tidalshark
12-14-2003, 12:56 PM
The situation has regressed. We are now back to one walk-through stand similar to what we had with the Matadors.
This means longer lines. It also means I have to walk half way across the friggin' arena to get a drink. As if my knee wasn't throbbing to start with.
I was hoping for a bigger turn out tonight. There was in fact an advertisement in the sports section, but it was all the way in the back of the sports section so it's pretty easy to have missed it.
I know, I know, limited budget and all that, but ONE well-placed advert is much more effective then several badly placed ones.
The YMCA brought a group in though, which helped up the number of warm bodies in the house.
Ryan Kiley did not play, as he was concussed. Dmitri Doulebenets is off on family matters. Trevor Socholotuk and Simon Duplessis dressed instead.
Boxscore
Score by Periods:
Alabama 0 3 0 0 0 -- 3
Miami 2 1 0 0 1 -- 4
First Period - Scoring:
1, Miami - Hewer (Perricone, Nowicki) 10:22
2, Miami - Johnson (Power-Play) (Cain, Donnette) 19:29
Penalties:
Welch, Ala (Holding the stick) 1:48
Prentice, Ala (Gripping) 3:58
Welch, Ala (High stick) 7:15
Donnelly, Ala (Holding) 8:09
Prentice, Ala (Slashing) 8:09
Lawerence, Ala (Fighting) 14:53
Lawerence, Ala (Roughing) 14:53
Socholotuk, Mia (Fighting) 14:53
Welch, Ala (Tripping) 17:42
Welch, Ala (10 Minute Game Misconduct) 17:42
Kresac, Ala (Slashing) 19:48
I have this theory that I occasionally revert to, which is the whole thing is planned in advance, including the outcome of the games. I blame this all on Fisch, who started it with the guess the names of the Mascot(s) contest and the guess the name of the arena contest.
So when you get a steady parade of players into the penalty boxes during the first, I had to wonder if this was all part of a Master plan to let the Manatees win at home -- because they need to do this to attract fans to the arena.
However, I then have to consider, Oak Hewer is out in front of the net and can collect a pass that slides right past his skates because Welch is blatantly holding his stick. If the ref had not have called that I'd be over on the ask-the-ref board right now. Even the blind mice couldn't have missed that one.
Then there's Perry (I think) on the ground writhing in pain from Welch's very blatant high-stick. Again, even the blind mice couldn't have missed that one.
So I have to throw the conspiracy theory out the window because, let's face it, Alabama was making it way to easy to call penalties on them.
The first goal appeared to be from Perricone but they announced it as Hewer (no assists), his ninth of the season.
Doug Lawerence won his match over Trevor Socholotuk, but I give Trevor points for taking him on.
The Manatees are playing four forwards and one defenseman on the Molson Canadian Power Play, which was about as unpalatable as the brew it is named after. I don't find 4/1 power plays particularly productive as it makes it too easy for the opposing team to knock the puck out of the attack zone. We saw this tactic used quite often last night, which only reinforced me belief.
Alabama was constantly slamming hewer around. He's a big guy who does not use his size to his advantage.
"I'm never one to hurt the team and take a bad penalty," Hewer said during an interview when he was with the Ice Pilots. "(But) if anyone takes liberties with me or my teammates, I won't shy away."
I'm wondering what he considers taking liberties.
Honestly, if he can't protect himself, then put Darcy on a line with him to protect him. He probably needs it more then Swider.
On the whole though, I don't think Jamie Ronayne was required to make any really outstanding stops through the first period. The guys shot wide quite a bit, and don't feel that many of the shots I saw were quality scoring chances.
Darcy Johnson had the lone power-play goal in the penalty filled first. Darren (not Dean) Cain fired on Ronayne who blocked the shot but gave up the rebound forward which Johnson one-timed past him.
Meanwhile, I suggest the Manatees decline any power plays they might be offered tonight.
(The three-on-five incendent, appended by Eric:
The Officials (on and off the ice) completely and totally made themselves a subject of complete ridicule last night during a 5-on-3 situation starting at 7:15 of the first period.
Welch had been put into the box at 7:15 on a high sticking call. Donnelley (anounced as #14 instead of #4) followed on a holding call at 8:09 along with Prentice on a Slashing call at the same time.
Remember the third penalty can't start until one of the previous ones comes off. (A team must have at least three on the ice.)
So the first penalty (Welch's) expired which means the third one (Prentice) starts. That part's easy. The guy running the clock got it right.
However the moron in the penalty box lets Welch, with the expired penalty, back on the ice. Rule states he can't enter play (but he can skate across ice to the bench).
He enters play meaning the Slammers have 4 on the ice instead of 3 but we're supposed to be 5 on 3 still.
The fans get it and scream, the Manatees bench gets it and screams, the guys in the officials booth get it and wave frantically. The official, however, doesn't get it even though everyone (including the players on and off the ice) are yelling at him.
He finally stops play, rolls back the penalty clocks, puts the guys back in the box. It's basically a "do over" -- only there's one problem. He should have (but didn't) levy a too many man on the ice penalty against the Slammers.
The official (Hughes) on duty and the guy running the penalty box need to be relieved of duty permanently. Inexcusable ignorance of the rules.)
Second Period - Scoring:
3, Alabama - Lawrence (Power Play) (Vincent) 3:11
4, Alabama - Lawerence (Power Play) (Kresac, Vincent) 7:13
5, Miami - Swider (Hewer, Perricone) 13:00
6, Alabama - Vincent (Lawerence, Quinnell) 17:24
Penalties:
Hewer, Mia (Interference) 3:01
Kresac, Ala (Slashing) 4:54
Swider, Mia (Hooking) 5:40
Socholotuk, Mia (Roughing) 13:55
Vincent, Ala (Roughing) 13:55
Since it had been fully demonstrated how bad our power play was in the first, we next got treated to view of our penalty kill. Which was only 33.3333% effective.
Hewer went in the box and Lawrence quickly found his way past Mark Gowan.
Swider gets in the box and Lawrence again gets past Gowan. I don't think Gowan played especially badly, but it was NOT the last line of defense for the Manatees last night.
The Swider goal was announced from Hewer and Perry (#27). It was later changed to Perricone.
Paul Vincent celebrated his goal by going over and blowing kisses to the glass rattlers behind the net.
I had spoken to Nikki during first intermission regarding my plans for the future which include relocating. I found her talking to Fisch in the concourse about the Booster Club between the second and third.
"You can't leave!" he says. "I was just starting to like you!"
Oh well, it's nice to know that someone appreciates me.
I informed him that because of the HUGE, OVERWHELMING CROWD we had at the game, the concessions stands had run out of beer (except for the unpalatable Canadian brew).
"Well," he says, "You know the motto around here. You posted it to the message board.
"Nothing works around here!"
Okay, so, we know it's broke, it's time to start fixing it.
Third Period - Scoring: None
Penalties:
Duplessis, Mia (Tripping) 4:47
Prentice, Ala (Holding) 12:00
Picard, Mia (Roughing) 12:17
Craigen, Ala (Roughing) 12:17
Bench, Ala (Served by Kresac) (Too Many Men) 6:23
Overtime - Scoring: None
Penalties: None
Trevor played some phenomenal defense this period. He looks like he's tripping over his skates have the time, but he gets the job done. Given that he's a converted forward, Boyer should put him on the power play. That way he'd be playing a hybrid 3/2-4/1 special team which might be more effective.
While the third period ran pretty well and the Manatees actually looked like they were trying to play the game, it was fairly evident from the overtime period that they were not interested in winning.
Strangely enough, the one shot on goal they had in the overtime was likely their best scoring chance of the night. Now if they had put several more on Ronayne like that, it might not have gone to a shoot out.
Shootout:
Lawrence, Ala, No
Liebenow, Mia, YES
Vincent, Ala, No
Perricone, Mia, No
Prentice, Ala, No
Gowan seems a reliable shoot out goaltender, and did an especially good job stoning Vincent. Liebenow becomes the hero as the Manatees win.
At lest the shoot out provided an exciting finish to an otherwise lackluster game.
Power-Play Conversions:
Alabama 2 of 3;
Miami 1 of 9.
Shots on Goal:
Alabama 3 13 8 7 -- 31
Miami 17 9 10 1 -- 37
Goalies:
Alabama, Ronayne (37 shots, 34 saves; record 4-1-2)
Miami, Gowan (31 shots, 28 saves; record 1-1-0)
Referee: Hughes
Linesmen: Williams, Cullen
A: About 1,000
Three Stars of the Game
3rd: Socholotuk
2nd: Gowan
1st: Liebenow
I gather that we are not going to acknowledge anyone from the other team as the USA Landsale.com three stars of the team, but Lawerence deserved one, having a Gordie Howe hat trick on the night (a goal -- two actually -- an assist, and a fight).
Jersey Award to the fellow in section 119. I still have no idea where that sweater he was wearing came from and since he stumped me, he gets the award.
It was white with green and blue trim with a large C on the front in blue and a solid circle inside the open part of the C in green. I took a photo, hopefully it will come out.
Manny Claus: Big disappointment. I was expecting a beard at least! Mandy was not around as one of the interns didn't show as he had a test that he had to study for. Is that what Alex is doing with himself these days?
Toys for Tots: Before you go to the game tonight stop by WALGREENS. They are having mix and match 3 for $11.98 toys and games. Spend $12 and help brighten some kid's holidays.
Skate with the players: You have to bring your own skates. If you need skates cheap, you can try Play It Again Sports. Go to http://www.playitagainsports.com and use the store locator to find one near you.
This means longer lines. It also means I have to walk half way across the friggin' arena to get a drink. As if my knee wasn't throbbing to start with.
I was hoping for a bigger turn out tonight. There was in fact an advertisement in the sports section, but it was all the way in the back of the sports section so it's pretty easy to have missed it.
I know, I know, limited budget and all that, but ONE well-placed advert is much more effective then several badly placed ones.
The YMCA brought a group in though, which helped up the number of warm bodies in the house.
Ryan Kiley did not play, as he was concussed. Dmitri Doulebenets is off on family matters. Trevor Socholotuk and Simon Duplessis dressed instead.
Boxscore
Score by Periods:
Alabama 0 3 0 0 0 -- 3
Miami 2 1 0 0 1 -- 4
First Period - Scoring:
1, Miami - Hewer (Perricone, Nowicki) 10:22
2, Miami - Johnson (Power-Play) (Cain, Donnette) 19:29
Penalties:
Welch, Ala (Holding the stick) 1:48
Prentice, Ala (Gripping) 3:58
Welch, Ala (High stick) 7:15
Donnelly, Ala (Holding) 8:09
Prentice, Ala (Slashing) 8:09
Lawerence, Ala (Fighting) 14:53
Lawerence, Ala (Roughing) 14:53
Socholotuk, Mia (Fighting) 14:53
Welch, Ala (Tripping) 17:42
Welch, Ala (10 Minute Game Misconduct) 17:42
Kresac, Ala (Slashing) 19:48
I have this theory that I occasionally revert to, which is the whole thing is planned in advance, including the outcome of the games. I blame this all on Fisch, who started it with the guess the names of the Mascot(s) contest and the guess the name of the arena contest.
So when you get a steady parade of players into the penalty boxes during the first, I had to wonder if this was all part of a Master plan to let the Manatees win at home -- because they need to do this to attract fans to the arena.
However, I then have to consider, Oak Hewer is out in front of the net and can collect a pass that slides right past his skates because Welch is blatantly holding his stick. If the ref had not have called that I'd be over on the ask-the-ref board right now. Even the blind mice couldn't have missed that one.
Then there's Perry (I think) on the ground writhing in pain from Welch's very blatant high-stick. Again, even the blind mice couldn't have missed that one.
So I have to throw the conspiracy theory out the window because, let's face it, Alabama was making it way to easy to call penalties on them.
The first goal appeared to be from Perricone but they announced it as Hewer (no assists), his ninth of the season.
Doug Lawerence won his match over Trevor Socholotuk, but I give Trevor points for taking him on.
The Manatees are playing four forwards and one defenseman on the Molson Canadian Power Play, which was about as unpalatable as the brew it is named after. I don't find 4/1 power plays particularly productive as it makes it too easy for the opposing team to knock the puck out of the attack zone. We saw this tactic used quite often last night, which only reinforced me belief.
Alabama was constantly slamming hewer around. He's a big guy who does not use his size to his advantage.
"I'm never one to hurt the team and take a bad penalty," Hewer said during an interview when he was with the Ice Pilots. "(But) if anyone takes liberties with me or my teammates, I won't shy away."
I'm wondering what he considers taking liberties.
Honestly, if he can't protect himself, then put Darcy on a line with him to protect him. He probably needs it more then Swider.
On the whole though, I don't think Jamie Ronayne was required to make any really outstanding stops through the first period. The guys shot wide quite a bit, and don't feel that many of the shots I saw were quality scoring chances.
Darcy Johnson had the lone power-play goal in the penalty filled first. Darren (not Dean) Cain fired on Ronayne who blocked the shot but gave up the rebound forward which Johnson one-timed past him.
Meanwhile, I suggest the Manatees decline any power plays they might be offered tonight.
(The three-on-five incendent, appended by Eric:
The Officials (on and off the ice) completely and totally made themselves a subject of complete ridicule last night during a 5-on-3 situation starting at 7:15 of the first period.
Welch had been put into the box at 7:15 on a high sticking call. Donnelley (anounced as #14 instead of #4) followed on a holding call at 8:09 along with Prentice on a Slashing call at the same time.
Remember the third penalty can't start until one of the previous ones comes off. (A team must have at least three on the ice.)
So the first penalty (Welch's) expired which means the third one (Prentice) starts. That part's easy. The guy running the clock got it right.
However the moron in the penalty box lets Welch, with the expired penalty, back on the ice. Rule states he can't enter play (but he can skate across ice to the bench).
He enters play meaning the Slammers have 4 on the ice instead of 3 but we're supposed to be 5 on 3 still.
The fans get it and scream, the Manatees bench gets it and screams, the guys in the officials booth get it and wave frantically. The official, however, doesn't get it even though everyone (including the players on and off the ice) are yelling at him.
He finally stops play, rolls back the penalty clocks, puts the guys back in the box. It's basically a "do over" -- only there's one problem. He should have (but didn't) levy a too many man on the ice penalty against the Slammers.
The official (Hughes) on duty and the guy running the penalty box need to be relieved of duty permanently. Inexcusable ignorance of the rules.)
Second Period - Scoring:
3, Alabama - Lawrence (Power Play) (Vincent) 3:11
4, Alabama - Lawerence (Power Play) (Kresac, Vincent) 7:13
5, Miami - Swider (Hewer, Perricone) 13:00
6, Alabama - Vincent (Lawerence, Quinnell) 17:24
Penalties:
Hewer, Mia (Interference) 3:01
Kresac, Ala (Slashing) 4:54
Swider, Mia (Hooking) 5:40
Socholotuk, Mia (Roughing) 13:55
Vincent, Ala (Roughing) 13:55
Since it had been fully demonstrated how bad our power play was in the first, we next got treated to view of our penalty kill. Which was only 33.3333% effective.
Hewer went in the box and Lawrence quickly found his way past Mark Gowan.
Swider gets in the box and Lawrence again gets past Gowan. I don't think Gowan played especially badly, but it was NOT the last line of defense for the Manatees last night.
The Swider goal was announced from Hewer and Perry (#27). It was later changed to Perricone.
Paul Vincent celebrated his goal by going over and blowing kisses to the glass rattlers behind the net.
I had spoken to Nikki during first intermission regarding my plans for the future which include relocating. I found her talking to Fisch in the concourse about the Booster Club between the second and third.
"You can't leave!" he says. "I was just starting to like you!"
Oh well, it's nice to know that someone appreciates me.
I informed him that because of the HUGE, OVERWHELMING CROWD we had at the game, the concessions stands had run out of beer (except for the unpalatable Canadian brew).
"Well," he says, "You know the motto around here. You posted it to the message board.
"Nothing works around here!"
Okay, so, we know it's broke, it's time to start fixing it.
Third Period - Scoring: None
Penalties:
Duplessis, Mia (Tripping) 4:47
Prentice, Ala (Holding) 12:00
Picard, Mia (Roughing) 12:17
Craigen, Ala (Roughing) 12:17
Bench, Ala (Served by Kresac) (Too Many Men) 6:23
Overtime - Scoring: None
Penalties: None
Trevor played some phenomenal defense this period. He looks like he's tripping over his skates have the time, but he gets the job done. Given that he's a converted forward, Boyer should put him on the power play. That way he'd be playing a hybrid 3/2-4/1 special team which might be more effective.
While the third period ran pretty well and the Manatees actually looked like they were trying to play the game, it was fairly evident from the overtime period that they were not interested in winning.
Strangely enough, the one shot on goal they had in the overtime was likely their best scoring chance of the night. Now if they had put several more on Ronayne like that, it might not have gone to a shoot out.
Shootout:
Lawrence, Ala, No
Liebenow, Mia, YES
Vincent, Ala, No
Perricone, Mia, No
Prentice, Ala, No
Gowan seems a reliable shoot out goaltender, and did an especially good job stoning Vincent. Liebenow becomes the hero as the Manatees win.
At lest the shoot out provided an exciting finish to an otherwise lackluster game.
Power-Play Conversions:
Alabama 2 of 3;
Miami 1 of 9.
Shots on Goal:
Alabama 3 13 8 7 -- 31
Miami 17 9 10 1 -- 37
Goalies:
Alabama, Ronayne (37 shots, 34 saves; record 4-1-2)
Miami, Gowan (31 shots, 28 saves; record 1-1-0)
Referee: Hughes
Linesmen: Williams, Cullen
A: About 1,000
Three Stars of the Game
3rd: Socholotuk
2nd: Gowan
1st: Liebenow
I gather that we are not going to acknowledge anyone from the other team as the USA Landsale.com three stars of the team, but Lawerence deserved one, having a Gordie Howe hat trick on the night (a goal -- two actually -- an assist, and a fight).
Jersey Award to the fellow in section 119. I still have no idea where that sweater he was wearing came from and since he stumped me, he gets the award.
It was white with green and blue trim with a large C on the front in blue and a solid circle inside the open part of the C in green. I took a photo, hopefully it will come out.
Manny Claus: Big disappointment. I was expecting a beard at least! Mandy was not around as one of the interns didn't show as he had a test that he had to study for. Is that what Alex is doing with himself these days?
Toys for Tots: Before you go to the game tonight stop by WALGREENS. They are having mix and match 3 for $11.98 toys and games. Spend $12 and help brighten some kid's holidays.
Skate with the players: You have to bring your own skates. If you need skates cheap, you can try Play It Again Sports. Go to http://www.playitagainsports.com and use the store locator to find one near you.