 7, 11pm at NESS, vs. the hated Rhinos. We're the home team for this one.