Red Army Win Streak at 4

The Red Army extended their win streak to 4 games last night in a win over the Black. No goals were scored in the first 7 minutes as the play went back and forth on a flurry of turnovers. Newcomer Glenn Mitchell opened the scoring, sparking linemate Calvin Mix to go on a 5 points in 5 minutes rampage. After the first period the score was roughly 10-1 due to the RA jumping all over an uninterested and unready Black squad. However, the game was tighter in the second half with the RA only outscoring black 2-1. Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet stated that he had never seen a Zion Church LEague team so inspired and in such good shape to start a season.

Red Army v. Carstairs Thrashers

There was a game apparently, and I was there but I'm not really sure what to say, the events are still fresh. Our thoughts, and prayers, are with Gord Reimer.Next game is Wednesday in Carstairs for the tail end of the home and home.

Red Army v. Didsbury Guys

This past Tuesday saw the Red Army go up against some fellow Didsburians, including ex army great, Duane Archer. This familiarity with the opponent seemed to lead to some inspired play by some of the Army. None more so than the goalie of the Red Army future, drum roll, Brett Hopfe!!! Seems he traded in his skates and stick for some pads and an arctic cat chest protector. Hopfe made his Red Army debut between the pipes and opened some eyes around town. To say the "Cat" was a little unorthodox is an understatement. But there were flashes, and with Tommy tutoring him the sky is the future for Hopfe in rec hockey. As for the players Gordie seemed to play with a renewed vigor not seen since a young Golden Jet was ripping pucks at goalies in the late 70s. Mark and Mike were the steady towers back on D with the odd rush up the ice. It seemed they didn't want to leave Hopfe alone too much on the back end. Robbie, new guy, and Mix rounded out the forwards, and Gordie was able to pad all our stats with his fine playmaking abilities. And now for the TSN highlight of the night, as Steve Fillmore rounded out the Defense, and sparkled in an early 3rd period rush. To put it in perspective, there are some great poets in the world like Woodsworth, Poe, and Shakespeare, and now add Fillmore, for what I saw on Tuesday night was poetry in motion. Not since Doug Harvey have I seen such smooth effortless strides as Steve carried the puck up the ice. With the ability to deke in and out of traffic I though it was Rick Middleton for a second, then to cap it all off he shows the finish of Mario as he buries it past the goalie. A magnificent one man show to engerize the Army to start the 3rd period. At least I'm guessing that is how it sounded at the clubhouse after the game. It was nice though. As well Gord wanted to remind Tyler that the tradedeadline up coming the army are still unsure whether to buy or sell, so March 4 could be an interesting day. Stay tuned to the blog for all your transaction updates. Scheduling note that March 1 is cancelled and next up is Tuesday night when the Carstairs Muskrats come to town, as usual it is bring a friend or at least a ref night.

Thrasher v. Red Army Round 3

Tuesday night brought the Carstairs thrashers to town to visit the Red Army. Finally a somewhat squad showed up with eight skaters and a goalie and a ref. Robbie had the task of joining the d-corps with mike and mark. This allowed Gord and Calvin to stay on forward to try and work some majic, with Jay, Casey, and Brian. The thrashers had some new recruits. It seemed to help them this game. In the first period the army came out strong with Tommy making some key saves to preserve a lead of some amount, i can't remember. Everyone seemed to have their skating legs which made for a fast game. The second period saw the thrashers battle back and take a two goal lead into the third. The army seemed to have hit a wall with an inability to bury anything. Then in the third the scoring touch was found again. Brian was able to bury a key goal. With Tommy kicking puck the Army pulled ahead and held on for a one goal win. Sorry this not very in depth it was a rough week driving around and I couldn't remember much except Tommy being the igniter of the game's festivities. And Sunday's game is cancelled as a reminder so keep your stick on the ice until Tuesday.

Help may be on the way for the army

Tuesday night was an eye opening experience for all in a attendance. That is all 7 of us plus 2 call ups from the colts that were able to help us out with some much needed man power. As we were getting dressed GM Fillmore was able to make it too the game and even dress last night, but that wasn't the interesting part. A recent scouting trip to Vegas proved quite fruitful for the Army. Not mentioning any names but i wouldn't be surprised if Jagr didn't sign in Edmonton but rather signed in Didsbury on a Red Army exchange program. Details were a little sketchy, but suffice to say a cement mixer was mentioned and possibly developing a pipeline of players from the KHL to the RA. At least Steve did do some work away from the ice. On the ice the Cremona Mustangs were the opposition for the RA and it turned into a basketball match early on. There were so many bounces it was tough for either team to get a handle on the game, thus it was tied 2-2 after 1. The one highlight goal was a nice passing play from mix to Gord and then Gord seemed to aim it off of Mike's stick so Mike didn't even have to shoot it. In the second period the RA were able to gain control of the game and turn it on except for the one minute where Gord made sure that Steve knew he was minus 2 in under a minute. Again it was a balanced attack as Ryan had a couple of goals, Mike, and Gord and Calvin chipped in. Even the rookie Pat was able to control the play and bury a couple of nice goals. The RA seemed to have some jump, maybe it was Fillmore returning to the lineup I'm not too sure. (Hopefully that is enough print for Steve). The RA now enjoy a week off before hitting the ice again on Tuesday night. As well, there was some optimism that Bucky would be back on skates if nothing else to ref possibly, or at least Gord said to get the wuss to ref or something like that. See you on Tuesday, Monday night if the game is in Crossfield though.

Apparently the trade deadline came early

Tuesday night found the army inviting the carstairs muskrats to town. As we looked around the dressing room we weren't sure if the RA had a fire sale at the trade deadline. With only 6 skaters and Tommy in the pipes it looked like Reimer had traded away everyone for future considerations that hadn't arrived yet. Nonetheless with Mike working some on ice deals we were able to borrow 3 Muskrats, so that helped accept we had to rotate the officiating again. The first period saw Brian score the first three goals of the game but only 2 were for the RA one was against. Then the muskrats banked one in off of a borrowed defenseman so it was tied at 2 after 1. The second period intensity picked up with bodies being hit all over the place, except it was the Muskrats hitting their traded teammates. This freed up the ice for the RA and they were able to spring out to the lead that they would not relinquish. The second period hi lite was Mike showing off a glimpse of his former self with an end to end rush that ended up being a breakaway from the blueline in. He made no mistake. The third moved along as both teams started to run out of gas, but the RA did prevail with a balanced attack, where even newly converted forward Mark bulged the twine. It was a good all round effort put in by all six of us. We are still waiting for an update on the injury status of Bucky-Cole, Gord was wondering if he had been to the hyperberic (maybe) chamber yet to work his rib. The next action for the RA goes Sunday in Crossfield where the Madden Maulers present the opposition. Guessing from the past few turnouts it will again be bring a friend night. Until then- Good Night Now!!

Red Army continue unbeaten streak? we think

To be honest when the scores start getting into double digits i can't keep track, but i think we did at least tie the Oldtimers tuesday night. The young guns of HHooppffee, Pullen, and Fillmore scored the bulk of the goals with Fillmore filling the net. Although i must say i don't think Brett scored from outside the top of the crease, at least he knows his range. Brian, Ryan, and Robbie had flashes and battled all night with many a good opportunity. Tommy was back after his 1 game hiatus, good thing he didn't get suspended for missing last game. He was there to make some stellar saves again as Mark, Gord, Calvin, and Mike rotated around to make sure Tom got lots of action. A special mention should also go out to the rotating referee system that seemed to do okay, although it was Gord having to play the role of levelheaded peacemaker, again. The game was very entertaining as action was back and forth, maybe with a few minor tweeks in the defensive zone the Army will be able to come out on top next week. Until next tuesday this is The non-sissy reporter signing off, See you at the rink.

Injury bug hits the RA/Sunday night in Carstairs

Asst. Coach Mike learned of the latest war wound sunday afternoon before the army took to the ice that night. Tyler "bucky-cole" Brooks has gone down with what is being called an upper body injury(fractured rib) he will be out 4-6 weeks. So the reporting falls on the shoulders of the fellow army combatants. That night the army took to the ice with 7 regulars, 1 new goalie, 1 borrowed player, and 1 extremely fast and late player (Ryan). The first was a rough start as the army tried to gel with the awkward lineup changes and fell behind early. Then the second period started and Gordie found his legs and his shot to get the army back in it. Newcomer Daniel also found his game in the pipes to keep Carstairs close. Coach Kerr then had the idea to try and keep the shifts short and this worked for a little while until the flood after 2 periods. And at the start of the 3rd period is the controversy of the ref saying we started the period at 7-6 and mike saying we were tied. Either way with Calvin burying a couple of rebounds off of Mark's point shots the last minute heroics were set. As Daniel left the net and Robbie jumps on, Calvin found Mike sneaking in off the point and he beat the goalie blocker side to either put the RA ahead or draw the RA even. either way it was not a loss and hopefully the tide has turned. We will find out on Tuesday night with hopefully a few more bodies. As Calvin was leaving Gord did give one parting shot "Tell that sissy if he can't make it too the games at least keep the blog up to date" Until next RA battle I'm OUT

Long Closed Door Meeting Halts RA Reporting.

Following last night's 2 goal loss to the O 4 squad from Olds, the RA were not able to speak with media and team bloggers. The team was quiet as they went to their mini-vans, trucks, and cars and were told to not speak about their performance until after a team hearing with GM Steve Filmore. More details to come.

Beaver Buzz, Poor Breakouts and Neutral Zone Turn-overs Cost Red Army!

The RA went into Tuesday night's home game against the Predators knowing they had to start their second back-to-back game stretch of the year with a win. It didn't start well when Hopfe spent the first 4 minutes of the game closet drinking with his old pal - Beaver Buzz. He was buzzed alright, spending much of the first period on his side. Tyler and Calvin return to the line up after missing last game's bus, and Jay came off his month and a half hiadus, as the starting line, but were rudely awakened with a minus within the first minute - the first of about 10. They admit to feeling the pressure from comments made by General Manager Steve about 20 seconds before puck drop - something about being on the trading block due to poor professionalism and work ethic. However, Steve must have felt pressure from hisself as on many occassions in the first he came to the bench shaking his head and muttering to his Costco stick. Gord, Mike, Mark, and Brian all played solid, veteran-like games; barely being noticed, which is hopefully a good thing. Casey presented the 4 fans with the highlight of the night, with his quick finger on the the horn off button...oh yeah, and going roofdaddy from the bottom of the circle late in the third period. Once again, Tommy was stellar, only to be letdown by his team's lack of goal scoring - 11 goals. He was pulled with 1 minute to go, but to no avail, as the RA fell to the Predators 12-11 (or something like that?). Hopfe, or Happy, or Hawpe, or Hoppe, or Poppy (still working on spelling) postgame comments: "I hope Tyler can learn how to spell my last name, and try to remember my first name." Red Army go again tonight in Olds with nothing but revenge on their minds and hopefully not to much lead in their pants.

Clutch Reporting Performance by Mark

Mark said...
Sundre Sabres return to Didsbury.Tyler and Calvin miss the Bus.Last minute call-ups Ryan Miller and Pat Turville from the mountainview Colts minor-league team help on bailout.May be difficult for missing players to re-enter lineup as rookies shine in 6-5 victory. Tom Hadway stands tall between the pipes on two breakaway shut-downs. Player/GM/Scout Steve Fillmore at approx. 98% on face-off wins. B. Fillmore, J. Kerr the semi-committed minor leauguers shone tonight with Kerr initiating the scoring for the RA.In the light of the great perfomances by the RA call-ups, Casey no doubt feared for his place in the line-up and showed his committment to the team by both filling up and taking the water bottles home. His spot may not be secure as with the warmer weather, players were willing to start their own vehicles. The fate of Calvin and Bucky still hangs in the balance as reports noticed Fillmore on the phone right after the game. Next game is Tuesday against the Carstairs Predators.
January 6, 2009 11:48 PM

4 on 4 Style Works for Red Army - Sunday, January 5/09.

With lots of open ice and turkey in their guts, the RA came out strong on Sunday night. With only 7 skaters on each side, both teams decided 4 on 4 was the way to go. The line of Rob and Gord played a strong puck control game, keeping the Brewers hemmed in their own zone for much of the game. Calvin had about 4 to 7 goals and Tyler chipped in with 3 to 5. Mike had a big 3rd period (or atleast it appeared that way), scoring 2 or 3 Bobby Orresque goals. As usual, Mark was a pillar on the blue line and Brian had tons of offensive chances. Chris held the Brewers goaless until about the 5 minute mark of the second period - then the RA let off their defensive stronghold and the scoring chances came furiously for the Brewers. The RA held on for a close about 15 - 5 win. Quote of the game - "Neither" by Rob, when responding to this question: "Are you guys the scoring or checking line?" The Red Army's next game goes Tuesday night against what should be a much improved Sundre Sabers squad.