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Playoffs - Finals - Game 2: Kiss Army
With the Knights "chomping at the bit", a sense of confidence ran through the team as they ascended on the primetime rink for game 2 of the finals. The Knights organization has been in this position before on the A-side finals twice and couldn't close the door! The weather was perfect and ice conditions were awesome for the 10:45p showdown! The game was a fast affair as both tams ran up and down the ice were opportunities everywhere, but as in the previous game, both goalies stood tall. About 7 minutes into the first period, Mark took a pass deep along the board into Kiss Army territory. A quick move and he was around the defence cutting to the net and picked the blocker side to ring the post. The rebound came directly out to the other side and Scott was on the spot to pot home the first goal of the night. The start the Knights needed after struggling in game 1 to score until the 3rd period. Barely past the midway point of the period, the Knights strike again. With pressure in the Kiss Army zone, Stepper was on defence covering and fed Scott a pass up the middle. Just as he walked into the Kiss Army zone, we wired a howitzer to beat the goalie glove side and a quick 2-0 lead! This is the kind of lead the Knights needed. The Knights continued their assault on the Army in the first and scored once again to make it 3-0 before the first was over. Steve found Scott backdoor to snip his 3rd of the game and a commanding lead. "Relax guys, there is lots of time", said a Kiss Army player Joe.

In what seemed like a new game, Kiss Army began to control the flow of the game, well at least the puck control. Unfortunately for them, they could not penetrate the Knights for any good chances. In what seemed like a power play for the Kiss Army, the Knights fell into a defensive shell and willing to se what the Army had to offer. The offer was nothing! They were able to get an official power play on a weak call by Carlos. Adamus was sent away to the box. The dangerous Buc J and Joe setup the power play and finally connected to capitalize on it late in the 2nd period to bring the score to 3-1.

Reality of a championship was setting in as the 3rd period started. Could time tick away fast enough? Like the 2nd period, the Knights allowed Kiss Army to control the puck at first and allow them to make the mistakes. But when the opportunity presented itself, the Knights worked hard to the Army zone. In what might have been the biggest save of the game was when Ted absolutely robbed Buc J with the glove in the slot as he walked off the boards and had a clear chance to bring the game to 1 goal. Soon, after the Knights got caught again with Buc J and another Kiss Army player on a 2 on 1 against Dingo. Dingo not only broke up the play, they didn't even get a chance to shot on the net as the Knights fought back hard. "Next time you do that, I'll take off your head.", said Buc J to Dingo in frustration. Eventually, the hard worked resulted in the Army having to take down OVL at the top of the key before he could get a shot away. Joe was sent away to the box. With the power play came the chance to kill another 2 minutes on the clock and possibly score again with 5:02 left in the game. If you blinked, you might have missed it. Hears the call. "On the draw, Stepper wins it back to Rich. Back to the point is Ray D. Rink wide pass to Scott and one timer into the back of the net. Holy Cow! The power play is over in less than 10 seconds and the Knights take a 4-1 lead." A sense of relief for the Knights and eagerness for the clock to run out. There was no time to enjoy the moment as Kiss Army started than full attack and desperation against the Knights. The Knights couldn't get the puck out of the zone though and a minor panic was evident. The pressure was eased and Kiss Army tried their final attempt with the goalie pulled with 2 minutes to go. The theme of the night was to stick to the stars and the result was awesome. As time was ticking away, take it away Steve.. "The realization that the A side was ours, that clown was in the slot and was setting up for the one time. Couldn't let the guy score, so I came flying in and jammed my stick under his arm like I was bailing hay. Next thing I know, guys got me in a head lock. Good thing our D man came and pulled him off, cause I was getting to stand-up with the ass clown on my back and was going to lay a tuning.". With only 12 seconds left in the game, Carlos called it and the division title that has eluded the Knights organization has come home! "An you said we can't win it all!", yelled Steve to Joe after the game was called.

The first A-side title in Knights history! 3 specific veteran players on the Knights, Ron (14 yr vet), Rich (12 yr vet) and Mark (9 yr vet) have finally got to taste the champagne and the feeling of winning it all as a Knight! Adamus (6 yr vet) has been through the good times on the team and the failures to capture the title as well. Team members, Scott, Ray D and Cory know the feeling of "almost" getting the A-side as well, enjoyed the "Finally" part of winning the championship. Steve, a longtime spongee vet, knows the A-side feeling, but the battle and intensity of this season, made it that much more savoring! New comers Blaine brought stability to the defence and the extra "Bobby Orr" ability to carry the puck and Ted brought the goaltending the Knights have been waiting for years. Plain and simple, the team started from the pipes out!
What a season! The Knights only lost 3 games all year (regular and playoffs), by a total of 4 goals (one was an empty net). Simply amazing! The Knights can finally claim that they are the 2005-2006 Division 5A Champions!

Post Game quotes:
"Jesus...I cant believe the intensity...would hate to see you guys play for the Stanley cup" - Ref Carlos -
"Way to go Knights! And Little Stevie, I am proud of you for standing your ground even when the game has been won and all but the celebrating is to be done you are still willing to scrap with the opponents! That is an important trait to being a goon!" - Jarred Dolyniuk -

Post Game Notes:
The next morning: "My alarm went off this morning, and what song was playing, nothing other than..... "You're simply the best, better than all the rest ....." - Steve -



Playoffs - Finals - Game 1: Kiss Army
Well... well... well... who do we find in the A-side finals! Kiss Army! A rematch of the 2005 semi-finals. This time the Knights are ready and wanting the match-up! After an extremely tough semi-final, which included a dramatic shootout to end the series and a record for penalties in a game and series. The Knights were coming off a 24 hour high with a full squad ready to roll in this one as Grumps was in the lineup. Kiss Army rolled over the Steamrollers in 2 games to meet the Knights. As in the regular season, the assignment was to shadow the Kiss Army playmakers. The task was not the easiest. They started by having the 2 guys on separate lines and the Knights seemed to keep Army in check, but at the same time had many of their own chances. Stepper had his first chance of the game and was stopped out in front of the net after his quick move. Dingo got a pass from Mark on a breakaway but was tracked down before he got a shot away. Rich almost pocketed a goal off the draw. "I thought I had that one!", commented Rich after the goalie made the glove save. Adamus found an opening and wristed a laser, which the goalie corralled. The chances were not taken advantage of and Kiss Army opened the scoring in the first period on a give and go play to beat Ted in close on a deflection. 1-0 Kiss Army. Unlike the previous series there were no penalties in this one game, which had the same refs as yesterday. The game was a back and forth affair, but the Knights continued to press the game. More chances in the second period similar to the first period in which the Knights had a 60/40 split on the control of the puck, but nothing could beat the Army goalie. It included a breakaway by Scotty, multiple slap shots on net, Stepper missed another on a backhanded shot just over the crossbar. Blaine pinched in at the right times and almost got a goal on a backhander and rebound chance. The Kiss Army goalie had the Knights number and didn't allow a rebound all game. Part of the problem was the Knights continued to shoot high on the tall goaltender. Kiss Army teed up some blasters from the point, which got through but Teddy was able to track the shots down before anything came of them. After 2 period, the score remained 1-0 Kiss Army. A very unusual position, but nothing too big to overcome. The third period brought the first and only penalty of the game as one of the Army playmakers took OVL down and he also hit his head on the ice. He left the ice his own and appeared to be ok. The power play unit was out and the pressure was on. The Knights worked the puck around and got multiple chances, but the Army goalie continued to turn the Knights away. Many may not have seen perhaps the best chance came when RayD spotted Mark at the side of the Kiss Army net behind defensive coverage, but unfortunately Mark was unable to re-direct a sure goal on the perfect pass. The defence playing their asses off by moving the puck out and limiting the chances. Power  play was over and soon after the Knights scored the prettiest goal of the year. Stepper had the puck on the side boards and held onto the puck as everyone looked on. Steve in the meantime was racing down the opposite boards towards the net behind the defence and winger. Stepper took the chance and threaded the needle perfectly for a one-handed re-direction goal into the net. The goalie didn't even know it was coming! A huge goal by Steve with 5:30 to go in the game. "They didn't even see me!", said OVL. The Knights were pumped! The final 5 minutes of the game could decide the series and the Knights were full out offense! But before anything could happen, Kiss Army turned it up and had the Knights reeling in their zone. The puck was bouncing everywhere and the Knights just wanted to clear the zone. With Ray D, Mark and Rich banging behind the net, the Army guy could get it in front after about 4 attempts. "Awesome job!", said Degrave after a whistle was blown. With 2:08 remaining in the game, the break the Knights needed. With the puck in the Kiss Army, RayG got his opportunity to bang at the puck one on one with the goalie and before the net was knocked off, Golinski potted the second goal for the Knights! The Army called their timeout to regroup and the Knights loaded the ice to kill the game. With about a minute to go in the game, they pulled their goalie for the extra attacker, but the Knights stopped everything perfectly and even killed the time in the Army zone as their players began to argue amongst themselves. The Knights played the final minutes of the game perfectly and didn't fall into the defensive shell they tend to do! Multiple tense moments included a double stick sent a face-off to center. A high stick by the Kiss Army player sent a face-off into the Army zone late, when Steve was robbed by a huge glove save that would have sealed the deal. Finally, with 13 seconds left in the game and in the Army zone should be the icing. Well... they got down the ice and almost got a shot off before Degrave cancelled that idea. Holy cow! 2-1 Knights, 2-1 Knights! Nothing has been accomplished and the eye on the prize must remain for game 2!

Post-game Notes: The smell of rotting eggs was wafting out of the Knights dressing room, specifically Ted's a$$. The gag reflex and watering eyes was in full effect for Stepper and for other people in the 10 km radius. "What ever he is eating is working", commented OVL soon after.
 

Playoffs - Semi-Final -Game 3: The U
COMING SOON!
 

Fan Comments
My comment is that I am terribly disappointed with Little Stevies play this season. The points are there but the penalty minutes are a disgrace!!!

Is he losing his touch to get agitated about every little thing that happens on the ice? Does he no longer have an interest on starting the grade 3 playground scraps??? This was half of the entertainment at the Old Ex ground for years... With all of that being said I requested him to drop the gloves this weekend in game 3 of the best of 3 series and he came back to me with some sort of logical response that he didn't want to be kicked out of the playoffs. This is not the Little Stevie that I remember. My message for Little Stevie is drop the gloves or hang up the spongee shoes... Very few goons have been successful at trying to play hockey after their fighting days were done...

And one more thing... I also recall the days when Little Stevie and his brother would heckle each other while playing on the same team... when they did drop the gloves from time to time, all the ref could do was assess them 2 minute delay of game penalties. Bring back Mike next season or you guys have lost a long time fan... My Knights jersey is old and worn... as is my faith in Little Stevie and his lack of aggression...

Jarred Dolyniuk
Concerned Knights Fan!

Playoffs - Semi-Final -Game 2: The U
Game 2 of the semi-finals was upon the Knights and a full team was out to for this one. Cory in uniform, but a game time decision on his status was in question. Team doctors would not comment on the injury, but just said it was up to him. The night the Knights were looked forward to... a chance to be in the Finals again with a win! A nervous feeling was in the air and the Knights didn't seem relaxed early on. The dust of snow on the ice made for traction on the ice difficult. Midway through the first however, the Knights opened the scoring and a nice give and go play between OVL and Adamus that sent Steve down the sideboards. With The U defence covering the other Knight players out in front of the key, Steve was able to walk in on goal untouched and get the Knights the lead they wanted. The game was a penalty filled affair again as ref Carlos was whistle happy all game. From goalie interference to bench minors, everything was called and it eventually got both teams in trouble. With all the trouble, The U jumped on a power play and tied the game at 1-1 before the first period closed out. The U able to start the second with another goal and take their first lead off the series at 2-1 before more penalties were called and both teams warned about the situation. The Knights beared down and banged their way to another goal on a shot by Adamus that sailed above the net. Stepper was able to dig the puck from behind the net and wrap it around, only to be saved, but the rebound bounced in with Rich on the doorstep incase the puck didn't go in. The 3rd period was interesting. Scott was dragged down and then high sticked on the same play. The result was a double minor and a penalty shot. Clarke took the shot and was stopped, but the power play was still available. In what was suppose to be a 4 minute advantage, was not even close. Apparently the penalty was a 2 minute one, b/c of the double minor making it a penalty shot. Absolutely confusing and the Knights didn't make use of the power play anyways. After all the confusion, the U jumped on their opportunity and scored again on a power play chance to take the lead 3-2. Pressure was apparent on the Knights bench now. The U then began to play with the puck in their zone to kill the clock until another penalty was called against them, which also meant another penalty shot with just over 2 minutes to go. Steve took the shot this time and tried low blocker side and was unable to lift the puck over the goaltenders pad. The Knights power play pressured the U zone and the Knights pulled Ted for the extra attacker. The U were able to kill the clock in the Knights zone and the game was over. A tough loss and a sudden death game 3 is now booked! There are 2 teams, but only 1 ticket to the show.
 

Playoffs - Semi-Final - Game 1: The U
Talk about a revved team! The Knights were ready to rock and roll and The U was the opponent. "I'm feeling it tonight, boys!", commented OVL in the dressing room before the game. Almost all the guys were there early. "What... everyone is here already?", Dingo comments as he arrived 10 minutes earlier than normal, partly b/c he is on vacation all week! A couple of notes to mentioned before the game. Grumps still hurting with a hamstring pull... dressing and willing to take a couple of shifts. Degrave was called away to a presentation, but will be back Tuesday. The shortage on defence was minimized as Clarke dropped back again to help out. The Knights exploded in offensive rushes early and got the first goal of the game on a plass out in front to Stepper and a wide open net for him to ring the middle bar at the back of the net. Awesome way to start a game! With Clarke pinching and intercepting passes, the offensive chances continued. Soon after a 3 on 2 break for the Knights. Golinski to Steve, who shot from the circle and G banged at it for a bit and Stepper banged more until the puck crosses the line. A 2-0 lead Holmstrom style in the crease! Basically after this, the game became very chippy. The U eventually got into penalty trouble. Stepper was sprung on a breakaway, but was stopped. The stop was also a The U penalty and a penalty shot for the Knights. Scotty took the opportunity and was looking to put the Knights up 3-0. As he ran down the ice, he missed the puck at the top of the key and over ran the puck. The play was dead. "That might have been worse than my chance in Dauphin" said Grumps after the game. More scuffles in the The U zone as Ron was trying to get the puck from the The U goalie, but the defensemen didn't like it and started punching Dingo. Word was that if the guy punched Dingo in the chest one more time... he would have snapped! Not a pleasure thought! The end of the second period and the score remained 2-0. The defense was on fire! No shots were allowed through and cleared out faster than bullet! Adamus didn't mess around with the puck and moved it forward before any The U player got to him. Grumps battled in the game, but sidelined himself in the 3rd period. The Knights eventually got another goal, when Golinski got Blaine the puck, who carried the puck up the ice and shot at the net. The shot was re-directed off Stepper knee for the goal. "tic-tac-leg", said Steve!. More importantly... with half a period to go... the score was 3-0. A surprising penalty on OVL was called, when a The U player was thought to be called as well. The refs didn't want to give the Knights another penalty shot. The U scored their first of the game on a powerplay on a scramble in front of the net, when eventually one of their player got a clear shot for the net with just over 2 minutes to go in the game. The Knights were definitely on their heels down the stretch. The U kept blasting shots in and eventually they snuck between the Knights legs and into the net with 1:04 left. Bad thoughts were running through the Knights heads now, but the Knights killed the remained minute as The U had an extra attacker too. Ted played great again coming up with a huge glove save again late in the game with no rebounds. The Knights are now looking to Tuesday night to shut the door on the semi-finals!
 

Game 14: Steamrollers
Wow! what a COLD one... -25 (-39 wc) to be official! Lots on the line in this game. A win for the Knights secures top spot in the division and a loss would make life at the top difficult. "I just don't have that feeling tonight boys", commented OVL in the dressing room before the game b/c his lucky shirt was wet in the washer. All Knights team members were present for this one with only Grumps on the sidelines with his bruised hamstring. The cold air seemed to affect the Knights early again as most of the chances were in favor of the Rollers, who eventually grab the 1-0 lead on a slapper from the point. A little worried, but too concerned were the Knights, that's until the Steamrollers moved the lead to 2-0 before the first period was over. The game clock seemed funny in this one as the period went by very fast (more to come). Shaken, but not stirred were the Knights as the second period opened. Earlier into the second, the Knights got their first of the night on a nice pass by Scott to the middle that sent Steve free and clear on the breakaway. A quick shot to the low blocker side was stopped, but he pounced on the rebound and put it through the five-hole. Soon after the Knights started to roll again. A 3-2 breakout by the Knights with Golinski in the middle, who fed Steve to the sideboards and Stepper was flying to the net. OVL spotted him and quickly got the puck over to be re-directed into the net to tie the game at 2-2. The momentum was completely on the Knights side now, but the game remained close. Rich just missed a couple of great opportunities in front... maybe it was the HUGE goalie jersey he was wearing that through him off. Entering the 3rd period and the cold air setting in, the Knights took the first lead of the game after Steve got RayG the puck in front. "Shoot!" yelled Steve and Golinski put the puck upstairs. Unlike in the previous game, the Knights couldn't hold the lead. The Rollers clawed their way back and tied it at 3-3 on a power play chance when Step was called to the box. Lots of time remained in the 3rd and the Knights continued to press the game. Degrave then buried a wrist shot outside the crease to the top corner after Steve spotted him. Very nice shot! The Steamrollers didn't rollover and die in this one. With only 2:30 left in the game, they blasted a shot by Ted to tie it again. The Knights created multiple chances in the end, which included a power play chance late in the game, but the nothing came of it. Make the final 4-4, but a single point in the standings doesn't secure first place for the Knights. The point however does secure minimum of second place in the division. A major difference in the game was the lack of shots on goal and compared to the previous game. But that is history and the playoffs loom. The opponents remains a mystery too, at least until Saturday afternoon. Tick, tick, tick....

Game 13: Creepers
Due to the cold, the Creepers have decided to default their game to the Knights. Lucky for them... the Knights were ready this time, especially with A-side positioning critical. So the scenario looks a little bit better now. A Knights win over the Steamrollers will guarantee 1st place in the division. The opponent will be determine soon, but who ever it is... the battle has just begun! Hold on Knights... we are in for a RIDE! "We are the team of destiny", shouted Dingo after the game. The ESPN cover story (left side ad) said it earlier in the year and now the time has come!

Game 12: Steamrollers
What a run the Knights had have to date, which included a doubleheader classic less than a week ago with Ted shining bright. Rumors were swirling that a player of the Knights has failed a substance test by the OESTT (Old Ex Substance Testing Team)... then word on the street was Ted was skipping out on the doubleheader. Nobody wanted to assume though, then rumors were squashed when Ted appeared and played goal for the Knights. Turns out a ref tested positive for alcohol. "I was only trying to stay warm!" yelled the ref as he carried away. "Tell it to the judge, big boy!". The new ref... from Finland... Rauno stepped in his place. It was a bone chilling night. "Your hands sweating already, Mark?" asked Dingo as he stood like a frozen snowman before the game. The official game time temperature was -21 (-31 wc). A number of players missing on the night included Grumps on the 7 day DL. Blaine, who seems to allergic to purple, "I rash out!" and Adamus, who was stuck on a ladder again, "Damn copper wires!". With the defence short, Scotty stepped up and patrolled the line with Degrave for the game. The ice conditions were nice, but sort of grippy and then the puck finally started to freeze which helped! Unfortunately for the Knights, the first place Steamrollers adjusted first and made the score 1-0. The Knights furiously pressured the Rollers net and were piling the quality shots on net, but nothing. "This goalie is good", commented G. Dingo had an in close chance to pot home another in his goal scoring season, but was denied. Golinski had his chances in the first as well when OVL set the play up, but nothing came of it. A low scoring first period carried over into the second, but this time in the Knights favor. Stepper was able to block a shot and sprint a breakaway, pull a deke and ring the post, then the goalie covered. Stepper didn't like that and on the very next face off, he battles his way from the face off dot to the net to register the goal he missed earlier. Assist was Teddy's. Later in the second, the Knights continued their pressing as Mark poked it to Steve who found Rich across the crease for the goal, who snapped a 10 game goalless streak (last scored in game 1) and a key Knights lead. The game was a close one, which included a penalty kill, but no chances for the Rollers, who seemed frustrated. The 3rd period started slow for both teams as the importance of the game was apparent between the two titans! With a mix up between the players, the Rollers capitalized with a guy wide open as the side to beat Ted to tie the game at 2. On the very next face off, Mark got past the center and waited out the defence to fed a streaking Yos, who buried the puck. The goal seemed to break the shell of the goalie. Mark was able to up the lead to 4-2 on a wrister open the top of the crease after Degrave spotted him. Out of the blue... Adamus appears. Unfortunately for him, it was the 3rd period, but adding him to the defence late in the game was critical for the Knights. The Knights continued their offensive explosion when Scott got a pass out from Steve in the corner... he patiently out waited the goalie and then bank handed the shot to the top corner... beauty shot! While this was all happening, Teddy was putting on a showcase AGAIN with big blocker saves and a beauty Patrick Roy glove save. With the score 5-2, Rich started a play in the Knights zone along the Knights bench, broke free and from the bench heard "Steve is flying up the middle". On his off hand, he bank handed a towering pass that connected with Steve nicely for the breakaway and he beat the Rollers goalies blocker side again. Wow... 6-2! The Knights need to figure out with to do next time a lead like this presents itself. A defensive shell seemed to surround the team and it allowed the Rollers to make it 6-3. The Knights re-grouped and put the pedal to the metal and stopped anything else from happening with their back checking. A couple of improvements include as always better passes earlier in the game and winning the face offs. "The last couple of games I've struggled at the dot, but I'll get it going and bring it back to 80%!", mentioned Step in the post-game interview with Bob Kapenzie. This was a obvious team effort, but an extra mention must go to Scott (shifting to defence) and Degrave, who created multiple breakouts and chances. The extra mention goes to Ted for making life easy on the Knights when he originally was unavailable, but then was able to play... ...during the current 5 game winning streak (11 game unbeaten)... Ted has only allowed 6 goals in 5 games... on that's awesome! The win secures the tight A-side and a tiebreaker possibility with the Rollers. "Living on a prayer" is now 8-0-3 in Stepper's car. Started playing it after a 0-2 start.

Game 11: Terminators
Game 2 of the doubleheader had slightly better ice conditions as the snow slowed down a little. Blaine was called away to the minors and was missing for the game. The game was mucho important in the standings however with both team jockeying for the tiebreaker and positions! The Knights knew who the star player was on the Terminators and zoned in on him all game to prevent anything from happening. The opening score came early in the game as Scott pounded home the first of the night on a OVL fed to kick start the Knights! Both teams battled it out in the first period with nice breakouts with Golinski almost finding the net in close several times. The game remained 1-0 between both A-side teams. The second period however... was completely Knights owned! The barrage of scoring started when Rich outraced a Terminator to the corner and quickly spotted Mark in the slot and with the low wrister... got the game to 2-0. The Terminators took a slashing penalty on Step, which gave the Knights a power play and Degrave buried his chance from Rich again. Before the 2nd period was over, the Terminators threw his stick as Stepper took it to the net. The puck was swept away, but only for Mark to find Scotty in the middle to pop home the 4-0 lead! The defence took over too. Ray D, Cory and Adamus held their own and made the Terminators miss passes and intercepted the passes at the right times. Some outstanding saves by Ted in this game and both against their top player #88. The first was on a point blank chance as #88 sat alone in front. Ted sprawled across and Hasek-like stopped the puck. The second memorable save was in the third, when #88 was setup for the one-timer in the slot and Ted got across with his the foot out to make the save. There was no rebound either as the puck was glued to his foot. #88 was frustrated all game with the shadowed on him. Dingo even took an interference penalty in the shadowing and may have cost him the Lady Bing trophy. The Terminators did score just past the midway point of the third on a slapper above the slot to break the goose egg. Cory was feeling the hammie again and sat the bench in the 3rd period. The Knights responded with 2 minutes to go as Steve and Mark played give and go all the way to the net and Mark picked the far corner. Make the final 5-1 and another step to the A-side! This game was probably Ted's best game of the year. Hockey Analyst Kevin Kapmeeker was quoted as saying... "This team is for real and should put the fear into anyone.".

Game 10: The U
After a nice morning... the snow started to fall and heavy at times... of course just before the doubleheader. An early scare before the game started. The ice was cleared and the game was set to go, but no Ted in sight! The game was going to start early b/c of the snow coming down. To the rescue, Ted comes running in with his huge fur hat (need a picture of that!). The Knights took their timeout and Ted just got into the net before the game started with his suspenders outside his jersey. No warm-ups or nothing. Ted makes a big leg save on the first shot on net. The Knights crack the score sheet first on a bang the puck home goal in front as Steve got Stepper the puck to light the goal lamp. The U didn't give up as the puck was disappearing under the snow. They tied the game at 1-1 before the first period whistle. The second period was much of the same with opportunities for both teams, but the snow was creating havoc everywhere. The Knights did break out of the zone with Degrave flipping the puck down the boards to the corner resulted in Steve beating his guy to the puck and yelling, "Mark!", who was cruising to the net. Steve took the chance and slid the puck under the defenseman's leg and Mark one timed the puck into the net. A very nice play! The Knights continued their offensive pace and Scott was rewarded a goal on a Degrave passing play to make the score 3-1 at the second period bell. A couple of penalties were taken in the game by Adamus (you goon!) and Grumps on a slash. The U did capitalize late in the third, a chest level knockdown of the puck by the U player and then he picked the top corner on Ted with 38 seconds to go in the game. The Knights held off the U in the end by preventing any shots from getting through. A huge victory for the Knights against one of the Big boys in the division.

Game Notes: Rich was sporting a new toque... a Montreal Canadians Helmet looking toque... and Ray G had new knee pads for the game.

Game 9: Hawks
Officially the coldest night of the spongee season, -21C (-30C WC), but that didn't stop the slaying the Knights were about to provide the Hawks. The game was slightly delayed after all refs made their way to rink A after a huge bench brawl started. Once the ref made his way back, the game was in the Knights control from the opening draw to the end of the game. All aspects of the game were in complete control for the Knights in this one. Knights missing in action included Degrave, who was studying hard in the rare academic athlete role. Blaine was also a scratch after being sent to the minor league affiliate by the Knights brass. After an unsuccessful try with the Gamblers lawn bowling team, Scott was back in the lineup. "I had the talent to roll the ball, but at last cuts, I forgot my knee high socks and they sent me packing."
The opening scoring was provided by Steve on an Adamus pass (which was the game winner) on the second shift of the game. Shortly after, Cory spotted Mark in front of the Hawks net, who redirected the pass over the goalie to make it 2-0. Cory had a great game and continued his precision passing and found Steve streaking in the Hawks zone, made a move on the goalie before putting it in the open Hawks net.
The Knights rattled off 3 more goals in the second period, which included Mark scoring after Ray G battled for the puck in the corner to get it to Ron, who found Mark. Then a beautiful pass and score play by Scott in the defensive zone to a flying Cory on the boards, who then pocketed the goal. Due to the defence being short, Scott opted to play the point for the game and his passing ability out of the zone opened up the ice the entire game and he also added a huge slap-shot from the point. The final goal of the period was a perfect pass by Steve across the ice to Mark, who one-timed it from the top of the circle to the top of the net for Mark's hat-trick goal. "I don't think the goalie saw it", commented OVL. Ted was found sleeping at the other end as the control of the game was Knights Knights Knights! Although he came up big when needed, which included a save that was going wide, but he decided to make sure and deflected it over the cage.
The Knights continued to pound the Hawks in the third period because you never know in the game of spongee. Adamus hit the score sheet with his first of the season on a slow moving play. He took the puck from the Knights zone, found an opening along the side boards. Suddenly there was no Hawks in front of him to the net, but he decided to get Steve the pass in the middle, who promptly gave it back to him and drove the net and pulled a deke on the goalie and scored. "I figured I shoot all the time, this time I tried a move because it seems to work for Mark all the time", mentioned Adamus in the post-game interview. Before the close of the game, several Knights had opportunities, but the Hawks goalie (who was left out to dry) tried his best. Rich was robbed on a shot in the slot. Ron battled but couldn't find the net. Steve however had a great night and scored his hat-trick of the game after Golinski got him the puck and Steve tried the pass back, but the puck bounced between the Hawks feet and eventually went in. To round out the scoring, Steve found Mark in the slot, who quickly picked a corner on the Hawks goalie with Dingo providing the screen necessary for his 4th of the game. A nice game for Steve with a rare double hat-trick (3G 3A) The final score was 9-0. "I think this is the first shutout in Knights history", said Ron to the press. After a quick search, Ted has earned the first shutout in modern Knights organization history (since 1999). The 9-0 win was also one of the largest victory. The win gives the Knights a 7 game undefeated streak which includes a win, tie, win, tie, win, tie, win!

Game 8: Creepers
After a huge win earlier, the Knights needed to focus on the Creepers. Before the game started, in the distance... "is it a bird, a plane... no... its Adamus." After being MIA in the first game... he needed to explain! "I was caught up on a ladder and the parking patrol was giving us a hassle and we couldn't get the job done.". Apparently someone wanted their MTV! Maybe sitting around between games or the glow of the victory earlier was still in the Knights minds, but their came out flat and the Creepers took advantage of odd man breakouts and miscommunication between the defence and forwards. Suddenly the Creepers had a 2-0 lead! The Knights seemed panicked and started to play hard again. After a couple of missed chances in front, Mark was able to get the puck to Ron, who scored as he lifted it past the Creepers goalie. Ron is now on an unheard of 2 game goal scoring streak. Cory did play the second game of the doubleheader in pain and didn't have the mobility he wanted. He easily got the workhorse of the game award, but he would trade that in a second to heal the hamstring. The Creepers came out in the second on fire again after things seemed to settle down, the Creepers took their 2 goal lead again at the beginning of the second on a long pass past the defence. Then a hammer shot from the point beat Ted to make it 4-1. The game was getting out of hand! A timeout was called immediately to settle the troops. The timeout worked perfectly as Steve scored on perfect play from Steve to Mark from side boards to side boards with Rich letting the pass go by him. Steve then sprinted down the ice for the feed from Mark and found a hole in the goalie's armor. Rich almost put home a shot in the slot that got to the goal line and stayed out. "Yeah... its in!" yelled Rich trying to convince the ref Erskine. The defence did their best to pinch in on breakouts and communication was better on several occasions to spark the team and kept the game a respectable 4-2 going into the 3rd period. Ted kept the game closer and gave a chance to the Knights to mount their comeback ("Knights Style"). The game seemed to be tilting in the Knights favor or maybe the latest sponsorship with gatorade helped the Knights get re-energized. Blaine was called on a cross-checking penalty early in the 3rd period, but the Knights PK killed the PP again. Midway through the third... Stepper was on the point and stopped the play from going out and had a clear shot at the goal, but found Golinski in the slot instead, who buried the goal for the Knights. With time ticking away on the Knights, several big plays happened. Steve chasing down a Creepers player on the breakaway, forcing the Creeper to misfire and soon after Steve found Mark racing to the net, fed the perfect pass to him for the breakaway. Mark scored on a quick deke and took out the net at the same time to cap the highlight of the night with less than 3 minutes to go. The Knights were continued the pour the pressure on and had several chances near the end, which included a couple of posts and a play with less than 5 seconds to go as Steve's pass was just to high for Mark at the side of the net, in what was the game winner. No harm done... the Knights get a point in the standings and continue their undefeated streak to 6 games with the 4-4 tie and their pursuit for an A-side finish! With a week till the next battle, Cory will have a chance to rest his nagging hamstring again.

Game 7: Kiss Army
Well, well, well... who do we see on the schedule! None other than Kiss Army! Early dressing room talk by the Knights was victory. "I've had a good feeling all day.", mentioned G. "I can't wait to write-up the news tomorrow, 5-2 Knights.", replied Step. Another warm day, but ice conditions held up pretty good. The Knights knew the strategy going in was to shadow one of the star players early and all game long! Unfortunately, one star slipped away and Kiss Army made the Knights pay early to grab a 1-0 lead. The Knights have only lead once this season, so this was nothing new to them. Grumps was on the ice in this game after missing 3 games with the hamstring pull. Scott was on a plane to the "city of lights", Las Vegas. Rumors were circulating that he was trying out for the Vegas Gamblers. They failed to mention it was senior lawn bowling... but have fun anyways! Adamus was MIA in this one. The Knights didn't sit back all game and tied the game shortly after with Degrave's first goal of the night (more to come...) after a Rich setup. The Knights took back the lead on a nice Dingo goal in front of the net (ala Holmstrom) from OVL to put team purple out in front. As the Army was applying pressure, Degrave created an opportunity on his own with a blocked shot and then breakaway down the ice... clear sailing... and Degrave finds the back of the net. Penalties were the theme of the game... well... the Knights theme. Before the 1st period was over, Rich was called to the box and Kiss Army capitalized just before the period finished (less than 3 seconds) to make it 3-2 on a rare short handed goal allowed. The Knights stuck to the game plan and were able to continue their assault on the net. Degrave got the hat-trick (first Knights this season) after pinching in at the right time as Mark saw him flying to the slot from the side boards. Might have be the goal of the night! Several hats were on the ice after the goal and the locals came out of the bushes were quick to scoop up the Domo and OldEx caps before anyone could get one. Midway through the second period, Cory suffered a setback and re-aggravated his hamstring after a quick move. "An unfortunate injury after doctors cleared him ready to play.", comments Dingo in the post-game interview. Going into to the 3rd period, the Knights seemed to have the momentum of the game and got another one on the night as Blaine potted his first of the year from Steve. There was no slowing down by the Army though and replied with their 3rd of the game after the Knights killed a 2 man short handed situation. Time was running out on the Army and finally the Knights got a power play late in the game and the Army pulled their goalie only for Golinski to score on the empty net to make the final 6-3. Oh what a feeling it is! The Knights are on cloud nine after the huge victory and first against Kiss Army ever. Hats off (LOL!) to Degrave on a great game and OVL on hounding "superstar#2" right from the opening draw and stealing the puck on multiple plays that totaling took him out of the game!
 

Game 6: Roadrunners
The rematch of less than a week ago with the Roadrunners when the Knights tied the game late. Blaine was set back to the minors (personal). "We would rather not comment on the sitaution.", commented GM Dingo as rumors of another team asking about his availability. Rich missed his first of the season with an upper body injury... but was later spotted at a Canad Inns in a casino event. The league continues to investigate. Coach Grumps continues to patrol the bench with camera in hand as his status on the 14 day IR looks to be done by next game. The Roadrunners brought a huge team for the rematch and jumped on the Knights early. The defence was Adamus and Degrave for the second time this season. The play of the Knights was sluggish in the early going and as a result, the Roadrunners made the score 2-0 and the game was looking to be ugly. "We could be pumped today.", noted a Knight player on the bench. Before the first was over, Steve spotted Stepper behind the defence on a breakaway and with a quick deke, the score was 2-1. The game seemed to favor the Knights except for the penalties called by the ref left the Knights shorthanded. But the Knights scored to tie the game on a pass out in front by Mark to Golinski in the slot and nothing but net. The Roadrunners on their 3rd power-play of the day capitalized on a blast from the point to beat Ted. That was the first power-play goal scored against the Knights on the season. "The following takes place between the times of 2:30 to zero seconds remaining in the game". The Knights started a power-play late in the game... during the power-play, Ray G was getting a tripping penalty and as the Knights gained control of the puck for the whistle, Ray D fluttered a shot over the cage. The ref decided that was a delay of game penalty too. So now a power-play turned into a 4 on 3 short-handed situation with the Runners up 3-2 late. The Knights played well shorthanded with Steve, Scott and Mark on the ice. "10 seconds left in the Roadrunners penalty" yelled the ref, but the player jumped on the ice sooner. "Penalty over". Mark back in the play didn't see a player jump out of the penalty box and counted quickly and yelled to the ref. The Runners were back in the box for too many men. Back to 4 on 3, the Knights continue a dominating the play and beside the net, Steve took the puck away from the Raodrunners, slid it under the defencemans leg to Mark, who brought the puck out in front, only to be stopped, but on the rebound lifting the puck into the net with 30 seconds. The Knights still shorthanded, played for a tie in the end and the game remained a tie. A huge point for the Knights after nearly losing another one.

Game 5: Hawks
A full squad was out for the all important "Battle in the Dungeon" match-up! Coach Grumps made the journey and Blaine was back from his conditioning stint with the Jokers. The ice conditions were nice in the brisk cold air. Both teams were put into the rink, the gates were locked and the keys thrown away until a winner was found. The Knights set a goal for the night besides winning the game. It was to score the first goal of the game, which has eluded them all season. The second shift of the game put the Knights shorthanded, but that didn't stop them from producing. With Blaine in the box, Mark was able to intercept a pass and race down the ice get a shot away, only to have Ron clean up the rebound for his 3rd of the season, but more importantly his first with his stick. Ron did look back to see if he could keep the puck, but before he got the chance on the next play the puck was a new souvenir in the stands. The Knights continued to out muscle the Hawks in all aspects of the game and Steve capitalized from the slot after Scott fed him the puck. The low shot found the mesh and the score was 2-0. Before the 1st period was done the Ray-Ray connection found the score sheet as Golinski popped a goal after Degrave set him up. A brilliant period for Knights as everything seemed to be going nicely. The 2nd period started slow for the Knights and the Hawks took advantage with their first of the game. Ted faced minimal shots in the first period and was surprised they knew where the net was. At one point in the game, it seemed like 8 of the 10 players on the ice were in front of Ted and slapping sticks with the puck somewhere in the mess before Ted pounced on it. Steve found the scoreboard again on the night after he deflected a Admaus shot in the slot. The official goal was sent to the video replay and it was determined that OVL got a stick on it. The Hawks replied again to make the 4-2, but before the second period was done, Degrave's laser wrist shot beat the Hawks goalie upstairs from outside the slot. "Ahhh... I just took the shot.", commented Degrave shortly after Blaine made the cross ice setup. The 3rd period slowed down and Ted came up with some big stops to prevent any comeback after the Hawks snuck one past him early. Rich did his thing to prevent a goal by cross checking a guy at the side of the net before he could shot the puck. "It was either that or a goal.", laughed Rich. Make the final 5-3 Knights and back to the A-side the Knights go! Ohhhhh what a feeling!

Game 4: Roadrunners
The Knights were looking to continue their winning ways after their first victory earlier in the week. The winless Roadrunners and a late Sunday showdown was on tap next! Adamus cleared waivers and the Knights had him in the lineup, but Blaine is continuing his stint with the Jokers affiliate. Grumps was coaching the team and nursing his hamstring injury (which looks to keep him out for another week), so he will patrol the sidelines and chewing the gum as Pat Quinn does. With the Roadrunners wearing purple too... the orange pinnies were the latest and greatest jerseys for the Knights. Maybe it was the orange, but the Roadrunners seemed to take advantage of the situation and scored first and early. The Knights seemed to relax after that. The results remained the same though until the second period, when Ray D feed Stepper on the side boards, who then found Scott across the rink at center, who then found a blazing Steve inside the Roadrunners blueline and behind the defence, who then roofed the Knights first goal of the game! "That's why we pay him in pesos", GM Dingo mentioned to Grumps. Dingo himself ALMOST pounded home a goal with his stick, but was denied. The clock continues. The game was a tense affair. OVL was called a retailiation penalty after a Roadrunner was holding him along the boards. The OVL punch to the face was the call. OVL was part of other situations, which included a trip on the way to Runners net. There was no call on the play that hurt OVL. "Let's just say, for the only game I don't wear any pads, I paid the price. Will not make that mistake again.". Ironmen of the game included Ray D and Adamus controlling the point for most of the game and holding the Runners to minimal opportunities. A late powerplay for the Knights with 4:30 to go. But during the powerplay, Mark was sent off on a coincidental penalties on the draw and Ray G was called on a cheap goalie interference call to scratch the powerplay. No harm was done in the end and the penalty box was cleared before OVL got into another tussle that resulted on him and a Runners player being sent off after multiple run-ins on the same shift. With Rich playing the point, the draw went back to him and like the "parting of the sea", he spotted Mark wide open behind the Runners coverage and with a quick move, the goalie was toast and the game was tied at 2-2 with 50 seconds to go. The play was back and forth during the final seconds and the Knights eventually cleared the zone and almost made the ultimate late game comeback, when Scott had the puck at center, but was stopped from getting a hard pass to Mark wide open in the Runners zone before time ran out. The Knights earned a much deserved point on the night. The Knights will be back to the purple colors for the next one... no confusion anymore!

Scoring Summary - T 2-2
Period	Goal	Assist	PIM
1			Steve (2)
2	Steve	Scott	-
3	Mark	Rich	-
3			Mark (2)
3			Ray G (2)
3			Steve (2)

 

Game 3: Terminators
On what might have been the coldest night of the spongee season and with ice conditions near perfect, the Knights knew exactly what they were facing. Almost the entire team showed up early to warm-up and pass the puck like the Red Army. Prior to the game, the Knights assigned Blaine to the minor league affiliate, the Jokers and Adamus was once again a healthy scratch, which has trade rumors circulating. "We have not spoken or been in talks with any teams.", commented Dingo at the early morning practice. Foskett, a Joker vet was called up for the game. The Terminators were able to score the first of the game and stun the pumped up Knights. Shortly after the Knights rallied to tie the game of a beauty pass by Degrave to Mark, who found the five-hole. Terminators replied back with one of their own before the unthinkable happened. With a double minor assigned to the Terminators for high-sticking Degrave in the face and opening a small cut,  the Knights capitalized on the powerplay. Great work at the point had Cory feed a pass to Brian, who snapped a low shot into the net to tie the game. "After further review, the goal was deflect by Rondingo (leg)... YES... Rondingo.", stated the ref. After almost a year, Dingo scored his first of the year. The Knights took their first lead of the game on a Scott shot block, Scott shot block, Scott shot block, pass to Golinski >>> GOOOOOAAAAL! After having the game tied up, Golinski potted his second of the night on a corner feed by Scott to the near slot and nothing but net. A huge blow to the Knights roster in the second period came when Cory raced down the ice to join the play and heard a pop in his hamstring. He will undergo testing Friday to determine the extent of the injury. The Knights are hoping for favorable news. The see-saw game continued with another goal by Ron on a deflection off his leg again on a cross pass by Rich. "Its a goal, he made no forward motion.", yelled the ref. "Who needs a stick?", laughed Ron. The Knights scored off the next draw again when Rich found Stepper behind the defence and with a quick move, he put the puck in the back of the net. The goal gave the Knights a 6-5 lead with under 5 minutes to play. Ted stoned the a Terminators player on a wide open opportunity with his glove on his side. The save had the Terminators shaking their heads! The star player of the Terminators then took the game into his hands and took the puck from one end to the other, spun on a dime and scored. That kind of traction on that ice was impossible. With the game 6-6, Foskett took a interference penalty with 2:30 left in the game. On the penalty kill, Steve and a Terminator player got into a scuffle beside the net that resulted in both being ejected, but the talk didn't stop there... they both continued the talk on the bench before being separated again. Being shorthanded in the final minutes of the game is not fun, but the Knights penalty Killing (100%), did a great job by clearing the zone and eventually Stepper found Scott up the middle for a 1 on 2 play. Scott walked inside the Terminators blueline and let a blast go and beat the goalie shorthanded to take the lead 7-6 with 1:30 to go. Late faceoffs and pressure was cleared by the Knights to hold onto the win. A crazy battle, but the correct result! A much deserved win for the Knights who now face the Roadrunners in a rare Sunday night game.

Scoring Summary - W 7-6
Period	Goal	Assist	PIM
1	Mark	Ray D	-
1	Ron (pp)	Brian	-
2	Ray G	Scott	-
2			Brian (2)
3	Ray G	Scott	-
3	Ron	Rich	-
3	Mark	Rich	-
3	Scott (sh)	Mark	-
3			Brian (2)
3			Steve (2)

Game 2: The U
Some spongee insiders argued on whether game 2 of the Knights season was a "must" game. "After a fantastic preseason and lots of hype, the Knights came out flat in game 1, which was very unlike the Knights and it cost them.", comments Jim Kyte of the 'Spongee Tonight' radio show. A couple of game time changes included the introduction of Cory and Blaine with new stylin' jerseys, Blaine's first career regular season game and a Adamus was a healthy scratch. Lots of nerves running through the team and it showed early after many chances, The U scored to open the game after a long 0-0 tie. The Knights seemed to respond to the goal and added 2 of their own by Steve on a breakaway by Scott and then a goal by Scott from Golinski to take a lead 2-1 that was short lived. Maybe the Knights saw they had a short bench, but the early game collapse started once again. Brutal passing lead to multiple goals by The U and the lead evaporated to 5-2 before the Knights decided to shake things up and a comeback started once again. The score was narrowed to 2 after a blast by Cory was tipped by Dingo and almost scored before Stepper notched the puck into the back of the net. The Knights had a full period to try and tie up the game. Golinski scored his first of the season on an upstairs wrist shot, which made Wendel smile who happen to be guest hosting the radio show. "Thataboy!" The game was now 5-4. Ted and the defence held the guys in the game, but poor passing, no intensity and missed chances lead to a second defeat. This loss was tough for the Knights who are now 2 games under .500. Knights management had a closed door meeting after the game and rumors are swirling. The waiver line noticed "Grimlock" of the Geeks available, but salary cap restrictions will prevent the Geek from donning the purple. Another rumor circulating is that the Soviet Red Army was in town. Rondingo denied that the Knights brought them to town to help with the passing game in the post game interview. All said and done, the Knights have dug themselves a hole and now face the Terminators to try and re-group.

Quote of the game:
"I can feel it, either Golinski or Ron will have a breakout game tonight, perhaps both." - Steve

Game 1: Kiss Army
A rematch of last season's semi-final was the first game on the schedule. The Knights were seeking revenge and to start the year on the winning note. It only took Kiss Army about 5 minutes into the game to make the score 1-0 and set the Knights back early. The Knights did not sit around for the Army. Only about 3 minutes later, the Knights score their first of the season on a Steve pass that threaded the needle between 2 defencemen to Mark who was initially stopped by was able to score on his rebound to tie the game. Unfortunately for the Knights, they went away from shadowing their star players and it cost the Knights dearly. Kiss Army opened the game up before the 1st period was over and piled in 3 unanswered goals to make the game 4-1. The Knights were able to stop some bleeding on a goal by Rich in the slot from a behind the net puck by Stepper. But yet again, Kiss Army snuffed out that goal with one of their own early in the 3rd period. "You guys can't win anything!" said their star player to Steve, Mark and Rich. "You didn't win anything either", replied Rich. The Kiss Army player had no response to that. Steve and their star player were chatting up a storm after a deliberate penalty by the Kiss Army player on Steve. The power play allowed the Knights to narrow the lead to 5-3 on a Scott redirection goal after the Ray D point shot. Adamus had some breakout chances and stirred up the pot late in the game. The Knights were all over Kiss Army for most of the second and third periods, but with 1:38 left in the 3rd period, Rich was called on a interference penalty. Kiss Army controlled the play for a bit before Cory cleared the zone and then Ray D was able to steal the point pass and race on the down. He waited for an opening and capitalized on the chance to bring the score to 5-4. Kiss Army star got another penalty after body-checking Steve again after Steve out-muscled him from the puck. The penalty came with less than 20 seconds and Kiss Army was able to control the puck and dump it down the ice into the open net to win 6-4. The Knights played good hockey in the 2nd half of the game, but the early blunders cost the game. The Wendel Clark school likes the showing by Golinski and Rondingo, but the Rondingo goalless streak continues, but he played a great game and had chances. "I like the quality of the shots lately, but there is still more work to be done. The next lesson is to shoot the puck earlier and hopefully they will see the results", said Wendel Clark after the game. It was a good effort by all and who wants to worry about losing a game. The loss is now out of the system and play can continue.

Quote of the game:
"Finally Steve picks on a player his own size", Scott in the locker room referring to Steve past scuffles with players big than him.