5:00 PM, showdown between two leader teams, Palmers Sweet Leaf and Rusts Puddle Jumpers. Some predicited a 4-3 win Sweet Leaf, all we knew is that this was going to be a fiesty one and we were not let down.
You could tell right from the beginning that Sweet Leaf were out to prove they could take the Jumpers and went up early with a sweet (no pum intended) tap-tap goal from behind the net to the front and in. Besty stood no chance on this one.
First blood to SL. Then the Jumpers came back to tie and go ahead by one. This was counter-acted by a high schooler, skating right up the middle around everyone and past Besty within a minute of the Jumpers going ahead. Hmmm, I wonder why #4 was brought out, to tie up the game?
This is when thing started to get really chippy. Lots of blatent cross checks, slashes and hits seemed to go un-noticed by Neimi and he started to lose control of the game. Two fights broke out at the PJ's net and ended up with Palmer and a PJ spending a 5 and 10 in the box (I think).
Things calmed down a bit and the PJ's went up 3-2, then tied 3-3. The shot difference was pretty large, with SL putting a bunch on Besty and kept him real busy between the pipes for the PJ's.
The PJ's snuck in two more to end the game 5-3, well 4-3 and one empty netter, Besty was a wall for the PJ's and allowed them to stay in the game and gave them the chances they needed.
Great, fun game to watch! More please!
The Blog all about the happenings of the Nytex Sports Centre's Adult Hockey Leagues, Texas Brahmas, and all things in between...
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Whalers 5, Jets 2
The Jets are always a tough team to beat. The Whalers knew they couldn’t play less than 100% and still win this one. Unfortunately for the men in green, personal schedules got in the way of hockey and several guys were unable to play in this prime time Saturday night meeting. Thurston, Chesser, Dillard, Watzke, Honeycutt and Mercado were not on the ice and this left two centers and two wings on one side. Regardless of the short roster they were able to adjust.
The Jets seem to be on the rise. At the start of this season nearly half of the team consisted of new players or free agents. Players seem to be getting a better feel for their teammates and they do have some quickness and decent goal tending.
The Whalers are the first on the board as Andy Thomas (26) finds Penney (10) in front of the net in the first minute of the game. The Whalers passing and puck possession in the offensive zone was working better than it had in maybe… forever. However, that was no indication that the Whalers were in for a cake-walk. Later on in the game the Jets’ Captain/Coordinator Brandon Suits (10) had enough of Hamstra (98) and decided to flip the puck into the chest of Hamstra after the whistle. Suits served a double minor and the Whalers score on the power play. Midway through the game the Jets found the net and closed the gap to 3-2. In the third period Jets #18 and Schooley (5) get tangled up on the boards and TJ Aarons (10) throws his hat in the ring as well (see video). The “misunderstanding” is cleared up quickly and play resumed shortly after. Note to the league: We need two refs per game.
Overall, I think both teams got what they expected. The Jets probably thought they would get under the skin of the Whalers as they do with most other teams. The Whalers planned to win by playing as a team. Whalers 5, Jets 2.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Uniform Talk
Something we havent done on here is really jumped head first into who has the best uniforms, or I guess just jerseys here at the Nytex Sports Centre.
The Bronze League has done a great job over the past couple years at getting all matching jerseys, most teams now a days have two sets.
The Silver League is in a similar state of affairs. Who knows about the gold league, I am not sure who even keeps up with that league anyway. Over 35 league teams always look real sharp, but that is because jerseys come as part of the package when you sign up. Not a bad idea really. Word on the street is this summer's big over 35 league will be an international vibe with teams representing Russia, Canada, USA, Finland, Sweden, etc, etc, etc, and teams will have two sets as part of their registration.
Now there are not many picture examples of most of these, so hopefully some of you tech savy kids can provide some in the comments section.
The Keller Indians have a classic logo that goes on both the silver and bronze teams sweaters. They sport a white and a dark (Navy). Not too much going on here, but it is classic, and recognizable. This is probably the most common sweater seen at Nytex as the Keller high school program wears the same jerseys. You can almost always find one at open hockey.
Stingers sport another simple yet classic design. Similar to the Dallas Stars Jerseys the Stingers have a black and a white jersey that has the word, Stingers, across the chest in an arch type formation.
Whalers have two sets as well, a white with the classic Hartford Whalers W in the shape of a whale tail, and a dark that has a whale on the chest. Both look great, especially since most of the time the entire team has socks to match.
Sweet Leaf is new and just rocks a green jersey. These jerseys remind me of the classic old old old school NFL jerseys where there was no logo or name or anything.
Rampage are rocking just one set as well with the teal blue jerseys, most of which have some sort of chupacabre type animal head on the front. Originality points for the wierd logo.
Sens have two sets, or more like one and a half. Originally the team sported red jerseys with the Binghamton Senators logo on the front with the word Tomcast in place of Binghamton. This was for a sponsor who helped with the original cost of setting the team up. A while back they switched to a different red jersey (blackhawks style) with the word, SENS, across the chest like the Ottawa Senators third logo.
Jets are a team with two as well, a white and a dark burgundy sweater that is in the style of the Avalanches sweaters. Solid look on these, they have been rocking the old school Winnipeg Jets logo. Great to see two teams in the lower division that carry the names and logos of some old school NHL clubs like Hartford and Winnipeg. Speaking of Winnipeg off topic of course, word on the street is that the Atlanta Thrashers will be relocated there as soon as next year. This is exciting as Atlanta does a terrible job at filling that arena, and no town with the nickname, Hotlanta, should have an ice hockey team.
Kicking it old old old school was the Ice Gators who had orange reebok practice jerseys with a Louisianna Ice Gators logo on it. Those uniforms were very unique, and high class.
Speaking of high class we now have three teams who go all out. The Puddle Jumpers have a white with their duck head logo, and a dark that looks like a New York Rangers logo with the word Jumpers down in diangle fashion on the front. Both of their sweaters have their names on the back and I think a logo on the shoulder and numbers on the arms.
Also going high class is the Men in Boats who have a dark and a white with names on the back and the classic MIB logo on front.
Bandits are high class as well, they have a black, white, and now the wheels off wanted poster alternate jersey. Greg Perry set the tone when he got the first bandits jerseys. The skull logo on front with the dark black and purple color scheme was new to the league, and fits in well.
Back to the Jets, the Silver Bullets were the Jets before the name change, they had the gray jerseys with the bullet on front that were very unique.
Up in the Silver League the Blazers have the Ronald McDonald maroon and white jerseys along with now the black jerseys with the b on front and a flame coming up the side. Some of the guys on the team have a red jersey with OKC on the front. There is a Blazers team out in Richardson that some of the guys from here moonlight on. Those jerseys were aquired when the Blazers decided not to stay in the CHL, and transition into a new team name and AHL franchise.
Hornets have a bright yellow jersey with a logo that this blog poster uses for the Stingers. I believe it originally came from the Cincinatti Sting or somesuch.
Ice Cracks have the most wheels off jerseys with the matching socks that look like, well ice cracking.
Dirtbags have a bright orange jersey similar to that of the old ice gators. Dirtbags have a sponsor from an area smoke shop that has their logo on the shoulders.
Ice Dogs have a simple dark blue jersey with an original logo as well as a white jersey bearing the same crest.
I know I left off probably half the teams, but who do you think has the best jerseys and why?
The Bronze League has done a great job over the past couple years at getting all matching jerseys, most teams now a days have two sets.
The Silver League is in a similar state of affairs. Who knows about the gold league, I am not sure who even keeps up with that league anyway. Over 35 league teams always look real sharp, but that is because jerseys come as part of the package when you sign up. Not a bad idea really. Word on the street is this summer's big over 35 league will be an international vibe with teams representing Russia, Canada, USA, Finland, Sweden, etc, etc, etc, and teams will have two sets as part of their registration.
Now there are not many picture examples of most of these, so hopefully some of you tech savy kids can provide some in the comments section.
Stingers sport another simple yet classic design. Similar to the Dallas Stars Jerseys the Stingers have a black and a white jersey that has the word, Stingers, across the chest in an arch type formation.
Whalers have two sets as well, a white with the classic Hartford Whalers W in the shape of a whale tail, and a dark that has a whale on the chest. Both look great, especially since most of the time the entire team has socks to match.
Sweet Leaf is new and just rocks a green jersey. These jerseys remind me of the classic old old old school NFL jerseys where there was no logo or name or anything.
Rampage are rocking just one set as well with the teal blue jerseys, most of which have some sort of chupacabre type animal head on the front. Originality points for the wierd logo.
Sens have two sets, or more like one and a half. Originally the team sported red jerseys with the Binghamton Senators logo on the front with the word Tomcast in place of Binghamton. This was for a sponsor who helped with the original cost of setting the team up. A while back they switched to a different red jersey (blackhawks style) with the word, SENS, across the chest like the Ottawa Senators third logo.
Jets are a team with two as well, a white and a dark burgundy sweater that is in the style of the Avalanches sweaters. Solid look on these, they have been rocking the old school Winnipeg Jets logo. Great to see two teams in the lower division that carry the names and logos of some old school NHL clubs like Hartford and Winnipeg. Speaking of Winnipeg off topic of course, word on the street is that the Atlanta Thrashers will be relocated there as soon as next year. This is exciting as Atlanta does a terrible job at filling that arena, and no town with the nickname, Hotlanta, should have an ice hockey team.
Kicking it old old old school was the Ice Gators who had orange reebok practice jerseys with a Louisianna Ice Gators logo on it. Those uniforms were very unique, and high class.
Speaking of high class we now have three teams who go all out. The Puddle Jumpers have a white with their duck head logo, and a dark that looks like a New York Rangers logo with the word Jumpers down in diangle fashion on the front. Both of their sweaters have their names on the back and I think a logo on the shoulder and numbers on the arms.
Also going high class is the Men in Boats who have a dark and a white with names on the back and the classic MIB logo on front.
Bandits are high class as well, they have a black, white, and now the wheels off wanted poster alternate jersey. Greg Perry set the tone when he got the first bandits jerseys. The skull logo on front with the dark black and purple color scheme was new to the league, and fits in well.
Back to the Jets, the Silver Bullets were the Jets before the name change, they had the gray jerseys with the bullet on front that were very unique.
Up in the Silver League the Blazers have the Ronald McDonald maroon and white jerseys along with now the black jerseys with the b on front and a flame coming up the side. Some of the guys on the team have a red jersey with OKC on the front. There is a Blazers team out in Richardson that some of the guys from here moonlight on. Those jerseys were aquired when the Blazers decided not to stay in the CHL, and transition into a new team name and AHL franchise.
Hornets have a bright yellow jersey with a logo that this blog poster uses for the Stingers. I believe it originally came from the Cincinatti Sting or somesuch.
Ice Cracks have the most wheels off jerseys with the matching socks that look like, well ice cracking.
Dirtbags have a bright orange jersey similar to that of the old ice gators. Dirtbags have a sponsor from an area smoke shop that has their logo on the shoulders.
Ice Dogs have a simple dark blue jersey with an original logo as well as a white jersey bearing the same crest.
I know I left off probably half the teams, but who do you think has the best jerseys and why?
Bronze News
Saturday brings five games to the Nytex Sports Centre. 5pm kicks off things with the Sweet Leaf and Puddle Jumpers squaring off. These two teams are part of a three way tie for first in the division along with Rampage. This early tilt will be a good test for the Jumpers. The Leaf are much younger and faster than the Jumpers, so expect a good hard skate. I predict Leaf win this game 4-3 in overtime.
The next game pits the Jets and Whalers against each other. Whalers are tied for the top of the division, and the Jets are not far off. This one is a coin toss, it can go either way. If I had to make a prediction on this one I would say Whalers 4 Jets 3 also in overtime.
Next up Stingers and Mud Ducks. Ducks got their first win last week courtesy of a shoot out goal by Joel Ulrich. Stingers are tied for the top with 7 points. I like the Stingers in this one. With some of their veterans now back in the fold, I think their experience will outweigh the expansion Ducks. 7-1 Stingers.
Next game is a big battle in the upper division between the Rampage and MIB. These teams as previously mentioned are both in first, however depending on how the thursday night game goes that might not be the case come game time on saturday. Still this is going to be an epic battle. Rampage have really been gelling as a team, and MIB is always a threat. Look for this one to be high scoring with the Rampage's young legs winning out the battle Rampage 8 MIB 5.
Closing out the evening is Joes and the Keller Tribe. Joes still looking for a win, and will have to do it without Paul Hoch who went on the season ending IR last week. Shout out to Paul, get better soon buddy. My prediction here is 7-2 Tribe.
Thats it for this week lets get your thoughts. Word on the street is that teams will be finally getting some practice times this march as we amp up for the back half of the season and the Playoffs.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Facebook Group for Nytex Bronze League
http://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_130923363644810&ap=1
New Bronze League Facebook Group, join up today.
New Bronze League Facebook Group, join up today.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Great Article in the Star Telegram Today
Good article on the front page of the sports section of the Star Telegram today. Gives a little brief history of the Brahmas and Americans rivalry, and talks a little about the Dallas vs Ft. Worth hockey rivalries of the past. Check it out, and forward it to your friends.
Brahmas and Americans battle at Nytex on Saturday Night at 7:30. Discounted tickets are available just call 817-336-4ICE and ask for the Bronze or Silver League Special.
Brahmas/Americans Rivalry
Brahmas and Americans battle at Nytex on Saturday Night at 7:30. Discounted tickets are available just call 817-336-4ICE and ask for the Bronze or Silver League Special.
Brahmas/Americans Rivalry
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Upper Battle this Thursday
This game is a battle of the two best haircuts in the league with Andrew Palmers locks swuaring off against the Crawford Fro.
My money is on the Leaf for this one. I say goaltending is all but non existant in this clash with the Leaf taking the Rampage 22-20. Ten different players will score a hat trick.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Saturday Recap
This weekend’s games were not as close as we had hoped. Three of the four games were blowouts, and the fourth while not a complete blowout was a one sided affair for sure.
Saturday kicked off with a pair of matinee games. First being two time Keg winners MIB vs the Senators. This game started out close, but the Sens eventually put the pedal to the metal and passed MIB 9-3. The game was called by referee Greg Niemi with a minute left to go as tensions were mounting. A member of the Senators team threw one of MIB’s sticks about 8 rows up in Section O, and a member of MIB threw a punch at one of the sens after the refs broke up a minor skirmish. All told two guys were tossed and both players will serve a suspension for their actions.
Next up the Whalers blew away the Average Joes 8-1. Big shout out to Whalers Coordinator Darrin Ellis who had himself a hat trick. Way to be Darrin that is strong play buddy!
First game of the evening featured the Jumpers vs the Bandits. 10-1 Jumpers on this one. Bandits were missing several key players, and Jumpers were on steroids.
The late affair featured the Jumpers minor league affiliate Mud Ducks vs the Lower Division Powerhouse Keller Indians aka the Tribe. Tribe rolled up the Ducks 5-1.
Thoughts…
Saturday kicked off with a pair of matinee games. First being two time Keg winners MIB vs the Senators. This game started out close, but the Sens eventually put the pedal to the metal and passed MIB 9-3. The game was called by referee Greg Niemi with a minute left to go as tensions were mounting. A member of the Senators team threw one of MIB’s sticks about 8 rows up in Section O, and a member of MIB threw a punch at one of the sens after the refs broke up a minor skirmish. All told two guys were tossed and both players will serve a suspension for their actions.
Next up the Whalers blew away the Average Joes 8-1. Big shout out to Whalers Coordinator Darrin Ellis who had himself a hat trick. Way to be Darrin that is strong play buddy!
First game of the evening featured the Jumpers vs the Bandits. 10-1 Jumpers on this one. Bandits were missing several key players, and Jumpers were on steroids.
The late affair featured the Jumpers minor league affiliate Mud Ducks vs the Lower Division Powerhouse Keller Indians aka the Tribe. Tribe rolled up the Ducks 5-1.
Thoughts…
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Ft. Worth Native Suits Up in the NHL
Joel Martin goaltender for the Odessa Jackalopes has climbed his way all the way up to the show as he suited up last night for the struggling New York Islanders as their backup. The Jackalopes are the Islanders AA affiliate, and Joel has been spending time between the Lopes and the AAA affilliate the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL. Yesterday he got the call to the NHL as the Islanders lost 5-3 to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Joel is with the big club on an emergency basis while start Rick Diepietro recovers from having his ass kicked with one punch by Penguins back up Johnson.
So there you go, someone from our neck of the woods making it all the way up to the NHL. Dont expect him to turn the team around and win the cup, but for young hockey players in our area it should give some hope that people from Texas can and do make it to the NHL.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
President's Day Hockey Special
This President's Day, February 21st, the Brahmas will play host to the Wichita Thunder at the Nytex Sports Centre. This will mark the first time this season that the Thunder have played at the Nytex Sports Centre, and the first time that former Brahmas AJ Gale, Aaron Davis, and Tory Schwab play against their former team as members of the Thunder. Davis many of you know from our very own Bronze League. Aaron whose wife is from Colleyville has spent the past few summers in the metroplex teaching lessons at Nytex and reffing games in our Bronze League. Davis has been around the Central Hockey League for some time now playing with the Austin Ice Bats, Ft. Worth Brahmas, Rocky Mountain Rage, Texas Brahmas, and Thunder just to name a few. Last season he finished in the top twenty in scoring and this season is on path to do the same.
Gale was a gritty rookie forward with the Brahmas last season, but was dealt to Wichita this season. So far this year the tandem of Davis and Gale account for nearly 100 points in just 43 games.
Schwab began the year with the Brahmas, but ultimately ended up in Wichita. Not too much is known about him, he must have not fit the system in Texas.
You can see the Current CHL Scoring Leaders with that link.
Brahmas are offering Bronze and Silver League Players $5 and $10 tickets to this game which has a puck drop of 6:00 pm. Call 817-336-4ICE and ask for the bronze or silver special.
Gale was a gritty rookie forward with the Brahmas last season, but was dealt to Wichita this season. So far this year the tandem of Davis and Gale account for nearly 100 points in just 43 games.
Schwab began the year with the Brahmas, but ultimately ended up in Wichita. Not too much is known about him, he must have not fit the system in Texas.
You can see the Current CHL Scoring Leaders with that link.
Brahmas are offering Bronze and Silver League Players $5 and $10 tickets to this game which has a puck drop of 6:00 pm. Call 817-336-4ICE and ask for the bronze or silver special.
Monday, February 7, 2011
This Weeks Bronze Games
Four games on tap for Saturday, and one coming up this Thursday. The Thursday game features the Stingers against the Whalers. Both of these teams are strong contenders for the lower crown this season, should be a great game. Stingers are surging this season, I think they will take this game in a shootout 6-5.
Saturday we have two matinee games on the schedule. First off it’s the Sens vs the two time defending champs MIB. Sens are off to a slow start this season at 0-2-1. MIB sits at 2-1. Sens are due for a win. 13-11 Sens take it.
Closing out the matinee we will have the Joes and Whalers. Joes have struggled to put wins together this season, so I think this one is an easy pick. Whalers 4 Joes 2.
After the Brahmas and Rio Grande Valley play we will see the
Bandits and Jumpers. Jumpers look real strong this session, but it all comes down to one thing and that is goaltending. If the jumpers have Mike Best in net they will be hard to beat. For the bandits, Perry has to stand on his head and play out of his mind to get the win. Jumpers have lots of guys who can skate, and will be tough to handle. If the Bandits have their Decker, Crouse, and Flash Gordon on D they should be alright. But it will ultimately come down to the keepers in this one. I say Jumpers 3 Bandits 2 in OT.
Finally we have the Mud Ducks taking on the Keller Indians. The Ducks are looking to find their identity this season, and the Indians are looking to reclaim past glory. Ducks could have a shot if the Indians don’t play any of their young players. If the youth shows up not sure if the ducks can skate with them. I think the Ducks will continue to search for their identity, 14-7 Indians.
Saturday we have two matinee games on the schedule. First off it’s the Sens vs the two time defending champs MIB. Sens are off to a slow start this season at 0-2-1. MIB sits at 2-1. Sens are due for a win. 13-11 Sens take it.
Closing out the matinee we will have the Joes and Whalers. Joes have struggled to put wins together this season, so I think this one is an easy pick. Whalers 4 Joes 2.
After the Brahmas and Rio Grande Valley play we will see the
Bandits and Jumpers. Jumpers look real strong this session, but it all comes down to one thing and that is goaltending. If the jumpers have Mike Best in net they will be hard to beat. For the bandits, Perry has to stand on his head and play out of his mind to get the win. Jumpers have lots of guys who can skate, and will be tough to handle. If the Bandits have their Decker, Crouse, and Flash Gordon on D they should be alright. But it will ultimately come down to the keepers in this one. I say Jumpers 3 Bandits 2 in OT.
Finally we have the Mud Ducks taking on the Keller Indians. The Ducks are looking to find their identity this season, and the Indians are looking to reclaim past glory. Ducks could have a shot if the Indians don’t play any of their young players. If the youth shows up not sure if the ducks can skate with them. I think the Ducks will continue to search for their identity, 14-7 Indians.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
A Quick Look at the Lower Division
Right now (and I know its wickedly early) there are two familiar foes atop the lower division, the Keller Indians and 5 time Keg winner Stingers. Whalers and Jets each have 2 points while the Mud Ducks and Joes are the caboose with no points each.
This season should be a close battle in both divisions for the regular season crown. Whalers have been strong lately and the Jets made a little bit of noise in last season's playoffs, so things could be real tight in the lower division this season. Mud Ducks are new, and have many players who are new to hockey on the squad. Give them a little bit of time, after all it wasnt long ago that their upper division brothers the puddle jumpers were new to the league and couldnt seem to buy a win. Average Joes will eventually hit their stride.
Who do you think will take the lower division in this innaurgural season?
Countdown to "STINGERS BITCHES" comment in 3, 2, 1...
This season should be a close battle in both divisions for the regular season crown. Whalers have been strong lately and the Jets made a little bit of noise in last season's playoffs, so things could be real tight in the lower division this season. Mud Ducks are new, and have many players who are new to hockey on the squad. Give them a little bit of time, after all it wasnt long ago that their upper division brothers the puddle jumpers were new to the league and couldnt seem to buy a win. Average Joes will eventually hit their stride.
Who do you think will take the lower division in this innaurgural season?
Countdown to "STINGERS BITCHES" comment in 3, 2, 1...
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Indians 4, Whalers 3 OT - 1/29/11
The Whalers and Indians were both 1-0 going into this game. As the regular Whaler goalie heals, Bryon Chesser decides to put on the pads for the first time ever. He does quite well in the first period as the Whalers put 3 on the board and the Indians don't find the twine. Dan Watzke scores his first goal of his hockey career and the big-headed and loud-mouthed Paul Thurston puts one in to feed his own ego. TJ Aarons also scores, but that was not going to be enough. The Indians do not give up and continue to chip away. The Whalers get too comfortable with a 3 goal lead and fail to protect their first-time goalie. The game goes into OT and the Indians seal the deal with 40 seconds remaining. When it all boils down, the Whalers may really regret this one. These two teams may be at the top of the Lower league (sounds kinda stupid), but the Stingers may also have something to say about that since Briscoe and Widmann were seen on the ice Saturday night with a combined 4 points. I thought Silver leaguers were not allowed in the Lower league? Isn't that a two-league jump? Just wondering.
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