Team Christen ready to repeat?

It was a great start to the Spring Classic as Team Christen beat Team Lee last night to take a four goal lead in the total goal series. Christen's Soldiers were led by the goal scoring of Livesay with three, Rod Barrass with two, and the strong passing of Paul "Lil Poutino" Harp who chipped in with one.

Add killer goaltending to high scoring, and its now wonder the Christen squad is talking repeat. The key to the victory was definitely the play of goalie Ronnie Kowalik who looks like he wants to take over as TNH's #1 Goalie in the absence of IR bound Eddy the K.

"I respect Eddy as a person and as a goaltender" said a suddenly cocky Kowalik after the game "But there's a new K in town"

When asked about his outstanding play (which several pundits have called his personal best) Kowalik was oddly contrite

"A good defense, amazing reflexes, and superior position" said Kowalik

"And having pads the size of Sequoias" commented a disgruntled Eugene Lee, who, after taking the winter months off to pursue "business interests" in parts unknown, has returned to offer a bit of edge to Team Lee. Team Lee is looking to the "Huge One" to bring a little grit to the proceedings.

"I'll do my best. But it just doesn't seem right out there with my brother not yelling at me. "

Eugene was disappointed that his brother, new father Gord has failed to show

"Yeah, I kinda get the whole kid thing but really, this is the play-offs, the kid will understand"

Apparently it was Captains night off, as Christen was AWOL as well. A play-off ploy perhaps? We won't know since both men have remained incommunicado. One can only hope that they return to provide a little guidance and leadership to their teams next week.

From all reports it was a chippy spirited affair with lots of hooking and holding, something that Commissioner Chase might want to keep an eye on.

"Whaaat? The boys are just having fun."

The commissioner, know to enjoy a little clutch and grab seems more than willing to let the boys play.

"Hey, it's old time hockey and I love it. As long as no one loses an eye"

Also scoring for Team Christen were Ned Velagic and Vic Trudel, both "King of TNH" hopefuls.

"Does this get me the crown?" asked an anxious Trudel. One goal does not a king make, but performing in the Christmas pageant* is certainly tipping the scales.

Kowalik will back the Red Squad in next week's game. Eugene et al expect a similar performance.

 

If you have comments, criticisms, or disputes with the stated score, please, contact me here

*For those of you who forgot (or didnt' make it) Victor played the Baby Jesus in the TNH Christmas pageant

Special thanks to Gord W.'s friend Chris Kiziak (aka the Kiz) who subbed for George Maclaren last night. George is expected back between the pipes next week.