|
|
 |
OFHL Playoff News and Rinkside Reports
>> INCREASE YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF CURRENT AND PAST OFHL POST SEASONS
WITH ICEE AND ATHLETIC CUP NEWS REPORTS DATING BACK TO THE 1997 INAUGURAL SEASON.
|
2006 ICEE Cup Quarter Finals : The Mighty Fall and the Rollers keep on Rollin'
April 4, 2006
by H.G. Wells
In the OFHL Quarter Final round, there were a few surprises, a few
expected's, and a lot of drama.
In perhaps the marquis matchup, mighty Mega took their undefeated regular
season into the quarters against the smokin' red hot Fifth and Neville boys,
only to see the dream end with an atomic explosion. The Fifth's out-dueled
the Mega's in a point producing extravaganza by the whopping score of 36 -
33. Coach Ed B got toasty at the right time, and gave credence to his
all-season whining about being the unluckiest guy this side of Shleprock.
Well, this time, the pucks finally bounced HIS way, and he advanced to the
Semis. Congrats to him and to the Mega's on a truly amazing regular season.
Still, that and a quarter won't buy you a cup of ICEE.....
The first place team in the West, the MarLins, continued their exceptional
point production by making short work on the semi-anemic Death Dealers, 26 -
19. "No contest," said Coach Linda, the Dealers really didn't have any
business being on the same ice as my team." Coach Kenny vows that he'll be
back next year, stating that "with the overall lack of talent in the East, I
am virtually assured of a playoff spot every year."
The two second place teams from each division, the Ed Wings and the Klingon
Bastards, met in the 3rd game of the quarters. The Klingons were, in fact,
a heavy favorite in this game, considering their league-leading regular
season point production, but could not put the money where the mouth was in
the end, as the Ed Wings prevailed 26 - 20. "I showed my team a video of
George Mason playing Connecticut," Coach Ed said, "and that was all they
needed." Coach Worf has summarily killed his Carolina players for indulging
in too much blood-wine the night before a game. "The Klingon Empire has
quite a different disciplinary system than the league," coach Worf growled.
Perhaps that explains all of the painstick wounds on his players.
In the little brother to the Mega -Fifth game, the Habs knocked off the
Slackhawks to the tune of 23 - 21, keeping Coach Jim's dream of a repeat
alive. "The game was close," Coach Jim said, "until I tapped the keg and
heated the nacho cheese - then the Slacks couldn't focus." Coach Gary said
that after his nap, he was going to do a serious re-evaluation of his team,
and perhaps have them pick him up a pizza.
So to the winners, we say "CUDOS!" And to the losers, we say, "get over it
and get on with your lives." After all, there is more to life than hockey,
although I can't remember exactly what that may be......
|
2004 ICEE Cup Rinkside Report: The Habs HAB IT!
March 22, 2004
by Al "Dealing" Morganti
 Recap coming soon!.
|
2003 ICEE Cup Rinkside Report: Death in the Air
March 31, 2003
by Al "Dealing" Morganti
We know history repeats itself. But that doesn't mean we have to like it. I can
bet the bulk of the OFHL doesn't like the fact that Coach Ken has captured
his third ICEE Cup in six seasons, but we know for a fact that Coach Ken and
his Death Dealers are chuckling long and hard -- savoring the spotlight and
saying "I told you so..."
 Frankly, we have no choice but to agree.
Sliding into the post season as the 5th overall seed
in the 2003 ICEE Cup Playoffs, Ken and his Dealers pounded their way through
the competition with victories over the Less Habitants and the Connucks on route to a date
with the regular season juggernaut, The 5th & Neville Islanders, in the ICEE Cup
Finals. Could the Dealers pull off an upset of the #2 seed? Or would Coach Bernot
seize the ICEE Cup in 2003 after it slipped through his hands in the 2002 Finals?
When it was said and done, the Dealers managed to overcome a week of point-matching
in the waning Saturday evening hours after Coach Bernot activated Daniel
Alfredsson only to see him put up two goose eggs on the scoreboard. Winning the ICEE Cup
in a slow, methodical, "take no prisoners" fashion by a score of 25-20, the Death
Dealers became the first team in OFHL history to win three ICEE Cup Championships.
Furthermore, those championships have come in the last six OFHL seasons, also making the
the Death Dealers the luckiest OFHL franchise in history.
We congratulate Coach Ken and the Death Dealers on their third Icee Cup win and hope
that Coach Ken's luck runs out soon....
2003 Athletic Cup Round-Up Corals and Humbles the Bumbles in Their First OFHL Season
March 31, 2003
by Steve Hogarth
Bumbles bounce. Meanies scamper.
After nearly making the ICEE Cup Playoffs, the Blue Meanies found themselves in a bind.
They slipped into the bowels of the Athletic Cup Finals to match wits with a newcomer -
John and his Mighty Bumbles. As Yukon Cornelius tells us, Bumbles can't swim, so we're
wondering if Klemz lured the Bumbling Humbles into a cesspool of complacency. When the
horn sounded, the Blue Meanies found themselves clawing their way toward respectability
once again. Pulling the Bumbles' teeth out like a misfit elf, the Meanies beat the Bumbles
by a final score of 32-14.
As a first year coach, Johnson has to wonder what his team thinks of his ability to lead
them out of the Athletic Cup and into the splendor that is ICEE. "Not only do Bumbles
bounce," he said. "They bounce back."
Righto, Johnson. On September 27, 2003 the OFHL ice surface is once again level.
|
2002 ICEE Cup Rinkside Report: SP"ED"TACULAR!
April 9, 2002
by Al 'Klingon Stud' Morganti
In what will surely go down as one of the greatest ICEE CUP finals in
history, the Distraught Ed Wings held off a surging 5th and Neville
Islanders to claim their first championship.
 The week started with Coach Wing garnering a 12 point Monday, and staking a
seemingly insurmountable lead. But Coach 5th was not going to roll over and
cry, as his team kept consistent and steady pressure, pulling to within 4
points by Wednesday and to 3 by Friday. That was, however, as close as he
would get, as the Wings, with the help of the new Lone Ranger (Bure) kept up
the pace to get the Gold.
"11 points out of Pavel was the difference," Coach Wing proclaimed. "I am
sending Arbor Day gifts to the entire Ranger Management team for listening
to my advice and picking up Bure."
And what of Coach 5th? Not since the Klingon's rookie season has an OFHL
Newbie put up such dominating numbers - and he carried it through to the
playoffs (and we all know what happens to the Klingons in the
playoffs......)
Well, that looks like it for this year. Kudos and congratulations to the Ed
Wings for a nice season , a terrific playoff run, and a well-earned ICEE
cup. Also to the 5th boys for a tremendous season and playoff showing. It
was a good year on the message board, in the trade rooms, and on the ice.
Now if we could only find the Cup...
2002 ICEE Cup: Ed Wings No Longer Distraught; Studpuppies Take One for the Kids
April 8, 2002: ICEE Cup Finals Review:
by Neil Peart
If you missed this year's finals, folks -- shame on you. Go break a mirror.
Your stretch of bad luck will surely be less harsh. It's with deep regret that
someone had to lose this year's 2002 Icee Cup. If you don't know what I'm
talking about, may you be banished from ever winning the Icee Cup yourself.
Not only did the Islanders and Ed Wings give us the closest ICEE Cup
Championship match in OFHL history (2-point spread,) but their combined
score is the most points ever scored in the finals: 64 points. This surely proves
that two Ed's are better than one. After seven
days of intense jostling, it was the Ed Wings' great start early in the match
that ultimately allowed them to squeak out a victory for the 2002 ICEE Cup.
Defeating the Islanders by a score of 33-31, the Ed Wings had only this to
say to critics of his club and his conference. "You can bet the OFHL East will
back again next year."
Let's switch gears a bit -- ahem -- a lot. If the frenzy of the 2002 Icee Cup Finals
could be likened to moshing,
the scrap for rights to 3rd place was hardly a waltz. Folks, there were more
goose eggs nestled in Clueless' and Idunno's scoring grids to keep a
famished pack of wolves fattened for several days. When it was said and done,
the one shouting less zeroes was shouting for joy. Clueless finishes 3rd
in the 2002 Icee Cup playoffs over Idunno by a score of 15-11.
"I did everything I could to win it," Coach Gary of the Slackhawks lamented
after allowing the majesty of the 2002 Athletic Cup slip through his fingers.
Instead, Coach Janet's Studpuppies raised the trusty spittoon over her head
in jest: Coach Gary will have to try again next year. Rumors abound whether
or not the 'Hawks were taking it easy on the 'Pups, whose coach is expecting
yet another little hockey fan in a few months. "Never," Coach Gary said.
"Janet is a tough cookie -- I tried my hardest to lose. She had something
I didn't have. An injured center that was out for the rest of the season."
And that, my friends, is a tough obstacle to overcome when trying to win
the Athletic Cup. Studpuppies claim the Athletic Cup by losing to the 'Hawks
by a score of 19-13.
2002 ICEE Cup Finals Preview: Fifth & Neville Meet The
Distraught Ed Wings for Third Time this Season For All the Marbles
April 1, 2002
by Alex Lifeson
Whew! Where have the last two rounds of the OFHL post season gone? You
wait and wait for this time of year and just like Christmas -- it just
passes you by. In light of that fact, I'm going to warn ya -- pay attention.
After this week, we won't see any OFHL action for 6 months. Isn't that
a sobering thought for all those teams not playing for anything? Rather
depressing, I must say.
Fifth & Neville find themselves in the finals after defeating both the
Blue Meanies and Idunno in the Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals respectively.
The Ed Wings find themselves looking up at the Islanders after handing
the Klingons and Clueless surprising defeats. This match should be a close one.
After a mediocre season, Idunno finds themselves battling for 3rd place
overall against a late-season surger, Clueless.
And in the Athletic Cup, Coach Gary gets his wish -- he's once again
in contention for the Athletic Cup. If he wins it, he will join the Carbonite
Tigers as the only other two-time Athletic Cup winner.
2002 ICEE Cup Wild Card: Idunno and the Blue
Meanies Survive the Fury of the Wild Card Round
March 18, 2002
by Geddy Lee
Yippee-skippy. I can smell the aging plastic of the ICEE Cup, folks. It's
almost officially Spring and the first round of the ICEE Cup Playoffs
has already decimated two OFHL franchises and corralled the final eight
teams that will square off for the right to hoist the ICEE Cup.
You have to love those Carbonite Tigers. Those oblivious bums made it
to the Wild Card Round -- which is more than last year's champ (the Death
Dealers) can lay claim to -- only to lose a nail-biter to the surging
Idunno by a score of 17-16. Idunno's valiant efforts over the last few
weeks have afforded them yet another chance to beat up on the Connucks.
Can Idunno be beaten by the Connucks for a third straight time this season?
Maybe. Prediction: Connucks by 6.
As Coach Klemz's inquiry uncovered last week, Coach Linda and her Marlins
hold the record when it comes to the most consecutive ICEE Cup Playoff
appearances with five straight. But Coach Linda was no match for the Meanies
and their onslaught of point production. Beating the Marlins 21-15, Coach
Klemz and his Meanies will now face the Islanders in the Quarter Finals.
Prediction: Islanders by 3.
Other Quarter Final match-ups:
Clueless vs. Less Habitants (Prediction: Clueless by 8)
Ed Wings vs. Klingons (Prediction: Klingons by 6)
|
2001 ICEE and Athletic Cup Review: Ken Wins Again
-- Imagine This -- So Do The Tigers
April 2, 2001: Finals Review:
by Crock-o-Dock
As the finals geared up for 2001, Coach Ken was praying. Why? Well, how long
can a team simply continue to win? There is always that spoiler out there poised
to steal a win away from you. But this time around, it wasn't happening. As the first
OFHL team to repeat as ICEE Cup champ, the Death Dealers didn't really give the
 Meanies a chance in the finals. Beating the Meanies 23 - 19, the Dealers were
surely euphoric, while the Meanies (who second guessed themselves by inserting
Recchi instead of Mogilny -- a move that seemingly lost them the cup...) were
sent home with their tails betwixed their legs.
But that's not all that's newsworthy, my friends. Let's not let Ken's jubilation
overshadow the fact that the 2001 post season has spawned yet another record for
the books. Swindling what was surely property of Coach Chuck of the Klingons,
the Tigers claimed the 2001 Athletic Cup by losing to Coach Gary and Clueless by a score of
23 - 21. I'm sure the Klingons aren't too envious. So, yet again, the Tigers don't
get any respect. So what else is new?
And in the third/fourth place tussle, Coach Ed saved face on his 2000-2001 season
and eaked out a victory over the Connucks
by excessive use of that blasted tie-breaker rule even though both teams
were able to put up 28 points before the administration of that vile rule.
So as a recap we have:
- Death Dealers - 2001 OFHL Champs
- Blue Meanies - 2001 OFHL Runner-Up
- Ed Wings - 2001 3rd Place
- Connucks - 2001 4th Place
- Carbonite Tigers - 2001 OFHL Athletic Cup Winners for being the worst OFHL team
in the league... and for good reason!
- Clueless - 2001 OFHL Athletic Cup Runner-Up (whew! That was too close, Gary!)
So until we meet again in September, keep those hockey ears and eyes open. Draft day
will be here sooner than you think! Thanks to everyone for making this yet another
highly successful OFHL season.
And if you didn't realize, after going on-line just over four years ago, the OFHL
has logged over 11,750 visitors to its web site. We must be doing something right.
Either that or the Commish hits reload alot.
2001 ICEE Cup Playoffs: Less Habs, Pups, Marlins
and Hawks Head to the Links Sooner Than They Think
March 19, 2001: Quarter-Finals Review:
by Crock-o-Dock
It's that time of year again, folks. It's when all the kiddies come out
to play on the big pond and hope that all the work they put into the regular
season doesn't fall through the thin ice. As the ICEE Cup semi-finals
rolled into action this week, some great match-ups unfolded as well. The
Connucks vs. the 'Pups was to be the marquee event as two Original Eight
teams squared off in what could be best described as a cat fight. Make
no mistake, these two ladies' teams gave it everything they had, and when
the fur settled, the Connucks escaped with a dangerously low plus/minus
score of (-2) and squeaked out a win 22 to 21.
Have you ever seen a team sink quicker than the Slackhawks? Well, OK,
we have (not that we would mention any names....) seen the Wings of some
teams clipped in the past, but man, the Hawks had some magic going until
Demitra, MacInnis and Blake decided to screw things up for him. Needless
to say, the highly revved up machine of the Blue Meanies made quick work
of the Hawks and had them pureed into Slackhawk Pot Pie in only a few
days. Meanies spanked 'em 28 to 16.
Thus far, the cinderella story belongs to the most distraught of all OFHL
teams, the Ed Wings. How so? After posting the second most points in the
OFHL, the Wings barely made the playoffs after posting a three-week winning
streak at the end of the regular season. That momentum seems to have carried
over to the ICEE Cup playoffs as well as the Ed Wings beat the Habs for
the second time this season. The Ed Wings must be counting their blessings
after downing the Habs 23 to 22.
Last but not least (at least we like to think we don't think of the Dealers
as a subculture) we have the Death Dealers who made minced meat out of
the feeble Marlins. Emerging from the notably week Central Division (save
for the Habs) the Marlins barely made the playoffs and even though they
were guaranteed a playoff birth based on their 2nd place finish in the
central, they managed to secure the 8th seed. Unluckily for them, that
dropped them into the canibalistic cave of the Death Dealers. As has been
routine for Coach Ken this year, his Dealers snuffed the Marlins out with
a score of 26 to 14.
With the Athletic Cup resting up during the Semi Finals round, the OFHL
now welcomes both post season forays to the head of the class. This week
in the Athletic Cup the Zimbonies face off against the Carbonite Tigers
and the Klingons try to eat the heart of Clueless. The Icee Cup Semi Finals
heat up with a monumental matach-up between the Death Dealers and Ed Wings,
the two highest scoring teams in the regular season. But not to be overshadowed,
the Meanies and Connucks plan to stake their own claim on the prize we've
all come to know and love: The Icee Cup.
|
2000 ICEE Cup: Slackhawks Prove Their
Coaching Tactics Work
April 3, 2000
by Grandpa Munster
Over the course of the last three seasons, the 'Hawks have
remained calm and collected. Even in the darkest of hours,
Coach Gary managed to keep his troops in line. The Athletic
Cup came knocking twice in his career, and both times
he embraced it. Even though, he was only the honorary recipient
for one of those years, the Athletic Cup must have some positive
impact. Because exactly one year ago, the Slackhawks were in
the ashes of a pathetic OFHL season. Now like a phoenix, they've
risen to new life.
 When the 2000 ICEE Cup Finals were over, the Slackhawks found themselves
as the 2000 ICEE Cup Champions by defeating Coach Jim and his
Less Habs by a final score of 23-12. But the final score didn't
reflect the tight score throughout the early portion of the week
as the Habs and Hawks were separated by no fewer than 2 points
until Saturday when the Hawks starting running away with the
match.
As for the OFHL, the Commish couldn't be more happy. "We've been
in business for 4 years now," the Commish said, "and we have 4 different ICEE Cup
winners to prove that in any given season, the Cup can be anyone's."
1997 saw the Studpuppies capture the cup. 1998 saw the Dealers capture
it. Last year, the Clueless claimed the cup after a year in the
deadspot, and now coach Gary bounces from the Athletic Cup to
swipe the ICEE Cup from the likes of would-be OFHL power houses
like the Klingons, Death Dealers, Halupkies and Less Habs. What was
the secret?
"Each year," Coach Gary said, "I draft the best youth the OFHL can
provide. This year, they finally paid off for me. I guess all the
beer and pizza helped too."
Coach Gary's Slackhawks can now claim something that no other OFHL
team will be able to claim for years to come: the Slackhawks now have
their name on the ICEE Cup and twice on the Athletic Cup. I'm sure that
past winners of the ICEE Cup don't wish to break that record anytime
soon.
In the contest to determine 3rd/4th place, the Carbonite Tigers put
their money where their mouth is, although the Goal Post Gazette learned
last week that Coach Scott hasn't been behind the helm for much of the
season. During an interview in the Star Wars aisle of Toys 'R' Us last
weekend, Coach Scott disclosed that his coaching trilium is really
a duo at this point.
"I've handed everything over to them," Scott said. And with the Tigers
beating the Dealers 16-11, everything seems to becoming clearer. In the
Scott's absense, Kevin and Jeff have managed to save a financially struggling
franchise by taking the Tigers to the ICEE Cup Semi's. In light
of this revelation, will Coach Scott be a part of the future of this coaching success
story, or will coaches Kevin and Jeff take their success to another
franchise. Only the summer will tell.
With that said, the 1999-2000 OFHL Season has come to an end.
Congratulations once again to the Slackhawks. The OFHL is ready for
a well-deserved rest from scoring, updating and HTML'ing. With
the NHL post season on the immediate horizon, the end of the OFHL
season couldn't have come at a better time.
2000 Athletic Cup: Connucks Remain Helpless
April 3, 2000
by The Tidy Bowl Man
For the second year in a row, an original eight club has captured
the Athletic Cup. Characterized by lackluster players, poor team
management and over-all ignorance of hockey in general, the Athletic
Cup ultimately personifies poor coaching. In a season that saw the Connucks
change their lineup at most, 3 times, Coach Connie is more than
deserving of this award.
But the road to the Athletic Cup wasn't as clear-cut as it should have been.
Only last week, Coach Gary of Clueless was gasping as these same Connucks
managed to put up the same amount of points as his Clueless team did. If
it weren't for the tie-breaker rule that saw the 12-12 decision go Gary's
way, the Connucks would have bowed out of all contention in the semi-finals.
But instead, the Connucks floundered their way to the Athletic Cup by
losing to the Chiefs by a score of 20-7.
Consequently, we must assume that the bottom of the OFHL barrel was a vital
part of the Connucks destiny. In their first season in 1996, the Connucks
were a powerhouse. They put numbers up that only the Nimrods could dream
up. But the 1997 ICEE Cup playoffs weren't so kind, and the Connucks' spiral
from the OFHL elite began.
Last season, the Connucks found themselves in the Athletic Cup finals as well.
But a one-point victory kept them away from utter embarassment, and allowed
the Slackhawks to snag the Athletic Cup and revel in their inability to win.
What a difference a year makes. Last year's Athletic Cup winner is now
the newest ICEE Cup Champion. Wishful thinking goes a long way, but the Connucks
have an even longer way to go if they expect to recapture the magic of the
1996-97 season.
Welcome to the ranks of the losers!
|
1999 ICEE Cup: Clueless Reigns Supreme While Nimrods Finally Nose-Dive
April 11, 1999
by Xena
Coach Gary Sprowls and his team, Clueless, were speechless.
Entering their second OFHL season, Clueless was coming off
an inaugural season that saw them sit out the post season
in the dead spot. But this year they would not be denied.
Pitted against the OFHL's Cinderella team, the Nimrods, in the
Icee Cup Finals, Clueless had to be worried about their odds of
claiming the Icee Cup. The Nimrods had squeaked into the Icee Cup
Playoffs, defeated the heavy-hitting Klingons in the first round
and embarassed the Carbonite Tigers in the semi-finals. Could
Clueless muster enough grit for one more round?
The answer to that question is "yes." After a week of scoring that
would see Clueless and the Nimrods jostle for the lead, Sundin
and Yushkevich of Clueless would ice the Nimrods and give Coach Gary
the lead he would need to capture the Icee Cup. Clueless defeated
the Nimrods 24-17.
"Yeah, man," Coach Gary said. "My second-round draft pick finally
came through." Coach Gary is speaking of his drafting of Mats
Sundin in the second round of the 1998 OFHL Entry Draft. With Teemu
Selanne struggling, someone had to pick up the slack. Sundin was
just what the doctor ordered.
As for the Nimrods, their top scorers simply went cold. Sakic, Amonte
and Jagr contributed only 4 points in the 'Rods effort against
Clueless. The Nimrods had relied heavily on the likes of those
stars, and in the waning moments of the 1998-99 season, those
stars fell and choked.
As for Clueless, they didn't set any major post season records this
year. But they did capture the ultimate OFHL prize, the Icee Cup, which
will be ceremoniously presented to them at the OFHL's 1999 Summer
Bash. (Note: The 1999 Summer Bash has not been scheduled yet.)
As for the Nimrods, will they be back to make another run for the Cup?
Can they hope to duplicate this year's success? Be back next year
to see as the OFHL's fourth season gets underway at the 1999 Entry
Draft.
1999 Athletic Cup: Slackhawks Manage To Stink Up
The Joint Yet Again
April 11, 1999
by Hercules
Again, and again, and again. Yes, lightning does strike twice.
And if you don't believe me, just ask Coach Gary Todd of the
Slackhawks. Squaring off against Coach Connie and the Connucks,
the Slackhawks lost 25-24 in the final round of the Athletic Cup
Playoffs and are deservingly the OFHL's WORST team for
the 1998-99 season.
"I told everyone I was gunning for the Athletic Cup. I always
keep my promises," Coach Gary said. "Last year, the secret to
my losing success was the inexperience of all those Edmonton
Oiler losers I drafted. This year, overall youth and a guy
named Van Impe came through for me."
As the Slackhawks entered the Athletic Cup Playoffs, it appeared
that they might not be able to contend for the trophy. In the
closing weeks of the regular season, Coach Gary had managed
to rally his troops for a last-ditch attempt at making
the Icee Cup Playoffs. Instead, the Nimrods slid into the last
slot forcing the 'Hawks into a race for the Athletic Cup against
the Marlins, Less Habitants and Connucks.
But in usual fashion, the Slackhawks slacked off and lost
to the Habs and the Connucks.
"I'm elated that it's over," Coach Gary said of his proving that his
team is again one of the worst in OFHL history. "I have to figure out
where I'm going to put the trophy this year."
The Commish is eager to know as well, since the Athletic Cup was
forced to undergo a facelift last summer after Coach Gary ran it over
with his truck.
"I'm leaning toward putting the Cup in my son's room where he can
appreciate the beauty of losing, but I haven't logged out putting
it back in the garage."
The Athletic Cup, along with the Icee Cup, will be presented at
the OFHL's 1999 Summer Bash.
|
1998 ICEE CUP: Dealers Are Joyous!
April 20, 1998
by Burt Bacharach
What's all the hype and hub-bub about these days in the OFHL?
No, it's not Hanson. It's not Giga-Pets. It's the new Icee
Cup Champion, The Death Dealers. After a stunning victory in
the semi-finals over the Connucks, Coach Ken carried over the
momentum into the Finals against the Ed Wings and left them
paralyzed.
In a championship round that pitted two original eight teams against
each other, the Ed Wings feel that they lost at the hands of scheduling
rather than to the Death Dealers. So in light
of the NHL's tendency to bench players in the last week of the regular
season, the OFHL's post season action will now start at least a week
earlier to circumvent NHL players resting up for the playoffs.
It is the hopes of the OFHL that other teams won't have to face
the agony of having all their players sitting out of the action during
the OFHL's most prized time of year and subsequently registering a big-old goose
egg in the scoring column.
Needless to say, the Ed Wings were, as they say, DISTRAUGHT, but Coach
Ed is used to getting swindled out of fairness. And he's sure it will continue...
and continue...and continue...and continue...
1998 Athletic Cup: Yes, Frogs Can Frown
April 20, 1998
by Burt Bacharach
And what of the Athletic Cup you ask? Hmm. Well, let's say
that the Slackhawks' massive
attempt at capturing it didn't work. Even in their laziest mood, the
'Hawks couldn't lull themselves to sleep long enough to lose. So despite
all the hard work Coach Gary put into his losing season, The Flying Frogs
are the official scourge of the OFHL's 1998 season. Deservingly so.
Will the Frogs be back next year to avenge their achievement of this season?
Well, it appears not. The Frogs have hopped a bus to a place far from a hockey
rink; to a place where they might get some respect: MARRIAGE. Although
the Frogs' participation was reduced to 2 line-up changes this past season,
kudos to them for at least sticking it out with the OFHL this season, regardless of
their inactivity. BUT! Shame on them for not wanting to hold the prize they so
deserve.
So, in the Frogs' absence at the '98 OFHL Summer Bash, the Slackhawks'
dream became reality. The Commish bent the rules a bit, and Coach Gary
of the 'Hawks accepted the Athletic Cup in place of the Frogs and
celebrated immensely.
|
1997 ICEE Cup: Puppies Savor Icee Cup
April 1997
by Ty Domi
Forged in a tradition of integrity and perseverance, the ICEE
Cup is a symbol of excellence. As sought after as the Stanley
Cup, the ICEE Cup is the reward for a season of dominating
hockey and keen coaching decisions. The ICEE Cup brings
a competitiveness to the OFHL that no other prize can.
In its inaugural season, the OFHL board of directors designed
the ICEE Cup in such a way as to relate the grandeur of
earning the notoriety as being the most elite OFHL franchise. It
is that theme that lures franchises. Hand-crafted in Allison
Park, Pennsylvania, the ICEE Cup is comprised of materials
from all over the world. The lavishly sculpted base was
imported from Sydney, Australia, while the decorative
poly-propolyne sport bottle hails from the textile
capital of the United States, Wal-Mart in Monaca, PA.
And as is tradition in the OFHL, the ICEE Cup is currently
residing with the current OFHL ICEE Cup Champion. And in
stunning fashion, the Studpuppies snatched up the ICEE Cup
in 1997.
At the end of the 1996-97 OFHL Regular Season, the Studpuppies
sat atop the OFHL East, nine points ahead of the second place
Ed Wings. In the OFHL West, the Connucks had taken the league
by storm with an impressive first place finish with 34 points.
Second to the Connucks were the Zimbonies with 29 points.
The first round was an eye-opener from the get go. Losing to
the Connucks the previous week during the regular season (23-22)
the Zimbonies had something to prove. Fresh from the gates,
Coach Jim and his Zimbonies wiped the ice with the Connucks and
defeated them 26-17.
If the OFHL West's playoff decision was to be a prediction
of how a second place team
should man-handle a first place team, the Ed Wings ignored it.
In a gruesome display of defeat, the Studpuppies clipped
the 'Wings 28-10. At one point, the Studpuppies were outscoring
the 'Wings by 22 points. The Studpuppies' engine was primed
and ready to drag race the Zimbonies in the ICEE Cup Finals.
Entering the final round, the Studpuppies utilized the skills
of Forseberg, Kariya, Ciccarelli, Desjardins, Sydor and Anaheim.
While the Zimbonies enlisted Gretzky, Jagr, Recchi, MacInnis,
Ozolinsh and Montreal. The 'Bonies took the early lead and
remained in command through the fourth night of the OFHL week.
But on Friday, the Studpuppies poured it on. With a 10-point
stint (Forseberg goal, Kariya 2 goals, Ciccarelli goal and Anaheim
win) the Studpuppies pulled ahead and cruised to a 22-17 ICEE
Cup victory.
So now after a season of jostling for position, the OFHL
has opened the gates for some great post season hockey.
Can the Studpuppies repeat? The potential is there. Can
the Zimbonies redeem themselves after a close loss last year
in the finals? Can an expansion team from the OFHL Central
make a serious run at the the Cup? The truth is, folks, anything
can happen.
The only thing sure is that someone will win.
1997 Athletic Cup: The Big Loss
April 1997
by Alexandre Daigle
The depression. The stock market crash. Hiroshima. The OFHL Athletic
Cup. These are some of the worst occasions in the history
of the modern world. The worst being the claiming of the
Athletic Cup. That, my friends was wonderfully captured by
the Carbonite Tigers in 1997.
The irony of the OFHL is brutal. Although the Tigers
won the Athletic Cup fair and square, they were tied for
second place with the Wings with 20 points at the end of the
regular season. But the Wings year to date roster points (500) versus
those of the Tigers (493) sent the Wings on a quest for the
ICEE Cup and, well, we know the rest. Only seven points.
With the worst regular season record (5-13-3) the Slackhawks
faced the Tigers in an OFHL East showdown in the first
round of the Athletic Cup playoffs.
The 'Hawks squeaked out a win and bowed out of the Athletic Cup
race with a 15-13 win.
In the OFHL West, the Athletic Cup playoff honors belonged to
the Hunky Halupkies (10-13-1) and the Peyotes (13-11-0).
(The Peyotes have since renamed their franchise, The Death
Dealers, in an attmept to bury the shameful past of the 1997
post season.)
But I digress.
The Halupkies managed to beat the Peyotes in the first round
by a score of 27-21. Thus setting up a showdown for the
league's worst pitting the Peyotes against the Carbonite Tigers.
No one knew what to expect from this matchup. But when it was
all said and one, even Gary Bettman couldn't have charmed
enough people into believing how close this game would be.
The Carbonite Tigers lost to the Peyotes 15-14.
So, can the Tigers repeat last year's performance? The odds are
pretty good at this point. But again, nothing in the OFHL
is EVER written in stone.
|
|
|
|
