Saturday April 25, 2009 “High & Dry”:

The season ending playoff and championship tournament affectionately referred to as the War at the Shore was completed with drama, intensity, laughter and joy as two new faces emerged with the coveted ATHA hardware. In all, three presentations were made on Saturday:

 

ATHA Mid-Atlantic Cup – Wolves (Anthony Pizzo)

2008-2009 Playoff Tournament Winner.

 

ATHA Presidents Cup – Lebowskis (Gabe Gutchigian)

2008-2009 Regular Season Winner.

 

ATHA “Con” Cup – Cavemen (Steve Cave)

2008-2009 Playoff “B” division Winner.

 

Playing in spectacular conditions, the members of the league battled all day amidst cool breezes and ocean views. The play was as spectacular as the weather with all teams leaving nothing for tomorrow. It was a classic year end battle royal.

 

The day started with a single round robin. Here are the highlights in order of morning finish:

Lebowskis – riding high with their patented flow offense, the Dude & Co. kept their opponents guessing all day with elegant passing and shooting along with solid defense and goal tending.

Chiefs – continuing their late season form of strong driving offense and aggressive defense, the chiefs banged away all morning with balanced scoring and gritty determination.

Snipers – determined to finish strong, the Snipers lived up to their pre tournament billing as a team with their sights on glory. Solid play was evident all morning as the Snipers battled hard on both ends of the ice for a strong consistent day of playoff hockey.

Wolves – the Wolves were showing some late season rust as the day began with some uncharacteristic defensive lapses. This reporter has noted all season that the Howlers from La Den de la Wolfe had long term goals and vision, and they maintained their position for that pursuit with a workman like morning.

Zinis – barely hanging on, the elder statesmen needed a win over the defending champions Lebowskis to remain in the cup round and survive the morning. Their convincing victory over the Dude & Co. preserved their season, and elevated their spirits for a short time at least.

Cavemen – playing with relentless aggression the Cavemen announced to the league that they would take up the void created by the departing Rangers. Strong wing play and opportunistic defense resulted in some upset wins and concern on the faces of their opponents all morning.

Phantoms – hell bent on strong defense, the Phantoms executed their game plan which was to frustrate and deny their opponents. The frustration was evident on the faces of the league as they worked hard to execute their patented offensive moves on the strong willed Phantoms. The inaugural season for this startup franchise, resulted in a contentious, hard driving club with sights of improved offensive options on the drawing board for next season.

 

Con Cup Playoffs

Cavemen vs. Phantoms – the Cavemen appeared to be too much for the Phantoms making their first playoff appearance. The Cavemen, committed to reversing their 2008 fortunes, played aggressive hockey all afternoon and eliminated the Phantoms is three straight games.

 

ATHA Mid Atlantic Cup Playoffs

This ended up as a rematch of last years final. The steps leading up to the final found the Zinis and Wolves matched for the “play in” game, and like last year, the Wolves eliminated the Zinis from contention. The other semifinalists included the Chiefs and the Snipers.

 

Snipers vs. Lebowskis – Semis #1

Lebowskis take game 1 on the back of 5 face off goals. Even the Lebowskis faithful felt unfulfilled with the impact of the controversial Face off goal and its result on the otherwise closely contested game.

Game 2 was more of a traditional contest with no face off implications. Strong and diverse offensive playmaking characterized the Lebowskis win in Game 2.

Lebowskis advance to defend their ATHA Cup.

 

Chiefs vs. Wolves - Semis #2

Wolves take both games on the back of a “deny the high pass” defense making the Chiefs slug it out with low passes in the slot. The Chiefs maintained their focus on strong driving offense, but they were out matched by the determined and steady Wolves defense.

Wolves take both games to advance to their second ATHA Cup final.

 

ATHA Mid Atlantic Cup Final

 

Wolves vs. Lebowskis Game # 1:

Building off of their successes in the semis, both clubs attacked with determination and confidence. It was the strong defense and goal tending of the Wolves that proved the difference maker in the game however. Time after time, the Lebowskis attack was turned back by the Wolves as their goaler came up huge. Game 1 goes to the Wolves.

 

Wolves vs. Lebowskis Game # 2:

Calm after their game one loss, the Lebowskis re asserted themselves in game two and showed why their name is prominently displayed on the ATHA Cup. With all cylinders firing, the Lebowskis dominated game 2 and closed out the Wolves with a visit from the Doctor early in the third period. Game 2 goes to the Lebowskis

 

Wolves vs. Lebowskis Game # 3:

After an entire 78 game season, it all came down to one final game between the two strongest teams in the league. It was like a medieval joust! The two finalists, sweating and battered, stood face to face with one last 9 minute battle left to decide the league Champion. The Wolves took the early lead, and never looked back as they capitalized on opportunistic scores from behind the blue line to enter the 3^rd and final period with a multi goal lead.

 

The Lebowskis in classic form, continued to run the flow offense to perfection, but were consistently frustrated by the strong defense of the wolves and their own sudden inability to find the back of the net. Posts and saves characterized the final stanza as the Wolves finally hoisted the cherished ATHA cup in victory!

 

Final Comments:

Congratulations to our winners! This has been a long and at times emotional season of ups and downs. We once again have expanded our circle and welcome the Chiefs and their GM Jim Gaynor, and the Phantoms with their GM Craig Ditzel into our little world of insanity. Additionally, we have several new opportunities for expansion next season with the Capitals who will have access to the Flyers new arena which is almost completed.

 

It is my hope that all of you have a safe and wonderful summer. September is just around the corner, and we get to start it all over again. It is my hope that:

1. We will see more “Monday night action in Staten Island” next season.
2. We will see the Eastern Jersey contingent of the league expanded.
3. We will sponsor and host Jersey Face 2009.
4. We will find a solution to the face off goal.
5. We will find more ways to relentlessly pursue the perfect game!

 

Until then however, I want to thank each of you for your support, and commitment to make this an entertaining escape from the daily grind of living our lives. I know for me it is very special to have all of you in my life. 

Thanks to all who come to play!

 

From the point,

 

Bonzini