DUBLIN, OH - The Arrowhawks opened the winter session with a sound 3-1 victory over Rirruto, er, Byrnes Pub tonight. Both teams skated with decent jump, despite being off for several weeks. The first period was back and forth with both teams having decent chances. The Hawks first line consisted of the law firm line of Griffith, Griffith and Griffith. It was evident they were rusty, but the brothers skated and passed the puck well in the offensive zone.

Bryce Griffith entered the game with an upper body injury but played well enough fans didn't notice. Bryan Griffith thwarted early chances with a strong back-check in the defensive zone and good passes on the breakout. Centerman Kevin Griffith wasn't in mid-season form early, but as the game progressed he got stronger along the wall. 

The games first goal came from an unlikely source. Third line RW Rick 'Reg' Titus took an Oleg 'Epic Win' Chetverikov's faceoff in the offensive zone, passed the puck back to 'Minnesota' Nick Lanctot who shot the puck through traffic. Titus zigged, zagged and crashed the net, potting the rebound past the stellar Pub's netminder. 

"I remembered what Mark taught us in our first ever practice held last week," said Titus after the game. "He told us to remember to crash the net even if we were tired. That good things come to players, even if you normally suck at scoring. He's an uplifting captain, that Mark." Titus added.

The Pubber's didn't go away quietly. They notched the game at 1-1 in the second period, despite excellent goaltending from Jason Jensen. Michael Bohland, a league leader in points each session, figured in the goal, with a nifty pass to Nico Shuetz. 

It was the only goal Jensen would give up on the night. 

"Jay was super tonight, as usual," said LW Tom Morgan. "He's like the weather. Somewhat unpredictable but always better than Heart remaking a classic Led Zepplin song."

Jensen stoned Bohland on a breakaway and kept the Hawks in the game through the second period, notched at a goal a piece. 

The Law Firm line took over from there. 

Kevin Griffith notched what turned out to be the game winner after a dominating offensive-zone shift. The boys settled down and passed the puck with precision until Kevin could drill a rebound. 

Byan Griffith would add another goal in the third period, again after determined offensive pressure. 

The Hawks defense was rock-solid through the game. Mac Lawless, Nick Lantot, Mike Gauthier and G. Ted Bulwinkle only gave up one odd-man rush. At one point Jason Torsok proclaimed, "I haven't seen our defense look this good since they all showed up hammered after a Michael McDonald concert."

"For the record, Michael is quite inspiring. Even though Tom disagrees," added Arrowhawk captain Mark Monahan. Tonight's game was the seventh anniversary of Monahan joining the Hawks. 

"I can't think of a better way to reward Mark for laying it on the line every Friday in both zones," said Rick Titus. "He's the best two-way player in the league, hands down."

Terry Walker manned the left wing on the third line and was solid positionally, just missing on several scoring chances. 

Red, Bryce and Blue

Gahanna, OH - The Arrowhawks opened the fall 2012 session with a tough fought victory against the offensive powerhouse Maple Leafs tonight, winning 3-2 in regulation. The Leafs were coming off a strong summer session that ended with a loss in the championship game against a stellar Rirruto club. The Hawks had a summer they'd like to forget and forget they did. Many of the Hawks regulars returned to the ice including Bryce Griffith, Nick Lanctot, Mac Lawless and Jason Jensen in net.

Opening the scoring was the newest Arrowhawk, longtime league point leader Bryan 'Ginger Wizard' Wharton from the Big Pucks. Wharton scored a dandy shorthanded goal within two minutes of the opening period after Nick Lanctot was called for a penalty just :40 seconds into the game.

It appeared the Hawks would roll. They didn't.

"The Leafs are a good team," said slimmed down captain Mark Monahan. Monahan has been training hard for October's Columbus Marathon running an average 40-plus miles per week. "We know each other well and they play very good positional hockey. If we were going to win we'd have to finish tonight," he added.

The Leafs and Hawks traded shorthanded goals tonight. They were the only goals scored on special teams. Defenseman Nick Lanctot was uncharacteristically tossed from the game midway through the second period after taking two back to back hooking calls.

"One was a good call," said Lanctot after the game. "The other two were chalked up to replacement grade." he added with disappointment.

"After Nick was gone we had to readjust," said LW Tom Morgan. "We moved Oleg back to D and evolved from there."

The game was notched at two a piece early into the deciding third period. Normally the Leafs would be more formidable with Mark Waterstreet roaming the ice. Waterstreet didn't dress for the game and the Hawks missed his hot pink pants.

"We needed someone to step up," said top line center Kevin Griffith. "We were hoping for a new color."

Enter BLUE.

Summer holdover Sean Wright, an Olentangy High School phenom stepped up to the plate.

"Blue was dead-on all night and in the end he potted the game winner," said Monahan after the game. "It was a big goal and he deserved the finish after skating hard in both zones."

"I had the Wright kind of medicine tonight," said Blue via text message.

Jason Jensen returned to the pipes for the Hawks and was terrific, sporting a new helmet. "I got caught looking two times. I'll work it out so it doesn't happen much more," said the cat-like netminder.

MISSING IN ACTION
The Hawks fielded a solid roster on the night. Missing from action though were dangler Nate Mensel, Bryan 'I'm really not a lawyer' Griffith and Chris Carpenter. Terry Walker has been moved to forward and he was busy with the Democratic National Convention serving homemade science projects to those willing. "I'm a fan of America," said Walker. "I usually don't get involved in politics but we want a new telescope on Mars and this seems to be the best way to get it," he added.

Law firm 4, Rucks 3

LEWIS CENTER, OH - The Arrowhawks, sporting their high-tech white third sweaters, advanced to the second round of the CAHL C2 playoffs, defeating the Ruckmoore Ringers 4-3, Friday. The Hawks started slow and gave up the first goal to the Rucks before the top line of Kevin Griffith, Bryce Griffith and Bryan Griffith found their groove. Or maybe it was just #36.

Bryce Griffith notched the third hat trick of his career in a smothering performance by the Law Firm line.

"We sucked at the beginning," said Bryce Griffith immediately after being introduced to the 4 fans in attendance as first star. "We just kept chipping away at it until we found our stride. Kevin was good in the corners and Bryan skates fast in white so that was good." he added.

The Rucks had their chances. Plenty of them to be exact. Hawk netminder Jason Jensen was sharp, turning away 28 shots including two breakaways. Mac Lawless made a spectacular hustle play to break up one of the chances. He was whistled for a penalty on the play but it was a good penalty to take. The Hawks killed the penalty.

The Hawks found themselves shorthanded four times during the game, killing off each without the Rucks scoring. Hawks third line forward Chris 'Jesus was a' Carpenter was called for hooking with only 1:36 left in the game.

"It was a bad penalty to take," said alternate captain Tom Morgan. "To go down a man in that situation isn't good. Especially against a good team like Ruckmoore. Luckily, we've got a great goalie and we skate super fast in our skin-tighty whites so we were literally all over the ice."

"I agree with Tom," admitted Carpenter. "Not a good way to finish, but I like drama and it made for a dramatic ending to the game."

"I don't like drama," said Jason Jensen. "Especially at the end of the game. I'll have to talk with Carp."

Nate Mensel skated on the second line with Oleg Chetverikov and Tom Morgan. Captain Mark Monahan is vacationing in Switzerland, trying to climb a really big mountain while learning "the entire Chinese language."

Terry Walker was moved back to defense "to make Lanctot look good."

Hawks drop season opener 3-2

The new and improved Arrowhawks were anything but that as the Eskimos skated to a 3-2 victory in front of packed house at the Easton Chiller. To clarify, the house was packed because of meltdown...but those who did watch were treated to an odious performance by the men in red. The first period saw many missed passes and botched scoring attempts, to be expected after several weeks off of the ice. Steven Gemma opened the scoring for the Eskimos on a unassisted tally, at the 8:28 mark, beating Hawks goalie Jason Jensen to take a 1-0 lead. The Hawks then mounted a rare offensive attack and Bryce Griffith, fresh off of his stint on Celebrity Rehab for his chap stick addiction, evened the game at 1 with Mark Monahan and Tom Morgan adding the helpers.

As the 2nd period began the Hawks were starting to gain the momentum needed to become the leagues first 3-peat champs when Captain Mark Monahan took a Ted Bulwinkle feed and gave the Hawks the lead 2-1 with 10:31 left in the 2nd. It was clear that the Eskimos were not ready to concede the game as the Kobs' brothers scored back to back goals to seal the deal for the Eskimos. Jonathan Edwards, Eric Ott and Jeff Martin all played well for the 'Mos but Defenseman Tom Curran was the difference on both ends of the ice.

The Hawks will have to lick their wounds and rebound this week against the Mamas. "We were rusty tonight and maybe a little complacent" said Captain Mark Monahan. "We played like Sh*t" said a much less eloquent Tom Morgan, "we better get our as*es in gear if we're going to make a run at it" Morgan continued. Indeed...

CHAMPS!

OK so it isn't the Hawks, but it does contain some of them. Congrats to India Oak for their C West, Wednesday night championship. I have no idea who the ringers are on the team, but I can tell you a line with Nate Mensel and Bryce Griffith centered by Arrowhawk leading goal scorer Kevin Griffith is a great line. Looks like the Wednesday night league found that out first hand. I can't forget to mention the 'other lawfirm line member' Bryan Griffith. Not sure where he played, but I'm sure he played well! Well done, Boys!

Defending champs fall to Arrowhawks

LEWIS CENTER - In the end something had to give. On one bench stood a formidable offense. On the other was a team that refused to lose.

The defending champion Maple Leafs possess skill across the board. No weak skaters on their team. #93 Barrett is a dominating force in the division, owning the puck in effortless fashion. His green socks, red beard and powerful stride bested team after team during the year, leading to scoring chance after chance. Tonight was no different. The Hawks had to bring their best effort to hold him and the rest of the Leafs in check.

The opening period was scoreless. Both teams had several quality chances, only to be turned aside by stellar goaltending. Bryce Griffith and his brothers opened the game with two close chances in front, but couldn't put it past the Leaf goalie. #16 Macre and #97 Lape of the Leafs were a pain in both zones. Passing was crisp. It was clear early both teams came to play.

The Leafs stuck first at 10:47 in the 2nd with a dandy unassisted effort by #29 Waterstreet. The Arrowhawks quickly answered :30 seconds later to tie the game. Mark Monahan worked his magic and found streaking career point leader Tom Morgan in the high slot. Morgan rifled a high shot over the Leafs goalie's glove.

The Leafs scored the next two goals to take a 3-1 lead. But the Hawks weren't deterred. At 6:57 Bryce Griffith followed a Leaf defenseman behind his own net, stripped him of the puck and burried the puck past the Leaf netminder. The lead was cut to one.

Two minutes later Mike Gauthier was called for a cross check at 4:47 in the 2nd, deep in the Hawk zone.

"It was a bullcrap call," said Gauthier after the game. "I barely touched the guy. I almost cried" The Leafs were going on the power play. Yikes.

Mac Lawless and Terry Walker controlled the play for the next 16 seconds until Mac was called for interference, giving the Leafs a two man advantage.

"I hate to get fined for complaining about the refs this close to Christmas with my wife wanting all that new shiny jewelry, but what the hell," said a fired up Lawless from his locker. "Danny is a great ref, one of the best, he's handsome and looks like he has a good head or hair. Maybe he was screened by another player or daydreaming about being on the golf course, but he missed that call plain and simple. It's the semi-finals and he shouldn't have called that ticky-tack crap. Gary is now my favorite ref -- I love that old bastard."

The Arrowhawks started the 1:46 5-on-3 penalty kill with Kevin and Bryce Griffith and Nick Lanctot from Minnesota. Lanctot was fresh off a plane from Chicago where he was trying to see Oprah but couldn't get tickets. "I hate that hag," Lanctot later admitted. The three were brilliant. They thwarted the first minute and gave way to Mark Monahan, Bryan Griffith and Terry Walker who followed suit, killing the final :46 seconds. The highly skilled Leafs were held to four shots during their two man advantage.

"That was huge. The best player on the ice was Jensen," said Gauthier after the game. "Jay's bald head is really slippery when he sweats so much."

Jensen was terrific when the Hawks needed him, which was pretty much all game. I say pretty much because there was this one 2 second laps a minute into the 3rd period. Lets just say that #16 for the Leafs ripped a howitzer from just outside the blueline that somehow flew over Jensen's shoulder and found twine.

"Classic case of running before the catch," said 3rd line center Barry Snow.

The Hawks were stunned. A woman in the crowd screamed. The Leafs partied like rock stars. In a game so close, would this goal be the final nail in the Hawks season?

"Have you ever seen Danny DeVito greasy naked?" asked Jason Torsok. "Much prettier sight than that goal," he continued.

The Leafs had a 2 goal lead with 11 minutes to play. The Hawk bench was deflated.

Good thing they know how to play hockey. Because that's exactly what they did for the remainder of the game. 3 minutes after the bad goal, the Hawks second line took over the game. Nick Lanctot rushed forward with the puck, deep in the Leaf zone and found a tightly covered Jason Torsok in front who burried a deflection for the Hawks 3rd goal. Not to be outdone, Mark Monahan added another even strength tally :18 seconds later. Lanctot and Morgan assisted on the play. The score was now tied. What a game.

The final seven minutes were back and forth. The Hawks third line of Carpenter, Kenyon and Snow were brilliant, breaking up chances with swift backchecks and active sticks. The Leafs sent their best skaters out against the Hawks third line, but it didn't matter.

"Carp was skating like he used to do when he was a championship figure skater," said linemate John Kenyon. "Without the sparkly blouse and tight pants."

The game was notched at 4 at the end of regulation.

Overtime
Three minutes of overtime. Puck went that way, then this way. Shot here. Shot there. Pass, pass, save. Save, pass, save. Then it was over.



Shootout
The Leafs were the home team and elected to have the Arrowhawks shoot first. Out stepped the Arrowhawks career point leader and most feared sniper outside of Mark Walburgh, Tom Morgan. The most deadly/efficient rifle in the world today is indisputably the M16A2-A4 series and its cousin, the M4. On the ice, it's Morgan. He scored, knocking the Leafs goaltender's water bottle from the top of the net in the process. Hawks 1, Leafs 0

Jensen stoned the Leafs first shooter who shot forehand high glove.

Bryce Griffith was next. He skated in with speed, deeked five-hole but was stopped.

The Leafs #93, an equally deadly sniper in his own right, flew in on Jensen like a freight train and scored. Hawks 1, Leafs 1.

"I matched his movement but lifted my stick and he burried it," said Jensen after the game. "He's a good player."

All eyes were on the next Arrowhawk shooter. To the surprise of many, it wasn't captain Mark Monahan. It was Kevin Griffith. And he burried it. Hawks 2, Leafs 1.

Sensing the gravity of the moment the stadium operator started playing The Final Countdown. All the fans in the building were on their feet. #16 Macre was the shooter. The whistle blew and Macre was off. Zig left, then right. Fake shot, dip the head and WHAM! right into the stacked pads of the league's best goalie (except for 2 seconds a game) Jason Jensen.

"He had hurt his knee earlier in the game, crashing into the boards. Still, I figured he'd try to deke me and go high," said Jensen. "I guess I guessed right."

The Hawks won in dramatic fashion, besting the defending champions.

Three Stars
3rd star - Mark Monahan, C - goal and assist, excellent penalty kill
2nd star - Tom Morgan, LW - goal, assist, shootout goal
1st star - Jason Jensen, G - 32 shots, 4 goals. Won shootout.

Law firm line ready for regular session finale

ARENA DISTRICT - If the local police blotter is any indication, The Arrowhawks top line of Griffith, Griffith and Griffith are ready for tonight's game against the Bombers. They weren't arrested and we don't even know what a police blotter is (what they call the cop who cleans the desk with a roll of paper towels after spilling coffee on their keyboard?) but a random email to AH.com said the following:

"Arrowhawks forwards and lifelong brothers Kevin, Bryce and Bryan Griffith were seen running through the streets of downtown Columbus this afternoon, warming up for tonight's game against the Bombers. Kevin had a glazed donut in one hand and a bottle of dayquil in the other. Bryce was dressed like a ninja, without the camel-toe shoes and Bryan was singing Michael Bolton -- no doubt from his iPod. They jaywalked and were detained by Columbus' finest bicycle crew, but only after a 26 mile chase. Those Griffith boys are in great shape!" said the anonymous tipster.

LEGAL NOTE: Attention employer of Griffith boys. No this didn't happen, so don't fire them. We need them to have jobs so they can afford their league fees, otherwise we won't score goals and our team will go to crap because Carp will be moved to the top line. He can't even put his jersey on the right way, so please give the Griffith boys a healthy raise.

Hawks fall to Leafs 4-3

LEWIS CENTER, OH - Friday's matchup against the Arrowhawks and Maple Leafs, two powerhouses within the Friday night CAHL division, was everything it was supposed to be and maybe a little more. The night began with a crash, literally. Starting goaltender Jason Jensen and some of his Arrowhawk teammates were stuck in traffic and were late getting to the rink. The Arrowhawks called their timeout before the puck even dropped, hoping their netminder would enter the building. All eyes were on the arena doors, but there was no Jensen.

"Let's start this thing," said Danny, the head ref.

The puck dropped and Barry Snow was in net. He looked a little light in the equipment department (insert crude jokes here), but was fast and mobile in his crease.

"I have dabbled in goal before," Snow admitted after the game. "I could have played better but I think I did OK all things considered."

Realizing the Hawks would have to carry the puck to have a chance to win, they did just that. They passed, carried and dangled their way through a period and a half with Barry in net. The score was 2-1 Arrowhawks with 7:30 to play in the second period with the agitated Jensen waiting to take the ice. It appeared the Hawks were going to carry a lead against the league's top scoring team despite not having a goalie, but it all changed in an instant.

The Hawks failed to touch-up a high stick deep in the Leafs offensive zone, leading to an odd-man rush the other way. Two tape-to-tape passes later and the score was tied, 2-2.

Oleg and Kevin Griffith's goals weren't going to be game winners.

"It was a bad error on our part," said dejected second line defenseman Mike Gauthier after the game. "Championship teams can't give away chance like that. There was a clear momentum swing after that."

The Leafs seemed to control play for the next period.

"I think we were tired from all the skating," said Mac Lawless from the golf course. "Here, let me put my beer down and I'll illustrate." Lawless begins simulating skating strides around the tee box in a rather excited fashion. He's quick -- a long strider, but able to maneuver around his soon to be empty can of Coors Light. "See, I'm good now but last night I would have hit my beer and that tells you everything."

Huh?

The second and third period were, as usual, chock-full of scoring chances at both ends. It took two brilliant goals from the Leafs -- one on a deflection in front and the other on a great individual, unassisted breakaway -- to notch their four tallies.

Nick Lanctot and Nate Mensell were paired together for the first time this session. They were like Batman and Robin, without all the annoying THWAP! and BLAMS! Each was dominant controlling the puck and setting up the Hawk forwards. Mensel added a dandy goal early in the third period to tie the game 3-3.

The Hawks rolled three lines of offense during the game. Most of their scoring chances came from the first and second lines but the grind line of Titus, Snow and Kenyon played a good role neutralizing the Leafs top offensive threats.

"It's a good thing we were on the ice," said Snow, released from the net to play center. "We bring energy like fighting bull in small china shop," he said while looking at Oleg. Oleg just shook his head and walked away.

The Hawks trailed 4-3 with 1:15 to play. They pulled Jensen and blitzed the Leafs with 9 shots but couldn't put one past the Leafs goalie. Bryce Griffith had the puck on his stick, wide open after a rebound as the buzzer sounded.

"It was that type of game," said Bryce Griffith. "I thought I had a millisecond more, but as it turned out..."

He didn't.

Equipment problem could derail Arrowhawk starter

ARENA DISTRICT, OH - A sudden equipment problem could derail an Arrowhawk starter for tonight's game against the Maple Leafs. Sources say starting right wing Bryce Griffith may miss tonight's game because his laces are too short.

"We're looking into the problem," said long-time brother and linemate Kevin Griffith. "He had the problem last week and never was right on the ice. We could tell Bryce was bothered by the 'shorties.' The equipment guy was drunk off his rocker and passed out in the corner so we just decided to gut it out. Next time we're going to smack that little bastard in the lid and make him do his job!" said the agitated center.

New Duds
The Arrowhawks are looking forward to the game immediately following theirs tonight. The former Panther team has a new name and new duds to go along with it. They are now the Whalers. Yep, they'll be wearing the old Whalers sweaters. "We're looking forward to seeing them," said team fashion guru, Jason Jensen.

"His wife is an artist, I think," said Chris Carpenter in defense. "And he's a goalie. So he like fashion and color schemes."

Roster depleted for 2nd round playoff game

ARENA DISTRICT - OH, If the top-seeded Arrowhawks are going to defeat the Eskimos tonight, they'll need to do it short-handed. Missing from tonight's game will be many of the Hawks most talented skaters, including leading goal scorer, Bryce Griffith.

Defenseman Nick Lanctot and Nate Mensel, both adept at carrying the puck and leading the rush with timely outlet passes, will not be at the game. They'll be attending the Air Supply reunion tour concert at Nationwide Arena.

"I love that song, All Out of Love," said Lanctot via phone interview.

"Those damn Minnesota cats are strange," said Mac Lawless in response. "To choose a gay concert over playoff hockey is flat wrong. I hope he gets me a tee-shirt," he added.

Joe Factor will also miss the game. "Joe's absence was expected," said GM Rick Titus. "He's in acting school and we knew he was trying out for Otterbein College's To Kill A Mockingbird tonight. Although we wish him well, we think he should leave his jean-jacket at home." Titus advised.

"We'll be short, but we'll adapt," said Mark Monahan. "Oleg and Terry and Barry are all capable of being better than the guys we're missing. I've seen them in shorts, they have powerful thighs," said the soft-spoken captain.

If you are planning on attending tonight's game, get there early. Rumor has it a bus-load of Eskimos will be shipped in to cheer for the Eskimos. That's just a rumor, though.

Damn Eskimos.

Griffith hat-trick sparks Hawks win

WORTHINGTON - OH, Somebody Told Me by the Killers blared over the loud speaker at one point during last night's 5-2 Arrowhawk victory over the Bombers. It's a personal favorite of 2nd line center Mark Monahan, but on this night, it was Bryce Griffith telling the Bombers he can finish with the best of em'. Griffith had a hat trick in the come from behind win. It is the fourth of his career.

"I told you Bryce was tearing it up this session," said Tom Morgan, who notched the game winner. "The top line is really clicking for us -- and we haven't even had to provide them with beer, coupons or jelly donuts -- which really helps the bottom line in this economy." he added.

"The final score is misleading. This was a really close game," said Mark Monahan. "Both teams had quality scoring chances and missed on sure goals." the team captain admitted. 

Kevin Griffith missed an open net. Sniper Tom Morgan fired a bullet off the crossbar. Nick Lanctot destroyed the Bombers shins with heavy point blast after point blast. 

The bad news for the Bombers? When they knocked on the door, it was Jason Jensen that answered. The Bombers didn't have as many chances but when they did, the chances were beauties. Jensen slammed the door time after time when the Hawks needed stops. 

"Dude was on his head tonight," said John Kenyon, still sitting in the penalty box looking for grasshoppers. 

The score was 3-2 heading into the third period (we think... our reporters were busy playing music during breaks and dancing with the scorekeeper -- one Hannah Fields who did a stellar job not screwing it all up). 

That's when the lawfirm line took over. The Griffith brothers danced-poetic with the puck like a scene from the nutcracker - minus the bulge, tights and fancy slippers. The Bombers did an admirable job on the back check and clogged the neutral zone like a Kevin Griffith pre-game, um, ritual; but the puck-possession skills of Kevin in the middle, Bryan on the left and Bryce on the right was too much. The trio was +3 on the night and assists were handed out like candy on Halloween. The word determination comes to mind. 

"That was a great hockey game," said tired defenseman Nate Mensel outside the locker room. "They're a good team and it could have gone either way." Mensel was his usual self -- very reliable defensively and snapping precision breakout strikes to the forward's sticks. His transition game is as good as any defenseman in the league.

Somewhere, Mrs. Griffith goes about her day. We wonder if she knows just how important her boys have turned out to be. 

Somebody tell Kenyon it's ok to come out of the penalty box now. 

Three stars:

3rd star: Kevin Griffith (stats to come)

2nd star: Jason Jensen

1st star: Bryce Griffith

The Bryce effect

12 points in 4 games, no PIMs, 1 game winner and a power-play goal. You don't have to be a hockey genius to figure out those stats are really darn good. Arrowhawk opponents have figured out first hand just how focused Bryce Griffith is this session. Some say it's because he's finally gotten married and feels complete. Others believe it's the fact that his Rogaine treatments are finally taking hold. Regardless of the reason, the outcome benefits Hawk fans everywhere.

"Bryce is tearing it up this session," said brother and linemate, Kevin Griffith. "It's nice to see he's healthy, eating well and not afraid of success any longer."

Griffith's 3 point per game average is a gaudy one and leads the team by almost a full point. Naturally then, his brother's (the law firm line of Griffith, Griffith and Griffith) are 2nd and 3rd in the order with 9 and 7 points respectively.

"It's a beauty watching those knuckleheads dance and weave their way through traffic each night," said top business mind John Kenyon as he scarfed down a fried bologna sandwich. "If we could just solve Kevin's intestinal issues, we'd really have something." he added.

If you're not snowed in and are looking to catch the Hawks in action, attend Friday's game at the Worthington rink.

Hawks move to 2-1

Arrowhawk alternate captain Tom Morgan laughs off a near miss on the Panther empty net late in the third period.

DUBLIN, OH – The Hawks moved their record to 2-1 on the session, defeating the Panthers 4-2 Friday night before a capacity crowd (Alana and two Chiller staffers cleaning the rafters). The win moves the Arrowhawks into a tie for third place in the division, with those darn Eskimos. C'mon Mos, can't you come up with better sweaters than yellow ones? Why not all white? Doesn't it snow a bunch where there are Eskimos? You could have been the classiest bunch on the ice on Friday nights with your all-white duds. Sure, it would be very hard to see each other, but it would work both ways, wouldn't it? Oh well, at least they aren't as ugly as this.

Back to the Panther game.

The Panthers opened scoring by luckily getting one by Jason Jensen midway through the first period. Jensen was caught watching his wife in the stands talking to some young dude while she knitted him a new sweater.

"I was just asking the kid if he would mind trying on the sweater so I could see if it would fit Jason," said Alana, the Hawks #1 fan. "He was about Jason's build. It was a harmless mistake."

Arrowhawk management will be talking with Mrs. Jensen about sitting in the player's wife section in the future so there won't be disruptions in future games.

The Panthers were ahead until Bryce Griffith sprung through the neutral zone with Mark Monahan on a 2-on-1. Griffith laid a saucer pass right on Monahan's stick with two strides to go before reaching the Panther netminder. Monahan deeked the goalie and potted the equalizer.

Jason Torsok scored on a blistering wrister shortly after Bryce's goal, to give the Hawks a 2-1 lead. The Panthers didn't give up though. They peppered Jensen and eventually scored again to tie the game.

This apparently made the Griffith boys angry. They awoke and maintained consistent offensive-zone pressure firing shot after shot. Bryan Griffith passed and moved well in the high slot winning board battles all game. Bryce Griffith scored to make the game 3-2 then scored a minute later to put the game out of reach, 4-2.

"The Panthers are a good team," Said Tom Morgan +2 on the night. "They play their positions well and do a good job of clogging the neutral zone." He added.

Minnesota Nick Lanctot was moved to defense and played a stellar game. He brought speed into and out of each zone and was physical in front of goaltender Jason Jensen. He did wind up taking back-to-back penalties in the second period, :06 seconds apart, but that aside he was a significant contributor.

Lawless out indefinitely

BREAKING NEWS - Top four defenseman and fan favorite Mac Lawless appears to be miffed over an alleged statistical conspiracy involving GM Tom Morgan and top line right wing, Bryce Griffith. According to Mac's official website (www.I'llbeyourhuckleberry.com (ok, this isn't really his official website, we couldn't find it and calls were not returned)) he's taking a indefinite leave of absence to protest the re-distribution of points.

AH.com's attempts to reach Lawless or his agent were met with the following voice mail message: "If you are a fan, I dig you. If you are Bryce, you suck. If you are anyone else, leave me be. I'm busy baking. " Reportedly, Lawless likes to bake when he's upset.

Lawless' well-scripted press release:

After two weeks of unwanted media attention, Mac Lawless (AKA Killer) announced today that he will be leaving the Arrowhawks indefinitely to focus on healing the wounds caused by the redistribution of points on the stat sheet by Tom Morgan.

"I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that the point redistribution has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children," Lawless said. "I want to say again to everyone that Tom should be profoundly sorry and ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage Tom has done, but he should do his best to try."

The statement, posted on Lawless's web site, continued:

"I would like to ask everyone, including my fans, the good people at my foundation, business partners, Arrowhawks teammates, the CCYHA, and my fellow competitors, for their understanding. What's most important now is that my family has the time, privacy, and safe haven we will need for personal healing.

After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from semi-professional hockey. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person.

Again, I ask for privacy for my family and I am especially grateful for all those who have offered compassion and concern during this difficult period."