A great night was had by everyone at the Alfond Arena last night, as 4 Media
teams played a round-robin format tournament in order to face the Maine
hockey team in Broomball!
 
The first game featured the Bangor Daily News, against WZON radio, and
Hockey-L's own Joe Carr!  With the score 1-0 BDN, WZON went on the
power-play, but BDN broke in short-handed, and defensemen Joe Carr, couldn't
stay with his man who scored and broke WZON's back.  After that
heartbreaking short-handed goal, they could never get it together and lost
4-0.  (Sorry Joe, couldn't resist the chance!!)  Even though WZON had
StePHen King, and Tabitha in goal, they were far from scary! King was great,
and it was excellent of him to get out there!
 
The second game featured two Maine TV stations, WLBZ, and WVII, but they
were seriously outmatched by WLBZ, who prided themselves on being the "Best
Team Money Could Buy".  They had Maine football coach "Smilin" Jack
Cosgrove, former Maine hockey player Mario Thyer, and Assistant hockey
coaches Greg Cronin, and Guy "Power Play" Perron.  Oh, and some other guy
who doesn't know too much about hockey was out there, I think his name is
Walsh.  Gee, does it look like this team was put together to play the Bears?
 Anyways, they rolled, 6-0.  Since WLBZ was the highest scoring team, they
got the "right" to play the Bears.
 
Before that game, United Cerebral Palsy, who sponsored the charity
tournament, had an auction to see who would play goalie for the Maine team,
since Blair Allison decided he wanted to play center in the game (more on
that later).  I'm sorry I don't remember the gentleman's last name, but
"Willie" as he was called, bid $500 for that right, and won.  It was a VERY
generous donation, and I'm sure UCP was thrilled to have it work so very
well.  The nice lady holding the auction was almost overcome with joy on the
contribution, and I remember her saying (as I was right in front of her),
"Oh my.. I can't believe this, Shawn Walsh said this would be a good idea,
but I never thought.."  It was excellent to see, and a standing ovation, and
a small "SIEVE" chant followed the new Maine goalie in!
 
Maine goalie Blair Allison ended up being the starting center for the Maine
team, and before long ended up in a place he probally though he wouldn't
ever be in, the penatly box.  The crowd began chanting "SIEVE" at Allison in
the penatly box.  It was a great laugh!  Allison did have an assist on a
nifty little pass.  Maine did win the game by the way 7-4, but I think they
should stick to hockey, or at least put those two goal-tenders they used as
forwards on the bench.
 
The crowd was kept in stiches most of the game, as Shawn Walsh caused as
much trouble for his team (well, normally his team) as possible.  For the
first half he wore, a goalie mask, and spent more time hitting the sticks
out of the Maine players hands and talking than doing any real playing, but
in the second half, Walsh was sent in on a break away, and put it home to
score on his team.
 
When it was all said and done, the championship trophy was presented to Dave
MacIsaac, and the players (who I think had A LOT of fun, more so than they
probally thought they would) ran around the arena like they had just won the
Super Bowl, or...maybe.. just maybe... the NCAA Championship??? <smile>, and
then gave the trophy to Willie for his very generous contribution!
 
I personally thought it was a great time, and I know everyone around me was
laughing and enjoying it.  If there is anyone out their who works for their
school and you'd like to raise money for a charity, I'd recommend something
like this.  I had a blast! (did I say that already?)  The players were
great, and looked like they had an excellent time, including a bench
clearing celebration after someone knocked Coach Walsh down!!
 
And because I have to be fair, I have to say again that it was ALL JOE
CARR'S  FAULT!!  <smile>  Now, he'll purposely screw me up during his
broadcast just to pay me back, I'm sure!!
 
 
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Deron  Treadwell - [log in to unmask]
The University of Maine (24-2-6)  GO BLUE!!
The "Magic" Point Total is 20 and counting!
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