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A Classic goaltenders' duel

During his 18 year road hockey career, Wink never shied away from the rough stuff. His stalwart defensive play was often punctuated by pile drive hits into the boards, or two-armed muggings at the top of the crease.

So it was fitting that Sunday's Wink Classic ended in thuggery and acrimony.

Moments after Chico ended up under a pile of players in his goal crease put there by the Colonel, he stormed out of the game to protest the feisty forward's apparent cross check of his teammate Franz Beckenbauer. It's the second time the shotstopping sophomore has emphatically protested his arch-nemisis' aggressive play.

It all brought back memories back for Wink, who watched Sunday's game from a chair in his driveway.

"My career was kinda embroiled in controversy and bodies strewn on the court," said Wink of the special game, which was played on the road in front of his to honour his career and difficult retirement which has been punctuated by health issues. "I felt it was kind of an ode to me and that was pretty exciting."

The Wink Classic was old time road hockey in every sense. Away from the enclosed confines of the court, the roadsters were free to roam the wide street and flanking sidewalks and lawns. They battled rough and potholed pavement, paused for passing cars and tempered their shots so the game wouldn't be delayed by long waits to fetch wayward balls.

"It's right back to where you started, it's why you play the game," said Chico. "I think the first time the guys yelled car, it gave you a little shiver. It was very sentimental."

"It took me back to elementary school, playing on the sidewalk, trying to get around guys," said Scooby.

"It reminds you that we're here to have fun," said Unabomber. "It brings out the spirit of the game, that we're all here to get some exercise, some fresh air and have some fun."

"It's old school to get out there and see where the sticks come out," said Wink. "The guy you like this week might be the guy you hate next week and you think all week about how much you hate that guy. It really felt like an old-time game."

As forwards stubbled to control the evil orange plastic ball on the rough road, the goalies controlled the game. Twizzler prevailed in a 4-3 win, the lowest scoring game in Sunday Morning history.

"Twzzler is a great goalie and a big guy, so he didn't need much movement," said Scooby. "There was no space in the net to shoot at."

"You couldn't see any net when you were in close," said Unabomber. "We had to rely on rebounds and garbage goals and a whole lot of bounces."

"The ball was bouncing all over the place, but I think the goalies were a bit ahead of the curve," said Chico. "Twizzler robbed us point blank six, seven, eight times, he made great glove hand stops, a couple of desperation saves."

The Wink Classic also marked the 20th anniversary of Sunday Morning Road Hockey. Playing on the open road was a fitting tribute to the game's roots, said the day's guest of honour, Wink.
"Back when men were men and Wendel was nervous, guys played like it mattered," said the notorious gameshow host gone bad.
It also rekindled his own passion that had fuelled his career for 18 seasons.
"I didn't realize who tough it was to be away from the game until today," said Wink. "A couple of times guys came by and I whacked 'em with my cane just like the old days. It brought back memories."

Three rookies suited up for Sunday's Wink Classic. But the turnout from the game's alumni was woefully disappointing as only Wendel made it to the special game.

Posted by jaysuburb at October 16, 2011 07:41 PM