Spring / Summer Registrations

Ready for Spring/Summer Hockey?

Registrations are being accepted for Spring / Summer Adult Hockey. All leagues will be held at Metro Ice Sports Facility.

Registration Forms can be printed off our website at www.alienhockey.com

The Metro Ice Sports Facility will be coordinating & running the leagues this summer, so please contact them at 515-276-7200 or email Tim Knox at timpuck@aim.com

Looking forward to a great season!

We Should Learn From Kids 8 & Under

Yes, my hair was colored green.

My cousin & co-coach, Mark, also sported the grassy colored hair. We had our first playoff game this evening and wanted to support our team and add some fun.

We coach an 8 & Under Mite House League Team (the Stars) and our powerful record of 3-12 put us as the #5 seed out of 6 teams going into playoffs (yes, there is a team with even less wins than 3).

Our philosophy has always been to get the kids to improve from when they started. After all, will anyone remember (or care) 10 years from now if their Mite Team won the house league championships back in 2007? If someone does care, then I feel sorry for that person.

So today we faced the #2 Red Wings (11-4), and we told the kids in the locker room, play hard, do your best, and win or lose, have fun. They skated their best and ended the game in a 3-3 tie.

More importantly, I saw something with our kids during this game, that we in adult league can learn from. There were many similarities between our 2 leagues, so I'll recap what I saw tonight and you can decide how it compares to our league.

• The ref didn't make every call perfect (like in adult league) - but never did a kid challenge, argue or discuss with the ref
• Kids got knocked down and ran into each other (like in adult league), but they never exchanged words with their opponent, never went after their opponent, nor did they come to the bench complaining how dirty the other team is
• Kids were out of position many times (like in adult league), but they never yelled at their teammates or argued

You may say that kids are not as smart, or maybe naive about the game, but I disagree. Hockey is hockey. Its a game. Right now its fun for these kids, but at some point, it will be played for the wrong reason. One day, a coach, parent or other will take the "fun" out of it. Is there any reason an adult team can't go 3 - 12 and still have fun?

Both the kids and adults play 5 on 5 hockey, with a goalie, need water between shifts, think they can play longer shifts than they should, love to celebrate when they score and want treats after the game. Lets get the adult league to not complain to the ref, not take things personal and play fair. After all, in the end both the adult league & kids league shake the opponent's hands after every game and can't wait until the next game.

D League Final Games

In the Final games of D League, we have some much anticipated match ups.

B & B Vs. Alien Hockey
After a remarkable and stunning win over 11 to 7 Insurance last week, the B & B players finally earned their first win. "My new helmet & mask combo did the trick" stated Hobbs of B & B. "Joe at Alien Hockey is the best guy in the whole wide world selling me some fabulous equipment to improve my game, I have him to thank for this great win and my great performance." Kessler of B & B contributed with 5 assists. "Finally, the person I passed it to finished by scoring." proclaimed Kessler. "I've been setting people up all season, they just couldn't convert." Alien Hockey got skunked last week to a strong Cup team. "We got too cocky" informed Keller of Alien, "I tried to keep them focused, but they were acting like 6 year olds" B & B has the momentum with the win, but I think it was just a lucky game. Alien by 3

Cup Vs. 11 to 7
"I guarantee a win...no question" exclaimed Green of 11 to 7. On the other side, Captain Johnson said "The only way we lose is if we don't show up." The battle of the top 2 teams should be a great end of season battle. "I plan on having at least 2 goals" mentioned Beede. "I should have 3 or 4 goals "stated Tinker of 11 to 7. He also stated ,"I predict the score will be 11 - 7 in our favor as a sign of respect to our sponsor."
"If they think they are getting by my brick wall defense, they have another thing coming" said Whiteman of Cup. "They are no match for me and my poke check."
I will go by the prediction of a final score of 11-7 with 11 to 7 winning.

Good luck & have fun!

Stars Tix Available

We have IA Stars tickets available for 2 games.

Friday, February 22

Saturday, March 15

Tickets are available for purchase at our store and are only $9.50. These include the Hot Dog, Chips & Drink deal.

Show your support for the IA Stars while getting a great deal on tickets.

---Important--

The Stars are looking to have a sellout crowd on the March 15th date. I have offered to help sell as many tix as possible through our shop. Please support hockey in Des Moines & our shop by coming to this game and making the atmosphere even more enjoyable. Bring your friends, neighbors,co-workers, etc to this game to show them how much fun hockey truly is.

Cinco De Mayo Update

Hola!

The sickness and addiction has spread. We have all sorts of players interested in playing our 3 on 3 Tourneys and many from the A & B Leagues have expressed interest. In an effort to get as many players involved in this great event, we have secured BOTH sheets of ice at MISF.

We will have 2 Tourneys going on at the same time. One sheet will host A & B League players, while the other will host C & D League Players. What a great way to get to know some other guys from other leagues, while still playing with your owwn skill levels.

For those in A & B that are unfamiliar with our event, here are some brief highlights:

• 3 on 3 cross ice - 2 games going on at once with a foam divider on the red line.
• No offsides or icing
• Limited to first 48 players - 6 players & 1 goalie per team
• (8) Teams are generated randomly and evenly - no forming your own team. We do this to make teams fair and to give players a chance to skatye with players they may not normally skate with
• (2) 15 minute periods
• 4 games guaranteed
• Free Pizza
• Only $40
• Runs 6 PM - Approx midnight
• Games reffed
  

Spread the word to your friends & teammates and sign up as we have always filled these in the past and have had to turn players away.

Last Games of Regular Season

Well, we are headed into the last week of the regular season. A lot of teams will be playing for bragging rights and maybe some momentum, as everyone makes the playoffs. However, Wednesday night could really shake up the standings if things go a certain way.

Joe has done such a bad job with predictions all season, he has handed over the reigns to me, Dane. Actually he is just lazy, and sleeping in his office, so I thought I'd take care of it for him because I know how much we all look forward to reading about the matchups each week to gear up for our games.

Wed. C
Legends vs. Bearings Group
Legends and Bearings has always been a really good matchup with games won by 1 goal including an extremely long shootout. Hodges has been on a hot streak for Legends and is ready to take on Blickley and Bearings, "If we can shut down that kid with the mullet, and I score as much as I have been the past few weeks, we'll definitely come away with a big victory." When I told Lyle of Bearings what Hodgey had said, he promised to shut down Hodges. Bearings is looking to keep the third place seed heading into the playoffs, which is huge for them, as it will dictate whether they play the 5th or 6th seed next week. If Legends can pull off a win they will ensure the League Championship... So, expect a lot of guys to call in sick on Thursday, as I have Legends over Bearings Group by 1 in another close battle.

Alien Mike vs. Plaza Printers
Alien Mike still has not won since the new year, and Plaza has been on a bit of a decline with all their injuries and a short bench. According to Patava of Plaza, "This game is all about pride and momentum heading into the post season. With our early domination in the season, this slide has really hurt our team morale." John Perry of Alien expressed some frustration after last weeks game, "You'd think with two sets of brothers on our team, we'd have a little more team chemistry. We have so much talent, but it is getting harder and harder to keep a smile on my face." Kossoff, goalie for Plaza overheard John say this, and replied with, "After next weeks game, you definitely won't be smiling, as I'm going to shut you down, Perry." As usual, Mike Dylo didn't have much to say, but you know he's going to show up a little more dominantly than he has been, looking to bring some fire back to his team to ensure they don't drop to the cellar of the division heading into the playoffs.
Alien Mike turns it around with a 2 point win over Plaza Printers.

Irwin's vs. Alien Joe
Irwin's has been hot lately and is battling to get out of the cellar, which would be huge heading into the playoffs. Matthews of Irwin's has been heard telling his teammates, "It was when I quit washing my black sweatpants when we turned this season around." Joni replied, "yeah, we know, you freakin' smell." Joe Bafia knows what is in stake for his team this week making me work extra hours while he rests up for Wednesday's game. He knows that Alien needs a win to have a shot at the League Championship. Shane Bast who has been in net for both Alien teams the last few weeks as Blaine Barker has been nursing an injury had this to say, "I hope Blaine comes back for the playoffs, I'm sick of playing two games a week. It's been keeping me from extra Perkins time. No one from Joe's team has even offered to pay for my skillets for filling in."
Even with Shane's spite, Alien Joe by 2 over Irwin's. (I have a feeling Matthews' teammates made him wash his sweatpants.)

Sun. C
Slapshot vs. Coke/YDD
It's the last game of the regular season, and we have a matchup of first place vs. last place. Either way this one goes, we'll see a rematch next week in the first round of the playoffs. According to some Sunday hockey sources, Terry Kleven plans on bringing a brand of old school hockey to the Coke team they haven't seen before to try and slow down Wherenberg who is averaging something like 7 goals per game. There have also been some grumblings from the rest of the Coke team. According to Koenig, " It'd be nice if the rest of us got to touch the puck every once in a while." However, he wasn't complaining too much as Coke has ever so slightly pulled away into first place. Storm, goalie for Slapshot has had a tough year, but said he was saving himself for the playoffs, "It's been a long year, just wait, every one else will be tired, and I knew all along that every team made the playoffs. The regular season means nothing." Look for Storm to set the tone on Sunday for the post season.
Coke/YDD wins by 4 over Slapshot. (Remember, it's tough to beat the same team twice in a row)

Waste Management vs. Don's Auto
This should be a real interesting Sunday for the C league, as we're looking at another game that will be a rematch for the first round of the post season. The last time these two played was Superbowl Sunday, and WM must have had too much fun during the Giants win, as Don's smoked them. However WM had a huge upset last Sunday over Coke by 1. They will be carrying a lot of momentum into this week. According to John White, "emotions were running high last week, and I know we'll carry that into this week." Don's Auto won last week over Slapshot. "I'm sick of carrying this team, and having all our Russians getting the credit," Kelly Lang had to say. Sounds like there might be a little animosity on Don's bench after losing first place to Coke. Not a good time for that heading into the playoffs. Don's Auto and their well-known Russian five (Sergey Gorelik, Sergiy Kozak, Boris Dimenstein, Ilya Gorelik and BRAD DEAN) have been flying all year however, and I don't expect that to change on Sunday
Don's Auto by 1 over Waste Management

Sun. D
B&B vs. Cup O Kryptonite
Well, we have another matchup that we'll see in the first round of the Playoffs. B&B finally got their first win of the season, and in big fashion. They'll be looking to carry that momentum through this week and into the post season. "It's all about the post season. That is what the great teams of all time are remembered for," said Kessler of B&B. "We just need to carry our new found confidence to keep us in the right direction." When asked about the matchup this week goalie Mark Beller scoffed, "Have you seen my goals against average. They don't stand a chance. But I hate having to play the same team twice in a row."
Cup O Kryptonite by 3 over B&B (but watch out for B&B next week)

11 to 7 Insurance vs. Alien Hockey
Another game that will be replayed next week in the post season. These teams are two of the most evenly matched teams we've seen all season in either league. "If it weren't for that darn Josh Grahm and his 40-some points this season, we'd have run away with second place a long time ago," Adam Keller of Alien Hockey had to say when asked about the rivalry. Natalia of Alien is still recovering from that dreaded flu that is going around, so watch out for her out there. According to Dr. Alex Farmenbergenstein, "A lot of athletes play better when a bit under the weather." We've all witnessed it.
Alien Hockey by 2 over 11 to 7 Insurance

Another Gold Medal

For the 3rd Straight Year, the Adult Team from Des Moines has captured the Gold Medal at the Iowa Games.
The games were held last weekend and the team above plowed there way through the competition and beat the UNI Hockey Club Team in the Championship Game.
Congrats to team for doing our "New" Alien Hockey Jerseys Proud!!!

Dedication.

Check out David Green (of the D League's 11 to 7 Insurance Team) as he and others play hockey outside. They were put on TV by KCCI.

http://www.kcci.com/video/15097739/index.html?taf=des

Nice Work Dave!

Hockey for My Amigos

With the past success of our 3 on 3 events, we wanted to get the next date locked in so players could clear their schedule. We wanted to find a balance between not having one too soon where players had not yet "recovered" from the last one, but close enough to start looking forward to it again. It also has to keep the tradition of being tied into a holiday. So the "Cinco De Mayo Tourney" was born. Please thank Katie Patterson for the choice of the date/event!

This event will be held at Metro Ice Sports Facility and run 6PM to Midnight as our other ones have. Here are some details of this event:

• $40 Entry -Less than past ones. We are going to create a "Tourney Jersey" that will be reused for future events. This will save some money and players will not accumulate tons of jerseys from these events that they may not use again.
• First 48 Paid Players and 8 goalies will form 8 Teams.
• Open to registered C & D League players through April 15th (then open to others)
  
• Every team guaranteed 4 games
  
• Great socializing event

More info to follow, but registrations are being taken now. The last 2 tourneys filled up so don't get shut out. Call for more details & spread the word to your fellow players.

Cupid Cup Results

Alien Hockey's 2nd ever Tourney was another great success. The 1st Annual Cupid's Cup had 8 teams compete for the coveted "Golden Arrow". Actually, there was no prize.

Grey beat the Royal Blue Team by a nail biting 5-3 score. Bast was the Top Goalie in both win/loss record as well as leading the Grey Team to victory in the Championship game.

The goalies are the ones that really stepped up this time. Having only 4 goalies and 8 teams required the goalies to play for 2 teams each. Although not sounding like a big deal, that meant they played every game (which was 8 in a row) without a chance to go upstairs and socialize until the very end. I called it a 6 1/2 hour pay & play for them. So a big thanks to Bast, Brown, Storm, Luce & Anderson (for filling in).

Once again, nothing but great reviews, kind words, and many new friendships made at this event. A few players came from Omaha to join us and they had a great time as well.

Brendan McCallum & John Hoekstra took home $40 each on our "lottery pool". Each player could buy 1-2 squares to take a chance at guessing the champs (and loser) of the tourney.

A final thanks to all that helped get things set up, pizza put out, pictures taken etc. I'm sure I'll miss someone but thanks to the following that I notcied helping : Natalia (sick but still there), Stephanie (in between cheering for Tony), Dawn (great picks seen here ), Austin (carrying junk in from my van), Mark D (helping collect pool $), Shane (great shirt sorting ) and anyone else that jumped in to lend a hand. Also, thanks to Aaron Clutts for a great Jersey design and he still hopes he actually can play in one of these.

I'm looking forward to getting the next one running and thanks to all that made it a success. I rolled in at 2:42 AM Sunday morning, so it was a fun night for me as well!

Help Me Get a Wii

I am still looking for a Wii Gaming System for my kids. I'm using my blog (and all my hockey player friendly connections) to get the word out that if anyone sees one, or can get me one, I'd be forever grateful.

I don't feel like waiting at 4 AM or paying way too much from eBay, so if someone lucks into one, buy it and call me ASAP.

I'll even throw in a free 10 pack of skate sharpening for the efforts.

Thanks!

Joe

Vegas or Bust...

The good looking crew of skilled professionals you see above have been preparing for their upcoming mission to Vegas. Pictured above are:
Top row from left:
Matt Whitaker - He's our muscled enforcer who pushes his way to the net like a guided missle
Shawn Topliff - On the surface, easy going and funny, but cross him the wrong way & goodnight.
Patrick McElyea - Smart heads up power forward ready to battle for all loose pucks
Mike Fascian - Best position player. Need an outlet pass or a quick give 'n go..Mike's your man
Shane Bast - Daring, dedicated & determined goaltender with the support of his team
Neil Glessner - Quiet, yet focused. Great skilled player that owns his opposition
Bottom Row from left:
Adam Lowell - Captain of the team, and aggressive fore checker.
Chris LeFleur - Speed in the middle with the ability to win every draw
Joe Bafia - Position defense with a shot that has eyes
Gene Kelley - Role player & strong defenseman - do not enter "his" crease
Nathan Brand - Offensive threat every time from the defensive position
Mike Dylo - Speed & power are seen with our best 2 way player

Intro Clinic & Stars Game

On Saturday, March 15th, we are putting on another Intro Clinic for D League players (or new players to hockey). Here are some of the details:

• Held at Wells Fargo
• On ice from 2-3 PM doing skating, passing & shooting drills
• Off ice lessons, Q & A sessions, etc from 3-4 PM
• Attend the Stars Game that night
• On ice after Stars game for 30 mins of instruction & 30 min scrimmage
• Only $25 !
• Fee INCLUDES 2 tickets to Iowa Stars Game that night
• Tickets INCLUDE hot dog, chips, drink
• Limited to 30 players and 4 goalies
• Voluntary after skate activities (at In Play)

This is a no brainer for any novice players looking for a great day & night of hockey for a small fee. Additional tickets are available to ANY player, fan ,etc. for $9.50 and it includes the food deal.

Share this info with your D League teammates or anyone that you think may want to start up playing. We already have 2 new players that are doing it so they can start into the Summer League. Together we can grow this sport, so spread the word.

Oh yeah, the rink will be painted pink to help support Breast Cancer Awareness. It will be pink for our clinic as well, but that color is not reflective of the skill level that will be out there.

Sticks Down, Play Nice....

Sarcasm aside just for this blog entry.

Josh (dobbie) Feathers pictured here with his new smile (not photoshopped).

After getting 2 teeth knocked from his mouth during a Wednesday League game, Dobbie continued to play and showed his toughness.

The incident occurred as an accident. A follow through of a shot hit him in the mouth...high stick call maybe? Either way, Dobbie was upset (as anyone would be) about losing some chicklets, but never retaliated, argued, etc. the play or no call.

Hockey is a funny game. Some of us choose to not wear a full cage, some don't wear mouthguards or shoulder pads. Some may not even wear a jock (not very smart). Some play physical, some skate out of control. In the end we all choose to play a certain way and know the risks.

I don't know if I really have a point to this entry other than providing a reminder that you can get hurt. Although we cannot eliminate accidents, we can control our own play and play safer. Shoud I get a full cage? Should I slow down going into a corner? Should I not hit the guy back who just hit me? Just make sure everyone is still playing for the right reasons.

Have fun & be safe!

Best Rivalry Winner

The people have voted, and have decided that the Coca Cola/Yankee Doodle Dandy Tattoo versus Don's Auto is the leagues best rivalry. 35% of those voting felt this was the best match up this season. 11 to 7 Insurance versus Cup O Kryptonite came in 2nd with 29% of the vote, while Alien Joe versus Alien Mike rounded the top 3 with 28% of the vote.

With a summer session starting soon, will these rivalries continue?


Photo Courtesy of Paw Prints (Sara Downey)

Need Skates, Shin Guards or More?

We have added a place in our store for customers to list used items they are trying to sell. Just stop in and fill out an index card with as much info (condition, size, price, etc.) and we'll put it on our board for you at no charge.

Currently, we have 2 great items for sale.

• Vapor XXXX Skates - Used only 3 times, these are a Bucs Players skates. He liked the fit of his RBK better, so he is looking to unload these for only $300. Size 8.5E and they are custom skates with a Pro Stiff boot. Great Deal!
• Mission Fuel 75 Shin Guard - These shinguards were used only once. Player decided they were too wide and did not like them. These are just about brand new for only $20.

Stop by to inquire about any of these items, or to sell gear of your own.

Final Stretch Run

4 for 7 last week and not too shabby.
I even called the game saying Irwins beats Legends by 1. Although Legends wins the game on the scoreboard, a forefeit occurs due to a missed reffing obligation by one of their players. This is the reason I placed Irwins by 1 (if you can believe that).

As we go into the last 2 regular season games, we have some BIG games coming.

Bearings Vs. Plaza
Plaza has been on a slide, but is looking to regroup for the playoffs. With some trade deadline acquisitions, replacing some injured players, Plaza is poised to get out of their slump. Bearings, on the other hand has jumped on Blickley's back and is ready to ride on his shoulders through the playoffs. He single handedly score all 3 (and only) goals for their team last week in a win over Alien Mike. With Hoekstra, Danielson & Hansen all getting extra skating in this last weekend at Cupid's Cup, I give Bearings the advantage. Bearings by 2.

Alien Mike Vs. Irwins
"I don't think we've won a game in 2008" stated Blomquist fo Alien Mike. His statement was correct and will continue going into this game. Alien Mike is player for player the most talented team in the league, but even the Yankees couldn't win a championship on talent alone. It takes heart...thats where Irwins comes in. "Dobbie plays with no teeth" pointed out Kavan. "If that's not heart, I don't know what is." Mathews, Dean & Dahl meet weekly discussing the teams positive energy. "We give the Irwins Big Heart Award after each game to the player that shows the most passion" stated Goodman of Irwins. "Clutts is the only player not having earned this honor...but hopefull he will soon." Irwins by 3

Alien Joe Vs. Legends
1st place on the line makes this game very interesting. "We may just rest our starters for the playoffs" mentioned Wente of Legends. "No sense in having guys like Anderson & Hoeppner getting hurt". With Lenhard making a run for the scoring title, he doesn't want to hold back. "I'm the best that ever played this C League" bragged Lenhard, "I want the world to see it."
Alien Joe is resting nobody. Although their goalie Barker is out with injury, old reliable Bast has stood up strong. "I like playing for Alien Joe" mentioned Bast. "They actually TRY playing defense in front of me." With vacations, Van Halen & other stupid events out of they way, the Alien Joe team can focus on bringing home the Boulevard Keg. Alien Joe by 1

Sunday C
Coke/YDD Vs. Waste Management
With some internal issues going on, Coke/YDD is looking to keep media attention away from their closed door issues. Sources have leaked that Abrams & McElyea were spotted drinking Pepsi at a local tavern while showing off their temporary tattoos. " At this time we are looking into all accusations and the team is undergoing a full investigation." said Captain Whitaker. "Its an internal team matter that we will handle." Waste Management is looking to take advantage of this turmoil. "We'd never have any of our playersutilize Artistic Waste Services for their trash removal", shouted Thiele of WM "Its like spitting in your teammates face to not support the sponsor." WM by 1

Slapshot Vs. Dons
Don's is slipping. They have been too flashy over the last few weeks. "We faltered last Sunday against Coke/YDD because we were more focused on doing the Boulevard Cup Shuffle Video" reported Lang of Don's. "Davidson has got to not worry about our team making all these commercials for his company", stated Kozak. "He need to put more emphasis on the team playing better. Slapshot's loss of Captain Wermers has hurt them, but has also given them something to play for. "We are all putting patches on our jerseys with 'TW' to play this season for him." sobbed Mattis. "Its the least we can do for him." Slapshot by 3

11 to 7 Vs. B & B
B & B is due for a huge win. In an crazy twist of events, B & B pulls off the upset win in the last minutes of the game. A combination of their focus and 11 to 7 taking this game for granted, will have the upset of the season. B & B by 2.

Alien Vs Cup O Kryptonite
"We're all ready for C League" stated Johnson of Cup. "Alien is just a speed bump along the way. The confidence of Cup's entire team will shine as they beat up on the captainless Alien Natalia Team. "Where's our captain?" asked Chopard & Gugat. "We can't win without her leadership, desire & butt bone injuries." Cup by 4


----Going into the last few games of the season, I ask that everone play hard & competitive, but also realizing that we should all still have fun (win or lose). Lets finish the league off strong & on a positive note. ----

Mark Was Bored

Thanks for putting this to music.

Cool Local Videos

Here are some videos from the Des Moines Register that are hockey related.

Video #1 Toby Petersen of the Iowa Stars discusses his speed and training to be fastest on the ice.

Video #2 Marty Sertich & Janos Vas take to the Ping-Pong table to settle who is #1. Hockey players have fun too.

Video #3 Frank Meeink discusses Harmony Through Hockey.

Thought they were pretty cool.

Extra, Extra...Read All About it....

Our Adult League got some publicity today in the Des Moines Register. Lisa Colonno called and asked many questions about our league and featured it in the "3 Questions" section of "Hockey Thursday" in the Des Moines Register.

The article can be seen here:
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080207/SPORTS1403/80206052

She does a great job of covering hockey in Des Moines and blogs about it as well. Click here to get to her blog and see some interesting stories.

If you saw the actual newspaper today, you would have seen my great photogenic face!

Cupid's Cup - Player Trade

There has been a trade for the Cupid's Cup.

The Maroon Team has traded Dan Koenig to the Gold Team for Ilya Gorelik.

Koenig's agent felt the Maroon team did not have a strong enough chance to make the playoffs, so he instructed his client to hold out and not report to camp.

Rather than losing a player, Maroon saw hidden assets in Gorelik and made the move. "Gorelik is the bomb" proclaimed Lowell of Maroon. The Gold Team acquires Koenig and hopes this is the missing piece needed to make the championship run.

Want to Get Better at Hockey?

Adult league players are always looking for more ice time to develop their skills. This can be achieved by Stick & Pucks, Pay & Plays,etc. The downside of these events are there is no instruction provided. That's where Champions Hockey Academy comes in.



Last year, this camp (formerly known as Stars Development Camp) put on a week long camp for adults. This 5 day camp is back again. I can give you many reasons why you should do this camp. There were approx 24 of us who participated last year and we had a blast. Here are just a few reasons why I recommend Champions Hockey Academy:

• Tailors to many skill levels - drills can be done as fast (or slow) as your ability
• Structured drills - many real game type drills are incorporated into the camp
• Professional instruction - instruction given from players who have reached and/or coached at the profesional level
• Immediate feedback - coach would encourage, correct & suggest ways to improve each drill
• Customization - staff looked for feedback daily to tailor drill and program to our needs
• Off Ice info - An onsite physical trainer met with our group (voluntary) each day before camp started to discuss stretching, exercise & training
• Friendly atmosphere - every instructor was approachable and willing to take time to answer questions. They genuinely enjoyed seeing us develop.
• Fun Experience - It was a great time, practicing, developing & socializing with a group of other hockey players

I would encourage all players to at least look at the website for more information. I'd be happy to answer any questions as I'm sure others that attended the camp would do so as well. The camp runs from June 25th to June 29 (Wed-Sun). It runs from 6-8 PM daily. Since you work the camp at your own pace, there is no need to worry about straining yourself since it runs 5 days in a row.

John & Marty would also be happy to answer any questions you may have. John is currently in Des Moines as he is the head equipment manager for the Iowa Stars. Marty will be back in April as he is playing professional hockey in Germany. He will most likely attend some of our adult league games to answer any questions you may have and to tell others more about the camp.

Camp is limited to 30 players & 4 goalies (actually 29 players as I already have my spot).

http://www.championshockeyacademy.com/index.cfm

Cupid Cup Update

With the 1st Annual Cupid's Cup just around the corner, I wanted to get the teams out there for all to see. Let the trash talking begin....

Pool A

Royal Team
Brian Gugat
Austin Dagenais
Sergey Gorelik
Lyle Danielson
John Perry
Scott Blomquist
Aaron Storm

White Team

Scott Brueck
Mike Beede
Mike Fascian
John Hoekstra
Mike Dylo
Jason Stadler
Josh Luce

Gold Team

Ryan Nicholson
Matt Tessau
Dan Koenig
James Diamond
Jason (Koenig)
Devin (Koenig)
Shane Bast

Maroon Team

Casey Miller
Richard Phillips
Adam Lowell
Ilya Gorelik
Roger Broadbent
Jeff Cronin
Dave Brown

Pool B

Navy Team
David Green
Ian Harden
Tony Ford
Mark Dylo
Dean Hemphill
Katie Patterson
Aaron Storm

Teal Team

Jake Anonson
Hardy Whiteman
Tony Hansen
Brett Townsend
Joe Bafia
Josh Grahm
Josh Luce

Grey Team

Matt Johnson
Kurt Potthoff
Chris Lefleur
Kevin Wiess
Brad Dean
Natalia Bafia
Shane Bast

Orange Team

Tony Gardner
Michael Pedersen
Mark Loverude
Tim Close
Tom Kielty
Brendan McCallum
Dave Brown

The games are at the Bucs Arena and will start PROMPTLY at 6:30 PM. Tony will post the schedule on http://www.dmahockey.com/ once he gets some time. Goalies are pulling double duty. Some rules, regulations, etc. will be coming soon via email. Good luck to all!

Keep the Mullet!

The results are in for the most recent survey and it loks as though 34% believe the mullet will not leave the head of Bearings Group very own Brad Blickley.

32% Felt that Wermers would not stop complaining about the refs

16% Believed Legends would not stop drinking after the game

8% Felt Shane would not make a critical save & Van Patten would not stay on his feet.

After talking with Blickley, he was kind enough to answer a few questions.

1) What's the best part of having the mullet?
My teammates running their fingers through it before each game for good luck.
2) How often do you wash & comb it?
Wash it? I don't understand the question.
3) Have you ever considered cutting it off?
My good friend Erich Brus told me that it didn't look cool and people thought I looked funny. That hurt. I ran home and cried for hours holding scissors up to my hair, but I couldn't do it.
4) Do you think it helps your game?
It worked for Jagr...you decide.

I'm Back...

Wow...miss a few days of blogging and the world falls apart and everyone wants your head!

After being gone a few days to the hockey trade show in Vegas (the shiny lights & ringing bells are not all their cracked up to be), I have come back to a very busy time at the shop. I'm getting caught up on the blog (and have much to talk about) so be patient as I get hockey info of all sorts out to everyone.

I will start by stating that I take no responsibility for last Wednesdays picks. Good ole Mikey tried to help out and the only one he got right was his own team losing! Way to throw the game to at least get that one right.

Here goes this week's picks.

C Wednesday

Plaza Printers Vs. Alien Joe
The Alien crew is looking slim this week with 4 key players missing. Bishop (off on some other Caribbean adventure), Van Patten (another work trip somewhere), Lowell & Topliff (banging their heads to some Van Halen) are the ones we know are gone. With Goalie Barker out with a torn hamstring, the team's finely tuned engine is having a small "mis-fire". No worries though as the key role player Whitaker takes the ice to fill in the blanks. Plaza is now 4 pts behind Alien Joe and wants to close that gap. "We're gonna buy them the first round after the game." declared Plaza's Mulford. "It will be our way of apologizing for the whooping". I still like Alien Joe in this game by 2.

Legends Vs. Irwins
One by one, Irwins is looking to make their climb. They knock off the powerful Plaza Printers last week, and move on to their next victim in Legends. "I've won my last 2 games" pointed out Goalie Davis. " I've looked ahead on the schedule and see no real challenge from here to the playoffs." Teammate Anderson agreed, " I know we should be a B League Team. With guys like Jordan, myself & Wente, its just not fair to play us." Irwins is not flustered. As top winger, Wallace came in to Alien Hockey to sharpen her skates, she asked, "Can you sharpen these in such a way, that I'm forced to skate slower?" I asked why she wanted that to which she replied, "I'm too fast for Legends to catch...I'm just trying to make it fair." Irwins by 1.

Alien Mike Vs. Bearings Group
No brainer on this one. I don't think Alien Mike has won a game against Bearings. Now that he has a "real" job with "real" hours, and "real" responsibilities, capatin Mike should try and "really" play. "I'm still looking in the USA Hockey rulebook for clarification", mentioned Brown of Alien. "I don't think you are allowed to play with a mullet in men's league." He feels thats a distraction to the game, not to mention non-hygienic. Bearings is looking to get out from the middle of the pack and climb a few points before playoff seeding. Team leader VerMulm proclaimed, "I'm taking the jerseys back if these guys don't start performing. There is a women's quilting team I'm looking at sponsoring...they move quicker than our guys." Bearings by 3.

Sunday C

Don's Auto Vs. Coca Cola / Yankee Doodle Dandy
The Don's team is unstoppable at this point. After a convincing win against the Alien Vegas team (twice), a big win at Wells Fargo in an exhibition against Bearings, they are the Sunday team to watch. With an international flair, this crew can skate around anyone. "We don't feel bad beating everyone" voiced Davidson, Captain of Don's. "They SHOULD fear us!" Coke/YDD is nervous going into this game. "I bring extra briefs" mentioned Mudge of Coke, "When they skate during warm ups I get nervous and sometimes tinkle myself." More info then we need. Don's by 3

Waste Management Vs. Slapshot
Now that Coady's skates are properly sharpened, watch out for Slapshot. They are bonding as a unit. Mattis & Tourigny of Slapshot noticed, "Now that Wermers is gone, we can step it up. He was always hogging all the goals." Waste Management has also found a new chemistry on their team. "Now that we figured out that offsides is bad and so are 8 minute shifts, we have everything in place to win many games" said Thiele of WM. I still don't think taht helps then this week as Slapshot wins by 2.

D League Sunday

Alien Hockey Vs. 11 to 7 Insurance
"This game is just a formality" pointed out Green of 11 to 7. "Our focus is on the playoffs." Miller, Gardener & Anonson have become the role players of this team to support the Phenom of Grahm. "We're the diversion Grahm needs" pointed out the trio. Alien Hockey has a different view. With their top 7 players having 6-13 points, they bring a balanced attack. "When everyone focuses on Keller, I jump in and suprise them" observed Kindred of Alien. This team attitude and focus makes me lean Alien by 3.

Cup O Kryptonite Vs. B & B

What exactly does "B & B" stand for? "Better & Better"?, "Bad & Battered"?, "Beavis & Butthead"? Regardless of its name, this team shows heart. Never losing focus, they hold on to the fact that every team makes the playoffs. Kryptonite has another view. "Be embararrased now or later...makes no difference to us", stated Hartley of Cup. This confident, sometimes cocky attitude may get them in trouble during playoff time...but not for this game. Cup by 5.