roadhockey.net

Rookies create Buzz

An influx of new players created a buzz at the road hockey courts on Sunday. It was one of those players who buzzed the loudest, leading his team to a dramatic comeback victory, 20-17.

With his team down 13-8 and struggling to solve the mysterious goaltending style of Paul One, who was making his first start between the pipes in Sunday Morning Road Hockey's modern era, Buzz stung for six straight goals to launch his mates in front to stay.

"I think our constant grit and determination paid off," says Elvis, who persevered on a line with the rookie pest. "Not knowing how anybody plays, obviously it took a few shifts to get used to everyone, who to look out for and who to take advantage of."

And with Paul One making his first goaltending start in the modern era after Lobsterboy was an unexpected late scratch, there seemed to be plenty to take advantage of.

"You know he's pretty green out there, and you're thinking this is going to be an easy game," says Cowboy Bill, who's line struggled to solve the neophyte netminder.

It was anything but. With a trio of energetic rookies forcing the play to the far end of the court, Paul One had plenty of time to ease into his newfound duties.

"I think I was getting one shot for every five shots that was going the other way," says the versatile veteran who returned to the courts after taking a couple of weeks off to enjoy his new son. "When you see the way that we were controlling the play, it gives you a lot of confidence for sure."

There flame may have burned brightly, but it burned quickly as it was blown out by Buzz and his veteran linemates once they found their legs.

"All the new players used up all their gas early, while the regular veteran guys knew it was going to be long one," says Elvis. "You just keep doing what you're doing."

"We've been playing with the same guys for years, and you know exactly where they're going to be," says Cowboy Bill. "When you add four or five new guys to the mix, you don't know where they're going to show up, where they're going to run to, how much hustle they have."

Just as some of the newbies faltered, Buzz took wing and single-handedly seized control of the game for his mates, who then shut the door defensively to protect their lead from a late resurgence by their overmatched opponents.

"It was a good team effort," says Elvis. "It felt pretty good to come back like that."

Bowed, but not beaten, Paul One still managed to find some encouragement.

"This was kind of a telling day as to what the future of road hockey holds," says the senior shotstopper, who's suffered the indignities of marginal turnouts for much of the season. "I think it looks pretty good."

Posted by jaysuburb at January 30, 2006 09:00 PM