Orange Division

RED LINERS CLINCH ORANGE DIVISION LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP.

Posted February 22 2010 by Orange Convenor

With the victory by the RED LINERS last night over the quickly improving, and under rated WHITE BRUINS, 2-1, they have clinched the Orange Division League Championship, with 7 games still remaining. Congratulations to Captain Glenn Downey and the rest of his Red Liner teammates. Last year at this time when the RED HOT HABS clinched with 6 games remaining, they made it public knowledge they were attempting to hit the " 60" point plateau, but I’m sure that if the RED LINERS had this target in mind, they would keep it behind their dressing room doors. Anyway, at this time of year, once the division winner is declared, teams usually have some fun with their line ups, before commencing with our year end Round Robin Tournament. Typically allowing their defense to play forward ( if they so desire ), and vice versa with the forwards, dropping back, for a game or two….I know the goalies aren’t a big fan of these moves, but so be it.. A few inquiries were made as to the picture of the Gold Team that was posted on the website ( above ), back in January with the Olympic Torch. On December 21st, Adam Koscielak ( the guy holding the Torch) was fortunate enough to be a part of the 12,000 plus relay runners, after entering, and winning a contest with his employer ( Petro Canada). Adam’s 300 meter run was at Fonte Hill, and we just happened to be playing a game that night, so, he brought it along so we could have a picture taken with it.

Just a quick review on how our year has been to this point. in my eyes. As for the teams, I believe 5 of the 6 teams have been fairly competitive, with each of those 5 teams going through their own little hot/cold spells throughout the year which of course is normal. There were very few " blow-outs ", I believe less than a half a dozen. The Red Liners, as we all know, are a hard working team with lots of depth, as illustrated by losing a top rated forward mid December, and they still kept on winning. Although we had a few " minor " silly brain cramps go on out their on the ice, I believe this year, so far, has been one of the best years in recent memory, as far as careless, unnecessary rough play is concerned. I had no discipline meetings to deal with ( so far!! ), and have handed out only 1 warning letter, and for that, I thank all of you, for the most part, keeping your emotions in check, and realizing that we are out to just have a skate, some fun and a pop at Hectors afterwards…..Now, that being said, we all know that when we commence with the Round Robin in a few weeks, that the pace, and emotions historically move up a notch or two, and I would respectfully request that you retain the same mind set as you have so far this year. If you have a problem with a call, or non call that is made, please allow your Captain ( or Assistants ) to deal with it, as the referee’s will be handing out bench minors for excessive verbal abuse on or off the ice. If a competitor has the puck, stick handles around you, please don’t use stick work, or any other means bringing him down, that could result in injury…just let him go! As mentioned here numerous times, we all have day jobs, it’s for a T-Shirt, and 1 week after we’re finished, nobody remembers who won the Championship., well, except the victorious group that is… As you are all most likely aware by now, the BOHC will be adding yet another division next year, and where that division will be placed is unknown at this time. We are obviously looking for more players, to fill upcoming full time positions. If you know anybody that has interest in playing, now is the perfect time to jump in and join, as the odds of not having to be put on a waiting list are in their favor… I would like to wish a speedy recovery to the following players that were forced to either pass on playing this year that are taking the time to recover, or were injured and forced to call it quits early….They are…Chuck Caruana, Bruce Bishop, George Groenewagen, Brian Donohue , Bill Dynes, Rob Duncan, Jeannot Morin…. To my knowledge our 5 new Captains will be returning next year, (as it is a 2 year " gig"), unless they chose otherwise. However, I will need to replace Mr. Glenn Downey as he will have completed his 2 years. So, if anybody is interested in becoming a Captain next year, please talk to your own Captain , or myself directly, and either one of us can answer any questions you do have about what is involved. Just a heads up guys…a theft was reported by one of our Captains that occurred at Mainway Friday February 12th. Cash was lifted from 2 players. This incident has been reported, but it seems every year we get hit at one of the rinks. Please make use of the " wallet bag" that I’m sure goes around your room before you play, and do not leave cash, or valuables in your dressing room. One final thought….I know with todays technology, what with Blackberries etc that e-mails seem to be the primary choice for communicating. On more than one occasion this year teams have been shorthanded because a player at the last minute ( for whatever reason) is unable to attend , and I hear later that they have sent an e-mail, rather than picking up the phone and making the call. You, as players have a Captain, and 2 Assistants to try and contact,and I would request you try that option first. Then, if you strike out, I guess sending an e-mail is your only option..just my own thoughts…. That’s all I have for the moment my fellow Orange Division team mates and opponents. As always, I will end the year with my final thoughts,( following the Championship Game, April 18th ), and thank-you’s to the key people that make our division as successful as it has been. Have fun guys, keep your heads up, and your sticks down. p.s. to those of you that requested that I keep my Blog short…this is as good as it gets…my apologies… Ken Warren Orange Division Convenor