Mr. Mac Finally Gets His Title

12.23.11 - Lewis Center, OH - Most of what's happening in Columbus hockey is owed to John McConnell, the founder of Worthington Industries and the guy who wrote the check to bring the Blue Jackets to Columbus. Hundreds of adult league teams, millions of tiny kids in skate guards with mom and dad in tow, and at least 20 grown men who seem to lose as often as possible owe their Columbus hockey existence to Mr. McConnell. All he wanted was a title, and the CBJ have woefully under-delivered. The JHM patch on their sweaters is a nice story, but sheesh guys, let's finish a game once in a while, no?

The Mr. Mac that got his title on Friday was Michael McDonald, formerly of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, as he inspired the ever-present Arrowhawks to their second consecutive (and sixth overall) Friday Night CAHL championship. "We've been singing Doobie Bothers and Michael McDonald songs at the bar all fall, win or lose" said Hwak second liner Jason Torsok. "That dude is smooth and soulful, sorta like my skating stride."

The game was a Friday night classic. Both teams had a couple, but not a ton, of chances. After a scorelss opening stanza, DannyRott put the Pucks ahead when he fired in a wrister from the top of the slot in the middle of the second period., "I thought we had them at that point. They're not a play-from-behind kind of team" said one-time Hawk Tommy Parker III. "Let's be honest. The Pucks are faster, better looking, and better drivers than the Hawks." Oh yeah? Who said so?

The third period opened with the Hawks' third line buzzing and pinning the Pucks deep. "We should've had one, or two" claimed extremely tall ArrowHawk Nick Elswick. "We could feel it coming." Or as Mr. Mac would say, "Yah Mo Be There.'

With just over 6 minutes to go in the third period, Hawk defenseman "Minnesota" Nick Lanctot wound up and carried the puck into the offensive zone for the Hawks, creating a bit of havok as he took the puck tot he net. After a shot, a save, and about 12 seconds of soccer on skates, the puck popped out to Hawk captain Mark Monahan who shot a piddly little wrister that snuck through the pads of Puck netminder Jamie Santho. Game tied. "Wow, seeing the Hawks tie it up makes me want to sing a song about comebacks" said a suddenly interested Michael McDonald. How about a little "Sweet Freedom?".

The final three minutes saw the Hawks take, then kill a really questionable penalty. "We thought we were dead," said a hugely shoulder-padded Kevin Griffith. " You give that team a really good chance like that and they usually cash it in, like anybody playing against the CBJ."

Ultimately, the championship hoodies were awarded based on a goofy shootout. The Hawks snuck through in 4 rounds, but would have preferred to win on a goal during play. "Whatever," said a slight annoyed John Kenyon. "3 mintues of sudden death and a shootout is a crappy way to decide 15 weeks of hockey, but do you see how nice I look in this sweatshirt? Call me Adonis."

CAHL Commisioner Martin Spanhel (and his shiny shoes) were on hand to congratulate the winners. "In my country, Abba is what inspires champions. I've heard your team prefers the Doobies." Yes, Martin, we do prefer the Doobies. And Michael McDonald's Christmas Album. And, of course, "What a Fool Believes."

See you guys in a couple of weeks.