Welcome to weekly Black Bears Newsletter, featuring your favorite hockey team’s latest news and events!
Game 15 (Regular Season) 2/25/06
Bears win second straight with 3-1 win
The Black Bears put together another solid team performance Saturday, winning the first of back-to-back games 3-1 over the Minutemen.
The Bears followed up a Minutemen rebound goal late in the first period with a goal the very next shift, as Phillip Mitchell scored his fourth of the year off a Kyle Burkovich rebound to tie it up. Just 45 seconds later, Burkovich converted a Jacob Geiwitz pass into a breakaway goal and a 2-1 Bears lead. Defenseman Wes White made two keys plays in the second period to keep the Bears in the lead – his diving stop on a two-on-one foiled a Minutemen scoring attempt, then his check early in the third period stopped a potential Minutemen breakaway.
Kyle Burkovich scored his second of the game off a perfect feed from Phillip Mitchell to give the Bears a 3-1 lead late in the second period, and the Bears defense and goaltender Kelsey Eglinton made that stand up for the Bears second straight win.
Game Summary
Goals: Mitchell (4), Burkovich 2 (6)
Assists: Geiwitz (10), Burkovich (3), Mitchell (8)
Penalties: Geiwitz (Tripping)
Goaltending: Eglinton 23 Shots, 22 Saves
Shots on Goal: Black Bears 22
Not Dressed: Udall
Stars of the Game
#1 Kyle Burkovich – 2 Goals, Assist
#2 Philip Mitchell – Goal, Assist
#3 Wes White – Excellent D!
Game 16 (Final- Regular Season) 2/26/06
Last (nano)second goal gives Black Bears third straight win
Sitting on a 1-1 tie with only 19 seconds left in the game, and deep in the Black Bears defensive zone, defenseman Matt Vendl poked the puck to Kyle Burkovich, who took off on a rush down the ice, sliding past and deking around defensemen, gliding over the blue line, and finally scoring into the top corner of the net just as the horn went off and time expired, giving the Bears a heart stopping 2-1 win over the Minutemen. The victory was their third straight as they finished undefeated in 4 of their final 5 games to finish the regular season on a high note.
Playing against defenseman turned goalie AJ Culp, the Bears could not find the back of the net for two periods. Luckily, goaltender Kelsey Eglinton held the fort until a bouncing rebound trickled past her for a 1-0 Minutemen lead early in the third period. But in a repeat of Saturday’s game, the Bears scored on the very next shift as Jacob Geiwitz took a pass from Jordan Helm and Charlie Allen and blasted one into the net to tie the score. The Bears defense, led by Matt Vendl, Jacob Geiwitz, Wes White and Nathan Lawson continued to impress, shutting down the middle of the ice and forcing the Minutemen to play and shoot from the perimeter, where Kelsey Eglinton gobbled up shots and frustrated the Minutemen shooters. This set the stage for Burkovitch’s last second heroics.
Game Summary
Goals: Geiwitz (1), Burkovich (7)
Assists: Helm (5), Allen (2), Vendl (4)
Penalties: Burkovich (Slashing); Geiwitz (Roughing); Woodruff (Roughing)
Goaltending: Eglinton 14 Shots, 13 Saves
Shots on Goal: Black Bears 22
Not Dressed: Udall, Applebach, DeForest, Caravella, Smith
The BLACK BEARS Next Two
We will play our first playoff game on Sunday, March 11 at 11:30 a.m. against the Eagles
written by Coach James Miroslaw (published in the weekly Black Bears News)
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Feb news
Well, it's February. End of the hockey season looming (doesn't that seem quick?), the Super Bowl XL has been played, and believe it or not, the puppies are turning one. That also means it has been a year since our beloved Toosox left us for the Bridge.
Hockey has been going well. Kyle had a hat trick (3 goals in one game for you non-hockey people) during their game on 1/28, however, the Black Bears still managed to lose that one, 7-5. He is having fun, nonetheless, and getting pretty good at checking. And kudos to Kyle for nary a penalty in his first 7 games back.
Joe is set to finish another training session tomorrow night. Unfortunately, though, we have already been informed that he will not be progressing on to level 3. All dogs must be completely off-leash trained for advancement to the next level. So Joe & I will be continuing in level two for a while yet.
Snoopy has recovered quite well from his surgery. He's just about ready to go back into training, but that will have to wait until Joe moves up to level 3. They can't both go to training on the same night. So it is likely that Noo will wait until spring to start. It's probably just as well, because right now, he doesn't seem any too enthusiastic to listen!
The boys will turn one on February 21st. Unbelievable. In some ways it seems as though they've always been here, and in others, I can't believe how quickly they've grown. I miss my little bitty soft puppies, but I'm so glad to be through the housebreaking stage!
February 23rd marks one year since Toosox left us for the Bridge. There's not a day that goes by that we don't miss her sweet face or wonderful disposition. She was such a blessing in our lives and brought us so much joy over the almost 13 years she was with us. We love you little girl. You can go to this link to learn about the Rainbow Bridge. http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm
Kim has spent most of January setting up a family website. More for my own enjoyment (and frustration) than anyone else's. But if you're so inclined, you can visit www.burkovich.com and see the results. This will still be kept up and running for my pithy musings.
In closing, here in Maricopa County, we've now gone 109 days without any measurable precipitation. If any of you have any connections to the rain gods, could you please ask them to send us some? We're turning to dust down here.
Hockey has been going well. Kyle had a hat trick (3 goals in one game for you non-hockey people) during their game on 1/28, however, the Black Bears still managed to lose that one, 7-5. He is having fun, nonetheless, and getting pretty good at checking. And kudos to Kyle for nary a penalty in his first 7 games back.
Joe is set to finish another training session tomorrow night. Unfortunately, though, we have already been informed that he will not be progressing on to level 3. All dogs must be completely off-leash trained for advancement to the next level. So Joe & I will be continuing in level two for a while yet.
Snoopy has recovered quite well from his surgery. He's just about ready to go back into training, but that will have to wait until Joe moves up to level 3. They can't both go to training on the same night. So it is likely that Noo will wait until spring to start. It's probably just as well, because right now, he doesn't seem any too enthusiastic to listen!
The boys will turn one on February 21st. Unbelievable. In some ways it seems as though they've always been here, and in others, I can't believe how quickly they've grown. I miss my little bitty soft puppies, but I'm so glad to be through the housebreaking stage!
February 23rd marks one year since Toosox left us for the Bridge. There's not a day that goes by that we don't miss her sweet face or wonderful disposition. She was such a blessing in our lives and brought us so much joy over the almost 13 years she was with us. We love you little girl. You can go to this link to learn about the Rainbow Bridge. http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm
Kim has spent most of January setting up a family website. More for my own enjoyment (and frustration) than anyone else's. But if you're so inclined, you can visit www.burkovich.com and see the results. This will still be kept up and running for my pithy musings.
In closing, here in Maricopa County, we've now gone 109 days without any measurable precipitation. If any of you have any connections to the rain gods, could you please ask them to send us some? We're turning to dust down here.
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
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!
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!
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!
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