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.

We’re starting off the New year on a typical foot: at 10:30pm!  That’s right fellas, you get one day to recuperate then you’re thrown into the mix with a 10:30pm game against the Vancouver Smokeeaters.

January 2nd, 10:30pm on Blue A against The Vancouver Smokeeaters.

Have a festive season gentlemen. Don’t get too fat because we could be playing as early as January 2nd! The schedule will be posted on Pointstreak Dec 28th. I will be checking regularly and will email you when the next game is posted.

Cheers!

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”?