First Annual road Hockey Game

Well, it seemed to go off well, in my opinion.

The head count peaked at around the low 30's, I believe. Lots of people meeting for the 1st time, some having only met once at the Canada day picnic. We even had a couple drive up who lived in the area and noticed all the cars and people, and red-faced old men running around the street with hockey sticks (lined with Canadian flags) and had to stop and introduce themselves as Canadians (with hockey sticks in the trunk I might add) and will likely be joining our little social family of Canucks down here.

 

Before the post game summary; special thanks. 1st, to the Marriotts, for letting us use their home, BBQ, chairs, and all the preparation in snow blowing the sides (like boards) and even a penalty box.  2nd, to Andrew Brown (and Wardrop Technologies), not there in body, but fully represented in spirit, for donating the 'refreshments' and skills contest prize; and lastly, Doug Mcgavin and Abba Tregobov for bringing nets (and sticks). Certainly, thanks to all who took the time to attend and meet and share their day with other Canucks here in the Twin Cities.

 

Now the 'wrap-up'...Regardless of what Bernie K. Jr. says, the score was not 18-9, but rather a 2-2 tie -I'm certain! (hehehe)  As a matter of fact - this young'en was the only player to drop his gloves and start a scrap - unfortunately it was with his father who quickly tossed him into the snow and ended the brawl before a third man in was even remotely necessary. 2 injuries were reported - a bad knee (recurring problem with Guy, who still played his heart out knowing full well this was a likely situation) and one incident of stick-in-the-cheek-by-accident which resulted in a small nick, not even a mark on the sunglasses.

The skills contest was interesting as each player shot 10 times at targets and even after the refreshments, we hit some. Doug McGavin and Derek Ryder each tied in the lead for 3 and after a quick shoot out, Derek takes home a cold dozen (of Canadian brew). An alternate suggestion for the prize was instead of skill shooting, we should simply take the pulse of the players, and anyone under, say...200, deserves the case! It really turned out to be a workout - funny....don't recall it being THAT tough 25 years ago.

I would declare a tie for 1st stars - Bernie and son for terrific netminding for both teams, Kelly Clark (if I have the right name to the face) as second star for outstanding play and sportsmanship (as he never slashed me once, and scored plenty), and third star to young Alex Klym for pulling some tough shifts and outlasting any of us old farts. Honorable mentions to all the players (and fans), except perhaps that blonde lady in one of the sport utility vehicles that waved a single 'digit' to the players as she drove through - oh yes, can't forget the guy who was so busy looking at what we had going on - he drove into one of the nets!

Look for some of Neil's pictures soon to be on the web page (see below!), and again, thanks to all for coming out and making these little events fun to attend. I, for one, had a blast. "CAR!"  -just like the old days.

-Larry Dick

Photo Album
Here are some pictures I took during the game, and intermission.  Some turned out really good, others not so good.  Oh well, I am still learning how to use the digital video camera: Be patient when loading - there are about 25 pictures (takes about 5 minutes to load over a 56K modem, or 2.3 seconds if you are at Guy's house) - Neil

 
Nobody has arrived yet.  Flag is ready, beer on ice


Penalty Box is groomed.  Beer in snow ready


Picture of stadium seating (cheap seats)


He is testing out penalty box refreshments
to see if up to "cold" standards...


...Damn...they scored....gotta play!


Yeah, it went in...


I wonder if these people are Canadian...


Our first CAR!!!!


Even the kids had some fun!


Penalty Box was a popular place.  Best
place to "cool down"...2 minutes for "splashing"!


Bernie - sorry, bad pic!


Group picture...head count of 31 showed up to play and watch.
(Cheryl K. taking picture, Brenda in back yard playing with dog and 
kids!)


Zamboni - Street Hockey Style!


More people in the penalty box...why???


...oh, that's why!


"Step right up, section A-1 right
here..."


Some by-passers driving around Eden Prairie -
Guess what?  They live 2 blocks away and 
are from near Sarnia, ONT.  If you 2 see this
pic, send me e-mail with your names - I forgot
them already!

Funny looking snowman!


Better pic of Bernie - "Yes, I COULD
have played for the Jets...".


Nature's fridge - a pic is worth a thousand words


Hey look!  One of Guy & Connie's!


"It was THIS big..."


"I'm gonna cream that guy...but then maybe I'll
get to go to the penalty box...yeah, sounds good"


"Can I have just ONE more?"


Brenda will kill me for
this one


Winner of the Skills Competition - Derek Ryder
takes home the cold ones.