Hockey Unites Us

Each week, I hear more and more players referring to our league as a "family" and not individual teams. Although hockey appears to be a rough competitive sport on the surface, the players have a deep respect for one another on the ice. Often, you can hear players apologizing to their opponent when they score a goal, or informing the referee that they committed a penalty and send themselves to the box. Its acts like these that separate us from other barbaric sports like Kubb, adult rec boxing and baseball.

This week's upcoming battles may seem like deep rooted rivalries, but in reality they are groups of players that have a deep love for one another.


Alien Hockey Vs. Puck Hawgs

These 2 teams may appear like water & oil on the ice, but the reality of it is they are marketing geniuses. The 2 groups have teamed up to create a novelty empire that can be compared to Lucasfilms. Through a joint effort of merging the Alien & Hawgs themes, they have created a variety of avenues to generate a significant revenue streams to allow all players to play hockey full time and never work again.

Seen here is the brainchild of art guru Aaron Clutts (Alien) and Rick Kavan (Hawgs). Together, they have created a logo that will be worn by millions.
Krultz, Hudson & Bartak of the Hawgs are all graduates of M.I.T (Muscatine Institute of Toys). After completing the rigorous 4 week Toy Certification degree, they combined their efforts with the creative forces of LeFleur, Fascian & Knipper of Alien to develop a line of toys that will not stay on the shelves this Holiday season. The Combo Alien/Hawg Character set will retail for $69.99 and is already being compared to the Cabbage Patch Kid dolls as far as popularity.

With a logo and toys comes the only next logical step. A summer blockbuster film. The film is titled "Hawg Cop" and was written by the LePera Family of the Puck Hawgs. The story revolves around a Waukee Cop played by Mark Dylo of Alien (seen in the leather jacket below) as he is assigned a partner who happens to be a Hawg stranded in Iowa from another planet. The Hawg Cop is played by Oscar winning Will Koch (Hawgs). In the scene below, Dylo & Koch chase down a high school bully through the hallways of Valley HS. Movie is set for release in Summer 2011.

In an effort to bring this marketing venture full circle, the Aliens Pig comic series is being launched. With artwork done by Bishop, Haynes & Keller of Alien and a storyline that will take you to the edge of your seat by the famous Russian Fairy Tale writer, Dudechenko, this is a must have for any child. Only available at Cup O' Kryptonite or Amazon.com.

Cup O Kryptonite Vs. Irwins

For the last 18 years, Bill Goodman (Irwins) and Matt Johnson (Cup O K) have been best friends. You can see them strolling around Grayslake together on Saturday afternoons, or catching a Friday night movie and doing some Salsa dancing. These two teams have no bad blood with each other and are always a pleasure to watch.

Seen here is Matt's signature "Irwins Cappuccino" drink. This delicious beverage can be enjoyed on Wednesdays just before league games for $3.99.

Here, the Kryptonite team helps prevent Justin William's (Irwins) Bike from getting stolen.

The beauty of the Irwins team is that they all work together. Edgington, Goeke & the Hrabaks all on a design team while Johnson, Massa & Lasnek handles the sales. Maxwell, Place & the Radcliffs do all the repairs. Rech, Seeback & Wheeler handle customer service while nobody really knows what Justin Williams does. This group collectively designed the 2 bike below for Matt Johnson's shop to help him broaden his business.

Seen here is latest Irwins creation for Cup O K. With Scott Kundel at the controls, this 3 wheeler comes fully equipped with a 2 head Espresso station, biscuit warmer, shaded canopy and 4 speeds. Now Matt can provide his coffee to the masses as he drives his luxurious ride down Hickman Road. Next, they will look for a way to incorporate comic sales on one of these contraptions.

Funky Pickle Vs. YDD Tattoo.

The Pickle team has one common bond between their players...their love for the Pickle. Make no mistake about this passion as they snack on these strange food items before games and fill their water bottles with the juices of this odd looking food.

To share this great love, the team decided to present one of the pickles from their private collection to the Voodoo team. Here we can see Caleb Harrelson (Voodoo) holding the mammoth pickle given to the team.

To return the favor, Koenig (Voodoo) offered the his services to the Funky Pickle team and they had an opportunity to get "inked" at no charge by the famous tattoo artist himself. Unfortunately, Dan broke both of his hands in a terrible accident and was unable to provide his services. As Koenig's teammates Caleb & Wolf were lowering the prized pickle on to a table for the team to enjoy, it slipped from their grasp and crushed Koenig's hands. The Voodoo team was devastated and decided to make this event into a positive. They all stepped up and volunteered to do the tattoos themselves.

Here we see the intricate artwork of Sergey Kokaz (Voodoo) on the buttocks of Patrick Cashman (Pickle). Notice the cool use of Converse shoes and non-filtered cigarette.

While the tattooing was going on, newly recruited Pickle player, Tony Dressen was seen promoting the team at the 108th Annual Pickle Palooza Event in Norwalk, IA

When Monty Brown (Voodoo) learned that Dave Ross (Pickle) was a huge Peanuts fan, he had the perfect idea. Why not incorporate the two significant details of Ross's life into one beautiful arrangement. Well done Monty.

Shon McDonough (Voodoo) had the pleasure of designing something that would be a terrific addition to Dave Swift's (Pickle) already art filled body. He knew that Dave had a large handle-bar moustache back in the day, and wanted to "bring back the memories". I'm sure all will agree that the finished product was flawless. The addition of the "Oh Herro" was a nice touch as well.

Team captain, Matt Whitaker (Voodoo) wanted to do something special as well. He took the opportunity to work on Funky Pickle's captain, Tony Hansen. "I wanted him to know how we felt about his team", stated Whitaker. "I hope he loves it." Tony was very emotional after receiving his tattoo that echoed his nickname "The Pickle".

There you have it. 6 teams on the ice that look like they want to kill each other and win at all costs, but truly have a significant bond with a personal story behind each player and team.