(from Bic) “Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!!” Yeah, that ref had a bit of a problem making some calls (What’s up with the crease call a full minute after it happened?) Despite a half-asleep (perhaps ADD??) ref, EPZ dominated their opponent, controlling the ball for much of the game. Todd gave us the first goal (his first?) and Ian had a hat-trick (and thus could not write the recap) in leading us to the win. Hatti and Jessi played exceptionally well offensively, sending a barrage of shots towards the goal. Not to be outdone, Pammy and Bic activated their “Wonder Twins” power to help super second-half goalie Todd on defense. Jonny, Bill, and Pat played a solid hustling (and at times huffing and puffing) game on both offense and defense. Bill continued to wow us with his one-arm-bandit moves, and even invented a new backswing defensive move that undoubtedly sent opponents to the store for shin-guards. Pat managed to stay out of the penalty box for a second straight game. With more than one sub next week, we’re bound to continue our ice dominance. These days, the only question that sends fear and anxiety piercing through our veins is: Who’s got next week’s recap?

(more from Bill) I guess Ian set the precedent that if you get a hat-trick you get immunity from writing the recap or from being voted off the team. (At least for one week.) Ahhh, reality tv finally makes it to the broomball world. Although it probably should be a secret ballot, this week I'm voting for Leif to be off the team. Sure, he just had knee surgery, but did anyone else notice that he didn't show up until the game was almost over? Sorry, Leif, GQ style and looks aren't enough to keep you on this squad! (However, we still want you to play with us as soon as you're healthy and we want you to come to every game until then.)

(from Ian) Despite frigid temperatures and a fierce wind, EPZ pulled out another impressive 8-1 victory, increasing their record to 3-0. MVP Jessi Nikko got the offense going early, beating a sprawling goalie twice in rapid succession. Despite her skills on the ice, she sheepishly admitted to having "guy problems"*, so apparently broomball doesn't mean everything to young Nikko. C'mon boys, what are you waiting for? Great defense and patented one-arm-bandit moves from Bill added to the lead with a goal and a handful of assists. Pat and Pam teamed up as usual for some body sacrificing defense and solid mid-ice play. Pat drove home a pair of goals amid front-of-the-net scrums, and has now played three games without a single penalty. Craig demonstrated his classic blend of hustle and finesse, gutting out a goal and knocking out an opposing forward's tooth. Steph and Hatti lead several all-out assaults on the opposing net, landing several assists and fighting hard in the corners. Bic hatchet-chopped her way through EPZ's defensive zone, stopping all breakaways that came her way. Todd was a wall in net during the first half, and played solid D in the second. Gilby rounded out EPZ's performance with a couple of goals, the second on a beautiful feed from Jessi. The squad now looks forward to the annual Winter Carnival tournament with confidence.

*Jessi would like it noted that if you are overanalyzing her proclamation of having "guy problems", it was in jest and simply a poke at Ian for proclaiming he has "woman problems" (when he was not able to find girls for the tournament team). Nothing more, nothing less (i.e. nothing to report). Please proceed with your daily business.

(from Ian) Upon arrival, our prospects didn't seem too rosy. Thick snow to hamper our run and gun offense, and the man himself, unmoving at center ice, headphones in place, cigarette in hand. KEN. But, EPZ stepped up and controlled the game from the start. Our fearless females played without subs for the entire game, except for Bic, who committed some intentional penalties so she could rest with Ken.

Gilby had put EPZ ahead 1-0 by half time, and after Pat's pep talk and strategery, we slammed the door with three quick goals. 1st, Craig's hussle around the net crated many chances, one of which Billy converted with a quick flip. Moments later, another flurry resulted in a second Nielsen tally, driven home from the high slot. Pat nailed it shut with some fancy stick handling and a quick shot to make it 4-0. Hatti and Jon were their usual offensive selves along the boards and in the trenches in front of the net. Steph quietly owned the left side of the ice, stopping breakaways and setting up drives. Todd made some incredible sprawling saves to pull us through an end-game slump, and finally, Pam "nice groin" Sukhum decided that enough was enough, and took a stick to the face in the last two minutes to end the game with some drama, not to mention blood.

All in all, EPZ demonstrated a fabulous blend of hussle and restraint, adjusting our game to the conditions and the opponent. The next round awaits....

S.T.F.U. - With Pam's blood still on my jersey (credit both dedication and a lack of laundry detergent), EPZ took to the ice looking to continue their run through the tournament against the team that had beaten in the first round last year. Armed with a solid nine-person squad, the Zooers left it all on the ice but came up short in a one goal defeat. EPZ had numerous early scoring chances (posts), but couldn't get one to fall. The Uptowners capitalized on a meteor shot from 20 feet out and then went into a defensive shell which was highly aided by very slick ice conditions. EPZ made their runs, but again couldn't light the lamp for the equalizer. Good hustle and toughness (through some physicality) by all (as is evident by some of the bruises I found on myself in the shower... anyone want to see? Didn't think so). Breaking it down... Todd kept us alive playing a smart in and out goalie game. Bill (who was obviously the guy to feed) had a lighting shot that kept their goalie sprawling. Hatti dominated her side of the offensive boards. The Schlichtings, as always, were all out hustle and didn't give an inch to any jabbering idiot opponents. Pam and Bic continued their playoff dominance and were unbeatable on defense. And Ian scoured both ends of the rink and as always, was our offensive spark. Good game all... we'll get them next year with our specialized two-goalie formation... B-League Tournament... here we come!

Thanks again for a great season. It may be obvious (because it's such a natural feeling for me), but there's no one I'd rather lose by one with than this gang. EPZ (unless we [finally] change our name) forever!

Partay! - Get your Celebrity on beaaaaatch! Click here for photos.