And Away We Go!

Blue raises championship banner

Korean Zamboni

The 2013/2014 hockey season is underway at The Doug. Last night the NAHL defending champs Blue raised their banner before their adoring fans who packed The Doug. They took on arch rival Green. Blue looked like champions as they defeated Green 6-4. The night marked the return of George "Dumpin" Chase who missed most of last season with a sports hernia which resulted while playing miniature golf. Last night was also the debut of number one draft pick Darren "Sabe" Sabian. He showed rookie jitters early in the game, but he appeared lethargic midway through the second period. By the third period Sabian just appeared fatigued. Earlier in the evening, the NAHL held a charity event at the Grappone Center to benefit Hockey Fights Obesity (HFO). Many of the Thursday Night stars were on hand to sign autographs. A number of them were never seen the rest of the evening. Fines were handed out this morning. The NAHL season kicked off on wednesday in Seoul, South Korea as Chrome crushed Magenta 8-1. No one seemed to care that the game was a lopsided affair. Chrome now  has a huge following in South Korea. Dit Clapper Jr. had four goals for Chrome. Magenta coach Ingy Arnold complained about the ice conditions that were a result of poor ice surfacing equipment.
Elsewhere, the CCHL kicked off it's season this week at The Doug. The Windmill raised it's championship banner before humiliating Buffalo Wild Wings 13-3. The Mill's captain Gavin "You Betcha" Faretra led the way with five goals. BWW is still looking for it's chemistry as they have many new faces in the line up this season. Many are still looking for their jockstraps. Joel "The Arsenal" Arsenault and rookie Jack "The Ripper" Mullen had multiple goals for the Windmill. Ryan Williamson was the lone bright spot for BWW, scoring two goals.  In game 2, Cheers defeated Cimo's 9-4. Cheers was led by captain Tim "The Timinator" Walsh and linemates Corey "The Cockroach" Laroche and Cam "Bam" Heath. Each had a pair of goals. Power forward Dennis Molnar had the hat trick. Number one pick, backstop Ryan Simpson had a rough start to his career as he was pulled in the third period and replaced by back-up Homer Simpson.
For Cimos it was a disappointing night. After finishing in the cellar last season, captain Mick Mounsey was hoping for a better start to the 2013-14 season. One bright spot for Cimmos was veteran defenseman Jeff "Hurricane" Cain who established his physical presence on the blue line as well as scoring his first goal of the season.  In other news from the CCHL; Cheers goaltender John Tuttle left the team  for the KHL in Russia. He has been replaced by former UVM and Bow Falcon netminder Mike Spillane. Tuttle is looking at a frigid Russian winter.