Saturday, December 29, 2007

$5 Stars Tickets & Support the Vegas Team

$5 $5 $5 $5 $5 $5 $5 $5
As many know, there is a group of local Adult League Players going to a hockey tournament in Las Vegas. This tourney is in April and the team has been preparing for this great event. Although the team is focused on playing hockey and winning the championship, the fact remains that the event is in Las Vegas. This means that between games, there will be some down time and in an effort to help alleviate some of the financial strains on the team's extracurricular activities, a fundraiser has been developed.

I have secured 70 tickets to the Iowa Stars game on Tuesday, January 15th. This game is against the Toronto Marlies. There is a chance to see local Des Moines native, Scott Clemmensen, play in net for Toronto. The tickets are available for a LOW LOW price of ONLY $5. That's right, $5 gets you an Iowa Stars Game and helps support the Vegas Adult Team.

It wouldn't be right to have these dedicated players travel to Vegas and not have an opportunity to play black jack, roulette or poker. Think of the buffets that would never be experienced without this noble cause. If you can find it in your soul to support this great cause, stop by and get your $5 ticket. Tickets are limited, so act now.

Captain Tiny Adam Lowell thanks you.

Friday, December 28, 2007

Want to Work for the Stars?

The Iowa Stars are looking to track player's on ice time. They are looking for volunteers to handle this task at all home games. If you or somebody you know is interested, please contact me for more details. This is a great opportunity for a hockey fan to get some "behind the scenes" experience.

They are looking for someone realtively quick, so contact us today.

Joe
Alien Hockey
440-3456

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Let the Games Begin- Cupid's Cup

After a successful Turkey Tourney, we have officially opened registration for Cupid's Cup.

We will follow a similar format to the Turkey Tourney.
  • Saturday, February 9th from 6PM to Midnight
  • $45 per player / goalie includes 4 games, pizza & jersey
  • Limited to 48 players & 8 goalies
  • 3 on 3 format cross ice
  • (2) 15 minute Periods
  • Tons o' Fun

If you did not have a chance to play in the Turkey Tourney, ask someone who did and they will tell you it was a great time with plenty of hockey & socializing. We will have use of the lounge upstairs at the Bucs Arena which should give everyone a great bird's eye view of the action.

Space is limited (we already have 3 registered and we just officially put it out today.

Another HUGE thanks to AARON CLUTTS for designing our logo.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Holiday Hours



For those that need that last minute hockey item or gift, our store will be open a few extra hours prior to the holidays.




Holiday Hours :
Sat. Dec 22 10-7 PM (extended hours)


Sun. Dec 23 10-7 PM (extended hours)


Mon. Dec 24 CLOSED (Christmas Eve)


Tue. Dec 25 CLOSED (Merry Christamas)


Wed. Dec 26 12-7 (regular hours again)




As Mike and I travel travel to Illinois to be with family for a few days, we leave behind our hockey family. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday, and hope all have a safe & healthy holiday season. (so don't buy anything while we're gone.)

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Battered & Bruised



So 3-0 last Wednesday with picks, but 1-3 on Sunday giving me an overall 4-3. Although its better than .500, I still have some work to do.

Alien Joe Vs Bearing Group

Alien Joe is looking to take their winning streak to 7 games. After destroying Alien Mike last week to take sole possession of 2nd place, The Joe's are ready for another win prior to the holiday break. All their players need the break as their roster is full of injuries.

Bafia - Broken toe & severe weight loss

Lowell - Strained left knee & lost use of left arm

Bishop - 4 broken ribs, 3 missing teeth, 2 ear infections & a partridge in a pear tree

Van Patten / Close - Broken Butt bones from constantly losing balance skating backwards

Topliff - Strained voice box from excessive screaming & migraine from calculating his own stats

Ford - Blown out hamstrings

Brand - Finger tendinitis, and severe kidney stones

Fascian - Broken wrist & bowlers elbow

Bartak - Bad shoulder, bad trigger finger, and dislocated eyeball

LeFleur - Torn intestines, pink eye & severed tongue

Barker - Freezitis (unable to freeze the puck and always plays it)

McElyea - Heat exhaustion, dehydration & hernia

All need a rest to recover and begin 2nd half of season. Bearings on the other hand is healthy as a horse. We are looking at testing their team for illegal use of steroids. "We use HGH, and that's not banned in C League" argued VerMulm. Mersberger, Danielson & the Brott Brothers all agreed. "We get together at Rocky's house and have a big HGH party. " stated Danielson. "Until they say I can't use it, I'm going to keep on doing it" proclaimed Hoekstra. "Without it, I would have never gotten that 1 assist." Since no ruling on this has happened, I choose the "wired" Bearings group by 2 in this one.

Plaza Vs Irwins

Plaza comes in losing their last 3 of 4 games. "I'm sick & tired of these losses" said Hale. "I should be getting more ice time to make a bigger difference." Mulford & Wermers spent all week watching film. "Woody Woodpecker is my favorite" announce Mulford. "I'm more of a Tom & Jerry fan " declared Wermers. Irwins, on the other hand poses a great question. What do you get when you combine Dahl, Dean, West, Anthan & Feathers? Answer: Nothing really. With too many superstars, and no role players. Captain Goodman wanted to point out the team's focus. "I keep saying there is no 'I' in team, but there are 2 'I's in Irwins and I'm still waiting for those 2 players to show up and take over." Irwins bound for the loss column again. Plaza by 9.

Legends Vs. Alien Mike

The slaughter last Wednesday against Alien Joe has Mike's group mad. Rumors has it that Perry & M. Kielty couldn't sleep all last week and needed nite-lites for comfort. Koenig gave himself a tattoo across his left chest that said "I Lost to Alien Joe...So What!" Brown & Wheeler both agreed as to why the lost occurred. "The score is tied and there are 30 seconds left with Shane in net...did you expect any different?" questioned the duo. Legends has won 3 of their last 4. Hoeppner & Jordan commented to the media this week, "Alien Who? Mike...is that his name? All speed & no finish for that kid..no worries." Legends captain Wente wanted to keep his team focused and not start a trash talking war. "I give Alien Mike all the respect in the world." said Wente. "For a bunch of degenerates who should be playing hopscotch & drinking Hi-C from a sippy cup, they're not half bad." Legends by 6.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Just A Typical Week of Hockey

I've learned that there are 3 types of players out there.
1) Those that like hockey.
2) Those that love hockey.
3) Those that live hockey.

We opened our store because 1) I needed a different job to see my family more & 2) What better thing to do if you love hockey?

So how glamorous is it when you LIVE hockey:

Here is a week in the life of a hockey family as it started last Saturday.
Saturday 12/8 - Coach Mite game in the morning
Sunday 12/9 - Joe play B league game; Natalia play D league game
Monday 12/10 - Joe Stick & Puck in afternoon to break in new skates. Coach Mites in evening
Tuesday 12/11 - Coach Mite Select Team in evening
Wednesday 12/12 - Joe play C League game (beats Alien Mike)
Thursday 12/13 - Joe play in roller hockey game then have a Vegas Team Ice Scrimmage (5 on 5 no subs...)
Friday 12/14 - What? No Hockey?....Recover.
Saturday 12/15 - Coach Mite game in the morning. Attend Stars game in evening. Promote "Learn to Skate" program with fliers.
Sunday 12/16 - Coach Mite Select Game in afternoon. Joe plays double header roller hockey games. Natalia plays D League game. Joe finishes off with C League game for Coca Cola/ YDD.
Monday 12/17 - Type blog & do the unwanted "paperwork" side of business since store is closed. Prepare to coach Mite Team in evening.

You would think a person would get tired of what they are around every day, but my escape from the hockey "business" is playing & coaching. Its a great stress reliever from the daily grind when you only focus on playing or coaching.

Just thought I'd share some personal thoughts as I drink my hot tea & eat my Short Stop hot dog and take a "break" from work.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Stars At the Library



Thursday, December 27, 2:00 p.m. - Get STAR Struck with the IOWA STARS!

Do you like sports and getting autographs? Want something cool to do during winter break? Then plan to come to the Johnston Public Library to meet and talk with members of the Iowa Starts hockey team! You will get to hear their stories and check out their equipment, too.Free, but you need to register. Call 278-5233 and request the Children's Desk.

Wells Fargo Pictures

http://dahockey.shutterfly.com/action/pictures?a=67b0de21b358d9e065e0

Dawn Gorelik has provided more pictures from the last Wells Fargo game for all to enjoy.

Knockout Punch

BOOM!
A perfect 3-0 in picks last Wednesday! As i have my regulars back on board and a renewed confidence in my choices, I look to go 4-0 today with 4 tough picks.

Don's Auto Vs. Waste Management
This game is all Waste Management. I saw highlights of Don's game last week and was not impressed. Although they won 11-3, I saw no passion, no heart, no teamwork. On the flipside, Waste Management lost last week 12-2, but they stayed poised and focused. Every goal they allowed was still followed by a "its not your fault" or "we'll get em next time". Tonight it all falls together for WM and it all falls apart for Don's. Sorry Brad. WM by 3.

Coke/YDD Vs. Slapshot
League points leader Wehrenberg for Coke/YDD just had a baby. Congrats are in order, however, if he shows up to play, the lack of sleep will have take its toll. "What are we going to do?" sobbed captain Whitaker. "We have no chance, no chance at all. I think I'm going to stay home." Slapshot gets the win against a depressed Coke/YDD.

D League
Alien Hockey Vs. B & B
After a tough 1 goal loss, Alien is looking for a big win. B & B will not give up easy and should match Alien's offensive firepower. This should be a battle of the goalies, and the edge goes to Hansen in net for Alien. Alien by 2

Cup O Kryptonite Vs. 11 to 7 Insurance
Coffee versus Insurance. Tough call. Both teams have talent that can make a big difference. The goalie match up puts them even. This is where intangibles will play a big role. With this being a later game, Johnson of Kryptonite will bring his team caffeine to keep them awake. Edge to Kryptonite by 1.

Scoring Title Poll

It looks like the votes are in. The majority of the league has chosen Lenhard (Team Legends) as the most likely to win the scoring title. He has 22 points and is only 3 points behind the leader Wehrenberg (Team Coke/YDD).

The vote breakdown went like this:
Lenhard (Legends) 39%
Brandon (Don's) 27%
Wehrenberg (Coke/YDD) 17%
Wheeler (Alien Mike) 13%
Kleven (Slapshot) 2%

Although Wheeler is #4, he has a ways to go but mentioned he was a second half of the season player. "I'm letting the others get a comfortable lead and then I'll pounce on them."

Friday, December 14, 2007

Beijing 08/08/08 Contender

The D League's very own Scott Brueck plays rough & tumble hockey every Sunday night for 11 to 7 Insurance. "He's an animal out there." stated teammate Gardner.

But there is a softer side to this "tough guy". Every day, you can find Brueck practicing with great intensity down at Brenton Plaza. However, he's not working on his slap shot, but rather his triple salchow. "I know I can make the 08 Winter Games, but its gonna take alot of work." confidently stated Brueck.

Brueck works on his technique at lunch every day, and often works with a female skater in a pairs routine. He has mentioned that if he cannot make it in the singles event, the pairs competition is always an option. "He's a powerful & emotional skater", proclaimed Michelle Kwan. "I never would have thought of doing pairs, but Scott elevates me to a whole new level."

Pictured here is Brueck working with Kwan on a snowy Iowa day. Feel free to stop by and watch Scott practice, but please no flash photography or autograph requests during his practice session. "I only have 1 hour per day and no coach" said Brueck. "I can't afford any distractions."

Good Luck Scott (and maybe Kwan), Alien Hockey supports you!

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Another Wonderful Wednesday

A 4-3 record last week was not what I was hoping for. Sunday had me 2-2 with picks with disappointing losses in my D League picks.

Tonight's games are tough ones. With some big rival games happening, the games should all be close.

Plaza vs. Legends
Legends is just 2 points ahead of Plaza in the standings and if Plaza wins it could put them in a tie for first place. Legends Captain Wente was considering benching star player Lenhard. "We won't need him to win this game." stated Wente. The Legends confidence has been there all season and should continue for this game. Plaza's leading point getter Patava is also team captain. "I know everyone counts on me to do it all...and tonight I will once again." proclaimed Patava. Linemates Sedrel & Mulford had this to say, "Patava is our hero. We all want to be just like him. " Legends doesn't lose their top spot this week as they win by 3

Alien Joe Vs. Alien Mike
With identical records going into this game, Alien Joe comes in wearing the white jerseys based on a controversial win for Alien Mike during their last meeting. "You can put me in pink jerseys." yelled Topliff. "I still look good in anything and guarantee a win for Alien Joe!"
Captain Mike of Alien Mike had another take on tonight's game. "I could play our worst guys like Mark, Matt, Scott & Shane and sit myself and still win this game." The Kielty Bros are trying to get more tattoos and will each be going for hat tricks, while defenseman Kelley will look to spend anywhere from 10-12 minutes in the penalty box. Losers have agreed to buy all the food & drink after the game...so the pressure is on. Alien Joe by 4.

Bearings Vs. Irwins
Bearings has lost 3 of their last 4 games by just 1 goal. "This time it will be different" guaranteed Bearings star forward Kinney. "Tonight we lose by 2!" He doesn't speak for the entire team and they are ready to show the world that they are a solid 5th place team that nobody should underestimate. Irwins is just a point behind Bearings and they feel that they are ready to make a run for the Boulevard Cup. Clutts & Dean of Irwins mentioned they have a secret weapon. "Justin, Joni, Jen & Josh are the commonly known on our team as the 4 Js." mentioned Dean. " We think its cool that we don't discriminate against players with names that start with J." Although a great "feel good" story, it will not help them win. Bearings by 5 in a blowout.

Have fun tonight & drive safe!

Saturday, December 8, 2007

More Pictures

Dawn Gorelik was kind enough to take a bunch of pix that she put up for all to see. She also captured the stellar ref job Wente did at the Turkey Tourney. Here you can see Wente explain to John Perry the fine difference between Bud Light & Miller Lite.

See more pix here:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0EZOGjdu0cMWET

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/pictures?a=67b0de21b35bc22b456a&sid=0EZOGjdu0cMWEg

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/pictures?a=67b0de21b35bc220c451&sid=0EZOGjdu0cMWEx

Another Great Bucs Deal

FREE Post-game Public Skate Saturday
Saturday, December 15 vs. Green Bay @ 7pm 95KGGO Arena
Des Moines Register Family Fun Night – 4 tickets, 4 sodas, 4 hot dogs, and 4 autographs = $44
FREE Post-game skate
“Buc” ($1) Hot Dogs ALL NIGHT LONG
It doesn't get any better than that!

Youth 3 on 3 Holiday Classic

Buccaneer arena will be hosting holiday 3-on-3 tournament over the weekend of December 22-23, 2007. Games will be on Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon. We will combine a Mite/Squirt Division and then a Peewee/Bantam division. Here are some details for the classic:
Each team will have 4-6 games during the classic
No checking allowed at any age level
Games will consist of 2-15 run time halves
Each player will need to have a light and dark jersey for the classic
Each team will have a minimum of 4 players and a maximum of 6 players
Goalies are allowed to play for free
COST FOR PLAYERS IS ONLY $30

The above is from Scott Long at Bucs Arena.

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!

A terrific 2-1 start this week in picks for Wednesday has me typing this email with a fire extinguisher nearby. I'm worried that my fingers ignite while typing this since I am red hot.



Sundays match ups should be easy this week, so as Larry Wusniewski always says "If you let the dog sleep, he won't need any food."



Waste Managment Vs. Coke / YDD

WM makes some positional moves to shake things up. "Our team needs a change, a spark, a big 55 gallon drum of Red Bull." proclaimed WM captain, Hodges. If WM even stands a chance, they need a big performance from Hutton, Breeding & Heckman. These top performers have been highly overrated all season and have yet to step up and earn their big contracts. Coke/YDD on the other hand have every player on the roster having at least one point with the top 7 players each having double digit points. "We not only play as a team, we dominate as a team." preached Captain Whitaker. "We don't just play hard, we go for the jugular." To remind all his teammates that Coke/YDD is the best team to ever play C League, Tattoo Dan provided each player a mandatory "Coke/YDD is #1" tattoo. Teammates Loverude & Mcelyea agreed that team unity was important. "Its kinda neat to get these tats, but maybe a bit much across the center of our chests." Coke/YDD by 2.



Don's Auto vs. Slapshot

After a HUGE win last week, Slapshot has some driving momentum. Don's on the other hand suffers a devestating loss. "If our guys want to continue their poor performance, some will lose their positions on this team." yelled Davidson, owner, captain & mascot of Team Don's Auto. Anderson, goalie for Don's , has been quiet up to this point, but after the OT loss in a shoot out, he had this to say: "Sergey & Sergiy are #2 & #3 on our team in points....but it didn't show last game." Those players responded "Anderson shouldn't talk so much. We lost in the shootout because he lets in soft goals." Don's Auto is in shambles behind closed doors. Tensions are running high & players Dimenstein & Knight are holding self imposed hunger strikes until the next win. On the other side, ex-Canadien Pro, Tourigny, is struggling on the stats side. His (1) sole goal for the season is hurting the team. His +/- is a whopping (-21) and he drinks all the water out of his teammates bottles on the bench. "I don't get it!? I skate hard, come off and my bottle is empty! I look over and there is Guy just smiling." complained Day of Slapshot. "We've turned a new page with this team" preached Rech. "The Klevens, Johnson & Bilbrey are finally showing up to play and it shows." Although this one stays close, Don's pulls out the win by 1.

Sunday D League

Kryptonite Vs. Alien
This should just be called "Alien vs. Predator", as Cup o Kryptonite takes their undefeated season and is looking to treat Alien like their next prey. Cup's Captain Johnson brings a balanced attack to each game. "There is no 'I' in team, but there also is no 'Q', 'Y' & 'P' in team either" babbled Johnson. With 9 players each having 2 or more points, almost every player is involved in every play. "I just cheer, c'mon you can get over that board, when Pedersen comes off", yelled Whiteman. They are almost playing the complete opposite team when they face Alien. The 2 Adams (Keller & Schneiders) along with Kindred are the teams backbone. "I know that the team counts on my dominating presence" stated Kindred proudly. "I have a hat trick and own this league" she boasted. Team Captain Bafia tries to keep her superstars focused, but is getting resistance. "They don't come to practice because of the Nike commercials they are shooting....its not fair to the rest of the team." Bafia commented. I'm taking selfishness on this one and take Alien by 2.

11 to 7 vs B & B
With no wins yet, B & B is on the verge of making a break through and hopes to get a "W" this week. With a rookie goaltender & a not-so powerful offense, they will need a leader to step up and take charge. "I know he's the team sponsor and all, but no goals or assists for Hobbs is not what we need." mentioned Liz Bryant. "I score all the goals, my great, fearless, & good looking husband stops all the goals, when will the rest step up?" 11 to 7 has 1 win and is looking to start their rise to the top. "We try and bring a balanced attack. Everybody contributes in points." As the stats show, Grahm is first with 28 pts and Casey Miller is a very close second with 9 pts....yeah really balanced. With Grahm getting shut down this week, I give the win to B & B by 3.

A capacity crowd is expected tonight as the first 500 fans each get a free "Matt Whitaker Bobblehead". "It looks a bit like him, but I'm used to seeing him flat on his back." noted Coke/YDD teammate Mudge.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Holiday Break Camp @ Bucs Arena

Scott Long is holding a clinic for the Mite / Squirt level. The clinic runs from 9:30-11:00 Am on 12/24, 12/26, 12/27 & 12/28.

6 Hours of Ice for $75. (Goalies $35)

This will be located at the Bucs Arena. The following link gets you more info and the registration form.
http://www.alienhockey.com/Holiday%20clinic.pdf

You can register at Alien Hockey or the Bucs Arena.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Iowa Vs. Iowa State

The rivalry doesn't get bigger than this. You think its big in football? basketball? croquet?

When it comes to hockey, this is the greatest battle every year. Tickets have been sold out for months, and glass seats are going for $2500-4500 on eBay. The game is set for this Friday at 7:30 located at Bucs Arena. As luck has it, I have vouchers for tickets at our store. They are good for 2 for 1 tickets and also get some wings at Hooters.

Spread the word and get out to support an old friend (well not really old) as he coaches his ISU team. Tailgating starts at 3 PM Friday, so get your parking spot early!

Knot so smurt at pikking gamz

After going 2-1 last Wednesday, I thought I was on a roll.....wrong. Sunday brought financial disaster as it it now being known as "Black Sunday" due to the amount of people who counted on my picks to make some money.

I went 1-3 for Sunday picks (thanks to Coca/YDD I had 1 right and that was barely). I am taking a different approach and will pick opposite of what I really feel to see if this reverse psychology works. Here goes nothing...

Legends vs. Bearings
Injured (but still playing) captain Wente has his team ready to roll the second have of the season. He has put pressure on Lenhard, Anderson & Hodges to help carry the team. Jordan feels he shouldn't have to pull all the wait, while Hoeppner and Walters have both stated "play me or trade me". Erich Brus of Bearings spent an entire week working with Hoekstra. "He just doesn't know how to pass" stated Brus about his teammate who still has yet to get an assist. " I know he wants to win the scoring title, but, hello, there are 4 others on the ice." Bearings teammate, Mersberger was asked what he thought about the issues on his team and he replied "Any squirrel can eat acorns, but it takes an elephant to eat a peanut." Well said. Bearings by 2

Irwins vs Alien Joe
Van Patten & Close of Alien have vowed to not let the blue line trip them this game. "I'm tired of that stupid blue line" exclaimed Van Patten, "its not fair that its so long and wide". Teammates Topliff & Bafia are not on speaking terms, but are both looking to contribute this week to continue the winning streak. "If Joe thinks he's going to score more points than me, he's wrong...dead wrong" stated Topliff. Irwins on the other hand just realized that we were keeping standings and scores. " Its not fair. Anthan and Brown are smiling, laughing & joking during the games. How is it the goalie has more assists than they do?" asked goalie Brown. The Triple B line of Brandon, Brian & Bill from Irwins will each score in this one, but Alien wins by 2.

Plaza vs Alien Mike
"I'll pull the fire alarm across town then rob a bank" yelled Blomquist of Alien Mike. "The only way we have a chance is by getting the firefighters & police to get called away from the rink." Fellow Alien teammates Wheeler & Brown did not like that attitude. "Scott's doesn't speak for all of us." retaliated Wheeler. "Even with them gone, we still don't have a chance with Bast in net." Plaza captain Patava has decided to trade Tim Wermers & Tim Parkins. "We have 3 Tims on our team and I get really confused when someone yells that name." Good strategy Tim!
Alien Mike by 1

Play hard, play fair, play smart, play hockey.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Be My Hockey Valentine Tourney

With the tremendous feedback about the Turkey Tourney, some have asked to not wait an entire year to do it again.

We figured February was a good time to do it again, so we are having one on Saturday, February 9th. We will tie it in with a Valentine's Day theme (maybe pink jerseys).

This one will be held at Bucs Arena but will have a similar format. More info to come soon, so keep your eyes open. The last one was completely filled, so you'll want to jump in early!

Email me any suggestions, ideas, thoughts as to what could make it an even better event!

Learn to Skate (for kids)

On Friday, December 28, 2007 at 3 PM, we are helping the Iowa Stars put on a "Learn to Skate / Play Hockey" clinic. This clinic is designed for kids 12 & under who have little or no skating / hockey experience. It will be a great way for kids to try the sport to see how much fun it can be.

A registration fee of $30 includes the clinic, all necessary equipment & 2 tickets to the Iowa Stars Game that evening. Pre-registration is required since we will need to get the equipment to each player prior to the actual clinic.

Additional tickets can be purchased to that night's game for $9.50. Please help spread the word to your friends, co-workers & neighbors who may have children who are wanting to try the sport without getting into it with equipment & league fees.

Registrations are being accepted at Alien hockey and spaces are limited. Once again, those reading the blog get first opportunity to register. An ad will run in the Des Moines Register in a few days discussing this as well.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Poll Results

The first Blog poll had readers voting for the "Least Likely Occurence in C League"
The results were:
Shane Bast to get a shutout 57%
Irwins to win the C League Championship 22%
Brad Davidson to lead his team in points 11%
Lyle Danielson to get a hat trick 8%

Thanks to those who voted and sorry Shane (but I heard you even voted for yourself)

Sunday December 2, 2007

I'm 2-1 this week, and although not perfect, still pretty darn good.

I've been waiting until the last minute to make my picks as I await medical reports, team trades, scratches, etc. to help analyze the winners.

Here goes Sundays
Waste Management Vs.Slapshot
Waste Management comes to this game with a 5 game losing streak. Their record of 2-9 is deceptive as they have many talented players. Hutton of WM stopped by the other day, bought a new stick and gave the "Messier Guarantee" that they will win this game. He was excited that this was an 8:30 game so he could get some sleep prior to his 4 Am work day. Breeding, Carlson & Hodges will help WM win this one in convincing fashion. Tourigny & Johnson of Slapshot will have great games after having played in the Turkey Tourney, but it won't be enough as the full ice version of hockey will take its toll. WM by 4

Don's Auto Vs. Coke/YDD
This game needs no build up. Trash talking was already happening at Wells Fargo the other night. Sergey Gorelik of Don's & Patrick Mcelyea of Coke played on the same team for the Wells Fargo game and worked the ice well together. After the game in the locker room, Patrick had wished Sergey luck for the Sunday game and Gorelik responded, "we don't need your stinkin' luck". At which point Patrick leaped over his hockey bag to challenge Sergey. Kozak & Willis of Don's were also there and jumped in to work Mcelyea over, but fellow Coke Teammates, Wherenberg, Wolf, Glessner & Harrelson also joined the scrum. It took 12 Wells Fargo security staff, 8 other players and the Ice Girls to break up the battle. Don's leads the series 2-1, but this will be Coke's night. In a close game, Coke wins by 1.

Sunday D
B & B Vs. Cup O Kryptonite
The newly sponsored team of B & B will earn their first win this week. Cup O Kryptonite brings an undefeated record to the table, but it gets snapped tonight. Cup's points leader Richter is held to no goals as Potthoff & Zeutenhorst open up to lead the team to victory. B & B by 3.

Alien vs. 11 to 7 Insurance
11 to 7's captain Green has a new weapon (stick). His Datsyuk like skills with it are unstoppable. he spoke with me at great lengths worried that he would be asked to move up to C and maybe B league very soon because of the onslaught of goals he will pour on. 11 to 7's goalie, Bailey will have the game of his life while Chopard, Kindred & Little are non-factors in this game for Alien. Hansen will have great game as well, but defensive breakdowns for Alien will cause struggles for the netminder. 11 to 7 by 3

Good luck and once again, you can lay the mortgage on these picks!