Orange Division

A HAT TRICK FOR THE HABS!

Posted April 20 2009 by Orange Convenor

Sundays final was THE RED HOT HABS vs THE GREEN GIANTS. Red went up 2-0, Green made it 2-1, then Red went up 3-1, and Green narrowed the gap to 3-2 with about 8 minutes to go in the game. Although the GREEN GIANTS pulled their goalie and pressured the RED HOT HABS, that was as close as they got in a very entertaining, well played final. ( I suppose the luck that Green had during the Round Robin with Kim Lenover , David’s wife, being present for all of their games, finally ran out!). The winning goal was scored by Dave Guluche in a goal mouth scramble, and that resulted in Dave being named the game’s MVP. Congratulation to the RED HOT HABS for pulling off the very rare ” hat trick”, winning the Division, the Round Robin, and the Horse Race.

The Championship Sunday was made especially enjoyable due to the fact that the Stanley Cup was at Central Arena, and numerous players, families, friends, and teams paid their $5 to have their pictures taken with the Holy Grail. At last count over $700 was generated to be donated to the Carpenter Hospice. Al, of this was made possible by our very own Orange Division player, ( # 17 Red ), Mr. Phil Pritchard ..aka: “THE KEEPER OF THE CUP”. Thank-you very much Phil.

The broadcast times for Cogeco, have yet to be set, but when they are made public, I’m sure it will be available on the web-site. If not, I will post the times here. My thanks to John Rivard for stepping in as our Color Commentator, for the final, and as predicted, John was very entertaining sharing his very unique thoughts with the audience. The game is worth watching just to hear John’s numerous comments, and jabs ( in jest of course) at certain players. Thanks again John.

Prior to the game, Rob Field presented our ” FRED GUISTINI AWARD”, which is the “ORANGE DIVISION OLDTIMER OF THE YEAR”, to Andre Lelerc. For those of you that do not know Andre as well as your Captains, he was our pool convenor for the last year, and was kind enough ( along with his wife Linda) to open up his house for 3 separate Orange Division meetings throughout the year. What makes this particularly special, is that Andre ( a goalie drafted by the Black Jax), after only 2 games into this past year, had to pack it in due to a nagging shoulder injury. But, he stayed on to do the pool convening ( and did an excellent job), and showed up at the rink for the majority of our games. Andre is closing in on being a 30 year BOHC member ( he joined when he was 15 ), and wears his heart on his sleeve when it comes to the BOHC. I believe a well deserved recipient. Congratulations Andre, and many thanks from all of us for your dedication.

I would like to wish a speedy recovery to the players that were unable to finish ( or play ) this year due to injuries. They are Steve Taylor, Gord Gilmet, Bruce Bishop, Dave ( Mick ) Amicarelli, Andre Leclerc, Dan Hopper, and Glenn Rooney.

At this time, I would like to express my thanks to the tremendous job done by the Captains ( and their Assistants) of the Orange Division, with all of them keeping in mind our “collective” goal of making this Division both fun to play in, and as fair, and competitive as possible. This was probably my most challenging year as convenor, what with so many new faces, coupled with numerous players dropping out due to injuries. My thanks and gratitude are extended to Mike Motz ( White Tights), Rob Field ( Green Giants ), Brad Howe ( Teal Tomorrow), Jeannot Morin ( Black Jax), Glenn Downey ( Blue Light Thunder ), and Barry Walsh ( Red Hot Habs).
Next year, we have only 1 returning Captain, Glenn Downey, as being a Captain is a 2 year commitment, to enable other players to jump in. We will have 5 new faces being Captains for next year and I do thank them for stepping up.
For those of you that are not aware, when the teams are drafted in late June for next year, it is a completely “blind” draft. The odds are good that you will be playing with 2 or 3 team mates from this year, but the balance of your team mates will probably be somebody you lined up against this past year. Over the years this system has proven to be very well received.

I would also like to thank all of the teams, and players for the gift certificates presented to me after my final game on Saturday. This is very much appreciated, and I’m sure that my wife Sarah and I will enjoy a nice meal at THE KEG, and pick up some household items ( not Hockey supplies) at Canadian Tire. Thanks again..

Finally, a couple of dates that you need to be made aware of. First and foremost, is Registration for next year. I see that 57 have registered to date, to play next year. For those that are not aware, May 1st is your “absolute” final day to register, and failing to do so by this date will mean that you lose your seniority, and go into the pool, and start from scratch…..so, please do not procrastinate..

Monday May 25th is our ” AGM” ( Annual General Meeting), 7:00 pm at Hectors. This meeting is open to ” all” BOHC members and gives a summary on what has transpired in the past year, and what lies ahead for our league. Also, new Board members will be voted on that evening, that have been previously nominated, and your attendance would certainly be appreciated.

Next years teams should be drafted by the end of June, and on the website by mid July. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me anytime.

I think that covers everything guys, I wish you and your families a safe and enjoyable summer, and we will crank it back up again in September.

Ken Warren
Orange Division Convenor