Easy On The Ref

I have many opinions on the game of hockey, sports & life in general. Most of these I keep to myself, but occasionally something happens that causes me displeasure and I need to get it off my chest.

I'm not a huge fan of fighting in hockey. Correction, I am a huge fan of the actual fighting, just not the cheering that comes from the crowd when one breaks out. I believe that fighting in hockey keeps players in line on the ice and allows the teams to "police" each other. Although I do not agree, I still understand the entertainment value it brings to the fans, so when a fight breaks out and I just sit, watch & listen to fans yell "Break his face!".

This brings me to another thing I dislike. "Ref you suck....Ref you suck...." are the cheers that come from the fans. Often times a called is missed (usually against the home team) and fans come out of their chairs. When refs come out at the beginning of the game or period, they are greeted by boos and are heckled throughout the game. Again, I understand that it must be "fun" & "entertaining" to participate in this type of cheering and it must add to the fans overall enjoyment of the game, but I don't agree with it.

The first time my kid jumped in with the "Ref you suck" cheer, I explained why that was the first and last time they would participate. My explanation started by asking "why does he suck?" to which I got the response "because he's the ref." Did he do something wrong? Did he make a mistake? Was he not intelligent? To these questions I got the blank stare. Although I would never think less of a person due to their opinion of the ref, I wanted to explain to my kids that a ref is a person of authority on the ice. Not every call was going to be correct as they are human. Also, not every call is a "bad" call against our team. I wanted my kids to understand that being a ref was a difficult job and although entertaining to belittle them, not really necessary. What if you got a math problem wrong in class, or made a bad play at your hockey game and the fans and your teammates yelled "kid you suck...kid you suck..." I think he got the message. At the same time, if they think its ok to yell at authority figures on the ice...whats next? Police? Teachers? Parents maybe?

So again, I accept that fans get into the game and heckling the ref is part of the fun, but that is where it should end. Unfortunately, what happened at the Bucs Game Friday night caused this blog entry. I'm sure not many saw it as it happened at the end of a period, but the refs were leaving through the Zamboni doors when a "fan" was screaming at them from a railing just overhead. A few choice comments & expletives had me knowing that this fan 1) had way too much to drink or 2) was really very unintelligent. Once the fan realized he did not have the attention of the exiting refs, he proceeded to throw his cup (with beer) at the refs. He yelled a few more things and then sat down in his seat a few feet from the spot as if nothing happened. Of course, security felt otherwise and escorted him out to some undisclosed location where hopefully he got a stern talking to.

There was a play in the game where one of the Buccaneers did get hit from behind into the boards hard (at least that was how I saw it). There was no call. Although I disagreed, I understand that calls are missed and players could settle this on the ice as well (insert appropriate fight here). But I do not agree with fans getting that involved with a ref, player, coach, etc. Actually, I think it should be allowed, but the fan should have to face the player and actually follow through on their threat.

See videos below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXwavC3gfoc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eElspvew7rw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QECEsZVrbMA

Point is, relax with the refs and remember that sometimes you suck at your job too.

Toughest Sport on Planet = Hockey

I ran across this link that shows ESPN's list that ranked Most Difficult Sports (click here). It was a breath of fresh air for me as I have debated this topic with many people as to why I think hockey is the most difficult sport overall.

Ok, well maybe ESPN has boxing listed as #1, but I disagree with that as well. I have heard many arguments about other sports, and just as I grew up with hockey, others believe their sports are tougher.

Forget the ranking or the science. Just think of it from a common sense standpoint. Some have argued baseball is the most difficult sport. I agree that hitting a 95 MPH fastball is extremely difficult, but thats where it ends.

In baseball, players stand around a field where often times nothing may happen. The outfielders see a few balls hit, and outside the pitcher, catcher & first baseman, not much movement. Much different in hockey where all players on the ice are always involved in every play.

A hitter stands at the plate and awaits a pitch that he needs to hit. Nobody in his way, or any distractions, just him focusing on the pitcher. In hockey, the offensive player has to try and shoot a 3" round piece of rubber using a long stick while his opponents can legally knock him over while he does it. And if he CAN make contact with this puck it has to be directed at a net 6' wide by 4' high net in order to score....oh yeah and there is a person there with pads on preventing it from going in. A bit more difficult than having the entire outfield to hit into.

And the pitcher position? He throws the ball then takes a break. Spits, scratches himself, regains his composure, shakes his arm, looks at the catcher, winds up and then throws. Then all over again. If he's not doing good, another pitcher is warming up uninterrupted and then brought in. The new pitcher gets to warm up even more prior to facing the batter. This is just like a goalie in hockey...well not really. The goalie has the opponent in front of him, blocking his view, swinging at him, shooting at him from all angles...and if the goalie doesn't do well, his back up gets thrown in cold with no warm ups to face more of the same....thats fair.

Now, I do think that some of the sports listed on the "Difficult List" could be made more difficult than hockey.

Football was #3. This sport contains much the same as hockey. Strategy, hitting, speed, accuracy are many of the similarities, but it still lacks much. 16 games in the regular season versus 82 for hockey? Football players get a week to recover between games while hockey may play 2-3 games in a row after similar pounding? Almost, but not quite the same toughness as hockey players.

Basketball was #4. I shouldn't even argue this one. Alot of running up and down the court requires much endurance. Shooting a ball into a basket 10' high...excellent. But getting tapped, or brushed on your way to shoot results in the player getting "free throws"? They should incorporate that in hockey. If you get checked while shooting, you are allowed to shoot a free shot from your own blue line into an open net. Also, the trash talking in basketball would quickly go away when Brashear would plug Kobe Bryant in the mouth with a stiff punch.

Wrestling was #5. I guess we could make hockey take over the #1 spot if we added wrestling to it. If 2 players decide to fight and fall to the ice, they should be allowed to wrestle as well. It would be cool to see one player utilize the Guillotine Choke or Kimura in order to gain a "tapout". As for wrestling being equally as difficult as wrestling, there is a similarity. There are 3 periods in wrestling and hockey...but wrestling's periods last 2 minutes. Also, you wrestle guys your same weight...tell that to Martin St. Louis...maybe he'll change sports so he doesn't have to face Chara.

Martial Arts was #6. If you are training to be a ninja and can scale walls using only your hands and feet, or can fight like Jackie Chan in the movies, than yeah, its difficult. I'd put Bob Probert against any karate expert.

Tennis was #7. Here is where I stop with the comparison. Once you compare a sport that is done on solid ground, one on one, with a net seperating the 2 opponents, you've lost me. Now I love a watching a great game of tennis and even lobing the ball around occasionally, but to compare its difficulty to hockey is more of an Adam Sandler comedy than a real life discussion.

So in conclusion, hockey to me is still the most difficult sport to play. My main basis for this argument is simply the skating. As an adult, most can run, throw, jump, etc. This means you can at least make a decent effort to play soccer, baseball, basketball & tennis. But to move yourself one ice using shoes equipped with 10 inch long blades on the bottoms that are 3 mm thick while trying to push a 3" piece of rubber and make it go into 24 sq. ft of space while being chased is not easy...plain and simple. So if you put boxers on skates...then yes...its more difficult than hockey, but until then....don't argue with me.

Alien Black As Expected

My preseason prediction for the C League Champs in each conference went like this:

Wednesday - Alien Black
Sunday - Coke/Yankee Doodle Dandy

Off to a strong start of 3-0, Wheeler and his team of Alien Black is right where I expected. They have won every game by an average of 4 goals and although there is a team called "Untouchables", the only one worthy of that nickname is goaltender Anderson. With a 1.33 GAA, the only way your team gets a goal is if he steps out of your way when shooting.

Don't rule out Coke/YDD. As they are off to a rocky start, the tide will shift with a mid season rush.

The other 2 predictions for last place were:
Wednesday - Cup O Insurance
Sunday - Killer Tomatoes

Wow! Right again. With both teams bringing a winless record to the rink, they position themselves right where expected. Young Dylo may think he can help the Cup O' Insurance franchise, but I think his team realizes he may be the "Marian Hossa" to the Penguins acquisition.

On the surface, this Wednesday looks to have a great match up. Alien Vegas vs. Alien Black atop the standings face off with one team having to leave the Metro with their first loss. Although an even game to the casual fan, a no brainer for this league analyst. The Vegas Team, although good, is no match for Black. Sorry guys, I know you thought Scott Kelley & Knipper would be suitable replacements for me, but it wont be enough. Alien Black by 2.

Going Hog Wild

Over 2 nights of some fast paced hockey, the First Annual Center Cut Classic came to an end with Team Hogs (Yellow) beating Team Bacon (Royal Blue) by a score of 10-5. The Hogs consisted of Sergey Gorelik, Ilya Gorelik, Mike Pedersen, Scott Brueck, Mark Loverude & Patrick Fagen. The winning goaltending of Blaine Barker rounded out this group that went 2-0-1 in Pool play.

Although there was an actual winner, everyone had a great time. It was a terrific opportunity to play with a fun group of players and a chance to play on pro ice.

Afterwards, many went to the Iowa Chops Home Opener on Friday. Regardless of your feelings towards the new team, or name, etc. , it was a great game! We're not use to seeing a team come from behind so it was refreshing to cheer them on to a win.

Thanks to the Iowa Chops for hosting us, Derek Hickey (now with the Bucs) for helping get it set up, Ryan Smiley with Chops for coordinating event, tix & reffing, and Tim Veach with the Chops for helping & reffing as well.

We hope to do some more events soon down the road.

3 on 3 Teams & Schedule Set

With just 5 days before the much anticipated tournament, I have set up the teams and schedules for the registered players. We still will take 8 more C/D level players up to the day before the tournament, so pass the word if your know someone interested.

Click Here for Tourney Details

Quest for the Keg

The Fall/Winter Season of C league is underway and the long grueling road ahead is a long one for all teams.

With Coke/Yankee Doodle Dandy Tattoo winning Back to Back C League Championships, the question being asked lately is "Can Coke/YDD Threepeat? Are they a Dynasty?"

Since I have made the decision to "retire" from league play this year, I can offer an unbiased review of all teams this session. I will make my picks for Season Champs this season and provide a brief analysis of each team. Throughout the season, I will update with news, picks & more game time analysis, so those playing "Fantasy C League Hockey" can make the appropriate changes in their starting line ups. For those laying money in Vegas based on my choices, I cannot be responsible for losses, but accept donations if you have winnings.

Killer Tomatoes (50-1) What does the coolest team name, coolest logo and players that have the most fun get you? A very ineffective hockey team. Bless their heart, this extremely strong D League team has a long season ahead of them. I hope its not as bad as the Slovakia Women's Team beating Bulgaria 82-0 when they play some of the other teams. If this team get a mascot to distract the fans that come to the game, it won't be as painful to watch. I'm just waiting for fans to start throwing tomatoes on the ice in protest of debacle called hockey. Have fun in the lounge drinking some beverages & watching the C League Playoffs from the stands.

Cup O Insurance (15-1) A merging of two sponsors -Cup O Kryptonite & 11 to 7 Insurance has to brilliant team owners working together to try and assemble a winning product. The problem here lies in the mish -mash of players. This team is like a "Who's Who of Misfits." Guys like "The Toothless Wonder" in Josh Feathers, Justin "knock em all down" West, The 4 Stooges of Rain & Hail in Dylo, Gugat, Hudyma & Gosselin are just some of the players that will need to gel in order to play well. Their strength definitely lies in goaltending with Blaine Barker in net, but with "Puck Hog" Dean & "No Defense" Close rounding out this squad, not even Blaine may be able to salvage this one.

Legends (14-1) Greg Davis skating out? Re-signing of Lenhard? The acquisition of Waste Management's Heckman? All questions that have raised eyebrows? Are these the best decisions for a team that was once considered a contender? I say no. This team has been the biggest disappointment over the last several years. From a variety of drinking establishment sponsors (Hooters to Legends...what's next? 3rd Base?), this team can't get on the same path. To many superstars grace this roster and not enough work horses. Can you say "over-rated"?

Slapshot (12-1) This team moves back into the Sunday division hoping for a better showing on a new night. Many unanswered questions remain regarding returning players, goaltending and player consistency. Unfortunately, the night of the week is not going to matter much as the same results will occur. Prediction is for a sub .500 season and no run into the playoffs.

Alien Vegas (10-1) With my retirement from the team, much concern is here. Can Captains Lowell, Kelley & Fascian keep the team focused? This team is looking to use the Fall/Winter League as practice for their upcoming April Vegas Tourney. The problem is their focus is more on practicing their late night escapades, drinking, gambling & more and less focus on the hockey aspect. Although power player Scott Kelley has stepped into my role, and new addition McCallum to the Vegas squad is a benefit as well, the biggest blow may have been the defector. Vegas Team Player & star forward Mikey Dylo informed the team last minute that he was going to a competing team. Although they'll all be friends in Vegas, the road to April will a treacherous one for Dylo as the Vegas Team is out for him. Season finish should be about .500.

Untouchables (10-1) What has 76 guns, 30 skates, 8 fire hoses, 3 fire trucks & a so-so goalie? The new Fire/Police/Law Enforcement/Detective/Attorney/Medical Team. This team has got alot of heart, grit & ammunition (literally). This team has had an opportunity to play together and brings the great cohesiveness to the table. If they can stay out of the penalty box & work together, this team can be a contender. The only thing that may stop these guys from winning is someone pulling a fire alarm across town during a game or robbing a bank so they get called away. Watch out for this squad.

Irwins (10-1) Another team looking for a change of scenery by moving to Sunday nights. The break up of the Irwins/Legends Summer team has provided the leftovers for 2 even more sub par teams. The Sunday Irwins Team should have a better showing than Legends, but not by much. A lack of strong defense, mediocre offense and an average goalie at best will put on an entertaining show, but not create a winner. Start focusing on player development and the draft for next season.

QCI (9-1) You can cut the mullet of Jaromir Jagr, but he's still Jagr. You can change the Bearings Group to QCI, but they still have the strength of Blickley (maybe he'll groom himself this season), finesse of Brus, and intensity of VerMulm. Welcoming back some soldiers from Iraq are returning players Kinney & Mersbeger. These 2 will only add to the already strong core. Captain Danielson runs a tight ship and this season will be the team's best run at the Keg. A core of these guys know what it takes to win as the original members of this crew won the Boulevard Keg prior to Coke/YDD making their run.

Alien Black (7-1) Beware of the Alien. All other teams should be very afraid of the team Wheeler has assembles. The return of John Perry, the lost Boy Wonder Paul Liepa & a great off-season acquisition of Anthan from Team Irwins makes this a powerful unit. Van Patten & Brown together again as a confident defensive pair while Anderson in net will make them even stronger. This team should be a front runner all season and should have no problems along the way to the Championship game. This is my pick for Wednesday Night League Champs going to the Finals.

Coca Cola/Yankee Doodle Dandy (5-1) The prediction is being made so take it to the bank. This team needs no government bailout as they work their way to another Boulevard Keg Championship. Some have argued that the loss of Wehrenberg & Glessner will hurt the team. It doesn't matter as they find a way to overcome adversity every year to win. This past summer had them scraping the bottom of the barrel just to field a team, and yet found a way to pull out the win. With Whitaker & Koenig at the helm, this team should have a relatively easy run in the Sunday league on their way to face Alien Black in the Finals.


Good Luck to All!!!