GAME OF THE WEEK Dark Rainbows (7-2) vs. Unicorns (4-5) Location: Moffo, 4:00 PM All-Time Series: Dark Rainbows lead 4-2 Game Notes: This game represents the second leg in the battle for the prestigious Fairy Tale Cup. In the first leg, the Dark Rainbows soundly defeated the Happy Little Elves 4-0. Thus, with the Rainbows currently in possession of the (imaginary) trophy, they only need a tie to keep it. However, this will be no easy task, as the Rainbows’ star goalie, Trevor “White Jesus” Tyrrell is still sidelined with a shoulder injury. In addition, the Unicorns are coming off of one of their best efforts of the season, a 6-1 defeat of the Bad Touch. Although the Unicorns are hovering around a .500 record, a win over the defending league champions could prove that they are for real. Keys to the Game:
1. The Dark Rainbows have used two different backup goalies thus far: Sean Reynolds and John Nielsen. Depending on whom they choose, they will lose either one of the league’s top defenders in Reynolds or top scorers in Nielsen.
2. Although the Unicorns boast an extremely balanced scoring attack, Nelson currently leads the team with six goals, which includes a hat trick last week.
3. An unconfirmed source is reporting that Unicorns goalie Craig “Ug” LaCombe’s herpes has flared up again. Whether this clears up by Sunday’s game and how much it will affect his play remain to be seen. Eli’s Pick: Dark Rainbows. The cup stays with them for another year. Derek’s Pick: Unicorns. Another week without White Jesus is too much for the Rainbows to overcome.
GAME OF THE WEEK Mighty Squirrels (5-0-3) vs. Denim Demons (5-0-1-1)
Location: Moffo, 6:00 PM All-Time Series: Denim Demons lead 3-0 Game Notes: The Mighty Squirrels are now the only team left in BTSH without a loss of any kind and have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2008 season. Although the Squirrels lack a true offensive superstar, they have cruised through their competition on the strength of their teamwork and solid defense. Despite coming off an unexpected bye week, the Denim Demons were not rewarded with a lot of free time. After his team lost in a shootout to Filthy Gorgeous two weeks ago, captain Adam “Legen(d) Killer” Rubens ran several extra two-a-day practices to whip his team back into shape. Since neither team has lost in regulation time or overtime yet this season, it’s only fitting that this game gets the “primetime” booking at 6 PM. Keys to the Game:
1. In another cunning gambit by Squirrels captain Rachel “A-Korn” Greene, defensive stalwart Marie Marberg recently switched positions to forward. The move has already paid dividends as Marberg scored her first goal of the season last week.
2. In an unusual situation for such a successful team, the Denim Demons have used a rotating goalie system this season. Although Noah Farkas appears to be at the top of the depth chart, Zack Tinkelman and Steve Chernoski have both recorded shutouts between the pipes.
3. Squirrels enforcer Sven Larsen will proudly unveil a new stick this Sunday, made completely of solid granite. Although the stick weighs close to fifty pounds, Sven claims it will add two miles per hour to his wrist shot. Eli’s Pick: Mighty Squirrels. The Squirrels are very familiar with the 6 PM Moffo game. Derek’s Pick: Denim Demons. By the way, I’m still waiting for my “Team Scrappy” shirt.
GAME OF THE WEEK Filthy Gorgeous (4-2) vs. LBS (5-2)
Location: Corlears North, 5:00 PM All-Time Series: Filthy Gorgeous leads 2-1 Game Notes: Filthy Gorgeous enters this weekend on a four-game winning streak, with their most impressive victory coming last Sunday. Despite giving up a game-tying goal to the Denim Demons with just thirty seconds left in regulation, Filthy Gorgeous persevered and prevailed in the shootout on goals from two of their stars: Suvin “The Guru” Malik and James Pereira. After a two-game losing streak, LBS has responded by winning their last two games, including a hard fought victory against the Mathematics, when they were short a few players in the heat. Despite playing only a few games together so far, Ken “The Alpha Male” Poulin and Karsten Pichon are still one of the most formidable scoring tandems in BTSH. While these two teams may not get as much press as some of the flashier teams in the league, they are still just as talented. Keys to the Game:
1. This will be the second game of the day for Filthy Gorgeous, with the first being a very grueling matchup against the Rehabs. Will a two-hour break between games be enough to re-energize them?
2. Brian “Grandmaster B” Barrett of LBS had his first multi-goal game of the season last week. He claims it was because he gave up drinking beer the entire week. Filthy might want to buy him a cold one before the game.
3. Filthy Gorgeous might have a goalie controversy on their hands as Liza Watts was the winning goalie of the Women’s All-Star Game. Eli’s Pick: LBS. I was very impressed with their performance last week. Derek’s Pick: Filthy Gorgeous. I expect big things from Filthy’s most prominent player, Paul “Ashy Larry” Vernon.
What The Puck (6-0) vs. Rehabs (3-1-1)
Location: Corlears South, 3:00 PM All-Time Series: What The Puck leads 7-4 Game Notes: This matchup features two of the hottest teams in BTSH, as What The Puck has won all six of their games, and the Rehabs are currently riding a three game winning streak. Despite their gaudy record, What The Puck has struggled in one area: attendance. They have had only one substitute the last two weeks and actually played shorthanded in one of those games. Personnel issues aside, their lethal offense still leads the league in team goals. The Rehabs started slowly, but played their best game of the season last week in a 6-0 victory against the Happy Little Elves. Their deep offensive rotation is led by the Ontario Connection of “Con” Ed Lau and Jon “Dinner Plate” Feldman, but not to be overlooked are Sal Malguarnera, Lateef Nurmohamed, Chantel Arroyo, and Brian Wong (who really enjoys playing hockey). Keys to the Game:
1. What The Puck team cancer, Ant “Father Time” Ventolieri has frequently been seen wearing a Rehabs shirt. One has to wonder where his true loyalties lie. The answer is most likely with himself.
2. Cinemax is scheduled to play Tomcats from 1:00 AM to 3:00 AM on Sunday morning. Rehabs captain Bryan “Stork” Welch will not be able to resist watching this and could be tired and unfocused.
3. Lost amongst the accolades for What The Puck’s explosive offense, has been the steady goaltending of Roderick “Guy LeDouche” Cruz. He has yet to give up more than two goals in a game. Eli’s Pick: Rehabs. What The Puck’s attendance issues finally catch up with them. Derek’s Pick: What The Puck. They’ve played nearly perfectly each and every week, regardless of how many of them show up.
Cobra Kai (1-3-1) vs. Sky Fighters (3-1)
Location: Corlears North, 5:00 PM All-Time Series: Tied 1-1 Game Notes: After losing their first three games of the season, Cobra Kai appears to have turned the corner with a tie against the Denim Demons and a win against the Gouging Anklebiters. Newcomer Adriano Bratta leads the Dojo’s offense with seven goals, putting him amongst the league leaders as well. Although the Sky Fighters suffered their first loss of the season in their last game against Filthy Gorgeous, they have still been a pleasant surprise. Grizzled veteran Martin Cejka also has seven goals to lead the Sky Fighters. Both Bratta and Cejka account for more than fifty percent of their respective team’s overall goals. Keys to the Game:
1. The Sky Fighters have not played a game since May 4. They’ll need to shake off the rust early in this one.
2. Paul “P.J.” Lopez has been one of the best goalies in BTSH this season. Even in their losses, Cobra Kai has had a fighting chance in all of their games because of him.
3. The Sky Fighters are winless since their now infamous bet with the Happy Little Elves. Captain Amy Lott needs to pick a new name for the Elves soon, so her team can–you know–return its focus to hockey. Eli’s Pick: Sky Fighters. Goalie James Stein has provided the balance that they were lacking in 2007. Derek’s Pick: Cobra Kai. Forward Greg “Lysol” Altman is one of the most underrated players in the league in playmaking ability, intimidation, and (according to himself) general good looks. At least two of these qualities will be important in Sunday’s game.
