Anybody's Guess

A game of chance, luck & rabbit's feet. Here is some insight on this week's games.

MISF vs Coke/YDD

Coke looks to tie for 3rd place with a win over the current 3rd place team. Reeves, goaltender for Coke/YDD, wants to prove that he is not overrated. The last adult league poll had him with 11% of the vote in that category. "Our team has been trying to pump him over the last few days", stated Wolf of Coke. "I know I voted for him that way in the poll, but its not fair to say it to his face." MISF is treating this game as a practice game just getting ready for the playoffs. "Kozak & Knight are both treating injuries, so they'll be at half speed", pointed out Coach Knox of MISF. "We may even pull Karena in the 2nd period and skate 6 players since we'll have a 5 goal lead." Redemption for Coke & confidence by MISF, but prediction is MISF by 2.

Alien Joe Vs. Alien Mike

Just like the 1980 Olympic Team, many players that typically hated each other from opposing teams came together to play in the Adult Tourney this weekend. There were players from Alien Joe, Alien Mike, Alien Natalia (D League), & others. Although the pure hatred could often be felt in the locker room, they still came together during the game. "I couldn't stand even looking at Wheeler", mentioned Alien Joe Goaltender Bast, "He just had this ridiculous grin every time I looked over at him." As weekend team coach, Kelley poured beer for McCullum of Alien Mike, he smiled and said "Enjoy the beer now, cuz Wednesday you pour your own." This rivalry continues this Wednesday as Alien Mike wants to continue its way to the #1 spot, while Alien Joe has a 3 game unbeaten streak going into this one. Its a good thing that Alien Joe famed center took growth hormones this weekend as he was a strong contributor to the tourney team in the last game. Although some may claim, he looks alot like Marty Wilford, rest assured that its really Adam this Wednesday. Alien Joe by 1.

Bearings Group Vs. Legends/Irwins

Dane Lenhard of Legends/Irwins took the #2 spot in Most Overrated Players in C League. "I'm not overrated and will prove it with a hat trick against Bearings", guaranteed Lenhard. With a cool Tom Cruise look like this, how can you not cheer for the Superstar Lenhard. Bearings has a different plan. "Look how uncool he really is", pointed out Brus Of Bearings. "His knee high socks don't even have stripes!" VerMulm, team stylist for Bearings, believes that although his team may not be very good, they all look the best and hopes his team wins GQ's Best Dressed Adult Hockey Team Contest. I predict they will win with Lyle's good lucks, but unforetuneately lose this game by 3.

MP Security Vs. Slapshot

Mulford, Sedrel & Broadbent of MP Security may be running late as they all were vacationing together in Alaska and are scheduled to return late Thursday. They could not be reached for comment , but team spokesperson Wermers released this statement. "They wanted to see if Alaska was really a mystery and wanted to practice skating with those players to learn some pond skills." Can MP get knocked off? They boast only 1 loss all season, but with the 3 of there top guys possibly missing, this may be that time. Slapshot loses a 1 goal heartbreaker last week and has been fuming ever since. This may be the edge they need. Slapshot by 1.

New Training Area Open

By now you may have seen the addition to our logo. With our partnering with PS Sports Zone, we were given some space to set up a hockey specific training area.

I asked what the "PS" in PS Sports Zone stood for, and they told me "Perfect Swing". How appropriate I thought, that it fits hockey as well. I asked my good friend Aaron Clutts to design something that takes into account the PS Sports Zone look and tie it into hockey. For the small fee of 2 composite sticks, 12 rolls of tape, a lifetime contract on an Alien Team & 10 swings in the pitching machine, the logo abovewas created (nice work again Aaron).

For those that came to the BBQ, our hockey playing friends were given the opportunity to try area first hand. For those that didn't see it, I have included some pictures. What you see here is approx 1400 sq. ft. of space with a variety of training tools.

2 goal nets with shooting pad areas allow a player to shoot from up to 36' away. The shooting pads can also be moved and reconfigured to allow for a player to pass to another for one-timers. One goal has 4 targets (removable) and the other has 2 baskets that catch pucks in shot in top corners.

Next we have (2) 7' slideboards. With hockey socks (we supply) put over your normal athletic shoes, you have an opportunity to work on your stride. Once you comfortably can slide in a continuous fashion, you can add a stick and training ball to handle. For an even greater challenge, add a stick triangle to pass through as you slide on the board.

We also have a stickhandling board and pad. This 16' long area allows a player to do a variety of stickhandling drills. Remove the board and you have a 16' long passing pad to work on forehand & backhand passing. Add stick triangles and you can customize your own routine.

Last, we have several additional pieces of equipment to make anyone a better player. A Bosu ball (the inflated blue thing pictured) & the wobble board both help you work on balance & stability. The medicine ball and stretch bands are utilized with a variety of exercises to strengthen your core and other utilized muscles. Weighted balls, weighted sticks & inline pucks give you various other stickhandling opportunities.

So how do you get to use all this great equipment & better yourself? There are several ways.

1. Personal Instruction - You can sign up for personalized lessons with one of our instructors to work on anything you want.
2. Small Group Instruction - Gather up anywhere from 3-5 of your hockey playing friends and do a group lesson. This still allows for more specialized training, but reduces the cost.
3. Clinics - Throughout the year, be on the lookout for scheduled clinics. These will be tailored towards a variety of skills sets.
4. Open Gym Time - If no instruction or clinics are going on, the training area is open to anyone for their own use. Cost is only $8/hour for unlimited use of the equipment.
5. Training Area Rental - Bring your team or group of fellow players to share the cost of renting the entire room for an hour. Share ideas, drills, etc. with a private rental.

Here are 2 links that give more information about the uses of the Training Area.
Personal Instruction & Small Group Instruction Rates
Training Area Rental Rates & Info

If you have any other questions, please feel free to give us a call or stop by to check us out.

Alien Hockey 2008 Draft Acquisition

"It was like music to my ears", exclaimed Mandy ,proud mother of Baby LeFleur. It was the 1st round of the Adult League Draft and Alien Vegas shocked the world by using their #1 pick to take the youngest player ever selected, Michael Alexander LeFleur.

Head Alien Scout, Adam Lowell, made the gutsy call and persuaded the front office to bank on the kid's future. "When we were in Vegas, I could tell that the kid was a fighter based on how he was kicking in the womb" mentioned Lowell. "We'll put him under the wings of our top enforcer, Kelley, and he'll show him a few things."

The LeFleur name is well recognized in the Adult Hockey world as father, Chris LeFleur, currently holds a spot on the Alien Vegas roster. "I thought he would go maybe in the 4th or 5th round, but I was surprised he went in the first."

The Alien Vegas team had the 5th overall pick, in this year's draft. With MP Security, Irwins, Bearings & Coke/YDD all passing on LeFleur, the stage was set. "We know we're banking on the future with this pick, but we're confident in the LeFleur genes" stated team spokesperson, Fascian. "The kid threw up all over his Draft Jersey the minute we put it on him...now that shows heart."

Although it will be at least 6 months before the new pick will begin practicing, he is already showing his enthusiasm for the sport and his new team. When teammate Topliff went to visit and introduced himself, Baby LeFleur proceeded to hit him in the face with his rattle. "I made him serve 5 minutes in the crib since he drew blood and gave Toppy a cut that required 8 stitches, but I was still proud he showed his toughness" boasted Dad.

When Little LeFleur was asked what he thought of going #1 to Alien, he replied, "wahhh...wahhhh...ooohh...glaaaa..glooo....wooo.." Well said kid, well said.

Pork Chop Pick of the Week

Its been a roller coaster month and I need to apologize for not getting the Adult League Picks done. I know how many people depend on these to make their Vegas & off shore wagers, so to these players, I am truly sorry.

Now that I'm back from my world tour promoting the Iowa Chops, appropriately named the World Chop Tour, I can get back to the business at hand.

Alien Joe Vs. Bearings Group
What is wrong with the Alien Joe's? First we lose a superstar forward in Tony Ford due to him having a baby. Next, LeFleur has a baby and all of a sudden he can't produce for the team anymore. "I'm really tired" says Chris, "A new baby is alot of hard work." He should of thought about his team before he decided to start a family. Next, its bad enough we have the "other" Dylo on our team, but he shows up every other game. "I have to go camping", "I have to work late" or my favorite "Its a full moon and I like to star gaze" are just a few of Mark's excuses. So who does that leave us with? Lowell? Topliff? Blomquist & Brand? Great, couldn't they find an excuse not to come...it could help the team. Bearings on the other side is on a roll. With Mersberger back, Danielson playing like a man possessed and Ver Mulm orchestrating all of it, the team is set. Blickley & Brus are the pistons pushing this engine with all the other pieces working together. Bearings by 4.

Slapshot Vs. YDD/Coke
After a whipping of the gluteus maximus by Alien Joe last week, Whitaker is ready to take some revenge. Loverude & Koenig were not big fans of the extra celebration Alien Joe did as they ran up the score. "We only had 2 on the bench" proclaimed Giunta of Coke, "And Alien Joe had no mercy...even as I begged and pleaded." This does not fair well for Slapshot. They run into a train this week that cannot be stopped. Johnson & Fleming of Slapshot have each guaranteed a goal each, but will it be enough? Although Slapshot comes off a loss last week as well, the caffeinated crazies of Coke/YDD are unstoppable this week. Coke/YDD by 5.

Legends/Irwins Vs. MISF
MISF sees Alien Mike in the #2 spot and they want it bad. Kozak & Roberts both agree that Irwins/Legends this week is a small bump in the road. "They don't belong in our league" agreed Roberts & Kozak, "They should be in a newly created E League." Hewlett of MISF added, "I thought you had to know how to skate to play in this league?" This was directed at his nemesis Lenhard or the Irwins/Legends team. "I'll show him how I skate" responded Lenhard. "Its my dance moves from celebrating all the goals I'll have that he'll be watching." The Irwins/Legends has a crew of All-Stars. They took only the top caliber players from each teams winter crew to make an unbeatable team. Unfortunately, you cannot buy a championship here. MISF by 3

Alien Mike Vs. MP Security
This is the big one. Numero Uno versus the Deuce. An undefeated MP Security looks to take an even bigger lead in the standings, but will the powerful Alien Mike give them their first loss. I believe so. After all, you've got guys like McCallum who are gritty, tough nosed players that have no respect for the law. "I intentionally run red lights in front of the police" admitted McCallum, "They don't own me." Others such as Feathers, West, Rech (who happens to be a fire official) agreed. "I think other teams are afraid of the law" stated Mikey of Alien, "BUT I AM THE LAW!" Ok, easy Judge Dredd. I like Alien's chances here. Wermers of MP recently retired from the armed services has been playing pretty lazy as of late, so this weakness will be exploited and Alien Mike by 1.

Grand Re-Opening & BBQ

You are invited to the Grand Re-Opening of Alien Hockey at our new location.

Sunday, July 20th
Noon - 5 PM

• Free Hot Dogs, Burgers, Drinks
• Free Raffle entries
• Free Batting cages
• Autograph session with Shane Bast
  
• Skate Sharpening will be available
• Visit our hockey training area

So stop on by and socialize with friends.

Francis Wathier

Its a pretty cool video since my kids did his dryland camp here (I did a few sessions as well). He makes some great references about Des Moines and after speaking with him on a few occasions (and sharpening his skates several times), he's a terrific guy. We wish him luck!

New Look, New Start, Same Sport ?

So here we have it. No more Iowa Stars. No more Green & Gold, no more chanting "Go Stars Go."

I attended the press conference a few days ago that announced the new name. As they played a video that was building up to the great announcement, I could feel the crowd thinking, "Ok already, just tell us the name!"

And then it came. Welcome the Iowa Chops.

There wasn't a thunderous applause, nor was there any obnoxious boos. Rather, a polite clapping filled the room. I wondered why there wasn't a bigger reaction (either good or bad). Then I came to this conclusion. Who wanted to risk the "wrong" reaction. What if the guy in the 3rd row heard "Iowa Chops" and felt his life long dream had been met and stood on his chair hooting and hollering about how awesome it was. Meanwhile the lady next to him had the reaction of "Oh, a screaming pig with fangs, how clever.....not."

Nobody wanted to give any indication of how they felt in fear of what others around them thought. I was one of those.

I like the name. It didn't hit me at first, but my opinion has always been that any name would give the same reaction. Its a new name that nobody is used to, so unless you were crossing your fingers during the build up thinking "C'mon, be the Chops, please be the Chops", your reaction should have been one of surprise.

After a few minutes of it being announced, I heard the grumblings of "You know, I kinda like it" or "the more I see it, the more I hate it" or "Why are we a knock off of the Ice Hogs". Again, I have no problem with opinions, suggestions, comments, etc. Its discussion about a new team coming that is exciting and should be discussed. Here is where my problem lies.

I read countless comments on the Des Moines Register's website about the name. I'm glad we live in a country where we can freely express our opinions, but I personally don't like when comments are made behind secretive screen names. There are too many negative comments about not only the Chops name, but also negativity about hockey in general, the AHL, sports, the state of Iowa, etc.

Basketball is not a favorite sport of mine, but when the Iowa Energy was announced, I didn't spend my days (and nights) bashing a bad name, bad level of talent, unintelligent fans, etc. Who am I to judge another person's passion. As long as it does not hurt me, why rain on someone else's parade. This is especially directed to those who commented about not going to watch hockey because the name was "dumb" yet they still proclaimed themselves as hockey fans. Are you kidding me? The team could have announced that the new name was "The E85 Corndogger Flood Relief Tornados" and I would still go to every game (although it would be an awfully long cheer). Hockey fans don't care what the team is called...they enjoy the game.

I do agree with one aspect of the negativity. Many commented on the Chops name giving Iowans a bad name, and others would associate us with dumb hicks, farmers, pork, etc. This is true. I would never visit Albany, NY. Their AHL team is the River Rats. Have you seen their logo? A sickly beat up rat carrying a hockey stick. Can you imagine what the people in Albany look like? I would be afraid of the diseases I would contract if I visited there.

Then you have Lowell, Massachusetts. The Lowell Devils. Ouch. A town of satan worshipers that would try and convince you that evil deeds are the right way of life. How dare the Devil Dawg mascot go to the library to promote reading to kids, or to Hascom Airforce Base to welcome back the troops. There must be evil intentions behind that demonic city.

Lastly, look no further than our own backyard. If you think people from other cities, states & countries will look down on Iowans because we have a hockey team named the Chops, what about the Buccaneers? According to my research, I found the following: "The buccaneers were pirates who attacked Spanish, French, and Dutch shipping in the Caribbean Islands during the late 17th century. Among the leaders of the buccaneers was a Frenchman named Daniel Montbars, who destroyed so many Spanish ships and killed so many Spaniards that he was called "the Exterminator" Personally, I'd rather have people think we have pigs & pork chops, then to think we pillage and steal and attack the Spanish, French & Dutch.

My points are just my opinions. I'm not asking anyone to love the name Chops, or to become a hockey fan because of the name. If you like the name, great. Wear the gear proudly, eat a pulled pork sandwich and enjoy. If you don't like the name, but still like hockey, go cheer them on. Whisper "Go Stars" or "Go Thunder" under your breath, but don't leave the game and become a fan of spelling bees. But most importantly, make your opinion mean something. Don't hide behind the name "ChopsHater08" or "E=mc2" especially if you are against hockey. My mom taught me if you've got nothing nice to say, don't say anything.....or move to Albany, NY you lousy River Rat.

Youth Dodge Ball Tourney

We are hosting a Dodgeball Tourney for Kids here at our new location inside PS Sports Zone.

July 22,23, & 24th
6-8 players per team (co-ed is allowed)
Age groups are 10 & Under, 12 & Under, 14 & Under, 16 & Under
Cost is $50 per team.
Double Elimination.

Teams will only play one of the above listed dates depending on how many teams sign up.

Contact me at service@alienhockey.com or Mindy at mindy@pssportszone.com to register or for more info.

Get your kids & their friends together for what should be a great time. No hockey or baseball association is necessary so spread the word.

Ready or Not...Here We Come!

As of Monday, July 7, we will begin operations at our new location inside PS Sports Zone. The address is 5475 NW Beaver Dr. Johnston, IA.

Skate sharpening is available, and customer profiles, prepaid sharpens, etc. has been moved to our new place.

We foresee a terrific opportunity by partnering with PS Sports Zone and look forward to many new & creative ways to help promote & grow hockey.

Our July Hours will be as follows:
Mon-Thur 4-9 PM
Fri 4-7 PM
Sat CLOSED
Sun 12-5 PM

A great big thanks for to all our customers that have been patient with us during this transition and especially, Shane-o, Adam, Mikey, Bishop & Clutts for helping move our stuff over.

We will soon be making our training area available for private instruction, group lessons or personal rental. Keep watching for more info.

Thanks and hope to see you soon!

The New Beginning

As of June 30th, our location at 2700 University Ave -West Des Moines is permanently closed. We are in the process of moving to our new location inside PS Sports Zone - Johnston, IA. The address is 5475 Beaver Rd.

We plan on opening the week of July 7th, but days of operation & hours have not yet been determined. Once we open, we will continue skate sharpening, skate baking, and carry a selection of accessories (tape, laces, wax, etc).

The cool part of the move is the we have an opportunity to convert some of the space inside PS Sports Zone into a hockey specific, off ice training area. Their current facility is an indoor baseball training facility complete with pitching machines, simulators, etc.

We think this is a great opportunity for us to stay involved with the hockey community and expand our services with this off-ice training.

Watch our website and the blog for more info.