Granted, it took me at least an hour to pull together all my gear, but the EPZ broomball season is finally under way! We had a slow start in a rink that was like a gym floor, but found our footing, put a couple goals in and never looked back. Goals came in two as Bill, Eiden, Dan and super sub Dylan each put in a couple of goals. We also had shutout play out of the goalie rotation and huge scoot out of Craig, Kristen, Hatti, Ann, Angie and our other super subs, Sarah and Mary Sue. Game two was postponed (now on Feb. 8) due to a soggy rink (my water logged boots can attest to that). Good start and great to see everyone on the ice again! Let's have an awesome season!

Well, I assume the team was in complete disarray the first 15 minutes (I wouldn't know, I showed up a tad bit late... course, it was still 0-0), but when I did arrive, I saw quite a show. In sort of an odd scheduling move, we played the same team twice. Oh well. Passing and ball movement were awesome. Felt like we dominated even more than the scores showed (at least once we gathered our momentum) as their goalie actually kept a number of (additional) awesome scoring opportunities out of the back of their net. Nonetheless, we tallied a number of scores, including at least four from Bill (who still managed to play about half the time in net) and goals from Matt (and his clipboard), Eiden, Angie, Ann... probably some others I don't remember. Good stuff.

(Marisue) 2 more wins!

(Craig) We played really well. We dominated the first match... not sure on the score, I would guess 6-1 or more. The second game more of the same. We kept in their end most of the game, but their goalie was unbelievable. Final 3-1. Goals by Eiden, Dan, Dylan, Sarah, Bill and I'm sure others.

(Bill) Two wins. Yeah! Both games were fun and pretty close (maybe 4-1 and 3-1?) The ice was an exciting mix of sticky in some places and slippery in others.

Well, quite frankly, losing isn't that much fun. And, it feels even less great when the game gets chippy and the ref refuses to blow the whistle... ever. We ran into a familiar foe (the beat us last year in the year-end tournament semifinals in overtime). They were just as good as we remembered (good sticks and passing). We made a late game rush, but didn't quite have enough as we were overpowered for most of the game. Blah. On to game two. The pace felt a bit slower but we managed another strong EPZ win. Strong D and shutout goaltending from our well vacationed/rested import spurred us on to pile in some beautiful goals by Dan, Angie (from Dan), Steph, Craig, Bill... probably others I don't recall. Early start next week for Super Bowl Sunday! Stay loose.

Not a great start giving-up a goal in the first 20 seconds, but we then tightened down and were able to work ourselves to a 1-1 tie in the first game. Game was pretty even as both teams had a number of scoring chances, but both goalkeepers stayed tough and it was hard to break through some of the clumps. Course, close games make us tired. So, our energy was down a tad in game two. We still controlled most of the game, but still needed some big stops by Toddy to hold-on to the shutout. Goals by Matt, Craig and Dan (2). Would write more... but it's Sunday afternoon and I'm exhausted. Anyone else?

Oh, and of course, congratulations Hatti!

Make-up game from Jan. 4. (from Matt) We won! I think the score was 4-0. We scored the first two very early in the game and then we scored the last two with one minute left in the first half. After getting a nice lead, we played more defensively in the second half and concentrated on keeping them from scoring. Todd had an incredible stick save in the first half!

Tournament Round 1. Splish splash! It was a wet one out there (really, a wet one!). Granted, Ann did most of our swimming (thanks Ann!), but I think everyone left pretty soaked to the bone. A good first round win with some pretty goals, stifling D and strong goaltending that gave us time to build a lead. Let's keep that formula working... minus the 30 extra pounds of water I brought home in my clothes.

By the way, on the Mpls Park & Rec. Web site, rink conditions were listed as "Excellent" - Nice.

Came out with a quick start in game one and never looked back. We were fast and active and had great hustle. The Tix's provided the majority of the offense scoring at least four goals and adding a couple of assists. Good solid playoff win. After an hour long break (which our opponents didn't have), we ran into a young, scrappy, fast running team (you know, what we used to be). Definitely a gritty, tight victory for us as were a bit worn down. Another good solid playoff win. Throughout the night the defense gave up few shots and when they did, they were tossed aside by Toddy who pitched two shutouts. Face a familiar for tomorrow. Let's take it to 'em!

(TOURNAMENT - Bracket) Well, EPZ's run ended in the semifinals to the Broomballers (for the second straight year). Course, this game was a much improved performance over our regular season defeat (3-6) to the Broomballers early this season. Not only was it less chippy (minus #9 and his ass kicking in the parking lot mentality), but our defense and goaltending held them to only one somewhat lucky goal. Unfortunately, we couldn't muster the offense and dropped the closest of games in one of our best performances of the year against our best opponent (note, they ended up winning the championship and have given us our only losses over the last 12 months).

As always, thanks for a great season. I thought we played exceptionally well... and despite now being one of the "older" teams, we still continue to get better. Plus, I love that everyone on our team seems to genuinely like each other (well, as far as I know). I think we saw a few examples this season of teams that can't say that about their teammates.

Big props to great individual play as well. Kristin was a wall on defense. I'm not sure how many breaking forwards were heartbroken by her poking stick. Ann setup a number of breaks and was a beast on the boards... some of the more wet games she was also a dolphin. Angie was scrappy and hustle all over the place and cleaned-up a number of beautiful goals (and is now our official team seamstress!). Marisue was all composure, stick handling and one of our most consistent shots (and closed on her Mazda in-between playoff games in the warming hut... that's a multi-tasker!). Jodi, our late season secret weapon, was, well, just really, really good. Plus, super sub Sarah saved us on more occasions than no (and nobody kicked-in goals better)t. And, just think about the talent we had on the bench (okay, at home). Can't wait to see more of Steph, Hatti and Jessi next season!

The boys played well in trying to keep up with the ladies too. Dan controlled the middle of the ice and was an amazing coast-to-coast threat (and has the best Brandy Chastain impression). Craig, as always, was all out hustle... and, if necessary, was our best chance at having an enforcer (despite the smelliest equipment. Bill had a lighting shot that sparked us throughout the season and gave us our best scoring chances in the semifinals. I'd say it was one of his best seasons to date. Eiden was hard to beat against the boards and never afraid to jump right in there... he also set up a number of goals with his big swing... I'm not sure how many times he made me look good. Matt was our quarterback on the ice. It's nice to have someone on the team that actually knows a bit of strategy (course, we still miss the brats on the grill). Thanks to Dylan, who like Sarah (umm, they are engaged) saved us as a super sub a number of games and tallied a few goals of his own. And finally, Toddy, who saved his best goaltending for the end with an MVP performance in the playoffs. Stick saves, kick saves, gloves saves... it was awesome to watch and it kept us in every game.

Phew! That's all I got. Really, thanks for a fun season. I enjoyed playing with each and every one of you!