Steamers Close-out Winter Season

Greensboro) The Steamers bid to repeat as Manley Cup Champions fell one game short as the team fell 6-3 in the Championship Game on Wednesday evening. After falling behind 3-0 early in the second period, the Steamers narrowed the margin to 3-2, but that was as close as they would come on this night. The silver medal finish capped-off an improbable run to the finals after a dismal regular season (2-7-2)and a 7th place finish.

The Steamers seemingly found their stride in the pool portion of the play-offs going 2-1 and finishing with enough points to advance to the Semi-Finals. In the semi-finals, the Steamers were able to knock off the #2 seeded Ice Holes to advance to their second straight finals appearance. In the post-season, the Steamers defeated the #1,2, and 3 seeds in route to the finals. Unfortunately they were unable to beat the #3 Blizzard a second time to capture the championship.

Looking forward, the Steamers look to return most of the core group for the summer session with only 1-2 roster moves antipicated.

Stats: Mike Auston captured the Steamers' scoring race, edging Chris Hughes 18 points to 17, although Hughesy ran way with the goal scoring title (16). Captain, Dan Auston finished a distance third with 12 pts (5G/7A). Mike's 18 penalty minutes also led the club.

If Dan Ran the NHL

I was reading Ray Ferraro's column on TSN.ca regarding (among other things), the current standings format and it got me thinking about changes I would make to the format as well as the NHL as a whole.

On the subject of the standings: I would be in favor of 3 points for a regulation or OT victory. It's a team game so let's reward "team victories". Under the current format, teams receive 1 point for an OT or Shootout Loss....I say give 'em nothing! In basketball you don't get anything for losing in OT. In baseball, they don't give you bonus points for losing in extra innings. Winning should be all that matters in professional sports.

That said, I do like the shootout as an alternative to the sister-kissing that is a regular season tie, but think that 1 bonus point for a shootout victory would suffice nicely. The Phoenix Coyotes are a prime example of how "full points" for a shootout victory can schew the standings. With 12 shootout victories, the Coyotes have picked up an additional 12 pts (in the current format) for what amounts to an individual breakaway competition. One could argue that they could wheel out the targets or a radar gun if they wanted to award points for individual skills.

As of today Phoenix and Chicago are tied a top the Western Conference with 97 pts respectively. If we were to break it down into my format it would look like this:

Chicago:
Regulation and OT wins: 37 (x 3 = 111)
Shootout Wins: 8
Losses: 26 (19 Reg. + 9 SO/OT)
Total Pts = 119

Phoenix:
Regulation and OT wins: 34 (x 3 = 102)
Shootout wins: 12
Losses: 27 ( 22 Reg + 5 SO/OT)
Total Pts = 114

Granted 5 pts is not a lot of separation for two quality teams, but keep in mind the Hawks have played 2 fewer games. I like this format because a) it rewards TEAM victories and b) it would be interesting to see how strategies would change at the end of regulation and in OT knowing that there were no consolation prizes. It would be the "Top Gun" equivalent of "no points for second best".

Next Up: Re-alignment. Stay tuned

Play-Offs?!?

With their stellar play, the Steamers have clinched the #7 seed (out of 8 teams) heading into the Pool Portion of the 2010 Manley Cup Play-offs.

Schedule:

Wednesday 3/24 - 10:30 PM vs #5 (TBD)
Wednesday 3/31 - 10:30 PM vs #3 (TBD)
Wednesday 4/7 - 9 PM vs # 1 (Black Knights)

Steamers Hire Head Coach

GREENSBORO) In the midst of a dissappointing season and looking to shake things up, the Steamers have hired former Cleveland Indians and Tire World Manager, Lou Brown to be their new Head Coach. In the press conference announcing the hire, Brown was quoted saying,

"I'm not much for giving inspirational addresses, but I'd just like to point out that every newspaper in the country has picked us to finish last. The local press seems to think that we'd save everyone the time and trouble if we just went out and shot ourselves. Me, I'm for wasting sportswriters' time. So I figured we ought to hang around for a while and see if we can give 'em all a nice big shitburger to eat! "

Brown will be behind the bench this week when the Steamers face-off with the Black Knights - Thursday at 9.

Only One Way to Go

Greensboro) Four scores and 10 goals against, our team brought forth to the IceHouse, a new level of ineptitude, conceived in futility, and dedicated to the proposition that all of us are equally lousy....

On the bright side, at least Nate scored.

Riedlinger Suspended

GREENSBORO) The Steamers Hockey Club today announced that veteran Bob Riedlinger has been suspended 1 game (without pay) for "conduct detrimental to the team". His anti-American comments following Team USA's captivating run to Olympic Silver were cited as the main reason for his suspension. "As an American-based franchise, we will not tolerate such an arrogant display of anti-patriotism", said GM Dan Auston. "It's a slap in the face to our players, corporate sponsors, and most importantly the Steamer fans whom are primarily American (although are growing in number worldwide, especially in Southeast Asia due to the popularity of Chris Manzo)".

Further, it has been learned that Riedlinger (a Canadian) in an interview about the recent struggling play of the team, called out his Steamer teammates as "4th and 5th tier athletes". This is not the first incident involving Riedlinger. As a member of Team Pucktown (a now defunct B-League franchise), teammates described him as a "lockerroom cancer".

Per the suspension, Riedlinger will miss Wednesday's game versus the Blizzard. "We hope that he learns from this situation and comes back a better man", stated Auston.

Note: In Riedlinger's absence, The Steamers have signed TheFourthPeriod.com babe of the week (file photo below) to fill his vacant roster spot.

Steamers Hockey: One Goal

GREENSBORO) No, this isn't a lame effort by the Steamers organization to mimic the wildy successful "One Goal" marketing campaign of the Chicago Blackhawks - It simply is describing the Steamers offensive output of late. Last week's 9 goal outburst not withstanding, the Steamers have managed to score ONE GOAL (or less) in 3 of the last 4 weeks. This week was another ONE GOAL effort, a 5-1 loss to the Ice Holes. Kyle Blart scored the the Steamers lone goal as their season record fell back below .500 (2-3-0).

The Steamers came out flat in the first period, indicative of a team playing without their heart and soul, Chris Manzo. "I could tell it was going to be a strange night", declared beleaguered captain Dan Auston who played the game in glasses after leaving his contact lenses at home. "Between my vision and my lack of judgement shown in the pre-game dinner (jalapeno crab dip), I knew the game would be a struggle". Andrew Shackleford was also slowed by his pre-game meal choice (Beef Stroganoff).

The Steamers look to rebound as they return from the "West Coast Trip" (string of late games) for a 9 PM (EST) match-up with the Jaguars on Wednesday, Feb. 10.

For additional analysis of the contest, check-out Bryan Taylor's Ice Hole Blog

Steamers Light-Up the Knights

Greensboro) Mired in a goal drought of epic proportions (1 goal in 2 games), the Steamers offense bounced-back with a big effort in a 9-2 pasting of the Black Knights. With the win, the Steamers evened their season record at 2-2.

Bob "The Flamingo" Riedlinger had a career night, recording a hat trick....He added an assist to cap off a 4-point night...5 Different Steamers had at least 2 points on the night.

Next Up: The Ice Holes (2-1-1) - Wednesday, Feb. 3rd at 10:30 PM

Oh No, We Suck Again!

After opening the new Season with a 7-6 win over the Panthers, the Steamers were throttled 8-0 by the Penguins. After an 8-0 loss, there is nothing more to say.

13 Dudes, 1 Cup

In the anals of history people are going to be talking about three things: the discovery of fire, invention of the submarine, and the Steamers' 2009 Manley Cup Championship. In stunning sudden death fashion, the Steamers captured their first Cup in franchise history, a 2-1 OT victory over the Guns & Hoses. Nate Weeks netted the OT-winner.

The winning goal set off riots in the streets of Greensboro. Widespread power-outages and looting were also reported. Thankfully, no injuries were reported at press time.

Looting On Wendover Ave. Following Steamers Championship

Manley Cup Preview

Greensboro) Tonite at 9 PM (EST), from the IceHouse in beautiful Greensboro, NC is the World Championship of Mediocre Mens League Hockey: The Manley Cup Final

Steamers vs Guns & Hoses

The Steamers (10-5-0) reach the finals for the first time in franchise history, blanking the Jaguars in the opening round 4-0 and dumping the Blizzard 5-2 in the semi-finals. G&H (5-9-1) is somewhat of a cinderella story, knocking off the #1 seeded Panthers in the first round and the #5 Panthers to advance to their second consecutive Finals appearance.

The Steamers won both meetings between the clubs during the regular season - a 5-3 victory way back on October 22 and 8-3 earlier this month.

Ryno Blanks Jaguars

Greensboro) Behind 24 saves by Ryan Armstrong, the Steamers shut-down the Jaguars 4-0 in exciting GHL playoff action. Andrew Shackleford returned to the Steamer lineup after missing last weeks regular season finale and netted the games 1st goal at the 7:08 mark of the 1st period. The first period tally would prove to be all the offense that Armstrong would need in recording his 3rd shut-out of the season.


Jim Wilkie, Mike Auston, and Chris Hughes also scored for the Steamers. Nate Weeks & Alan Davis both added 2 assists in the victory.


"It was kind of an up-and-down game because both teams play the same style of game," Armstrong said. "We've been playing a pretty solid defensive game, and it's working."

NOTES: The Steamers advance to play the Blizzard in the Semi-Finals...

Preview: Steamers vs Guns & Hoses

Thursday, December 3rd at 9:15PM

In a game full of play-off implications, the Steamers meet the Guns & Hoses in the regular season finale for both clubs. With a victory and a Blizzard Loss to the Jaguars, the Steamers can clinch 2nd Place entering the Manley Cup Playoffs. Meanwhile, the G&H squad has already clinched the #8 seed. The Steamers emerged victorious in the only other meeting between the teams this season, a 5-3 decision on October 22.

The Steamers will be without 2 of their usual defensemen with Mike Barry still nursing an upper-body injury and Rich Magohany still just nursing. No word on possible replacements in the Steamer lineup.

Game Day Stats: The Steamers have the #1 rated Defense in the League having surrendered only45 goals in 12 games (3.75 GAA)...The Steamers Offense currently ranks 5th (55 GF)...the Steamers are the least penalized team in the league with only 28 PIM.

UPDATE: STEAMERS WIN 8-3!

Retraction

If you recall, in the Steaming Blog's NHL Preview Special, we prognosticated that the Carolina Hurricanes would emerge with the Stanley Cup in June. We would like to retract that prediction now, as through 16 games the Canes' record stands at 2-11-3 (7 pts), which is good for 30th in the NHL (note: there are 30 teams in the NHL).

Why are Ya'll Doing This to Me?

Greensboro)With two normal defensemen out of the lineup (and another shit-faced from Margarita night), the Steamers dropped a 5-1 decision to the Blizzard. The Steamers fell behind 2-0 early but drew within a goal after Dan Auston scored to open the 3rd Period. The Blizzard quickly regained the momentum, answering with 2 goals on the very next shift to put the game out or reach.

The game was marred by a humorous stick swinging incident between Alan Davis and one of those crazy Jarrett Boys, which will forever be remembered by the now immortal words"Why are ya'll doing this to me?" A photo of the incident is above.

The Steamers return to the ice on Wednesday, November 11 vs the Panthers. All Veterans will be admitted free.

Steamers Split Pair w/ Pens

Greensboro) The Steamers split a home & home series with the Penguins losing 4-2 on Saturday and following up with a 6-4 win on Wednesday. The Steamers (6-3-0) enter next week's action in 3rd place with two games remaining before the playoffs.

The Steamers next home game is Wednesday, November 4th vs the Blizzard. The Puck Drops at 10:30 PM. Steamers Legend, Mike Hunt will be on hand to sign autographs prior to the contest.

Turkey Skate Update

Update: All spots have been filled for the annual Thanksgiving Classic. I will send out updates and rosters in the coming weeks. A sign-up sheet for alternates will be placed in the Ladies Room at the IceHouse. Until then....

Steamers Eat Their Riedies

GREENSBORO) In typically ugly fashion the Mighty Steamers prevailed 5-3 in Thursday night action versus the Guns & Hoses. The Steamers were paced by a balanced scoring attack in which 5 different players scored for the second consecutive week. While some might call this balance, scouts around the league agree that is only because the Steamers don't have anyone talented enough to score more than 1 goal in any given game. With the win, the Steamers move within 2 points of first place.

The Steamers won despite the best efforts of Mikey "Brian Campbell" Auston, who was held off the scoresheet...that is unless you count the beautiful tip he put into his own goal.

The Steamers return to action Saturday night at 10:15. Come out and watch if you don't have any paint drying that might be more entertaining.

The Thankgiving Skate

The Thanksgiving Skate is upon us. First 22 skaters and 2 goaltenders to confirm are in. All others go on the Reserve List.

UPDATE: Only 2 spots remain!

We'll get going at 9:30 ('til around 11). Cost is $15/player - Goalies are Free

Once I have all the players "signed up" I will create teams again (like last year). Keep checking the blog for rosters and updates.

Ryno Flops to Victory

Greensboro) In more painfully exciting GHL action, the Steamers blanked the Jags 5-0 behind the stellar, yet unorthodox goaltending of Ryno (shown above). The Steamers O was paced by Shack, Hughesy, Dougie, Rieder, and Mikey who all tallied goals on the evening.