Even though the 10:30pm flu struck a number of people on the team, The Grinders were still able to find 10 skaters foolish enough to come out to play. Thanks to James and Goats for steppin’ up and helping out. And even though two of the flu-sufferers happened to be both the puck-bag guy and the beer-guy, thats right; no Beer, (oh-the horror) the Grinders overcame the shock and managed a 5-1 win over the Vancouver Smokeeaters.

Their goalie had a shaky first period and the grinders took advantage with long shots, big rebounds and quick blades to hop on the loose puck. All 5 goals came in the first period. Santa gets his first goal of the year on the first goal of the night at 6:29 with an assist from Mr Leng who ended up with a 3-point night including the nights 3 rd goal. The eventual game winner came from number 44 Gordie Schmish with assists from Troy and James. And then triggs and Trainor rounded out the evening with the insurmountable 4th and 5th goals.

It’s a good thang the Grinders scored early because as the night wore on the feet got slower and we started to collapse around the net, allowing the Smokeeaters their one and only goal. Goats stopped 20 more pucks thrown at him for an overall stellar performance, but the skaters couldn’t keep the energy going around him to salvage his shutout.

Next game, Saturday the 12th at 2pm.  Goats is in net again.

Contrary to the boring score sheet with no entries under either the goals or the penalty column, this was not a boring game. In fact, it was a helluva game with mucho end-to-end action. The Grinders had 27 shots on goal, not including two or three posts and one disallowed goal (it was in). With a short bench of 10 skaters it was absolutely necessary that we took decent shift lengths, minded our partners health - Gord being with flu and Jason being child (and I thought it was Fran that was pregnant) - and forechecked like the Dickens (thats my one and only Christmas reference).

Peter played stellar in net stopping 17 saves on the night, more than a few of them on the breakaway. He has earned a well deserved 2 weeks in the Philippines. (This guy goes on more over seas tropical vacations than anyone I have ever known - must be single).

Fun hockey all around, even when their cheap bastard #2 started to get lazy and hacking, we just kept coming after them and ignored the crap. It put is on the offense more than not, it gave us the better chance to win the game. But alas, a 0-0 tie is what we have to settle for.

But as promised, with a stellar effort and clean game I present to you, a half naked Grinder Girl. May I present: Peaches.

Do I hear an “I’d hit that”?

Goats, this one is for you. You deserve the goalie-girl this week after that game. As PSP said the only D we showed tonight was “De-breakway” 50-Mission showed a helluva lot of speed up front and their seagull took the puck time and time again in for breakaway chances.

The last we time faced the 50 Mission they had neither the goaltending nor the snipers that we faced tonight. here’s an exerpt from the March 2006 game write-up, which we won.:

This is also a shout out to the team as a whole. Both Rob and PSP made comments after the game about how great it was that everyone on our team kept it positive throughout the game and didn’t start raggin’ on each other during this loss. We played hard. We moved the puck well in their offensive zone, the D got off numerous point shots, our breakout was fairly effective, the forwards covered the D on their rushes and everyone hustled, no one panicked when 50 Mission was pressuring, good communication…

The score wasn’t indicative of the game and by no means is it Goats’ burden to bear. 50 Mission had snipers and speed on the front line that are more akin to Div 6 than 16.

Good on ya Grinders.

Oh! And lets not forget Frank. Coming out to support us during the late game AND picking up a new cooler for the team. (Bob, we owe Frank $60)

They came into the game undefeated but left knowing it all too well. The Chiefs fall to the .500 CuppaJoe Grinders in one helluva game. Everyone had a strong performance, with continuous hustle, good positioning, forechecking and sustained pressure. Makes it pretty damn difficult to pick three stars.

On the List of Honourary Mentionable Notable Notes of Note to Mention are: J. Clarke with a two-point night, Andy with speed and playmaking, James “Doogie” with speed and playmaking, Gordie with a full game of solidity (I have no idea what that means), and myself because I make this list up. But the final cut is in - all hail the three stars!

P.S. Their names are to the left of the pretty girl.