2007 CHAMPIONS: TEAM ORANGE
2007 Series MVPs: Team Orange - Jimmy H. / Team White - O.B.
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As at end of Game #: 7
Orange - 8 pts
White - 6 pts

Game 1 - Feb 15th
TIE Game - Score: 5-5
Attendance: 9091 (SRO)
Game 1 "Three Stars": 1) Stevie B.    2)Puckee    3)Jim H (oh wait, he wasn't even there...)
 

GAME 1 FILLED WITH EMOTION, CONTROVERSY, AND LAST MINUTE LINE-UP CHANGES...
Fans of Sunday morning hockey have to be impressed with game number 1 of the 2009 Travellers' Cup finals. Blood, Sweat, and Tears could aptly describe the tone of game 1.

With the trade deadline still 2 weeks away (weird for the playoffs, I know), Commish (with help from Deputy Commish Kinger), made some last minute blockbuster deals to bring over veteran free-wheeling defenseman Killer Kelly from team white...

"Nobody really expected Commish to actually make a change after last week... I mean, we thought he was crooked, but this really proves it... never count anything out when it comes to game-day deals as far as Commish is concerned"... an un-named Team White player was heard saying... (Johnny Law, actually).

Not only did Killer Kelly join Orange, but after an amazing warm-up and an equally impressive first shift with Team White, Commish then pulled the trigger to bring over hard checking White forward Robbie G. Both Kelly and Robbie fit in well with Team Orange, and though clearly in shock, proved to be ready to contribute.

As for the game itself, it was a real barn burner. Team Orange fell behind 4-0 early into the 2nd Period. Commish himself, clearly out of position, opened the scoring for Team Orange. Strong checking, some good passing, and a few tussles in the corner were the order of the day for both sides. While Team Orange did take a 5-4 late in the game, the speed and smart break-out plays of Team White allowed them to get the game stuck at 5 goals a side.

The end of the game almost ended with a clear winner... Johnny Law missed his man coming in from the half-boards, as rookie call-up Q. cut across in front of Puckee to stuff it in the five-hole.
Upon discussion (whining and tears), Commish had the boys in Toronto review the play...
While clearly a great play, the puck did cross the goal line a mere 0.09 seconds after the end of regulation time... A tie game it is... And a good reflection of a well played game overall...


 

Game 2 - Feb 22nd
Orange WIN:  8-3
Attendance: 9001
Game 2 "Three Stars": 1) Stevie B.   2)  Robbie G.  3) Puckee

TEAM ORANGE PROVE DIFFICULT TO SKATE WITH TODAY...
Building on the momentum that Team Orange gained after coming back in the second half of game one last week (4 goals down to Team White at one point), Team Orange struck early and seemingly at will in Game 2, to take a 3 to 1 pts lead in this best of 7 games series (first to 8 pts).

With a few last minute scratches, Team Orange had to go to the minor leagues to pull up bodies to fill some pretty key spots today. Stevie B., Team Orange's backbone between the pipes, stepped up to ensure that Team White wouldn't be getting any gifts this week - Stevie mentioned something to the effect of "... Commish gives them enough gifts each week with his defensive mistakes and I'm quite used to doing more than my fair share..."  (Commish later retorted by noting that Stevie's brand of post-game refreshments was going to be doubling in price over the remainder of the season).

Team White's goalie, Puckee, made some outstanding saves as well - stopping 54 of the 62 shots driven towards him. Puckee was a bit "off" his game as he was required to attend a close friend's intervention session, which began Saturday evening and carried on till the wee hours of Sunday morning... It was clear prior to the game that Puckee was both tired and drained - an intervention is never an easy thing. While he is a pretty tough guy, his blood-shot eyes gave us a glimpse into the softer side of Puckee. He must have been crying, right??? What else would cause blood-shot eyes...??? Not to mention that the when he left, the 'friend' was said to be bloated and drooling, but in no real danger, on the living room floor... Nice work Puckee!

While the majority of the play in Game 2 was pretty much 'text book domination' by a smooth skating Team Orange, Team White ended the game with two unanswered goals (well maybe one, but who really cares), and there is no doubt that Game 3 will not be so easily taken by Team Orange.

One other event that certainly had a negative affect on Team White appears to have been related to Gary's K first game back to Team Orange's Rink since re-joining Team White.
Gary, who's last game played at the Team Orange Rink was AS a member of Team Orange, had an emotional return to with his Team White. Orange fans can't forget Gary's contribution to the Game 1 Orange comeback. Not only were the stands sprinkled with fans wearing replica "Gary Orange" jerseys, but a 9 minute ovation during the first commercial break was somewhat overwhelming. While Gary's career (this year) with Team Orange was brief, he is still remembered as being one of Team Orange's top 5 defenseman. While Gary had hoped to get through this emotional game without too much impact on his or his Team's play, a tear was seen running down his face  (and we all saw it only because he was making a 'great' offside call from the bench at the time). Perhaps the emotional overtones of this event were too much of a distraction for Team White.
 

Look for Team White to come out strong for Game 3. Coach Toe-nail Blake, famous for old-time hockey, noted that Team Orange's domination of the 2009 series "... ends in game two... no more lay down and die from Team White...". Good luck next week Team Orange, sounds like you'll need it...

Game 3 - March 1st 
WHITE WIN: 7- 6
Attendance: 9009
Game 3 "Three Stars": 1) Puckee  2) Stevie B.    3) Johnny Law

CHIPPY AND QUESTIONABLE PLAY LEAD TO TEAM WHITE WIN...
A strong start to Game 3 for Team White was almost not enough as Team Orange showed the same grit and determination they had the first two games of this series. However, Team White was just hungry enough to hang on to a one goal win in game 3, after a loud and embarrassing loss in game 2.

Team White was clicking on most parts of their game, including the chippy, dirty, and relatively juvenile play they are known for. A stream of retaliation penalties called against Team Orange - all marginal calls at best - allowed Team White to score some garbage goals. Clearly this is a tactic that Team Orange will be prepared for next week, and Team White will be lucky to come of the rest of the series in one piece. The referees, all with the last name Kelly, were favoring Team White from the start.  While it's not unheard of that three players from one team can be in the penalty box at one time, this reporter doesn't recall ever seeing the ref make a team play with only two skaters????

Team Orange was also not helped by the fact that young speedy Russian all-start Paul P. was mysteriously absent. His unavailability meant that Team Orange was one body down for this fast paced and crucial game 3. While all details are not available yet, there is word out of the league office in Montreal that Paul P. has been "linked" with some dirty Siberian Vodka czars - some really seedy characters as far as we are aware. While those who know Paul P. would describe him as a good team guy, "for the most part", he is known to be a seemingly reclusive and eccentric person (rumoured to wear his "dark knight" costume under his equipment each game???), this story is certainly a shock.

Both teams will be preparing all week for the important game 4. With the series tied at 3 points a piece, getting the next win under their belt will be a huge advantage for either team.

NOTE: The randomized performance enhancing drug test results are back... While some results are borderline... lay off the cupcakes (you know who I mean), there are one game suspensions being announced. Absent from next weeks game will be Commish and DeanO from Team Orange, as well as Robbie G. and Speedy Pete on the White side... It's not all bad for these four however. After learning of the actions being taken against them by the Sunday Hockey League Office, the four will be attending a major league baseball spring training game in the personal private box of none other than New York Yankee all-star A-Rod... What a guy!

Till next week... Go Orange... oh, and good luck to White to I suppose...

Game 4 - March 8th
TIE Game - Score: 5-5
Attendance: 9073
Game 4 "Three Stars": 1) Kinger   2)  OB   3) Commish

OFFICIATING RUINS THE DAY, AND TEAM ORANGE ROBBED OF A WIN...
Commish was away, and despite it being a tie game, rumour has it Orange played their best game of the year... wtf!

Controversy was still on the plate today as a few blown calls by the almost non-existent officiating crew led to some debate as to whether or not the game should have ended in a draw.... Thank goodness deputy Commish Kinger (And game first star) was there to make the call... Well done Kinger...

With the series knotted at 4 Pts a piece, Game 5 will be a big one to win... Chances are Team White will bring their infamous 'clutch and grab and stick and stab' brand of hockey for game 5... Team Orange will play hard, like the true sportsmen they are, and try to overcome the childish antics of Team White; no easy task in itself!

Game 5 - March 15th
WHITE WIN: 8 - 5
Attendance: 9051
Game 5 "Three Stars": 1) Brian M.  2) Kevin N.   3) Speedy Pete

TEAM WHITE SKATES AWAY WITH A MILDLY IMPRESSIVE WIN, TAKES SERIES LEAD...
Fresh off a weeks rest, Team White made a charge towards the finish, and is one step closer to defending their title.

While Team Orange showed some jump half-way through the game, they were never really in it. Team White controlled the play with stick-to-stick passing and precision execution. Team Orange on the other hand looked like a bunch of drunken red-necks, with legs of jelly from hours of courting - possibly each other.

Team White was bolstered by the puck-stopping shenanigans of Puckee. Puckee's tireless nights assisting homeless former-Cheerleaders can't quell his thirst for stopping rubber - and it's been paying off in spades for Team White... Even though those nomadic 'power cheerers' spill there $2.00 wine all over Puckee, making it appear that the brewery aroma is actually coming from Puckee himself, goodness knows that to play that well, surely Puckee treats his body like a temple - especially on the eve of a playoff game.

At the other end of the rink, Stompin Stevie B. has been posting his fair share of highlight reel clips. Not only does Stevie have to be ready for sneaky passing and marksman-like sniping from the talented Team White stars, but his efforts are made even more remarkable by having to deal with Commish as one of his defensemen... (and we use the word defensemen very loosely). PS - Howey's play is suspect at times as well...

Looking forward to game 6, this washed-up old reporter can only hope that Team Orange comes ready for battle, lest Team White triumphs again...

Game 6 - March 22nd
Orange WIN:  9-6
Attendance: 9091
Game 6 "Three Stars": 1) Puckee  2)  Robbie G   3) Stevie B

TEAM WHITE GETS 'ORANGE' CRUSHED IN GAME 6, AND THE SERIES IS TIED...
Moaning, groaning, tears, and blood were the order of the day... And no, we're not referring to a "certain" Team White player's night in prison... (thought he may have preferred that, again, over the hammering they took at the hands of Team Orange).

Team Orange showed the grit and determination (not to mention the ruthlessness of one of the meanest managers in the league) as they stormed back to knot this series at 6 points a piece, and force a game 7.... NO Virginia, there'll be no 'family skate' this year - game 7 actually will mean something this time...

With a few Team Orange players 'mysteriously absent' from the line-up, Commish had to dig into the minors to pull up some of the best talent he could find to fill the roster. On paper it should have been a blow-out, and after a 4-0 lead was built up by Team Orange within the first period, it looked like it was going to happen. But to Team White's credit, they weren't about to lay down and pass wind... Instead they stepped up and showed something they haven't shown for most of this season - heart!

After tying the game, then taking a brief lead, Team White's pulse did eventually slow however, and Team Orange ended up scoring 4 unanswered goals to take the game. The final Orange goal was into an empty after goalie Puckee left his home in the crease to head for the bench. He apparently thought he heard someone yell "Free Beer". Regardless, this silly move was of no consequence, as Team Orange was in control of this one for all but 4 minutes in the game...

One other note: During game 6, Commish scored the 50th goal of his playoff career... 50 goals against his own goalie, that is...While it was a record few wanted to acknowledge, it was hard to miss when Commish ripped off his jock and danced around it like it was on fire. While some who don't know Commish felt this celebration was extremely inappropriate, those who know Commish said:  "... Commish gets that excited anytime someone scores on their own goalie, not just when he does it... it's just the way he is, and he's not hurting anyone... although it would be nice if he would actually burn that jock, that thing is just nasty..."
While the league is reviewing the incident, it's expected that nothing will come of it... Commish is a marquis player, and he draws a crowd, no doubt about it...

Game 7 will be a great one... and based on the series thus far, a legend will be born.

Stay tuned...

Game 7 - March 29th
ORANGE WIN:  7 - 6
Attendance: 9061
Game 7 "Three Stars": 1)  Stevie B.  2)  Puckee  3) Drew

Simply Put, an Awesome Display of Canada's Game...

For fans of the game of hockey unfortunate enough to have not attended game 7 of this playoff series, the following may come across as being somewhat overstated, exaggerated, and perhaps even unbelievable - certainly an untruth, a perversion of the facts, they will say....

However, this reporter knows that anyone who was able to attend would agree without question that the game played this particular Sunday morning transcended hockey itself... possibly even sport.

For on this Sunday morning, the game played approached Godliness...

It was a crisp, cool, southern Ontario morning as the teams left the confines of their locker rooms, and stepped, with some trepidation and an equal amount of anticipation, on to the cleanest sheet of ice they'd ever seen... Okay, well perhaps it wasn't actually the cleanest sheet ever, but doubtless there was certainly a level of anxiety and excitement that one can only be matched by a young hockey player stepping onto a pond for the first time ever... Scary as it may have been, the fear of losing was easily overcome by these players' own thoughts of what could be possible on the ice that today: goals, hits, fights, championship banners being raised, broken finger nails... But I digress...

The game started later than expected, as Team Orange goalie Steve was held up by Customs Agents on his way from the airport... Oddly, the 'padding' in his pads were found to contain high levels of opiates... Thankfully, the officers dealing with the issue were Team Orange fans, and Steve was escorted directly to the arena from the airport...

The first 10 minutes of the match were slow and cautious... Neither team wanting to make a mistake. Yet one could tell that both teams were laying in wait for the perfect opportunity to attack... And once the attack started, what a battle it was... one for the ages!!

Team Orange took a 4 goal lead before the end of the 2nd period... They pounced early off a give away in the neutral zone, after which goals came fast and furious and seemingly at will... Team Orange ended up taking a 5-0 lead early into the Third... Team Orange appeared to be striking in all aspects with razor sharp precision and flawless execution... Every Team Orange skate seemed to rip and crack the ice like a Samurai sword cutting through a wounded warrior begging for his life; Every team Orange pass stuck it's mark with pin-point accuracy; Team Orange maneuvered as if each stride and movement was choreographed - not like some wimpy chick's show, but like a really cool guy's show based on really tough, cool guys, spitting and chewing tobacco... Anyway, suffice to say Team Orange was rocking the joint...

Team White goalie Puckee was the key to Team White not falling apart entirely... And he was THE difference while he waited, angrily, for the rest of his team to wake up... After making his 68th save of the game, Team White finally heard the alarm go off... They too began hitting the mark with passes that earlier in the game were miles off target. Team White appeared to also find their speed and aggression... It was as though the Hockey Gods had decided that Team Orange had tortured Team White long enough... As the clock ticked down the final minutes on the scoreboard, Team White finally found the twine behind Team Orange goalie, Steve.
Then, as though the dam had burst, Team White hit the mark again... and again... and again... before long the game was tied... Team Orange dug deeper though, and quickly regained the lead for the final time...
 

In a last minute attempt to tie the game, Team White placed Puckee on the bench in a last ditch effort to storm the Team Orange net... It was in vain however.. Team Orange collapsed around the crease in their own end and put up a virtual wall of protection around their gaping hole.

Okay, well maybe the game wasn't the best game of all time and maybe it won't reach legendary status... Maybe this sports reporter is just a 3rd grade drop-out, high on spray paint fumes... Even if all this is true, if nothing else, you should know this...

Team Orange played hard, and beat a worthy opponent in Team White. The best team won (even if they had an evil Commish pulling the strings). This year's edition of the Travellers cup championship lived up to it's billing, and for that, we thank the players... and look forward to the 2010 edition...

See you in the fall... :)