Mid-season report

FAMILY ROOM COUCH, OH -- The Arrowhawks have been on a bit of a tear of late. They've survived another 4-point Friday, skating past the highly skilled Eskimos and Whalers in their double-header. They've survived the Blue Jacket opener, being down 13 skaters and rolling 8 en route to 10 goals against the Mamas and Papas.

Scoring has come from unexpected places like defenseman Mike Gauthier and new offensive threat Nick Elswick. Arrowhawk captain Mark Monahan is now among the league leaders in points (13), tying prolific forward Mark Waterstreet of the Maple Leafs. Top line left wing Tom Morgan has regained his scoring touch. Even the subs are filling in. Bryce Griffith, fresh off his hunting assignment in the woods of Central Ohio, sniped his way to 5 points in last week's game. Goaltending is crazy good, with Jason Jensen manning the pipes, thwarting the best Friday night has to offer.

What does it all mean? It means the Hawks are flying high since their overtime loss to James 'Freakin' Santho and the BigPucks. They've lost Kevin Griffith for the season to injury. They've overcome John Kenyon's wimpy groin and Jason Torsok's Corona diet on Miami's finest beaches. Top defensive pair Nick Lanctot and Mac Lawless have yet to share the ice together. G. Ted Bulwinkle continues to patrol the blueline in their absence, and prized 1996 draft pick Rick Titus is just now coming into offensive form. In all, the Hawks are defending their summer title well. No word if Chris Carpenter still uses Hello Kitty checks to pay bills.

That, and $2.50 will get you a cup of Starbucks coffee. Freakin' Eskimos.