Risky Business on Ice

Bongo! EPZ Cuts a Button in Incredible Run to Championship Game

Associated Press - February, 12, 2002 - Was it worth the new $65 shoes? Was it worth that nasty limp Hatti had leaving the ice (well, you'll have to ask her on that one)? Was it worth the deterioration of The Alliance? Was it worth the abuse taken at Van Cleave last year and enduring Kenny Two Step. You bet it was.

Although coming up a few inches short (just like that Canadian figure skater with one evil eye and one wandering eye or the Chinese skater with the extra tooth/fang), EPZ finished off their best season ever with a second place finish in last night's City of Minneapolis (B-League) Broomball Tournament. (It should be noted that since this article originally went to print, the Canadien skaters were awarded a gold medal... perhaps a few retro-active high-stick call and the awarding of a first-place trophy to EPZ?)

"EPZ - Ever Proud Zooers... we're second to none, " remarked Jonny "Pants" Pribila, one of EPZ's star forwards.

"This team is as sweet as a giant Hershey's Kiss. We're scrappy and hungry. When we're desperate, we'll gnaw our way through anything," said key EPZ defender, Ms. Pam "Pac Man" Sukhum.

Although riding some of the best broomball that this group has seen since Chaska Game 2 and Carleton 1996 (if you're lost, Bill can give you the recap) to get to the finals, EPZ found themselves on the defensive for the first 10 minutes of the championship game. Leif "how about a pose, champ?" Hembre deflected a barrage of early shots, "literally" keeping EPZ in the game. EPZ latched on to Hembre's scrappy play turning some breaks into some offensive strikes of their own. EPZ actually notched the first point when Blue Thunder/Moon/Lagoon knocked one in on a perfect feed from Jessi "how do I get home?" Nikko (and the glass survived). Quickly, EPZ realized that theses quite large (some might say not fully evolved) Seafood eaters could be beaten (although, it must be said that most of them were actually pretty good sports).

"These little people in black just kept coming. Early on, we didn't expect much... but they've got heart, " noted Captain Seafood.

EPZ was a confident group heading into the second half with a one-one tie. Unfortunately, Seafood was able to get the next one, but EPZ countered. Gilby, on a perfect feed from Steph "I can't control myself... or my screaming" Schlichting drilled it into the bottom right corner of the net (although, to fake the goalie, he was looking top left), to once again tie it up. Although this reporter/player kissed the ice... the celebrating was short-lived as Seafood quickly took another one goal lead. Then, maybe hearing the "keep your heads up" cheers of Tribiani, Jessi "Is it the shoes?" Nikko, like a woman possessed, took the ball coast-to-coast and hit an impossible angle to once again tie it up (for some reason, and this may be blown out of proportion, but I keep wanting to use the phrase "miracle worker"). We were headed to overtime.

EPZ probably could have faired better in the extra period had they had a clue as to what to do, but gave up one goal, finally losing what will go down as the greatest broomball championship in the history of the world, and ending an almost perfect season (although you've got to admit, it was pretty darn good). EPZ had some chances to win it (course, if it wasn't for our D and goaltender smooshing so many of their chances...), but still left the ice with their high spirits and big smiles (and, from the looks of the table at Green Mill... empty stomachs... not for long!). It should be noted that although not everyone was mentioned in this little write-up, everyone played above and beyond and left it all on the ice. It was an awesome site.

Don't forget. Seafood is having a broomball banquet on Friday. Course, in the competitive nature that is EPZ, Gilby will be hosting an even better banquet in the upcoming weeks. This will follow the Zoo ticker-tape parade, where crowds are already estimated in the tens.

Oh, one more thing. Salchow: Ulrich Salchow died 1949. He was a Swedish figure skater who the term was coined after in 1940. It actually is a figure-skating jump with a takeoff from the back inside edge of one skate followed by a full turn in the air and a landing on the back outside edge of the opposite skate.

My Notes
Hey, I am a bit disappointed that we couldn't squeak it out in the end, but truthfully, I don't think I'd feel that much difference if we had won. I had such a great time with this team the last weeks and am really proud of how well we did, and how great we worked together (both on and off the ice). To be honest, it's one of those times (and I'm a sappy one, course, since this team consists of most of my best friends... you all know that), where I just want to say how much I love playing and home much I love this team (well, why don't you marry it?!). Seriously, Pam, Craig, Steph, Bill, Jon, Jessi, Hatti, Leif, Jodi, Jeff, Bic, Ian... thank you. I know... I get silly about moments, teams and friends like this. Heck, let's try it again next year.

From Steph
Good games last night . . . I had a lot of fun! P.S. Sorry for screaming so much - I was out of control.

From Bill
I have to admit that I woke up this morning thinking of missed opportunities last night (perhaps related to me swinging and missing more than once). Overall though, it was a great season and after playing 3 tougher teams to finish the season, there is no question we have improved as a team. Surprisingly, with a little success, it was also the most fun I've had playing broomball. It was also the best team performance of appetizer eating I've seen in a while. If the Schlictings and Jodi would have made it and if Jeff had been in town, it would have been all the more impressive.

From Jessi
I must admit I was replaying a few missed opportunities myself ... but even so, when people ask me how the game went, I keep having to catch myself from saying we won! (funny, huh!) So, although I will replay my missed shots over and over, I still feel like we won. Not bad. I feel like a band wagon jumper (did I say that right?), but I feel like I can't send this email without expressing some of the sappiness I'm feeling. :) Simply put ... I'm really glad I got to play with everyone - even after taking a month-long (nearly full-season) hiatus. I'm already excited for next season!!!

From Craig
After last night I was spent, I mean I feel as though the large ice sheet lent itself to wearing me down physically. I know we had the advantage on athleticism and speed, but one thing we never have learned is exactly how to use it. When the rinks were smaller we were always closer to the boards, and we use the boards well. Well with all that open space last night we probably would have been better suited to use the middle more. The next part of our game that we need to develop is handling the ball better ( just imagine how our speed and this ability would play out). Ahh next year..... Actually come to think of it what I truly remember from last night is our great defense, and I know we've given Leif a lot of credit which he deserves, but there were a lot of balls that were prevented from reaching him due to our stellar defense. Sure we missed shots and we each can remember many "what if" scenarios, but we played a great game. We're not used to being down to a team (provided you forget about years past), and when we were last night we just kept fighting our way back into it. I think if we would have played the best of 3, we would take them. I left the game feeling very satisfied about our performance (this coming from a guy who is usually a very bad loser), and for some reason like Jessi I feel as though we won too. Ian, are you going to build a trophy case? I'm feeling pretty good about next season.

From Julie
Hey, I loved watching you play-- maybe you should let me come more often. You guys really did play super well. I'm sorry it didn't turn out exactly right-- but I swear, you were better than they were, and passed about 50 times as often, and seemed to like each other a whole lot more. All that is way more important... at least, I think so. Plus, you play with such cool people.

From Ian
I just got to my computer, and read all of your emails. You've all captured everything that I felt and wanted to say today! What a great bunch of people, and what a fantastic season! We've come a long way, and it's been (and will continue to be) a lot of fun. I also feel like we won last night. Don't beat yourself up about mistakes - remember all the blocked shots, sweet passes and goals.

From Pam
Hi Team- I just wanted to thank everyone for such a fun season. Once again, the self-appointed underdogs seemed to prevail, particularly in spirit this season....which feels more satisfying than the actual score on the board. We all came together and played with intensity and an unwavering sense of camaraderie yesterday which always feels special to be a part of. Thanks again! I may just be able to forget about that "Chaska" incident now (never). Also, thanks again, Captain, for all the organizing and work.....

From Leif
Craig - I want MORE credit. Feed my ego - it's hungry. Just kidding of course. I didn't want to be left out of this cyber love-fest (don't get any ideas Pat). Thanks all - especially Ian for organizing the petting zoo, and my stalwart defenders for blocking so many (would be) shots on goal. viva EPZ, Leif

From Bic
What a treat to log on and see all of the warm-fuzzy e-mails--A terrific way to end such a fantastic season. Here's to a season of playing well, warm weather, and steering clear of yucky refs and drunken fools! I could never fully express how much I've enjoyed being back in Minnesota and playing with everyone again....Julie's right--It's awesome to be able to play with cool, nice, plain good people. THANKS!

From John
To: the BEST team in the whole, wide world, I am not sure that I can add anything to the sentiments that have already been expressed other than to say that you guys are the best and I really had a lot of fun playing this year. Thanks. If people are interested, I think that we should either try and play broomball during the next year or at least get together and hang out (football and BBQ?). It would be horrible if we did not get together until next season. ciao, p

From Hatti
Hi guys! I finally got around to checking my email after a week of jury duty. bummer about the tournament! My knee is feeling much better--just kind of black, blue and brown. I think Green Mill spinach dip has magical healing powers. I had a great time this season too. Ah heck...I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

From Kirk (non-EPZ reader of GOTW... also goes by Purple Pie Man)
After reading the article and commentaries about EPZ's second place finish....I NEED A HUG!!!! Got room for one more crappy player from out-of-town? I just need to be part of the love! Losing never sounded so good.