Slumpbusters paying off...

SCREW THE CELLAR BEE-ACH! The somewhat challenged collection of hockey geniuses known as the Arrowhawks finally found a way to grab a 'W' tonight, besting the Big Pucks 6-4, this time in regulation. Santho was stellar again, otherwise the Hawks could have won by more. [editor's note: bum left wrist from taking faceoffs against Wharton all night makes typing painful (hold the shrewd wrist comments)]. Anyone else bothered by my opening paragraph? Seems long, with too many commas. If you are a grammatical genius (like us hockey geniuses) just look the other way.

If you missed tonight's contest you should be ashamed of yourself. After all, what could possibly be better to watch then a bunch of grown men trying to prove their worth on the choppy ice in Dublin, Ohio?

Here's what you missed:

• Hawks scored first. It was a brilliant goal, one of the absolute best goals ever seen by these eyes. Don't remember what happened exactly, but I think it involved a lot of poking in the crease (don't get excited, Barry) with Monahan, Morgan and Jensen finally plugging the pill past a pissed-off Santho. "Are you going to call that a goal, too?!!!" Santho would later exclaim, drawing a penalty.
• #99 of the Big Pucks is big. And he likes to show it. Surprisingly, he also can move pretty well and can carry the puck. That is, when he's on the ice. Unfortunately for the Pucks, the story of the night was their inability to stay out of the penalty box. They were on the penalty kill (or as Kevin calls it, Power Kill) seven times tonight.
• Andrew Daniels, Hawks netminder, turned away some glorious Big Puck chances. The Hawks defense was absolutely incredible 25% of the time, somewhat incredible 6% of the time and absolutely freakin' scrambling 43% of the time. But that [ouch, wrist is killing me!] coupled with Daniel's really tallness and all black Johnny Cash outfit did the trick.
• Thing I hate about fuzzy videos with blog cameras is, even in crappy quality I can see how bad a skater I am. I just don't get it. It's a paradox. I know when I'm out there I'm skating a hundred miles per hour [figuratively speaking] and look great. Then I see the video. Ugh. Camera adds 10 pounds and takes away 10 MPH!!!!
• Freakin Ken needs to learn how to shoot the puck so it goes in the SMALL NET the goalie protects, not the BIG NET that protects the wall of the rink. Jeez, did you go to Jason Chimera's school of shooting into the ocean?
• Santho has a quick glove
• Terry snapped off some great scoring chances and almost potted two goals off Monahan passes.
• Mark is really good.
• G. Ted is G. Good playing on the blueline for the Hawks. Rumor has it the Check Republic team is coming back to Friday's this fall. Here's hoping they don't so G. Ted can continue to be G. Awesome.
• Gooch didn't fall once during the opening period.
• Jensen is like one of those spinning tops on the ice, only with a stick in his hand and a crazed look in his eye.
• Oleg doesn't use his sauna in the summer. Duh! Found that out after asking him about it during the game.

Ok that's all I can take. Good night all you beer-league hockey fans. Sleep well and do your best to avoid long run-on sentences...

Cheers!
RT

The victory moves the Hawks into almost last place and positions them in the final playoff spot, with a 2-7-1 record. Somewhere Scott Arniel is jealous.

Oh, and my CPU doesn't have sound at the moment, so if there's really bad audio to match the really shaky, fuzzy video, sorry. Turn off your sound. There, problem fixed!

Hawks battle to 4-3 OT win

COLUMBUS, OH - What a game. As adult rec league action goes, tonight's game was a doozie. The Hawks spotted the Big Pucks two goals in the first couple minutes of the game and somehow clawed their way to a 3-3 tie in regulation. The game had it all. Physical play, skilled passing and sniper shots from all areas of ice. Both teams did their thing, skating with passion and not willing to give up in either zone. It's clear these teams know each other well. It took an overtime shootout to decide a winner. If it's true a picture is worth a thousand words, how about over 500,000 words to fully illustrate the game? In the end it was Andrew Daniels, Arrowhawks goalie, who stood a touch taller then Jamie Santho who was equally good on the night. He had Oleg Chetverikov and the Monahan, Morgan line to thank when it was all said and done. Click here for the full photo gallery.

Click below to hear post-game interview with Arrowhawks Barry Snow, Joe Factor, Jason Jensen and Tom Morgan.

Big test for Hawks tonight

Who ever said winning was easy? The Hawks will give it the ol' college try again tonight when they face a well rested Big Pucks, who opened the session with a bye last week. No word whether the Pucks went through an aggressive week of practice to prepare for the Arrowhawks, but rest assured, Wharton and the boys will be ready for the game.

The Big Pucks are a pre-session favorite to win it all. Rumor has it defenseman Tommy Parker III, a solid two-way player and dangerous on the rush, will be moving after the summer. This may be the last go-round for the current Pucks. If it's true, the Hawks will face a very determined team tonight.

Pre-game keys to victory:
LEGS, LEGS, LEGS
The Hawks were guilty of watching the Eskimos too often last week, rather than matching their speed in both zones. "We can't help it, they skate so smoothly and their skates make that great swoosh sound like the pro guys," said a mesmerized John Kenyon last week. "It's hypnotizing." The Big Pucks play a physical brand of hockey, are strong on the puck and clog passing lanes as well as anyone in the league. When it does break down, Jamie Santho is a brilliant last line of defense. Even though his mask isn't nearly as intimdating as it used to be. The top-6 of the Hawks must back-check and get stronger on the puck or this could get ugly early.

FEEL THE RUSH
TPIII and Mike Letizia are Arrowhawk killers. In past games the Hawks have had success by taking away time and space from the Pucks top skilled forwards. Perhaps out of boredom, Letizia and Parker single-handedly strike at will at key points in the game. They push the play from the back-end, carry the puck and place laser shots on net. The Hawks must anticipate this pent-up aggression and stand tall at the blue line. G. Ted Bulwinkle and Joe Factor will have their hands full down low. Checking line forwards Chris 'Jesus was a' Carpenter and John 'Grand' Kenyon must be tenacious with their sticks in the defensive zone.

THE BIG FINISH
Top line center Kevin Griffith needs to get off to a fast start. A perrenial league-leader in points, Griffith is a dangerous playmaker. The Hawks offense will only go as far as Kevin's stick dictates. Second line dynamo's Monahan & Morgan will likely have Jason Jensen rounding out their line. The trio will need to mix up their playbook and be good finishers around the net. Santho doesn't give up many rebounds. When he does, look for Jensen to bury the puck.

PREDICTION
The Hawks roster isn't as strong on paper as it was in the fall. That, coupled with the fresh legs and extra motivation the Pucks will bring, could make for a long night for the Hawks. 'Blue' will need to bring the Wright stuff if the Hawks are going to prevail. Although the Hawks certainly have the ability, this here reporter thinks the Pucks are just too good. Prediction? Big Pucks 5, Hawks 3. Barry breaks a stick, gets pissed, calls the refs names and gets tossed. Kevin eats too much food before the game, forgets to shave his head (pre-game ritual) and plays the entire game with a broken stick, "Just to prove I can." Mike Gauthier decides it's easier to just hang out at the defensive blue line despite urging from the Arrowhawk bench "Come on Gooch! Think little engine that could!" Nate Mensel, filling in for Terry Walker, will dangle with the puck in the offensive zone so much he'll get the new nickname "Bobber" Monahan will say "sir" at least a dozen times because he's a classy captain and doesn't want to ruffle the refs. Tommy will drill Santho in the grill because "I like to make his ears ring, let him know I'm here."

Good luck, Hawks!

Pucks ground Hawks: Letizia shines

COLUMBUS, OH - The CAHL's top two teams battled their way through 36 minutes of action Friday, with the second place Big Pucks notching a critical 2-1 victory over the first place Arrowhawks. It was the first regulation loss for the Hawks in 15 games, dating back to last session. The Pucks came from behind earlier in the session to defeat the Hawks in an overtime shootout behind Mike Letizia's three goal performance.

It was apparent early this was going to be a back and forth affair. The Arrowhawks led the league in scoring (50) and goal differential (+24) entering the contest but the Big Pucks iced the league's best defensive tandem with Mike Letizia and Tommy Parker III. Scoring was going to tough to come by for both teams as each squad had a stellar netminder manning the pipes.

The game was scoreless through two periods. Pucks forward Bryan 'Ginger Wizard' Wharton did his usual thing, carrying the puck and setting up scoring chances with brilliant passes. Arrowhawks second line of Monahan, Morgan and Griffith -- filling in for usual linemate Jason Torsok -- also had opportunities early, but were turned away by Pucks goalie Jamie 'Freakin' Santho and his cool goalie mask.

"Santho was good early," said first line winger Oleg 'Epic Win' Chetverikov. "We cycled low and worked the walls to get space, but their defense is solid and when we had chances Santho stoned us."

Not even Rick Titus and all his incredible offensive skill could crack the cool goaltender.

"Titus scored early last time we faced the Hawks," said Santho after the contest. "I wasn't used to the speed of his shot last game. It's something I haven't seen since mini mite hockey, the slow deceptive pace and rolling puck action, but I made adjustments this week in practice by having my 6 year-old nephew shoot on me."

"I had a great chance on the first shift just like last game, but Freakin' Santho was like a giant stone wall and easily fought it off," admitted Titus, the portly bald winger.

The Arrowhawks were missing three of their regular skaters, Mac Lawless, Nick Lanctot and Jason Torsok. Filling in for the Hawks were Nate Mensel, Bryce "I'm #36" Griffith and G. Ted Bulwinkle. Each skated well for the Hawks, displaying poise with the puck and nice passing through the neutral zone and in transition.

The Hawks found themselves in trouble late in the first period after back to back penalties gave the Big Pucks a man advantage. But the Hawks defense tightened into a semi box, sometime triangle, occasional umbrella and killed both penalties. Arrowhawk goalie Jason Jensen was brilliant once again, thwarting 8 shots including a brilliant glove save on Wharton.

"We knew if we were going to win tonight we'd have to match the Pucks speed," said Arrowhawk captain Mark Monahan. "The penalties were our undoing early and we payed for it later in the game" added the disappointed playmaker.

The Pucks had a two man advantage late in the second period but couldn't capitalize. "Jensen is one of the best goalie's in the league and he proved why tonight," said Mike Letizia, the Pucks brilliantly skilled offensive defenseman. It was clear both teams were going to need to dig extra deep for a win.

And that's just what the Pucks did in the third.

"I really think it came down to their defenseman just taking over the game," said Hawk winger Tom Morgan. "They isolated our defense on the rush and were determined to drive the net on Jay."

The first goal of the night came at 10:33 in the third when Bryan Wharton carried the puck and releasing one his lightning wristers from inside the face-off dot, just over Jensen's glove. The Hawks forwards were late on the backcheck and defeneman Mike Gauthier was stuck in transition.

Nearly two minutes later the game was tied again when Tom Morgan potted a goal just past Santho's outstretched right leg. Mark Monahan assisted on the goal with a brilliant pass through the crease.

"Santho got a piece of it but it trickled in," said Morgan.

The goal must have pissed off the Pucks defense and specifically Arrowhawk killer Mike 'Laser' Letizia. Already single-handily responsible for one Hawk loss, Letizia didn't waste any time in notching his second game winner against the Hawks. On the very next shift, Letizia skated coast to coast, past the Hawks defense at the circle and in on Jensen, at top speed. In a split second he rifled a wrister that was stopped by Jensen but quickly found the puck while closing fast, leaping to avoid a collision and burying the rebound. The goal was ESPN worthy and it was a dandy. Letizia crashed to the ice and his momentum carried him hard into the boards. Play was stopped momentarily while he collected himself, giving the Hawks the chance to plan for the equalizer.

But it never came. Jamie Santho and the Pucks stood tall for the final nine minutes, including a penalty kill at the six minute mark. Letizia's brilliant game winner held up and the Pucks moved to within a point of the Hawks in the standings.

"They knew exactly how to defend us," said a fatigued Jason Jensen after the game. "It was a great game of hockey between two very evenly matched teams. Something tells me we'll see them again in the playoffs. I'll bet it'll be another instant classic."

Shoot right, dress left

LEWIS CENTER, OH - Never mind the Hawks lost in overtime to the resurgent Big Pucks 4-3 tonight. The absolute most important factor to the Hawks was the continual development of their prized 1996 draft pick, Rick Titus. After 15 years, it appears the highly skilled hockey DNA has finally emerged. The Arrowhawks top line of Kevin Griffith, Oleg 'Epic Win' Chetverikov and Titus stifled the stingy Pucks defense from the drop of the puck. Titus wound up extending his rare point steak, potting a rebound just :23 seconds into the game, past the Pucks new goalie Jamie 'Freakin' Santho.

"It was a laser shot," said the humble Titus after the game. "I saw an opening, remembered what Bill Miller told me about the art of shooting and buried it." he said.

"I lost it, thought I had it and watched it trickle over the line," said Santho. "I haven't seen skill like that since mite hockey" added the now full-time goaltender for the Pucks. Santho would later be one of the key players in the Pucks victory.

As hockey games go, this was a great one. The Hawks rode a steady offensive attack through two periods, only to give way to three great individual efforts.

"Our defense played great tonight, but in the end it was the Pucks determination that sealed the deal," said Arrowhawk defenseman Mac Lawless, fresh off his rehab assignment with the West African Sand Fleas, the Hawks minor league affiliate. For the record, Lawless exhibited stellar poke checks and a savvy touch adding a goal in his session debut.

"I remembered how to put on my skates, so that was a great start," said Lawless. "If I could have played a bit better like my sons usually do I could have been the difference but in the end it wasn't meant to be." he added.

The Big Pucks gained the momentum late in the second period after Mike Letizia's goal made the score 3-2. Letizia wouldn't comment after the game, but the defenseman had a monster night.

"We knew going in that we had to shut down the Ginger Wizard," said LW Tom Morgan. "We stuck on him all night but sometimes things just don't turn out the way you hoped. Yes, Torsok had many chances but Santho shut us down and kept Mark and I off the score sheet."

Monahan assisted on the Hawks third goal scored by Lawless on the rush.

Arrowhawk goalie Jason Jensen was terrific on the night, turning away 26 shots and keeping the Hawks in the game, until Letizia evened the score at the 4:35 mark on a brilliant short handed effort in the final frame.

"Mike wanted the win," said a disappointed Jensen. "He just took over and that's that." he said.

The overtime period was back and forth, with both defenses answering the call. It would take a shootout to settle it.

The Hawks shot first with Morgan just missing on a five-hole attempt. "I thought I had Santho but he closed the gap," said Morgan in disgust.

The Pucks first two shooters were denied by Jensen. Wharton had Jensen dead to rights on a quick deek but lost the puck in the attempt. The Arrowhawks second shooter, captain Mark Monahan also thought he had Santho beat, only to have the puck carom high five hole once again.

It was all up to Letizia. He skated in and blasted a slap shot low glove past Jensen for the Pucks first win of the session.

Wharton would later translate Letizia's pre-game comment, "We won the championship last session because we played for the Hawks and we're the difference makers so we have to win, right?" Apparently so. Not even Rick Titus' awesome offensive skill could turn away the potent Big Pucks.

"Give them credit," said Titus. "It must be the orange sweaters. We don't like orange."

Ginger Wizard returns to BigPucks

Like most teams in the Chiller's rec league, the Hawks had some new faces during the summer. Past session favorites, Joe Factor and Nick Elswick did their usual thing -- providing a steady 2-way force, even though it required skating like a banshee and having to jump over Carp, who consistently fell over the blueline.

On loan from the BigPucks, Bryan 'Ginger Wizard' Wharton, Tommy Parker III and Mike Letezia each played a critical role in the Hawks winning their 5th championship. Like Kevin Costner's acting career, all good things must end. The highly skilled trio will be returning to the BigPucks and will once again be a formidable force in the Friday C2 division.

"It was a great run," said Arrowhawk left wing Tom Morgan. "They are a great group of guys and we wish them well. Outside of when they play us, that is." he added.

You can catch the BigPucks action on their blog. "If their blog is anything like their play on the ice, it'll be sharp and tough to compete with," said Hawk webmaster Rick Titus. "Love it so far!"

Big Pucks to return in fall

BREAKING NEWS: According to current Arrowhawk Bryan Wharton who co-founded the Big Pucks, The Big Pucks will return to the fall session.

"Does that mean Bryan can't skate with us?" asked a confused but hopeful John 'Grand' Kenyon as he chewed on a tooth pick.

"As I'm sure you guys understand, Tommy (Parker) and I started this Big pucks team, and we are proud of what we pulled together," said the Hawks leading goal scorer during the summer. "The Big Pucks will be back next session and I will be joining them once again. Not an easy decision."

Apparently all the stupid jokes and locker room discussions about Brittany Spears looking fat didn't even sway the talented red-head. "It has been a pleasure playing with the Arrowhawks. I appreciate the roster spot very very much. I'll miss you guys but look forward to playing against you all again as it was always a blast."

"That's why I went out and signed the kid in the off-season," said assistant GM Tom Morgan, fresh off his 2 week gun-run and tequila vacation in Mexico. "He's a good dude."

Wharten continued, "I can't thank you all enough for letting me into your locker room and be able to wear that kick ass arrowhawk sweater. With that being said... WE still have WORK to do this session gents... this isn't over untill we hoist the Tshirt..."

Amen, brother!

Big Pucks come up huge in win

DUBLIN, OH - Game two of Friday's double header was a rematch of last session's championship game. Same result, unfortunately. It was close early, but the Big Pucks did their thing and wore the Hawks down, eventually winning 5-3.

"They have no weak skaters," said top line RW Jason Torsok. Jay had a terrific goal, slamming home a rebound that bounced from the Puck's goalie's glove. "I got lucky. But, I'll take it."

Torsok has missed the past few games training for the national hot dog eating contest. "At least, that's what we've been told," said Chris Carpenter with a snicker. Sources haven't confirmed the report, but if it is true, Torsok will have competition.

"I love hot dogs," said Kevin Griffith. "I can take him."

Griffith added a terrific goal of his own in the second game. He grabbed the puck at the Puck's blue line, skated between three skaters with the puck at his feet and slid one past the Puck's goalie. It was the first goal of the game and looked to give the Hawks a needed boost after a slow start.

"Carp forgot his banana in the locker room and we needed to go back and get it," said defenseman Terry Walker, back from his conditioning assignment with the Junior B Hawks. "Those guys are cool, but it's great to be back with the big club. I missed Mac. He's so tall and his moonwalk is second to none."

Some guy named Michael subbed for the Hawks on the night. He and Joe Factor filled in for Mike Gauthier and Mac Lawless who refused to leave the locker room until they finished their game of war. They were both healthy scratches, so they drank all the GM's Grey Goose. Bastards.

Speaking of which, those Big Pucks have some great players.

"They've got our number," said defenseman Nick Lanctot, the best skater on the ice all night. "It's like a team full of Nate Mensel's, without the competition road bike." he added. The Pucks have defeated the Hawks in their last three games. If they meet again, it'll be in the playoffs.

"We'd settle with one at this point," admitted championship motorcycle racer (no shit the guy is nuts) John My Bike is Faster than yours Kenyon. Next up? The Whalers.

Freakin Eskimos!

Hawks lose, 4-3

DUBLIN, OH - Sometimes the best team on the ice isn't. If you are a fan of hockey you understand that it takes a full 36 minutes -- our league, not the NHL -- to defeat a quality team like the defending champion Big Pucks. This was one of those nights.

The Arrowhawks sprang from the locker room with a quick jump tonight. The first line of Monahan, Morgan and Torsok did their usual thing, controlling the puck through neutral ice and dictating tempo. But it was the second line of Griffith, Snow and Titus that surprised the opposition -- notching two early goals in their first shift.

"It was a good surprise," said LW Tom Morgan, the Hawks leading point man in team history. "They did a great job of finishing. Kevin was awesome all night and Barry really finished when he had the chance." Tom said after the game. Barry Snow drilled a goal scorers goal top shelf off the cross bar to start the scoring.

"I'm the best finisher on the team," said Snow at the bar after the game. "Well, at least when I'm not mocking NHL coaches at a Blue Jackets game." he added. If you'd like to see him in action, click here.

"Barry was great when he had to be," said Griffith. "He finished when he had to and helped us get a good jump tonight." he added.

The Hawks jumped to a 2-0 lead on goals from Griffith and Snow in their first shift. But unfortunately for the Hawks, that was all the scoring they'd add on the night.

The defending champs buckled down, clogging passing lanes and skating with tenacity. They notched a quick answer on an ugly deflection over the league's best damn goaltender period, Jason Jensen.

"Jay was screened all night," said RW Jason Torsok. "Outside of one brilliant goal by them, he battled to just find the puck."

At the end of the first period the score was 3-1 Hawks. Too bad the game didn't end there.

"I thought we had them on the ropes," said defenseman Mike Gauthier. "We started fast."

But the champs wouldn't rest. Their short bench was up to the task shift after shift, thwarting scoring chances. The Big Pucks goalie made the saves he had to, controlling rebounds to keep them in the game.

The game for the Hawks was decided by the refs whistle. It seemed like the entire second period the Hawks were on the penalty kill, having to fend off two 5 on 3 kills.

"Some of the penalties were justified, but it got ugly," said captain Mark Monahan, nursing a bad shoulder. "No way we committed all the penalities tonight." he added. The Arrowhawks suffered through over 12 minutes of penalties and that was the difference, leading to 2 power play goals for the Pucks.

The calls were one-sided tonight. "No way we were the aggresive ones deserving all those calls," said defenseman Nick Lanctot. "I think the refs don't like us because we wear black. They must have a thing for black sweaters."

"Give them credit. They worked it and were able to get the puck past Jason when they needed to," said Morgan. Never mind that our effort wasn't good defensively. Mac and the boys played well but they had the puck bounce their way."

The Big Pucks potted the last 3 goals on the night to win the contest 4-3., including 2 power play goals.

"It was a great game and I'm glad we won," said one of the Big Pucks after the game. "The Hawks are a powerhouse and any win against their team is a good win. They are better looking than we are. Have better hair and probably make good money, but we have a great sponsor and private jet, something no other team has," they added. The Hawks would love a ride on the private jet.

"Do they have hot stewardesses?" asked a random Hawk.

Oleg Chetverikov had a great chance in the final seconds, but hit the post. "I should have had that one," the talented Ukrainian admitted.

Jason Jensen made 24 stops on the night. He made excellent saves as he usually does.

The loss dropped the Hawks record to 1-3 on the session. It's the first time in three years the Hawks have had the record.

"We'll get it on track," said Monahan after the game. "We've got the skill to finish strong. We're going to be fine."

The last time the Hawks were 1-3 they won the session championship. That would be fine, indeed.

MENSEL A LATE SCRATCH
Missing from the lineup was playmaker Nate Mensel. "Nate is a difference maker and I'm certain his puck ability would have counted when it mattered," said Rick Titus. "He's pretty with the puck and we needed more pretty tonight." he added.

Nate couldn't answer the call tonight. He was sidelined with an undisclosed injury and his play was missed.

"Gooch and the boys did their thing. Lanctot was awesome as usual, but against the Pucks, we needed our full lineup." said Chris 'Jesus was a' Carpenter.

"We'll see them in the playoffs."