Thursday, February 16, 2012

El Logo Cinco de Mayo

Thanks to the excellent work of Mr. Aaron Clutts (of Alien Hockey), we have the jersey logo that will be used for the Cinco de Mayo Tourney. Don't forget to register early to get the early bird discount.


Monday, February 13, 2012

Cinco de Mayo Tourney 2012


In 2011, Mexico won the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships U20 – Division III. This momentous occasion brought the country known for its warm beaches to the forefront of the hockey world.

To honor this triumph, we have decided to dedicate the next 3 on 3 Adult Hockey tournament to those Mexican players. There is much in common between this Mexican team and those of us that play in Des Moines. We come from all walks of life and many times those around us do not "expect" us to play hockey. "Accountants, women, 50+ year olds, short people, police officers, firefighters, comic book readers & vegetarians don't play hockey" is what you may hear. But just a you may not hear "Mexico is a powerhouse hockey team", that was proven wrong and so we prove others wrong every time we take the ice.

It actually worked out this year that the Cinco de Mayo 3 on 3 Tourney will be held on Saturday, May 5th beginning at 3PM. This year's event will be bigger and better than ever! Some of the highlights this year will include:
  • Looking to have 12 teams
  • 3 games going at once
  • Free jersey for all participants
  • Free taco bar in lounge during games
  • Lounge to sell margaritas
  • Pond hockey style goal nets
  • Early bird registration discount (details below)
  • Prizes for costumes and other random contests (nothing for winning event)
Although the above items will only make the event bigger and better than ever, the following are still part of our traditional 3 on 3 events.
  • 4 game guarantee for all players
  • 2 - 15 minute periods
  • Free food in lounge during games
  • Only individual sign ups (will honor request of 1 teammate)
  • Great atmosphere
With this being the most epic 3 on 3 Tourney Des Moines has ever seen, we expect this to fill fast. Our player limit at this time is 72 (6 per team), and with as many players as we have in our C & D leagues, and all that have done a 3 on 3 in the past, we anticipate this to be a huge event.

Early Bird Registration- From today until Sunday, February 25th we are offering everyone an opportunity to register for $40. You can register directly on the blog through that date for $40.

As an added incentive, we are offering the same opportunity for anyone wanting to come out to Cup O Kryptonite this Sunday, February 19th or Sunday, February 26th between 8-11 AM. You can pay the $40 early bid fee, get 2 free rolls of tape ($6 value) and 50% off coffee from Matty J himself and be able to socialize with some fellow hockey players.

Spread the word and hope to see everyone registered soon!


The Alien Invasion is Over.



Many doubted that an event of this magnitude would ever actually happen. Last year, 6 hockey players from Des Moines and 1 from Wisconsin decided to give the Labatt's USA Pond Hockey event a try. Once they returned, they feverishly spread the word amongst their teammates and gathered the interest of more players. They thought they could possibly field 2 teams, but with the interest shown by all players, and it was discussed to bring 3 teams. There were 20 players interested in going and in the end 3 teams were indeed formed.

The teams of Polar Alien, Bi-Polar Alien and Tri-Polar Alien consisted of Brendan McCallum, Chris LeFleur, Nate Brand, Scott Blomquist, Adam Keller, Paul Adams, Mike Dylo, Mark Dylo, Pat Houlihan, Aaron Clutts, Mike Beede, Shane Bast, Adam Lowell, Jeremy Knipper, Joe Bafia, Mike Fascian, Matt Johnson, Mike Pedersen and Steve Kuzynowski. This was 100% of the local Alien Hockey team (plus Blomquist and Bast who don't even live in Iowa any more). The addition of Johnson and Pedersen from the Cup O Kryptonite made this a perfect group.

In the past, may groups have tried to get teams together and venture to play some hockey away from Des Moines. This shows that it can be done. We even had the pleasure of running into (and playing against) the Untouchables from DM.

In the end, our 3 teams collectively went 2-7 for the tournament. However, the losses were definitely off-set by the quality "tent time", hot tub, chili gathering, Gee O's bar, pasta dinner night, poker playing, Boondockers, Pick & Save, Fish Fry and so much more.

Glad I could spend 4 days with my closest friends in sub-zero weather, 9 hours from Iowa! 361 days and counting to next year...... can anyone say Quad-Polar?