Iliopsoas is a fickle muscle, difficult to spell and even more difficult to determine when it’s ready for real action. Yesterday, I rode the exercise bike and then stretched, but iliopsoas is not ready for ice time. So while I’m still on the shelf from my early morning hockey games (my Capitals are doing just fine without me), so I give to you this review: a book about hockey (and beer).
Midnight Hockey: all about BEER, the BOYS, and the REAL CANADIAN GAME
By Bill Gaston
Like slamming back a few cold ones without any intermissions, I drank in this book in one sitting. A few year ago and in the passenger seat while the AMHL Photographer drove from St. John’s to Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, I laughed often as I became drunk on hockey.
Beer is what Gaston says is one of the “seductions that make the return to the rink an annual rite.” His book, written in a refreshing steady stream of consciousness, is not only a collection of his hockey memories, like playing in France, China, and Japan, but also a venue for venting his thoughts on hockey. Gaston offers colorful takes on everything from nicknames (Gaston answers to “Thrasher” and “Gasser”) to teams’ names (one of his favorites is Friends of Jesus). Gasser does so in the context of what may be his last season of oldtimers hockey. The defenseman pops in some goals and pops some tops with his pals, and the reader is left with a fantastic hockey hangover.
If you’re a hockey player, this book belongs on your shelf.
Showing posts with label beer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beer. Show all posts
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Monday, September 01, 2008
AMHL Wednesday Championship: Wicked Good
Editor’s note: Thanks to rinkside reporter, Iron Butterfly fan, and Shark forward Terry “the Ear” Loebs for filing this report—complete with a wicked Baaston accent.
I owe him a coffee-flavored beeah or a beeah-flavored coffee (and a donut).
August 27, 2008
Rink One
Shaaks vs. Habs
Sharks swimming right to left across your mind’s ears…
Thanks to the acrobatic goaltending of Kate Fallon, who turned aside shots from (in degree of difficulty order) Anastas, Donahue, Corke, Mandarano and Fox, the Shaaks managed to open a 2–0 lead. The first maaker for the Shaaks came after Shark Mike Tavis dove headlong towards the boards to keep the puck in the zone. After righting himself, he kicked the puck to Bob “Postal Tape Boy” Kilkenny, who then dished smaatly to Terry “I Can Ear You” Loebs. Loebs wound-up the windmill center slot, closed his eyes tight, and made contact with the biscuit, which found its way through a maze of players and the fully-inflated (Garth Snow signature model) pads of goaltender Mitch Weiss. However, it would take much more than a lucky goal like to this to deflate the Habs’ spirit (or Weiss’s pads).
Seven minutes and several scintillating flashes of leather (by Fallon and Weiss) later, Canada-born Marc (“Maak the Knife”) Vallee ginsu’d his way through the neutral zone with two Habs defenders clinging to his back. To no avail—Maak managed a one-armed roof job over a sprawling Weiss. 2–0 Shaaks.
Now in the second period, the Habs were pissed now: Not only had the Shaaks managed to take a 2–0 lead halfway through the match, but the fact that they did so without any assistance from Mike “Show No” Moore—a no-show for this championship contest—was especially grating on the collective psyche of le bleu, blanc et rouge.
As Weiss nailed the door shut with save after sprawl, the Habs soon got busy. Paul Anastas weaved his way from end-to-end, leaving five Shaak jocks in his wake and then deposited the disc in the top right corner. The Habs followed that tally with a maaker from Tim Donahue from in-close, and then a gorgeous re-direction of a Donahue pass by Bill Mandarano cutting across the slot in front of Shaaks goaltender Fallon. 3–2 Habs.
The Shaaks, known for their thick skin, wicked shaap teeth and no Moore, were still down but not out as third period play began. Numerous chances were registered by the tenacious teal—including from Postal Tape Boy, "Grinder" Greg Longtine, Kevin "Well Done" Weldon, and Jamal “In a Gadda” Davita—but Weiss was there to deny every opportunity. Larry "Downtown" Brown had a blast from the point that clanged the crossbar. With the Shaaks threatening and within whiskers of knotting the score—and Kate Fallon standing on her head stopping multiple odd–man rushes—the Habs decided it was time to interrupt the fishes’ mounting mojo by calling for a timeout with 5:30 to go before the next drop of the puck, deep in the Habs’ zone.
On the ensuing draw, the Shaaks' Postal Tape Boy won the draw back to Larry Brown (presumably, this was not part of the plan the Habs concocted). Downtown fired a wicked haaad shot that Weiss denied with his left leg pad, but Loebs was there to pick up the trash and tie the score 3–3 with just under five minutes to play. The timeout strategy worked swiftly and effectively—albeit, for the fish.
The Shaaks countered several Hab attacks over the course of the game’s final minutes, and riding the euphoria of another Fallon stop, they lumbered down to the Habs’ end (although Longtine raced there). Tavis to Vallee to Weldon to Longtine, back to Tavis, and then after a few hacks, whiffs and saves in the crease, Chuck “a Puck” Livoli found an opening and fired an absolute laser beam through the back of the net (that's how Livoli would describe it, anyway).to put the Shaaks up for good, 4–3.
Following the game, Livoli remaaaked, “We had one more goal than they did at the end of three periods, so we won. By winning the final game of the play-offs, we are the champs. As champs, we get beer to go, eh?”
I owe him a coffee-flavored beeah or a beeah-flavored coffee (and a donut).
August 27, 2008
Rink One
Shaaks vs. Habs
Sharks swimming right to left across your mind’s ears…
Thanks to the acrobatic goaltending of Kate Fallon, who turned aside shots from (in degree of difficulty order) Anastas, Donahue, Corke, Mandarano and Fox, the Shaaks managed to open a 2–0 lead. The first maaker for the Shaaks came after Shark Mike Tavis dove headlong towards the boards to keep the puck in the zone. After righting himself, he kicked the puck to Bob “Postal Tape Boy” Kilkenny, who then dished smaatly to Terry “I Can Ear You” Loebs. Loebs wound-up the windmill center slot, closed his eyes tight, and made contact with the biscuit, which found its way through a maze of players and the fully-inflated (Garth Snow signature model) pads of goaltender Mitch Weiss. However, it would take much more than a lucky goal like to this to deflate the Habs’ spirit (or Weiss’s pads).
Seven minutes and several scintillating flashes of leather (by Fallon and Weiss) later, Canada-born Marc (“Maak the Knife”) Vallee ginsu’d his way through the neutral zone with two Habs defenders clinging to his back. To no avail—Maak managed a one-armed roof job over a sprawling Weiss. 2–0 Shaaks.
Now in the second period, the Habs were pissed now: Not only had the Shaaks managed to take a 2–0 lead halfway through the match, but the fact that they did so without any assistance from Mike “Show No” Moore—a no-show for this championship contest—was especially grating on the collective psyche of le bleu, blanc et rouge.
As Weiss nailed the door shut with save after sprawl, the Habs soon got busy. Paul Anastas weaved his way from end-to-end, leaving five Shaak jocks in his wake and then deposited the disc in the top right corner. The Habs followed that tally with a maaker from Tim Donahue from in-close, and then a gorgeous re-direction of a Donahue pass by Bill Mandarano cutting across the slot in front of Shaaks goaltender Fallon. 3–2 Habs.
The Shaaks, known for their thick skin, wicked shaap teeth and no Moore, were still down but not out as third period play began. Numerous chances were registered by the tenacious teal—including from Postal Tape Boy, "Grinder" Greg Longtine, Kevin "Well Done" Weldon, and Jamal “In a Gadda” Davita—but Weiss was there to deny every opportunity. Larry "Downtown" Brown had a blast from the point that clanged the crossbar. With the Shaaks threatening and within whiskers of knotting the score—and Kate Fallon standing on her head stopping multiple odd–man rushes—the Habs decided it was time to interrupt the fishes’ mounting mojo by calling for a timeout with 5:30 to go before the next drop of the puck, deep in the Habs’ zone.
On the ensuing draw, the Shaaks' Postal Tape Boy won the draw back to Larry Brown (presumably, this was not part of the plan the Habs concocted). Downtown fired a wicked haaad shot that Weiss denied with his left leg pad, but Loebs was there to pick up the trash and tie the score 3–3 with just under five minutes to play. The timeout strategy worked swiftly and effectively—albeit, for the fish.
The Shaaks countered several Hab attacks over the course of the game’s final minutes, and riding the euphoria of another Fallon stop, they lumbered down to the Habs’ end (although Longtine raced there). Tavis to Vallee to Weldon to Longtine, back to Tavis, and then after a few hacks, whiffs and saves in the crease, Chuck “a Puck” Livoli found an opening and fired an absolute laser beam through the back of the net (that's how Livoli would describe it, anyway).to put the Shaaks up for good, 4–3.
Following the game, Livoli remaaaked, “We had one more goal than they did at the end of three periods, so we won. By winning the final game of the play-offs, we are the champs. As champs, we get beer to go, eh?”
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Head Over Heels: Top (Half) Dozen Favourite Hockey (and Donut) Movies
A song I recently heard on my iPod triggered thoughts of hockey movies and their soundtracks, so I figured I’d list, not necessarily in order, my favorite hockey (and donut) movies.
Wayne’s World: Although neither hockey (nor donuts) is the central theme of this popular movie, it’s hard to ignore Stan Mikita or the ringed confections he sells in his shop. And “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Ballroom Blitz?” Party on!
Miracle: The best pure hockey movie. 100% inspiration. For the underdog in all of us, “Dream On”!
Mystery, Alaska: Starring Russell Crowe and Burt Reynolds and with cameos by Barry Melrose and Mike Myers, why this film didn’t do better in the theatres is a…question to which I don’t have the answer. The soundtrack includes “The Star Spangled Banner” and “O Canada”. Fitting for a film featuring Alaska but filmed in Alberta.
Slap Shot: You had to know this one would be on the list. Besides the Hanson brothers and their toys and the puck hitting the radio announcer’s head, the soundtrack makes me want to sing “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing”.
Strange Brew: I know who Bob and Doug are, but I haven’t seen the whole movie. But if Chris “Donut Boy” Howell says this flick is his favorite hockey movie, then that’s good enough for me. The two hosers’ Web site even has an audio clip about donuts. Take off, eh?
13 Going on 30: Like Wayne’s World, this movie isn’t really about hockey (and there are no donuts, only Razzles). But the main character’s last name is Rink, and she dates a fictitious New York Ranger. How could you not fall “Head Over Heels” for this one?
Well, gotta Go-Go and get back to my iPod.
Wayne’s World: Although neither hockey (nor donuts) is the central theme of this popular movie, it’s hard to ignore Stan Mikita or the ringed confections he sells in his shop. And “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Ballroom Blitz?” Party on!
Miracle: The best pure hockey movie. 100% inspiration. For the underdog in all of us, “Dream On”!
Mystery, Alaska: Starring Russell Crowe and Burt Reynolds and with cameos by Barry Melrose and Mike Myers, why this film didn’t do better in the theatres is a…question to which I don’t have the answer. The soundtrack includes “The Star Spangled Banner” and “O Canada”. Fitting for a film featuring Alaska but filmed in Alberta.
Slap Shot: You had to know this one would be on the list. Besides the Hanson brothers and their toys and the puck hitting the radio announcer’s head, the soundtrack makes me want to sing “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing”.
Strange Brew: I know who Bob and Doug are, but I haven’t seen the whole movie. But if Chris “Donut Boy” Howell says this flick is his favorite hockey movie, then that’s good enough for me. The two hosers’ Web site even has an audio clip about donuts. Take off, eh?
13 Going on 30: Like Wayne’s World, this movie isn’t really about hockey (and there are no donuts, only Razzles). But the main character’s last name is Rink, and she dates a fictitious New York Ranger. How could you not fall “Head Over Heels” for this one?
Well, gotta Go-Go and get back to my iPod.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Dreams from Down Under
Image courtesy of AbsolutWade at Flickr.comG’day, laz and gem,
In the wee hours of Saturday morning, I dreamt that an Australian hockey team had won the Cup. One player, perspiration dripping from his shaggy hair, held up over his head the Stanley Cup. Or maybe it was the Koffey Cup. (The picture now is as fuzzy as a dozen peaches.)
As the image dissipated, my thoughts turned to Scott Gelin’s (rhymes with melons) fan club (holding steady at one member) in as Men at Work sing about it, the “land down under.”
The Aussie fan will be dismayed to learn that the Thursday 2008 Spring Season is underway, and Gelin is not on the roster. He’s not playing on Tuesdays or Wednesdays either. Scott’s skate blades won’t slice up the ice at Concord Valley Sports. Gelin won’t launch the AMHL’s most feared shot towards opponents’ ankles. He won’t offer Aaron Sherman fitness tips in the brekkie room.
But according the fit and trim forward’s Web site, Gelin—who shed fifty pounds last year—plans to play hockey at night in the New England Senior Hockey League. And when he’s not skating, working late, or working out at the gym, he’ll be running. His goal for 2008: run 500 miles, which is a little less than half the mileage from Boston to Sydney.
The only way fans in the southern hemisphere will see Gelin hefting the Koffey Cup or drinking a Fosters (or whatever beer AMHL Commissioner Mitch Weiss buys for AMHL champions) come early May, will be in their dreams from down under.
In the wee hours of Saturday morning, I dreamt that an Australian hockey team had won the Cup. One player, perspiration dripping from his shaggy hair, held up over his head the Stanley Cup. Or maybe it was the Koffey Cup. (The picture now is as fuzzy as a dozen peaches.)
As the image dissipated, my thoughts turned to Scott Gelin’s (rhymes with melons) fan club (holding steady at one member) in as Men at Work sing about it, the “land down under.”
The Aussie fan will be dismayed to learn that the Thursday 2008 Spring Season is underway, and Gelin is not on the roster. He’s not playing on Tuesdays or Wednesdays either. Scott’s skate blades won’t slice up the ice at Concord Valley Sports. Gelin won’t launch the AMHL’s most feared shot towards opponents’ ankles. He won’t offer Aaron Sherman fitness tips in the brekkie room.
But according the fit and trim forward’s Web site, Gelin—who shed fifty pounds last year—plans to play hockey at night in the New England Senior Hockey League. And when he’s not skating, working late, or working out at the gym, he’ll be running. His goal for 2008: run 500 miles, which is a little less than half the mileage from Boston to Sydney.
The only way fans in the southern hemisphere will see Gelin hefting the Koffey Cup or drinking a Fosters (or whatever beer AMHL Commissioner Mitch Weiss buys for AMHL champions) come early May, will be in their dreams from down under.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
New England Hockey Journal Radio Show: More Mojo and a Plea for Patience
Photo courtesy of Savinca at flickr.comYesterday, as the Bruins prepared to ground the Flyers, New England Hockey Journal Radio Show hosts Mick Colageo, Kevin Paul Dupont, and Matt Kalman discussed the 10–2 drubbing the Bruins had suffered Thursday night against the Buds, after which B’s Head Coach Dave Lewis said his team had lost its "mojo."
Colageo said there was “more fight in the crowd than on the ice.” He added that goalie Tim Thomas showed signs of “wilting.” He suggested it might be time for the Bruins to search for a “formidable sidekick” to help the Tominator.
Formidable sidekicks are overrated and unpredictable. Take Scrappy Doo, for example. When Hanna-Barbera wanted to improve a show that didn’t require any tinkering, the creators signed Scooby’s nephew, a free agent (or was it a player to be named later?). How could you go wrong with a name like Scrappy? Tough, durable, the kind of dog that would win all the battles in the corners and the one you’d want taking a critical face-off in your own zone. As most Scooby Doo fans will testify, Scrappy wrecked the chemistry of the team, and his arrival signaled the demised a loyal-to-the-bone (get it, bone?) fan base.
"C’mon Jimmy," you may protest, "you’re comparing cartoons to hockey clubs?"
Yes. I say a product is a product.
"Okay, but Jimmy, you can’t return to the old days."
Sure, times change, no getting around that. Everything seems like it’s “On Demand.” Comcast’s movie selection at our fingertips, MSN instant messaging…we don’t want to wait for anything. Don’t get me wrong, I have a touch tone phone and e-mail, but let’s look at what the Sabres and Predators are doing.
In the last few years, manangement in Buffalo and Nashville has decided to risk short term gains in favor of enjoying a more profitable and enduring long term. Management for both clubs focused on developing players in their own systems rather than looking for the next great trades.
Again, don’t get me wrong. Free agent signings and trades are inevitable, so you can’t ignore that part of the business. Yet the Sabres signed only one new player in the off-season and are the NHL’s best team this season. Pretty much the same story in Nashville.
Charlie Jacobs, in his fifth season as executive vice president of the Bruins, joined the show in the second hour. Prompted by Kalman’s question on the subject I just discussed, Jacobs echoed my sentiments, saying that you don’t want to press the panic button because that leads to poor decisions.
I called to applaud that philosophy. I also levied some criticism because I was at the game last Thursday night. My wife and I left the game early—not because of the debacle on the ice but rather for the ugliness in the stands. Student night, alcohol, and a six-goal deficit: a recipe for rudeness and rowdiness. Two or three rows behind us, Bruins fans turned on each other, flinging beer and fists. Time to go.
To the Bruins’ credit, though, the police arrived quickly and then escorted the rabble-rousers from the building. Still, that scene—coupled with promotions efforts, like the “Movin’ on Up” seat upgrade that force fans to stand up while the game is in progress, will make me think twice about going to another game on Thursday night.
I beg of Bruins fans to behave themselves—no matter how much money you spend on tickets or how bad the Bruins play, you don’t have the right to toss your beer at each other or onto the ice. Otherwise, I advise patience. Patience with the players and management. Come February, when the Patriots’ season is over, when the Bruins have their mojo back and are making another run for the playoffs (under the Jacobs for thirty years now, the Bruins have failed to make the playoffs only four times, which is five times fewer than the Leafs during the same time frame).
Maybe we won’t win the Cup this season, but if we stick with the players we have in the system, the Bruins will raise the Cup sooner than you might expect.
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