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2008 Season

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R-Plecz Season 5: Harmarville III
First round playoff loss
Record: 6-4-1
Head Coach: Andy Klingensmith
 

Year 5
Year 5 logo

League Standings 
  Team GP Record Pct GB GF GA +/-
1 Details Boozehounds 10 9-0-1  (W6) 0.900 -- 79 21 58
2 Details Mission Fusion - Blue 10 8-2-0  (L1) 0.800 1.5 51 40 11
3 Details Thunder 11 8-2-1  (W1) 0.727 1.5 58 25 33
4 Details Mission Fusion White 10 6-4-0  (W1) 0.600 3.5 66 42 24
tie* Details R-PLECZ 10 6-3-1  (W2) 0.600 3 46 34 12
tie* Details Goodfellows 10 6-4-0  (L1) 0.600 3.5 56 58 -2
7 Details Penguins 11 6-5-0  (L1) 0.545 4 60 59 1
8 Details Hot Pink Panda Bears 10 4-6-0  (W1) 0.400 5.5 49 61 -12
tie* Details Graphics Garage 10 4-3-3  (W1) 0.400 4 49 37 12
10 Details Shockers 11 4-5-2  (L1) 0.364 5 57 54 3
11 Details Mogul Mind 9 3-6-0  (W1) 0.333 6 46 73 -27
tie* Details Trinidad & Tobago 9 3-6-0  (L1) 0.333 6 44 63 -19
13 Details The Intimadtors 10 3-7-0  (L1) 0.300 6.5 41 66 -25
14 Details The Soviets 10 1-9-0  (L9) 0.100 8.5 30 83 -53
15 Details Pittsburgh Pipers 9 0-9-0  (L9) 0.000 9 3 19 -16

*Please note your league may handle More Info tie-breakers differently

Date Time   Teams   Location
Mon 5/19/2008 8:00p Details Mission Fusion White 9 at R-PLECZ 5 HARMARVILLE BLADERUNNERS
Sun 6/1/2008 7:00p Details Penguins 2 at R-PLECZ 4 HARMARVILLE BLADERUNNERS
Sun 6/8/2008 4:00p Details The Intimadtors 0 at R-PLECZ 8 HARMARVILLE BLADERUNNERS
Sun 6/15/2008 3:00p Details The Soviets 3 at R-PLECZ 10 HARMARVILLE BLADERUNNERS
Sun 6/22/2008 2:00p Details Pittsburgh Pipers 0 at R-PLECZ 1 HARMARVILLE BLADERUNNERS
Sun 6/29/2008 1:00p Details Goodfellows 6 at R-PLECZ 3 HARMARVILLE BLADERUNNERS
Sun 7/20/2008 1:00p Details R-PLECZ 2 at Mission Fusion - Blue 3 HARMARVILLE BLADERUNNERS
Sun 7/27/2008 5:00p Details R-PLECZ 5 at Shockers 5 HARMARVILLE BLADERUNNERS
Sun 8/3/2008 4:00p Details Graphics Garage 1 at R-PLECZ 2 HARMARVILLE BLADERUNNERS
Sun 8/10/2008 7:00p Details Trinidad & Tobago 5 at R-PLECZ 6 HARMARVILLE BLADERUNNERS
Sun 8/17/2008 6:00p (Pla) R-PLECZ at Mission Fusion - Blue HARMARVILLE BLADERUNNERS


Name

GP

G

A

PIM

PPP

SHP

GWG

Ross Burkett

1

0 0 2

0

 0

 0

Gene Frederick

9

7

11

2

0

 0

 1

Dan Hallwirth 

10

15

14

10

2

 0

 2

Kyle Johnson 

9

6

2

0

 0

 0

Steve Keslar

1

18

0

1

 0

 0

Luke Mohamed

10

9

8

14

0

 1

 2

Kyle Polliard

9

3

0

0

0

 0

 0

Steve Roskey

11

11

15

2

2

 0

 1

Zac Talmadge

9

6

9

4

1

 1

 0

Player Statistics

Goalie Statistics

Player
GP
Record
GA
GAA
SHO
PTS
PIM
Gary Delehanty
10 
6-4-0
36
3.55
1
0
Luke Mohamed
1
0-0-1 
5
5.00
0
0
0

R-Plecz Announces 2008 Season Awards!
 
Most Valuable Player: Gary Delehanty
Awarded to the player deemed most valuable to his team.
Gary capped off his remarkable rookie season by winning the MVP award.  Gary also set the R-Plecz single season record for wins and shutouts and in doing so set the R-Plecz all time record for wins and shutouts during the puck era.
 
Norris Trophy: Gene Frederick
Awarded to the best defenseman.
Captain Gene Frederick led R-Plecz to their first winning season is five years and in doing so earned the Norris Trophy as best defenseman.  Gene regularly shut down opposing forwards efforts at scoring.
 
Art Ross Memorial Trophy: Dan Hallwirth
Awarded to the player with the most points.
As R-Plecz's all-time leading scorer it comes as no surprise that Dan Hallwirth led the team in points.  Not only did Dan set the single season record in points with 29 and goals with 15, but he also tallied an R-Plecz record six goals in one game.
 
Punisher Prize: Steve Roskey
Awarded to the player who hands out the most punishment.
Steve Roskey was the hands down winner of this award.  When not lighting the lamp, Roskey would light explosives and toss them towards the oppositions net.
 
Selke Memorial Trophy: Kyle Johnson
Awarded to the best defensive forward.
Kyle Johnson made a major splash during his rookie R-Plecz season.  While he made occasional contributions on the scoreboard, Johnson was most noted for his hard nosed defensive effort, frequently backchecking to outnumber the opposition.
 
Mr. Ass: Steve Keslar
Awarded to the player with the most assists.
Known for his brute strength, Keslar is now a noted playmaker.  During the season Keslar set up teammates a record 18 times.  While he continued running his travel agency by granting one way tickets to the Land of Keslar, he added another branch to his business by setting up opponents on their way to the goal.
 
Bryan Trottier Moustache Medal: Zac Talmadge
Awarded to the player with the best moustache.
After struggling through his first four seasons with zero goals, Zac realized he needed a change.  His first solution was to come out of the closet; this only made the locker room showers awkward.  After that plan failed Zac began growing a moustache.  As the hairs piled up so did his points.  Zac tallied six goals and nine assists, by far his best R-Plecz season.
 
Jarkko Ruutu Award: Luke Mohamed
Awarded to the best agitator.
Never short on attitude, Mohamed led R-Plecz in penalty minutes for the third straight year.  He also improved his point totals and decreased his penalty totals for the third straight year and tallied his first two career hat tricks.
 
Most Likely Not to Pass: Kyle Polliard
Awarded to the player with no assists
Like his Kyle counterpart, Lumberjack made a major splash during his rookie season.  Despite very little hockey playing experience, Lumberjack played a major role on the team.  Although he never passed there was good reason, as he would frequently chop away at loose pucks and in doing so scored three goals during his rookie campaign.
 
Most Likely to be Ross Burkett: Ross Burkett & Zac Talmadge
Awarded to the player who plays the most games as Ross Burkett
Both Ross and Zac spent a game this season as Ross Burkett.  The jury is still out on whom is the better Ross Burkett

R-Plecz Falls in Triple Overtime Thriller

 

It had been five years since their last winning season.  In 2003, their inaugural year, R-Plecz earned a record of 5-4-1 en route to winning the Kirk Kup.  Success did not come so easily in the following years, amassing just six wins in the following three seasons.  Coupled with those wins were an astounding 27 losses.  This season, R-Plecz finally managed to right their ship, battling to a franchise record 6-3-1 mark.  Although an excellent regular season was certainly a step in the right direction, the 0-3 playoff mark in their previous three seasons loomed over their heads.  Standing in their path to their first playoff win in 5 years was Mission Fusion Blue, whom finished second in the regular season with an 8-2 record.  This would be no easy task, but R-Plecz was ready for the challenge.

 

A determined R-Plecz team stepped onto the ice, looking to return R-Plecz to the Promised Land.  Mission Fusion Blue struck first, scoring just two minutes into the game to take a 1-0 lead.  Goaltender Gary Delehanty shook the goal off as he had almost no chance on the blistering shot from the MFB player.  This player, whom was known only as “Penguins” as he wore a Penguins jersey, was a nemesis to R-Plecz the entire night.  Three minutes later Steve Roskey knotted the game at one, taking a Gene Frederick feed and going coast to coast, sailing the puck over the goaltender’s shoulder.  Luke Mohamed nearly put R-Plecz up by one, but was stuffed on his one timer attempt.  Dan Hallwirth also had an opportunity to add a goal but was robbed on a breakaway attempt.  As an MFB player hacked for a rebound, Steve Keslar arrived with a one-way ticket to the Land of Keslar.  While it is often visited, no one seeks to head there.  Temper’s continued to flare as Mohamed was checked into the boards by an MFB elder.  Steve Roskey retaliated by crosschecking the elder into the boards.  The elder justified his actions claiming that he ran at Mohamed because Mohamed had run at him.  This was despite no one asking for his opinion.  Roskey and the elder were each whistled for roughing.  Jawing continued on both sides but scoring did not.  The period ended knotted at one. R-Plecz recognized what they needed to improve upon and took to the ice for the second period.

 

The second period began as the first had ended, with temper’s flaring on both sides of the ice.  R-Plecz kept their composure and kept out of the box, while MFB complained to the referees.  After a slow first period the second exploded with offense.  MFB headed into the R-Plecz zone on a 2 on 1.  Delehanty made a remarkable save to preserve the tie, but could not gather the rebound.  An untouched MFB player whistled the puck past Delehanty, who dove and nearly committed highway robbery.  Three minutes later R-Plecz fought back.  Rookie Kyle Johnson fed the puck to leading scorer Dan Hallwirth.  Kyle Polliard drove the net hard and deflected Hallwirth’s shot over the sprawling goaltender.  The crowd erupted as the score was now 2-2.  At the halfway mark of the second period Zac Talmadge, Steve Roskey, and Luke Mohamed took a 3 on 2 into the opposing zone.  Roskey dumped the puck around and Mohamed and Talmadge pursued.  Mohamed became entangled with the MFB defender allowing Talmadge to free the puck.  Frustrated, the MFB defender shoved Mohamed into the glass for a penalty.  However, R-Plecz did not need the power play.  Talmadge hit Roskey as he streaked to the net.  Roskey, untouched, buried the puck over the goaltender’s shoulder to give R-Plecz a 3-2 lead.  R-Plecz continued to play steady defense until just two minutes remained in the period.  Delehanty couldn’t corral a long, heavy shot from MFB’s Pens player.  Despite Steve Keslar’s attempts to thwart off two offensive players, he could not.  The rebound was scooped up and buried past Delehanty.  Zac Talmadge nearly put R-Plecz up by one as he took a beautiful feed from Steve Roskey, Talmadge ripped a one-timer only to be stuffed on the doorstep.  The two teams headed into the intermission knotted at three.

 

The third period produced much slower hockey than the previous two as both team’s played safe hockey to avoid making a costly mistake.  Tensions between the two teams were high, but both maintained their composure to avoid giving their opponent a power play.  Steve Roskey and Luke Mohamed nearly put R-Plecz up by one as they hacked away at a loose rebound.  Roskey then earned the nickname the weedwacker because he keeps hacking away at the puck.  Scrambles continued on both ends of the ice as both teams protected their goaltenders.  After an R-Plecz rush, Steve Roskey lost his stick and could not get to the bench.  As R-Plecz scrambled to defend their net, MFB’s Pens snuck around the net, past the stickless Roskey, and slid home a wraparound goal, putting MFB up 4-3 with just four minutes to go.  Dan Hallwirth had a good attempt on his next shift but he could not beat the MFB goaltender as the clock ticked below three minutes.  After the goaltender covered the puck R-Plecz signaled for the timeout as they had potentially only 2:45 remaining in their season.  The powerhouse line of Hallwirth, Mohamed, Roskey, and Keslar took to the ice looking to knot the game and send it into overtime.  This task was no foreign one to R-Plecz as goals in the last two minutes of their previous two games had given them the lead.  R-Plecz controlled the faceoff but could not muster any significant offense on their rush.  MFB sailed the puck down the ice into the corner and behind their now empty net.  On the bench Zac Talmadge had hesitated to step onto the ice, suggesting that team captain and Dr. Clutch, Gene Frederick step on the ice.  Frederick abstained and Talmadge headed back to retrieve the puck.  Keslar and Talmadge carried the puck up the ice as Hallwirth and Roskey patrolled the boards.  Mohamed headed to the front of the net to set a screen.  As Mohamed jostled in front of the net with the same player who called Roskey the weed wacker, Talmadge took a feed from Keslar giving him an open lane.  Talmadge, who is known for his blast, ripped the puck on net.  The puck rang low off the far post and in.  The referee signaled goal and the crowd erupted.  The rejuvenated R-Plecz had rallied again and had sent the game into overtime. 

 

The stands had begun to fill for overtime as teams from the following game watched anxiously to see their next opponent.  Steve Roskey began overtime with a remarkable shift, dangling past three MFB players before getting stuffed by the final defenseman.  MFB did their best to shut down R-Plecz as MFB’s Pens player tormented R-Plecz, seemingly never leaving the ice.  The determined R-Plecz bunch would not let up constantly back-checking to preserve their season.  On an R-Plecz breakout an MFB player blatantly leveled Luke Mohamed, whom did not have the puck.  As Mohamed lay on the ice, the undisciplined MFB player attempted to lure Gene Frederick into taking a penalty.  Being a player with great composure, Frederick didn’t take the bait and R-Plecz took to the power play.  R-Plecz passed the puck around MFB controlling the play but could not get any good chances on net.  MFB’s Pens snuffed out several power play opportunities by R-Plecz by being an offensive threat of his own.  R-Plecz failed on the power play and the first overtime ended still knotted at four.  The second overtime sent to the ice two exhausted teams.  Both teams seemed content with dumping and chasing as many players could barely muster enough energy to skate the length of the ice.  Delehanty preserved the tie making several spectacular saves in the clutch, as he knew the season was on the line.  Steve Keslar and Gene Frederick continued to play heroic defense stopping several odd man rushes as the winded forwards often could not muster up enough energy to back-check.  One forward who was constantly in patrolling his own zone was Kyle Johnson, who often shadowed MFB’s Pens player to help the defense shut him down.  Delehanty continued to turn aside shots as his save totals climbed higher and higher.  With just thirty seconds remaining in the period a rebound squirted loose behind Delehanty.  Unbeknownst to him, an MFB player gleamed as the open net awaited him.  Luke Mohamed, who played some goal in his day slashed down on his opponent’s stick and kicked the puck out of harm’s way to preserve the tie.  The second overtime ended still in a 4-4 gridlock.

 

By the third overtime both teams were left wondering when, if ever, this game would end.  Shortly into the overtime, the hockey world found out.  After an MFB faceoff win MFB’s Pens player gathered the puck and streaked up the ice.  An exhausted R-Plecz roster attempted to keep up with him but could not.  The Pens player ripped a shot on net which Delehanty turned aside.  Unfortunately the puck was not completely covered and the MFB player fished the puck loose and buried the game winning goal.  Final score Mission Fusion Blue 5 - R-Plecz 4.

 

Game Notes: R-Plecz thanks everyone for a great season.  Check back soon for end of the season awards and records.

Mohamed's Hat Trick Caps Rally... Next Stop: Playoffs
 
R-Plecz capped off their regular season with a bang, rallying to defeat Trinidad and Tobego by a score of 6-5.  The contest was a nailbiter until the very end and the fans attending fan appreciation night certainly got their monies worth.
 
Gene Frederick opened up the scoring just five minutes into the contest, going coast to coast and french toasting the T&T netminder.  Dan Hallwirth followed up with some luck as a T&T player batted the puck into his own net to put R-Plecz up 2-0 only seven minutes into the game.  With a false sense of security R-Plecz began losing their edge and playing a bit sloppy in their own end.  This resulted in the first T&T goal.  Just two minutes into the second period T&T took advantage of a sloppy R-Plecz change and knotted the game at two.  A few minutes later Gary Delehanty appeared to make a spectacular sprawling save to keep the game tied.  However the referee ruled Gary caught the puck behind the goal line making the score T&T 3- R-Plecz 2.
 
A disgruntled R-Plecz team returned to their bench at the second period, realizing they were letting the game slip away.  Early in the 3rd R-Plecz took advantage of a costly T&T mistake which sprung Luke Mohamed, Dan Hallwirth, and Kyle Johnson on a 3 on 1.  Hallwirth centered the puck to Mohamed who buried the puck to knot the game at 3.  On his next shift Mohamed experienced insubordinate wheel syndrome causing him to leave the ice.  When he returned a few minutes later he took straight to the action.  Taking a feed from Gene Frederick off a faceoff Mohamed fired a shot which rung two posts before going in and putting his team up by one.  T&T came right back, swatting home a rebound to knot the game up with just five minutes remaining.  The next three minutes were stalemated until an R-Plecz turnover left Delehanty out to try.  Delehanty made the initial save, but could not corral the rebound.  With just 90 seconds remaining, R-Plecz was down by one.
 
Captain Gene Frederick immediately called a timeout and rallied the troops.  Frederick stacked the deck and headed to the ice along with Hallwirth, Mohamed, and Steve Roskey.  This four man unit had combined for 34 goals and 37 assists already at this point in the season.  The question remained, did they have any left in them.  T&T won the faceoff and dumped the puck in.  Despite being strongly pressured, Frederick took the puck behind his own net and made a move around his cage.  Just as he had the week before when needed, captain Gene Frederick charged ahead with the puck, leaving behind opposing players and hopefully his team's deficit.  Frederick drug the puck down the left wing boards and into the zone and crashed the net.  His opportunity was stopped, but as he has so many times this season, Dan Hallwirth, who led the team in goals, scooped up the rebound and buried the puck to tie the game.  With just 45 seconds remaining, the same four man unit stayed on the ice.  Hallwirth won the faceoff back to Frederick who dumped the puck in.  Steve Roskey and Luke Mohamed each pursued, but neither could retrieve the puck and T&T took an odd man break to the other end.  Most known for his defensive dominance, Frederick snuffed out the T&T rush and chipped the puck ahead to Steve Roskey.  Just 18 seconds remained in the game.  Roskey fed the puck across to Dan Hallwirth, whom after scoring six goals in an earlier game vs. T&T drew much of the defensemen's attention.  This allowed Hallwirth to slide the puck to Mohamed, who from the top of the circles launched a shot on net.  The puck eluded the goaltender and tickled the twine putting R-Plecz up 6-5 with just eleven seconds remaining.  The appreciated fans rose to their feet and rejoiced at the comeback they had just witnessed.  Dan Hallwirth won the following faceoff and ragged the puck for the remaining eleven seconds to secure the victory.
 
Game Notes: Mohamed's hat trick was the second of the season.  Zac Talmadge missed the game and served the first of his three game suspension.  Several single season records were set this year which will be in a feature article later this week.  R-Plecz's next game will be in the playoffs.  Their will be Mission Fusion Blue whom R-Plecz lost to 3-2 earlier in the season.  The game will be on August 17th at 6 PM.  All fans are encouraged to attend and cheer on their hometown roller hockey team.  Their will be a playoff preview later this week as well.

Delehanty Shines In 2-1 Win 

R-Plecz returned to their winning ways by defeating Graphics Garage by a score of 2-1.  Gary Delehanty was the star of the game, returning from a one week hiatus, making several remarkable saves en route to his fifth win of the year.  The game started rough with Delehanty allowing a weak goal just six seconds into the game.  R-Plecz fired back two minutes later with Zac Talmadge taking a perfect feed from Steve Roskey and getting his snipes delight to knot the score at one.  The next two periods were hard fought as both teams failed to find the back of the net.  Delehanty kept the game tied by making several outstanding saves.  Graphics Garage played an undisciplined game taking six penalties.  R-Plecz could not capitalize on their powerplays, getting shut down each time and failing to generate much offense.  Late in the third period Delahanty made a Richter-like save on a breakaway to keep the game tied.  Two short minutes later Delehanty was again called upon, stopping a 2 on 1 and keeping the rebound out after several opportunities.  Overall he stopped 27 of 28 shots.  With three minutes left the line of Zac Talmadge, Steve Roskey, and Luke Mohamed reunited to break the tie, but their efforts would not be needed.  Gene Frederick took the puck in his own zone skated around two defenders and booked his flight from coast to coast.  Frederick zoomed past the first defenseman and with one defender to beat and Mohamed to his right cranking up for a one-timer.  The captain, Frederick, kept the game in his hands by ripping the puck off the crossbar and in.  R-Plecz settled back on defense for the final two minutes, looking to preserve their lead.  When Luke Mohamed and a Graphics Garage player got tangled up in front of the net, the Graphics Garage player responded by throwing several punches to the back of Mohamed's head.  When he rose to defend himself he was blindsided by another retard of the opposing team.  A brou ha ha developed with players from both sides piling on.  While Graphics Garage felt they had won the fight, they had lost the game, running out the clock while they participated in unwarranted extra curricular activity.  Suspensions may be handed out,  Their next game, and season finale is this Sunday August 10th vs. Trinidad and Tobego.  The game is at 7 PM.  It is fan appreciation night. All fans in attendance will receive a special prize.

Game Notes: For the first time in almost two months R-Plecz had two full lines.  Unfortunately Ross Burkett remains missing.  Delehanty has shattered the R-Plecz single season wins record, recording five this season.

Shorthanded Team Ties Shockers
For the third consecutive week R-Plecz skated with just one extra player.  Absent from this weeks game were their starting goaltender Gary Delehanty, captain Gene Frederick, and Kyle Johnson.  To make up for this shift alternate captain Luke Mohamed suited up between the pipes and Steve Keslar took over as defensive captain.  Leading scorer Dan Hallwirth was a welcome addition back to the lineup after he spent last week serving his suspension.
 
Goaltender Luke Mohamed showed signs of rust right off the bat, allowing a sloppy goal on a Steve Keslar turnover. Keslar responded with a goal of his own, his first of the season, off a Zac Talmadge rebound.  Mohamed continued to look off his game, allowing the next two goals on less than desirable shots.  Dan Hallwirth pulled R-Plecz within one, but before the period ended Mohamed surrendered a fourth goal.  R-Plecz barely survived the first period, but regrouped for the second period.
 
The second period began with Dan Hallwirth scooping up a Zac Talmadge rebound and burying it past the out of position goaltender.  Mohamed continued to look out of place in his own end, allowing a weak goal to his stickside to put his team down 5-3.  The Shockers followed their goal with an undisciplined penalty which Steve Roskey capitalized on, scoring off a Zac Talmadge feed.  Mohamed made a nice stop at the six minute mark to keep his team within one as Keslar shut down any other scoring chances by the Shockers.
 
Known for blaming his sticks after goals, Mohamed switched sticks during intermission and seemed to regain some of his confidence.  The team's fought back and forth with R-Plecz failing on two powerplays.  Kyle Polliard played an excellent defensive period, blocking two shots.  Mohamed held his end of the bargain making a sprawling starfish save as a Shocker's player powermoved across the crease.  With eight minutes remaining Dan Hallwirth drove the net and was hauled down, Polliard trailing closely behind picked up the loose puck and buried it past the stunned netminder.  The crowd erupted and the game was tied.  During their post goal anger, the Shocker's took an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and gave R-Plecz a chance to take the lead.  R-Plecz mustered up several shots but could not crack the Shocker's goaltender.  Their best chance came when Zac Talmadge rifled a shot which took off the goalie's glove.  R-Plecz continued their excellent play in the offensive zone but could not beat the Shocker's goalie.  After Zac Talmadge fumbled the puck the Shockers had a chance to take the lead but Mohamed made a rolling starfish stop to preserve the tie.  A tired Shockers team then called a timeout as R-Plecz continued to dominate play.  Following the timeout Steve Roskey had an excellent scoring opportunity but was robbed point blank by the Shocker's netminder.  Zac Talmadge followed up with a chance of his own, but he could not break the tie.  With two minutes remaining R-Plecz took their own timeout to muster one last offensive flurry.  A flurry it was, but the Shocker's continued to keep R-Plecz to the outside and limit their scoring chances.
 
As was the case in their previous game, R-Plecz dominated the third period play, but could not score when needed.  Fortunately, this game did not end with a tally in the losing column.  R-Plecz kissed their sister (whose is the hottest?) and tied 5-5.  Their next game is this Sunday, August 3rd at 4 PM vs. Graphics Garage.
 
Game Notes: The goal by Steve Keslar was his first goal of the season, but his 12th point, as each of his previous 11 points had been assists.  Keslar also played with seven stitches in his leg.  The tie was the first in puck era history and first since season two.  Because they were the road team and the Shockers had black jerseys, R-Plecz was forced to conjure any non-black clothing together they could, sporting tie-dyed, blue, white, and teal clothing.  Gary Delehanty, Gene Frederick, and Kyle Johnson are expected to return to the lineup next week, giving the team their first full roster in almost two months.

R-Plecz Comes Up Short Vs. Undefeated Mission Fusion Blue

R-Plecz threw everything they had at undefeated Mission Fusion Blue but their efforts fell short as they could not place a blemish upon MFB’s record.  After the tragic injury to Steve Keslar, R-Plecz was without one of its best defensemen.  This comes after already missing leading scorer Dan Hallwirth due to suspension and forward Kyle Johnson.  Despite having only one skater on the bench the team took to the offensive early in the game.  Gene Frederick took a feed from Zac Talmadge and rifled a heavy shot off the goaltenders cage.  Gary Delehanty responded with excellence of his own by making two remarkable saves at the 8 minute mark.  Both teams fought hard in the first but the score remained knotted at zero heading into the intermission. 

 

The second period began as the first did with both teams struggling to find the net.  After Luke Mohamed blew a tire hindering his ability to skate MFB took advantage by knocking a rebound behind Delehanty.  Delehanty reached behind and appeared to grab the puck before it completely crossed the goal line, but the referee signaled for the goal.  MFB followed up with a goal that trickled through Delehanty’s five hole as the momentum of the game continued to swing towards the undefeated MFB.  After a third MFB goal in less than seven minutes, R-Plecz realized they needed to take to the offensive.  On the next shift, Steve Roskey ragged the puck behind the net and freed the puck up in the corner where he fed Mohamed in the slot who buried the one-timer past the unprepared netminder.  R-Plecz had found the scoreboard and had found life as well.  Steve Roskey nearly added a goal on a breakaway but could not beat the sprawling netminder, whom made a spectacular diving save to preserve the two goal lead.  Delehanty held down his end of the bargain by making a point blank rebound stop on one of MFB’s stars.  Zac Talmadge nearly pulled the team within one as he dangled around a MFB defenseman and drove the net before firing the puck just wide.  Zac followed up his breakaway by heading to the bench and having a reversal of fortune.  He returned shortly after.  A few shifts later, R-Plecz completed one of their best plays as Gene Frederick led the rush sent a feed to Mohamed just inside the blue line, he tipped the puck back to a trailing Steve Roskey.  Mohamed then drove the net and Roskey made a perfect saucer pass as Mohamed dropped to one knee and batted the puck in out of the air.  MFB could feel the pressure as R-Plecz was realizing their potential heading into the second intermission.

 

The third period was one to remember as R-Plecz dominated play in the MFB end.  Luke Mohamed dumped the puck in off the opening draw and Steve Roskey pursued giving Mohamed a great opportunity at a one-timer, which he fired just wide.  R-Plecz kept the pressure on as Mohamed, Talmadge, and Kyle Polliard, who played arguably his greatest career game, cycled the puck around a stunned MFB roster.  Mohamed fed Polliard for a one-timer who fired the puck just wide of the sprawling netminder.  The pressure continued as Mohamed fired a goal line shot at the out of position goaltender which Talmadge had a great rebound opportunity on.  After more cycling the puck squirted free to Mohamed who drug the puck back pulling the goaltender down, he fired over the goaltender only to rifle the puck off the crossbar and out of play.  Both teams were exhausted and the clock was ticking away.  The great work continued in the MFB end as Steve Roskey had several spectacular chances thanks to the setup work of Zac Talmadge.  After a penalty, R-Plecz took to a 4 on 3 man advantage.  Luke Mohamed hit Gene Frederick on a sneaky bastard play only to stuffed trying to jam the puck home.  The pressure continued as R-Plecz cycled the puck around the overwhelmed MFB.  After the powerplay had failed R-Plecz was on the defensive for the next five minutes as Gary Delehanty stood on his head to keep the game within reach.  With two minutes remaining captain Gene Frederick called a timeout to rally the troops and give the team a chance to catch their breath.  R-Plecz controlled the faceoff and headed into the MFB zone but couldn’t muster any significant offense.  Delehanty left the net to give R-Plecz an extra attacker but it was no use as R-Plecz could not crack MFB.  The buzzer rang and although they were losers on the scoreboard, R-Plecz held their heads high knowing the fight they had just put up.

 

Their next game is Sunday July 27th at 5 PM.  All fans are encouraged to attend.

 

Game Notes:  While Steve Keslar, Dan Hallwirth, Kyle Johnson, and Ross Burkett were absent from the game Keslar and Hallwirth plan to return next game.  However, Delehanty and Frederick will have to miss the game due to prior commitments.  This leaves the team without their captain and a goalie.  Luke Mohamed plans to return between the pipes in Delehanty’s absence.

Goodfellas Halts Win Streak at Four
R-Plecz saw their four game win streak snapped Sunday afternoon to the hands of the Goodfellas.  Playing with a short bench, a tired R-Plecz fell by a score of 6-3.  Gene Frederick, Steve Keslar, and Zac Talmadge were all absent from the game, leaving R-Plecz with just five skaters and a goaltender.  The lack of rest eventually came to haunt the team as they struggled to keep up with the speed of the Goodfellas.  Gary Delehanty was oustanding in the loss, stopping 35 of 41 shots, surrendering goals only on odd man rushes and one-timers.  Steve Roskey scored two goals and added an assist, while Kyle Johnson added a goal and an assist of its own.  The team did not help its own cause as they were whistled for a season high five penalties, including an ejection for Dan Hallwirth.  The loss drops their record to 4-2.
Game Notes: Gene Frederick and Steve Keslar missed their first career R-Plecz games.  Since statistics have been kept they have attended all 27 games.  Luke Mohamed is the only other player to have accomplished this feat, skating out in 25 and minding the net in two.  With this past game, he takes the all-time lead in games played.

Pipers See Red: Hallwirth Nets Six
The Pittsburgh Pipers were single handedly defeated by Dan Hallwirth Sunday afternoon as Hallwirth scored an R-Plecz record six goals.  The Pipers, whom like their predecessors, could muster little offense against the R-Plecz trap scored just two goals as R-Plecz continued to dominate their opponents.  Gene Frederick and Zac Talmadge also added goals making the final score Dan 6 - R-Plecz 2 - Pipers 2.  The league has made an attempt to rid Bladerunners of R-Plecz's havoc by claiming the team has not paid their league dues.  Team owner Luke Mohamed responded harshly when criticized and was heard proclaiming that the team would be on the ice next week.  Unforunately no one knows when the fucking game is because the schedule isn't out yet.  This may deter some R-Plecz members from playing in the game, however it will not deter them from winning.
Game Notes: Check the backs of your milk cartons for pictures of Ross Burkett.  The four consecutive wins sets an R-Plecz puck era record.  Dan Hallwirth has tied the franchise single season record for goals at eleven which he tied last year with Bryan Szostak whom set the record two seasons ago.  Steve Keslar now holds the single season assist record with eleven, breaking Gene Frederick's record of ten set last year.  Check back daily for updates on next week's game.

Lumberjack Returns; Win Streak Hits Three
For the third consecutive week, R-Plecz dominated their opponent, this time by a score of 10-3.  R-Plecz again came out firing against The Soviets, going up by an early score of 5-0.  A powerplay goal by The Soviets gave them life but they could not muster up enough offense to challenge R-Plecz.  Dan Hallwirth and Steve Roskey each recorded hat tricks while Gene Frederick added two goals.  Kyle Polliard recorded his first career goal as he raced past the defense and buried the puck past the sprawling goaltender.  Steve Keslar continued making plays as he added two assists to his team leading total.  Gary Delehanty had another solid game in net, stopping 17 of 20 shots for the win.
Game Notes: Ross Burkett is still MIA, anyone who knows his whereabouts should contact an R-Plecz teammember immediately.  The three consecutive wins set a puck-era record and matched the record of the team's inaugural season, when they won three straight to close the regular season.

Offense Explodes: R-Plecz Rolls to Victory
 
For the second consecutive week R-Plecz dominated their opponent. This time, the dominance could also be seen on the scoresheet.  All seven players recorded at least two points and Gary Delehanty recorded his first career shutout in the 8-0 victory.  Luke Mohamed led the way with his first career hat trick and added two helpers.  Zac Talmadge had a career game with two goals and two assists, while Kyle Johnson got off the schnide with two goals of his own.  Dan Hallwirth added the final goal and he, along with Steve Roskey, Gene Frederick, and Steve Keslar, recorded two assists.  This Sunday R-Plecz will attempt to set puck-era history as they look for their third consecutive win versus the 1-1 Soviets.
Game Notes: Kyle Polliard missed his second consecutive game with Asian flu, while Ross Burkett was still missing in action.  Max Moio is reportedly considering selling his share of "THE INTIMADATORS!" after their embarassing loss to the hands of R-Plecz.  He could not be reached for further comment.

Coach Klingensmith Wins 500th Game
Coach Andrew Klingensmith added to his R-Plecz resume by winning his 500th game in R-Plecz's 4-2 victory over the Pens.  Already the winningest coach in R-Plecz history, Klingensmith returned to the bench to guide the team to victory.  His win will be commemorated with a commemorative coin.

R-Plecz Rallies and Defeats Pens; Coach Klingensmith Achieves 500th Win!
 
R-Plecz fought back after a season opening trouncing to defeat the Pens by a score of 4-2.  There was a great deal of pressure on the team to win after their many major offensive signings.  To help cope with this pressure the team brought back Coach Klingensmith who implimented a new system.  Coach Klingensmith enforced a 1-2-1 system rather than their standard 2-2 format.  R-Plecz came out firing but could not crack the opposing goaltender.  Midway through the second the system was effective defensively, but ineffective on offense as they trailed 2-0.  Luke Mohamed opened the scoring on a one-time feed from Steve Roskey to spark the R-Plecz rally.  Twenty seconds later Gene Frederick took to the offensive knotting the game at two with assists from Dan Hallwirth and Steve Keslar.  Steve Keslar resurrected Jesus and then corrected my spelling.  After a Pens penalty R-Plecz took to the powerplay.  Steve Roskey took a beautiful feed from Steve Keslar and buried the shot past the screened goaltender giving R-Plecz a 3-2 lead heading into the second intermission.  Steve Roskey would add an insurance goal on a delayed penaly after taking an Adam Graves-like slash to the wrist.  As his wrist dangled by its skin he walked around a defender and ripped a shot over the stunned netminder.  Gary Delehanty shutdown any Pens' rally attempts for the remainder of the games as he stopped 17 of 19 shots in the win.
Game Notes: The team was without Kyle Polliard who has Asian flu and Ross Burkett whose whereabouts were unknown.  Coach Klingensmith became the first coach in roller hockey history to record 500 wins.  His 500 wins are first all time for R-Plecz coaches and are 498 more than current coach Ed Newell.

R-Plecz Falters in Season Opener
 
R-Plecz fell 10-4 in their season opener to league power Mission Fusion White.  R-Plecz jumped out to an early 1-0 lead on a goal by Steve Roskey; the team then held that lead due to outstanding goaltending from rookie netminder Gary Delehanty and excellent defensive play from Steve Keslar and Luke Mohamed, who had a combined 7 blocked shots in the first period.  The team's lack of offseason conditioning came back to haunt them, as MFW skated circles around the team trouncing them in their opening game.
Game Notes: Rookie Kyle Johnson scored his first career goal early in the second period.  Kyle Polliard played his first career organized hockey game and was held off the scoresheet, but was a physical prescense on the ice.  Polliard will miss the next several games with some sort of Asian flu.

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