WEDNESDAYS #12 vs. JAGUARS:

(vol. 22W, no. 12; newsletter by b.n.)
They say, “All good things must come to an end.” I have been playing for the Coastal Pirates for six years and I have to admit that I have yet to figure out who “they” are. Perhaps they are Nadine (looking for a return engagement in the newsletter) or perhaps "they" are the Splendid Traveler (returned from the future to fill us in on the many advances in store for our grandkids). Or perhaps “they” are just clueless — adrift in the crazy world that we all know exist. At this time, I can not help but think about all the Pirates that I have grown to love over the years. Roger, what can I say? Perhaps my most favorite target in the newsletter; when he was on the rink, I always had something to write about. Mike Farrell? If it wasn't for Roger, he would be the most famous Pirate; say what you will about Mike, but one thing is for certain: He never cared what you wrote about him in the newsletter (as long as you spelled his name right). While I am on the subject of former Pirates, I can't leave out Glen Chambers; I didn't get a lot of chances to play with Glen, but the times I did I will always cherish. BB on the other hand ... Then of course there is Allen Snyder. He hasn't been mentioned in the newsletter lately, but that is pretty much a function of the fact that he has not donned the Pirate Black lately. Scooby? Didn't he retire? Maybe he did, maybe he didn't, I have kind of lost track. But such is life. When one door closes, another opens, so to speak. But I hate to sound melodramatic all of a sudden. Let's just leave it at that.

Who would have thought that all that came between the Coastal Pirates and another win in the playoffs was #67 (I certainly didn't think that would ever be the case). But alas, it was. I hate to say it, but if all you can rely on is #67 to put the puck in the net then you are in trouble.

The Pirates opened the first round of the playoffs with Chris, Wildman and LeMatty on offense while Mike and Gucci were on defense. Oddly enough, it was the old “MnM” line that scored the first goal when #67 picked-up a rebound from Evan and buried the puck. And that was it for the scoring in the 1st period as the Pirates held a slim, 1-0 lead at the break.

On the opening faceoff of the 2nd period the Jags were able to pick-up the puck off the faceoff and shoot it on net; it looked to be going wide, but somehow ended-up in the back of the net. How did this puck end up in the back of the net you might ask? Well to be honest I know, but I am not saying. With the score tied now at 1-1, who else but #67 steps up and buries another puck that looked like it could be the game-winner — actually, it would have been the game-winner if the game was :07 seconds shorter. But how can a game end like that? Where is the drama? Where is the excitement? To be honest, I could deal with a little less excitement. As it worked out, the Jags were able to tie the game at 2-2 when they scored with the extra skater with :07 seconds remaining in regulation. Ouch! The game eventually went to a shootout where the Jags would end up prevailing when they scored one goal to the Pirates none. Oh well, there is always next season (or maybe not). Goodbye.
date of game: 8.10.05