Monday, January 23, 2006

Hockey News

Game 10 (Regular Season) 1/18/06
Black Bears Win over Warriors
The Black Bears saved their best for last on Wednesday, scoring three goals in the third period to erase a 3-1 deficit and earn an exciting come-from-behind 4-3 win over the Warriors.
Down 1-0 early in the opening period, Jeff Smith opened the scoring for the Bears with his first career goal. Willy Woodruff made a nice hustling play to keep the puck in the zone, and sent a quick pass to Smith, who buried the shot the high slot. It was also Willy’s first career assist.
The Warriors went ahead on a breakaway goal late in the first period, and scored what looked like an insurance goal halfway through the third period to go up 3-1. But the Black Bears weren’t done yet.
Jimmy Caravella and Jordan Helm combined on a sweet passing play that ended with a Kyle Burkovich goal to pull the Bears to within one. Then, Burkovich stole a puck in the neutral zone and tied the score with his second goal of the game. Meanwhile goaltender Kelsey Eglinton was busy shutting down the Warriors, who had a seven shot flurry after the Bears tied the score. Kelsey made a spectacular glove save to keep the game knotted at 3. Defenseman Matt Vendl then made a key play when he ran down a potential Warrior breakaway, hustling back and making the back check to keep the score tied.
When Nathan Lawson was whistled for interference with just over two minutes remaining in the game, it looked like the Bears could be in trouble. But Connor Royer made a great play to intercept a breakout pass and keep the puck deep in the Warriors zone, and after Matt Vendl and Spencer Applebach each kept the play alive, Royer scored the shorthanded game winner. “I’m way proud of our team today”, Coach James said from a very noisy Bears locker room. “Everybody contributed, with several players stepping up to make huge plays. This is a great comeback from the Terriers game – we came to play today, and it showed!”
 
Game Summary
Goals: Burkovich 2 (3), Smith (1), Royer (15)
Assists: Helm, Woodruff, Caravella, Applebach
Penalties: Applebach (Boarding); Lawson (Tripping); Mitchell (Elbowing); Lawson (Interference)
Goaltending: Eglinton 29 Shots, 26 Saves
Shots on Goal: Black Bears 16
Not Dressed: Latham, Allen
 
Stars of the Game
#1 Kyle Burkovich – 2 Goals
#2 Connor Royer - Shorthanded Game-Winning Goal
#3 Kelsey Eglinton – 29 shots, 26 saves
#4 Jeff Smith – First Career Goal
#5 Willy Woodruff – First Career Assist
 

Thursday, January 12, 2006

Agility Dog Joe and other news

As you know, Joe had to take Snoopy's training spot when Snoopy had shoulder surgery in November. Joe began training 3 weeks into the 6 week session. He made it through graduation, but apparently not well enough to move on to level two.

Since I didn't realize that Joe was supposed to be taking level one again (oops!) I showed up for the level two class. My fellow classmates assured me that Joe was worthy, but the trainer said she thought otherwise. But she said, since I was already there, and had missed the level one class, that we would see how it went.

Well, Joe elevated himself to level two! He did outstandingly - well enough at obedience, but unbelievable at agility. This dog was born for agility. Although his leash work still needs practice, his off leash work is good. And I have to hold him back from running into the agility course. He loves it.

So far he's learned the chute, tunnel, tire, a-frame, dog walk, jump, weave poles, and table. The weave poles still have the guides on them, so you can't really say he's mastered those. But the chutes and tunnels he flies right through and the jumps right over! The dog walk and a-frame are a breeze, but he's not fond of the teeter. He does fine until it starts to totter. Then he bails off! So the teeter-totter needs some work.

This week he flew right through a tire/chute/jump/table combo without hesitation. Also, a jump/dogwalk/tunnel/jump combo. He's progressing!

Snoopy is doing well also. He's still not back in training (maybe at the end of this 6 weeks) but we're doing a little work here at home. He's running and jumping again with his brand new shoulder. He's definitely putting the surgeon's work to the test. He's still completely unmanageable on leash, but I'm working on it. This dog is not food-driven which makes training a challenge. I can't seem to find a reward he'll work for!

We're nearing the one year mark with the pups. They still behave like babies so it's hard to believe they're almost adults!

It's almost one year since Toosox was diagnosed with lymphoma and began her decline. She still remains very much a part of our lives in spirit. She is always missed.

Kyle is enjoying his return to hockey. In the two games last weekend he managed a bunch of shots on goal and one assist. He doesn't seem to be bothered by the physical nature of PeeWee hockey at all either. We're hoping that with a little practice he'll be able to find the back of the net again. His team lost on Saturday, during a questionable penalty kill, 3-2. They had a huge game on Sunday, playing the first place undefeated team to a 3-3 tie. For this last place team with only one win on the books, that was a huge accomplishment.

Ron continues to play golf when he can and watch it when he can't. And I have greatly enjoyed my break from getting up every morning. Now that Kyle's back in school I'm battling with the alarm every morning.

Happy 2006 and don't forget to check in for updates on us!

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Breaking News

As written in the DSCC Black Bears Newsletter, dated 1-3-06:

Black Bears Acquire Burkovich
The Black Bears made their final deal in the “free agent” player market for this season, acquiring travel player Kyle Burkovich before the holiday break. Kyle has been successful in several travel programs from his start in Mite B through to Squirt A in 2004-5. “I am very excited to have Kyle join the team”, Coach James stated. “He is a solid skater, has great puck handling skills and good hockey instincts. He’ll certainly be a positive addition to our team.”  Please join me in welcoming Kyle aboard!