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Steve
Meadows recorded his
150th career point
with the hockey club.
|
Ironmen
Bulled Over
February
16, 2004
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY,
British Columbia (CP) ----
The Ironmen would take on
an old rival Monday evening,
as the men of metal would
face off against the Bulldogs
for the first of three meetings
between the clubs this season.
Opportunity
would knock for the Ironmen
before the puck had even
been dropped, as the Bulldogs
would be forced to start
the game without a goaltender.
The Ironmen however were
unable to capitalize on
this golden opportunity.
Not only did the Ironmen
fail to register a shot
on the open net, but it
would be the Ironmen that
would end up surrendering
the first goal at 10:17
of the opening period. The
Bulldogs would just simply
outwork the Ironmen throughout
the opening frame and with
less then a minute on the
clock the Bulldogs would
go up by two.
The
officials who would go on
to call a total of ten penalties
in the second period would
dominate the second period
spotlight. Seven of these
ten penalties would be against
the Ironmen who did very
well to kill off all but
one of these alleged infractions.
The Ironmen played the majority
of the middle frame down
two men. They would escape
the second period trailing
the Bulldogs by three.
The
Bulldogs would get their
forth of the game just 2:15
into the third period. Three
minutes and seven seconds
later it would start to
get ugly, as the Bulldogs
would pot their fifth unanswered
goal of the game. In an
effort to try and shake
things up and attempt to
breathe some much needed
life into the Ironmen, captains
Brent Kelly and Steve Meadows
would switch positions.
Meadows would line-up on
the right wing with Rick
Makarowski and Craig Granter.
Kelly would drop back to
defense. It seemed to work,
as seconds later with Meadows
going hard into the offensive
zone,
Craig Granter
would convert a Rick Makarowski
offering to put the Ironmen
on the board. However three
minutes later the Bulldogs
would take back their five-goal
lead. Brent
Kelly would attempt
to restore some respectability
for the Ironmen late in
the contest when he would
walk out from the corner
and roof a beautiful goal
with 1:15 left on the clock.
However it was too little
too late for the Ironmen.
Steve Meadows and Rick Makarowski
would get the assists on
the Kelly goal.
The
bottom line in this contest
is that the Bulldogs outworked
the Ironmen and played a
much better team game. The
Ironmen again did show heart
by refusing to quit.
From
my perspective the main
problem for the Ironmen
seems to be their unwillingness
as a group to be putting
in a solid effort for three
periods of hockey. That
combined with their inability
to play or even understand
how to play a team game,
continues to be the main
problem that haunts the
Ironmen on most nights.
The only difference between
the Ironmen and most of
the opposing teams they
face is that the other teams
(even teams much weaker
then the Ironmen) are able
to succeed in playing as
a team where the Ironmen
have failed. There is no
question the officials have
done the Ironmen few favors
this season, however the
Ironmen have to control
the things they have the
power to control. The Ironmen
have the power to control
how they play their game
and how they react to adversity.
They cannot control how
the officials call a game
and they cannot control
what the opposing teams
do. What the Ironmen can
control is their work ethic
and team play. There are
only ten games left to start
playing as a team as opposed
to fourteen well intentioned
individuals. For the Ironmen
to turn things around heading
into playoffs it will take
much more then just five
or six players attempting
to play a team game. It
will take everyone! The
team is more then capable
of doing this, but are they
willing? It is gut check
time. It is time for each
player to be asking each
other and themselves, Do
I play a team game? What
can I do better? Do I want
to win? It is time to find
out who are the real Ironmen!
The
Ironmen will be back at
it on Friday, February 20th
at 10:00 pm when they play
the Bolts on the Green 'B'
rink.
Luc
Trois Etoiles
La
Première Etoile
- Rick Makarowski
La
Deuxième Etoile
- Steve Meadows
La
Troisième Etoile
- Brent Kelly
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Jim
Defer returned to the line-up getting
the lone Ironmen goal.
|
Ironmen
Futility Continues
February
9, 2004
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY, British
Columbia (CP) ---- O.K..... Enough already!!!
I know that I'm supposed to be a neutral observer
of the games and that I'm not supposed to
care who wins. But I'm at my breaking point.
As the Ironmen went down to defeat for the
17th time in 23 games, 4-1 to Becks on Monday
night, I sat slumped in my chair in the penalty
box lounge wondering...'what the hell am I
doing here?' Maybe I had one too many Guinness
up there.... I don't know. I can't even imagine
how the team itself must be feeling right
now. I've watched every team in the division
this year, and the Ironmen could very well
beat each and every one of them. There is
something lacking...we'll get to that later.
The
Ironmen continued to show effort for the most
part against Becks but again gave up the first
goal. At 6:56 of the 1st, Becks went up 1-0
but the Ironmen would tie things up late in
the first, with Jim
Defer scoring on a highlight reel
deke to the backhand. Rick Makarowski and
Steve Meadows assisted on the play. That would
be the end of the Ironmen offense on this
night as Becks scored 3 unanswered goals,
including an empty netter to skate off with
the 4-1 victory.
Speaking
of empty-netters...the Ironmen had what I
would consider to be their best offensive
flurry in weeks with the extra attacker on
for goalie
Jamie Barnes late in the game.
Guys were taking a beating in front of the
net, point shots were coming through and everyone
on the ice battled with all they had to try
for that elusive second goal. It's too bad
that games aren't 2 minutes long because for
those two minutes, I saw what this Ironmen
squad could be if they would just all buy
in and apply themselves to the kind of tenacity
and grit displayed late in the game. It's
a fine line though, isn't it? You're out there
thinking that you're giving it all you've
got but low and behold...you find out you
have this extra gear. I saw lots of that in
the final 2 minutes, which is the cause for
frustration thinking about what the rest of
the game could have been. Case in point: in
the third period, there were two occasions
when defenseman Steve Meadows had the puck
in his skates along the boards - once in the
offensive zone and once in the defensive zone
- a la Daniel Sedin. Where the hell was Henrik????
No one went over to give him support. Did
everybody just stand there and wait to see
if he could out muscle two guys and get the
puck to a teammate who was standing still
20 feet away? To me this shows either: (a)
a lack of effort or (b) a lack of understanding
of the TEAM concept in hockey. I sincerely
hope it's (a) because that's a whole lot easier
to fix than (b). I'm sorry to say, though,
that it's probably more a lack of understanding
than effort as I've seen lots of try from
the Ironmen most of the season. Whatever the
problems stem from, all the negative crap
can go away very quickly with more of the
effort I saw in the final two minutes from
the Men Of Metal. Hopefully, the Ironmen will
carry it over into their next game on Feb
16th versus the Bulldogs.
Luc
Trois Etoiles
La
Première Etoile - Todd Fraser
La
Deuxième Etoile - Craig Ahlstrom
La
Troisième Etoile - Jamie Barnes
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Craig
Petterson would pick up a goal and an
assist.
|
Ironmen
Fill The Penalty Box As Blades Fill The Net
In Second Period Collapse
February
7, 2004
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY, British
Columbia (CP) ---- The men of metal faced
off against the Blades on Saturday looking
for their 2nd win in a row, which is a feat
in itself considering how hard it is for this
group to come up with one win in a row. The
Ironmen must have been licking their chops
when they skated on the ice and saw that the
opposing goaltender was Glen "Red Light"
McNeil. Ironmen veterans remember Glen as
their former goaltender / squash-player. Ahhh,
good old Glen. You never knew what kind of
game he'd put up behind the Ironmen most nights.
Sometimes he was lucky to have the puck hit
him and sometimes he'd steal a game. On this
day he didn't have to be good or lucky as
the Ironmen registered few challenging shots
in dropping a 5-3 decision to the Blades.
Things
started out just swell for the Ironmen as
they jumped on the Blades on a first period
4-minute powerplay, scoring twice to go up
2-0. Craig
Petterson threw a shot at the net
that hit McNeil and dribbled into the net
for the first goal at 7:09. Peter Farkas and
Todd Fraser assisted. A minute and a half
later Evan
Johnston would jump on a loose puck
to give his team a 2-0 lead. Petterson and
Henry Fowlds assisted.
The
Ironmen may as well have gone home after that
because the Blades took over the game with
the kind assistance of the dingbats in striped
shirts. In fairness to the dingbats, they
didn't have much choice on a many of the calls
they made. The Ironmen continue to be undisciplined
at crucial times as they were nailed 4 straight
times in the 2nd period. The amazing thing
is the Blades could only score 1 powerplay
goal in the 2nd frame as the Ironmen did a
good job on the PK, thanks mainly to Dave
Toyoda who was steady in goal. Unfortunately
the blades did score 2 other goals to take
a 3-2 lead into the 3rd.
They
went up 4-2 early in the 3rd before Rick
Makarowski, no doubt fresh after having
a 12-minute rest in the penalty box, would
score to draw within one goal of the Blades.
Brent Kelly and Craig Granter assisted at
3:34. Midway through the period, the Blades
would go up by 2 for good and win 5-3. The
Ironmen couldn't manage to get any quality
shots through to McNeil down the stretch when
it counted what with most of their attention
being focused on the stupid referees. I'm
sorry, but I just don't know when a penalty
is going to be called anymore. Rick Makarowski
gets a diving penalty. A DIVING penalty!!!!
The only time I've seen Rick go down is when
one or more opponents are climbing up his
back to tackle him. How often do the loser
refs call those? Then the guy gets a 10-minute
misconduct for questioning the call. These
officials at 8 rinks should be dipped in chocolate
sauce and hung from the ceiling of a cage
full of rabid pit bulls. But enough of my
fantasies.
The
Ironmen will have to suck it up quickly as
they take on Becks on Monday at 10:30pm on
the Blue 'A' rink.
Luc
Trois Etoiles
La
Première Etoile - Evan Johnston
La
Deuxième Etoile - Craig Petterson
La
Troisième Etoile - David Toyoda
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Ed
Kouwenhoven would make no mistake driving
home the game winner.
|
Ironmen
Shoot Down Cowboys
January
30, 2004
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY, British
Columbia (CP) ---- The Ironmen were back
in action for the second time this week as
they faced the Cowboys on Friday evening.
The Ironmen who have showed a lot of improved
play over their last two outings, hoped to
continue to improve and finally be rewarded
with a long awaited victory.
The
first period would see both teams feeling
each other out with the Ironmen holding a
slight edge in the play. Period one would
conclude with no scoring.
The
Ironmen would waste little time taking control
of the second period scoring just 1:05 into
the middle frame. Defensemen Steve
Meadows would open the scoring with
his 5th of the season. Gary Floyd and Rick
Makarowski would draw the assists. That Ironmen
lead would be short lived, only 1:24 later
the Cowboys would score the equalizer. The
game would remain deadlocked until the Cowboys
would grab their first lead of the night scoring
with 6:59 remaining on the clock. The Ironmen
would respond firing back and pulling even
just 29 seconds later when a Gary Floyd pass
would deflect off the skate of Todd
Fraser. The Cowboys despite having
a short bench would not go away and would
grab their second lead of the game four minutes
and 23 seconds later. The Cowboys would take
a 3-2 lead into the final period.
Period
three would see the Ironmen picking up their
play and 3:27 into the final frame Craig
Granter would tie the game with his
18th of the season. Rick Makarowski would
get the lone assist. The Ironmen would keep
the pedal to the medal when Evan Johnston
would do some nice work in the Cowboys zone
before finding Edward
Kouwenhoven untouched in front. Kouwenhoven
would make no mistake driving home his first
of the season and the eventually game winner.
Dave Walden would get the second assist on
the goal. The Ironmen would play some solid
defense the rest of the way, including a brilliant
penalty kill in the final five minutes of
the game.
This
was another solid effort from the men of metal
and finally their hard work was rewarded with
a well-deserved and long overdue victory.
The Ironmen out skated their opposition in
this contest and took advantage of the time
the Cowboys gave them. The Ironmen did not
have a powerplay in this contest as the Cowboys
were not assessed any penalties. The Ironmen
penalty killers went to work on three occasions,
each time successfully extinguishing the Cowboys
powerplay. The line of Petterson, Floyd and
Fraser once again was impressive and seem
to be the secondary scoring unit the Ironmen
have searched for all season. This victory
was a great team effort!
The
Ironmen will look to make it two in a row,
when they face the Blades on Saturday, February
7th at 12:30 pm on the Red 'A' rink.
Luc
Trois Etoiles
La
Première Etoile - Ed Kouwenhoven
La
Deuxième Etoile - Gary Floyd
La
Troisième Etoile - Henry Fowlds
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Henry
Fowlds returned to the Ironmen line-up
after missing the last five games.
|
Icemen
Shatter The Hearts Of Ironmen
January
27, 2004
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY, British
Columbia (CP) ---- The Ironmen returned
to action on Tuesday evening to take on the
third place Icemen. The men of metal would
be a little short handed in this contest with
Jim Defer, Peter Farkas and Evan Johnston
all out of the line-up. Henry Fowlds returned
to the Ironmen line-up after missing the last
five games. Fowlds was last in the Ironmen
line-up back on December 12th.
The
game would see both teams trading chances
in the opening period with either team being
able to get on the scoreboard. The Icemen
would close the period with the edge in play,
however the first period would end with no
scoring.
The
Icemen would continue outplay the Ironmen
early in the second period and would jump
out to a 2-0 lead 3:30 into the middle frame.
As the period went on the Ironmen started
to slowly take control and would begin to
out chance the Icemen late in the period.
The Ironmen would hit the scoreboard with
just 47 seconds left on the clock when Craig
Granter would send in Todd
Fraser alone. Fraser would make no
mistake firing a missile past the Icemen netminder.
Two
minutes and 37 second later Fraser would be
at it again, this time scoring the tying goal
just 1:50 into the third period. Craig Petterson
would get the only assist on Fraser's second
of the game. The Ironmen continued to dominate
play and 51 seconds later Rick
Makarowski would give the Ironmen
the lead with Gary
Floyd and Todd Fraser assisting. The
Icemen would not roll over and responded less
then four minutes later to even the score
at three. Regulation time would conclude with
the teams deadlocked in a 3-3 tie.
The
overtime would once again not be kind to the
Ironmen; the majority of the extra frame would
be played in the Ironmen zone. Then with 30
seconds left on the clock the referees appeared
to have called a four-minute slashing penalty
against the Icemen. What could this be? The
Ironmen finally getting a break? An Ironmen
powerplay in OT? I was just about to pinch
myself when the one referee wiped out the
Ironmen power play before it begun. He ordered
Gary Floyd to the box with a four-minute high
sticking penalty. Oh my god, I should have
known it was too good to be true. If this
hard luck crew didn't have bad luck they wouldn't
have any. The hockey gods would again torture
the Ironmen. After a face off deep in the
Icemen zone the Icemen would manage to get
the puck out to a waiting Icemen player who
would have an express lane to David Toyoda.
(Have I seen this movie before?) He would
make no mistake firing the puck past Toyoda
with just 10 seconds left on the clock. There
are no other words to describe the finish
of this game other then a complete heartbreaker!
On
a positive note, the Ironmen were not penalized
at all during regulation time. That is a first
this season.
This
hardworking, hard luck crew will be back at
it on Friday, January 30th at 9:30 pm when
they face the Cowboys on the Red 'A' rink.
Luc
Trois Etoiles
La
Première Etoile - Todd Fraser
La
Deuxième Etoile - Gary Floyd
La
Troisième Etoile - Rick Makarowski
|
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Brent
Kelly recorded his first two point game
of the season.
|
Ironclad
Effort Spoiled By Late Penalties
January
22, 2004
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY, British
Columbia (CP) ---- The Ironmen were back
in action on Thursday night after another
eight-day layoff between games. The Ironmen
would take on the NS Titans for the second
time this season.
The
Ironmen would have a little different look
up front in this contest, as they appeared
to have shuffled the deck in search of effective
line combinations. The first line would see
Brent Kelly moving into the Right Wing position
with Craig Granter and Rick Makarowski. The
second line would have Evan Johnston returning
to Centre with Dave Walden and Jim Defer on
the wings. On the third line Craig Petterson
would be between Gary Floyd and Todd Fraser.
The new combinations if nothing else certainly
added some much need jump up front. Throughout
the contest the Ironmen had everybody going
in this one.
The
Titans would be first to hit the board scoring
at 10:44 of period one. This goal was the
result of the Ironmen players on the ice being
out there with an empty tank. An earlier line
change and this goal more then likely would
have never been scored.
The
second period would belong to the Ironmen.
The men of metal would hit the scoreboard
6:31 into the middle frame. Brent
Kelly would make an excellent play
to keep the puck in where Rick Makarowski
would fire the puck at the Titans net with
plenty of traffic in front, the Titan goaltender
would make the save and bobble the puck where
Craig
Granter was waiting on the door step
and bat the puck home. Five minutes later
these three would be at it again for the Ironmen.
Rick
Makarowski would take a shot with
Brent Kelly going hard to the net the shot
hit a player in front and with Kelly providing
the screen the Titans goalie had no chance
on the play. This was Makarowski's goal and
perhaps it may have even gone off of Kelly
but somehow Craig Granter would be credited
with his 17th of the season. (Yeah like he
needs it). The Ironmen would take 2-1 lead
into period three.
The
final period would see the Ironmen lead vanish,
just 1:24 in the Titans would pull even. Then
the referees would decide to take the game
away from the players and become a factor
in deciding the outcome of yet another game.
After just one penalty from each team in the
first two periods the zebras would call a
total seven Ironmen penalties including a
ten-minute misconduct to Peter Farkas in the
third period. The Titans would be assessed
three penalties. The third period penalty
minute total for both teams would be 36 minutes.
The Ironmen who are no stranger to killing
penalties would battle through the majority
of those infractions. However things would
start to unravel for the I-men with just 3:25
left in the game. After being run over twice
with no call Goaltender David Toyoda would
be assessed a four-minute slashing penalty.
So much for protecting the goalie. Toyoda
who is certainly not known for that can't
be blamed. The guy was run over twice in just
a matter of minutes. If it wasn't bad enough
to be shorthanded for the rest of the game
Edward Kouwenhoven would be assessed a four-minute
cross checking penalty just 17 seconds later.
The Ironmen would do well to kill off the
first have of the penalties and then Craig
Ahlstrom would be nailed for a soft roughing
penalty with just 1:18 left on the clock.
Forty seconds later after having the game
hand delivered by the officials the Titans
would get the game-winning goal. They would
add another just 19 seconds later just to
rub it in. There is know question the referees
played a huge factor in stealing the game
from the Ironmen, however the Ironmen have
to be accountable for controlling their emotions
and their sticks late in a close game.
Although
it was once again a disappointing finish overall
this was a very good game from the men of
metal. Everyone showed up in this contest
and the blue collar, lunch pail effort seemed
to be the rule as opposed to the exception
on this night. There are plenty of players
I could praise from this game but to name
a few, Gary Floyd was a workhorse getting
many good opportunities and was solid at both
ends of the ice. Brent Kelly fit in rather
nicely on the top line working hard to keep
pucks in the opposition zone and going hard
to the net all night, twice resulting in Ironmen
goals. Craig Petterson had one of his best
efforts of the season back checking hard and
winning battles. Evan Johnston also impressed
showing some good hands. If not for some big
saves by the Titans goaltender Johnston could
have easily had himself a two-goal game.
The
Ironmen hope to bring that kind of solid effort
from everyone once again, when they return
to action on Tuesday, January 27th when they
face the Icemen at 7:45 pm on the Gold 'A'
rink.
Luc
Trois Etoiles
La
Première Etoile - Gary Floyd
La
Deuxième Etoile - Brent Kelly
La
Troisième Etoile - Craig Petterson
|
|
|
|
Evan
Johnston did a great job of stepping
in on defense.
|
Weak
Bolts Damage Ironmen
January
13, 2004
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY, British
Columbia (CP) ---- The Ironmen returned
to action on Tuesday evening for the first
time in more then a week after a disappointing
overtime loss to the first place Alers last
Monday night. The Ironmen would continue to
face the divisions top opponents as tonight's
game had them up against the second place
Bolts.
The
early action would have one wondering which
club was the second place team and which team
was in the division cellar. The Ironmen were
clearly the better team throughout the majority
of the first period. In addition the men of
metal did an outstanding job killing off the
period's only penalty. Defensemen Craig Ahlstrom
was in the box for a body checking infraction.
Period one would come to a close with no scoring.
Although
clearly the weaker team early in this contest,
the Bolts would be the first to hit the scoresheet
scoring just 1:59 into the middle frame. The
Ironmen would continue to look like the better
team in terms of overall play throughout the
period, but that would not reflect on the
scoreboard. The Ironmen's main problem seemed
to be their unwillingness to get pucks to
the net. The Bolts seldom challenged the Ironmen
who failed to dump the puck deep or throw
it towards the net. The Ironmen could often
be found hurrying or even panicking when they
had nothing but time with no pressure coming
from the Bolts. The Bolts would later capitalize
on a brutal clearing attempt by the Ironmen
deep in the Ironmen zone. The clearing attempt
would be picked off leading to the Bolts netting
their second of the game. The Ironmen would
pull within one when Brent Kelly paid the
price along the boards getting the puck to
Todd Fraser, who would gain the zone and wait
for a trailing Steve
Meadows. Meadows would let a shot
go from the point with plenty of Ironmen traffic
in front of the Bolts net to supply the screen.
The
Ironmen would take that momentum into the
final period with Rick
Makarowski getting the equalizer just
1:06 into period three. Craig Granter would
get the lone assist. Makarowski's shot would
be a classic example of what the Ironmen should
have been doing all night long against a Bolts
goaltender who arguably had to be the weakest
goaltender the Ironmen have faced this season.
This was shaping up to be a potential Ironmen
victory until the parade to the penalty box
started. The Ironmen would be assessed five
penalties in the final frame, the last three
putting them shorthanded. The Bolts would
score a fluky powerplay goal when Goaltender
David Toyoda looked to have overplayed the
puck in front of the Ironmen net. The puck
would then bounce off Defensemen Steve Meadows'
skate. As bad as Meadows' may have felt he
certainly could not have been blamed on the
play. Meadows was doing the right thing, he
was busy taking out a man in front of the
net when the unfortunate bounce occurred.
The Ironmen still had plenty of time to even
the score, however a Peter Farkas interference
penalty would all but extinguish the hopes
of getting the equalizer. The Bolts would
pour more salt in the wound adding an empty
net goal to close the scoring.
It
is increasing more difficult to find a silver
lining in these Ironmen loses, however the
performance of David
Toyoda was once again the highlight
for the Ironmen in this contest. Rick Makarowski
again had a solid effort despite being continuously
hauled down by the opposition with no call.
What if anything are these refs thinking?
What a joke! I counted three times Makarowski
was hauled down that a call could have and
should have been made and was certainly warranted.
I worry that frustration is starting to settle
in on Makarowski. I noticed at times he could
be found outside of the Ironmen zone where
normally he would be deep in the Ironmen zone
to provide defensive support. Steve Meadows
is another player that continues to bring
a rock solid effort night after night. Many
on the team could learn a lot from the effort
this guy puts in each night. I also felt that
Evan
Johnston did a great job stepping
in on defense. Even when he was beat Johnston
made the effort to skate hard and get back
in the play. If more guys on the team would
make that kind of effort on a consistent basis
I could start writing about Ironmen victories.
Luc
Trois Etoiles
La
Première Etoile - David Toyoda
La
Deuxième Etoile - Rick Makarowski
La
Troisième Etoile - Steve Meadows
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|
|
Ironmen
goaltender David Toyoda putting together
a playoff like performance in the Ironmen
nets.
|
Ironmen
Ailing In Overtime
January
5, 2004
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY, British
Columbia (CP) ---- The Ironmen returned
to the ice Monday night after taking the weekend
off. They would be in tough in this contest,
as the cellar dwelling men of metal would
face the first place Mountain Shadow Alers.
The
Ironmen would hit the scoreboard first for
the second straight game. Defensemen Craig
Ahlstrom would pot his second of the
season just 2:44 into the game. The goal was
Ahlstrom's first since opening night on September
2nd. Todd Fraser who had returned to the Ironmen
line-up after missing the last two games would
be credited with the only assist. The Ironmen
would hold the lead for the majority of the
period. Ironmen Left Wing Craig Granter would
be assessed an undisciplined penalty for roughing
with 1:42 remaining in period one. Granter,
who up until this game had been a great example
of restraint when it came to retaliation,
seemed to have gotten up on the wrong side
of the bed this morning. The Alers would make
Granter and company pay scoring on the powerplay
just 40 seconds later.
The
next two periods would be scoreless with both
teams trading chances and Ironmen goaltender
David
Toyoda putting together a playoff
like performance in the Ironmen nets. Toyoda
would finish the night stopping 32 shots.
The game would be deadlocked 1-1 at the end
of regulation time.
The
Ironmen would get some good chances in the
3 on 3 overtime. The best of the chances would
come from a Gary Floyd opportunity. Unfortunately
for the Ironmen they would end up serving
up the extra point to the Alers. After a change
on the fly defensemen Edward Kouwenhoven would
come up with the puck and carry it deep into
the Alers zone, neither Peter Farkas or Craig
Granter who were the other two Ironmen players
on the ice would recognize that someone had
to say back and cover the defensive position.
All three Ironmen players would be found behind
the Aler net batting for the puck and with
no Ironmen player patrolling the backend.
An Aler defender would be the one to come
up with the puck and smartly chip it out to
a waiting teammate who would have a clear
express lane to goaltender David Toyoda. It
was a disappointing end for the Ironmen. They
continue to take two steps forward and one
back.
The
Ironmen return to action when they face the
Bolts on Tuesday, January 13th at 9:45 pm
on the Red 'A' rink.
Luc
Trois Etoiles
La
Première Etoile - David Toyoda
La
Deuxième Etoile - Steve Meadows
La
Troisième Etoile - Craig Petterson
|
|
|
|
Rick
Makarowski has been one of the team's
most consistent players this season.
|
New
Year - Old Results For Ironmen
January
2, 2004
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY, British
Columbia (CP) ---- The Ironmen rang in
the New Year by coming up with a clinker on
Friday night against Becks, dropping a 7-5
decision.
The
men of metal came out with lots of jump in
the first period and took a 2-0 lead on goals
by Gary
Floyd and Francois Godbout. I had
to pinch myself to make sure I was watching
the right team. Alas it wasn't long after
taking the lead that reality set in and the
Ironmen reverted back to playing sucky, soft,
sloppy hockey.
The
second period was all Becks. They scored 5
straight goals (going back to the last minute
of the 1st frame) before the Ironmen decided
to at least try and make a game of it.
As
usual it was Rick
Makarowski and Craig
Granter that gave the I-men an offensive
spark after Godbout potted his second of the
game to make it 5-3 two minutes into the third
period. The two teams traded goals in the
third period after that. Makarowski scoring
from Granter and Granter scoring from Makarowski.
The Ironmen were outshot 19 to 14, with many
of their shots coming late in the game as
they were pressing for the elusive 6th and
7th goals. Along the way, there were horrendous
passes with defensemen caught out of position.
There were 3-on-1's, bad clears, slow back
checks, defensemen sprawling all over the
place. Even spectators up in the Penalty Box
lounge were commenting on all the brain cramps
going on, on the ice from the red and white
guys, especially when Becks found themselves
on a 3-on-nothing that must have had goaltender
Dave Toyoda wondering whether he should have
stayed home. Granted, he didn't have his usual
stellar performance after being out of the
line-up for several weeks but there was very
little help for him with the scrambly sloppy
team in front of him.
If
this team wants to be a consistent team, it's
players will have to ALL commit to a style
of play that will at least make it difficult
for their opponents to make plays. The easiest
way to accomplish this is by going out each
shift and NOT stop skating. They must force
the play with every bit of energy they have.
I would say that if each player isn't spent
after 40-50 second shifts then that's just
not good enough. Too often this season the
other teams get an easy passage from their
end of the ice to the Ironmen goal. If they
were challenged along the way by a tenacious
Ironmen back check (or even prevented from
gaining the neutral zone by the forecheck)
then they would see a lot less pressure in
their own zone and more shots on the opponents
net. That is…IF the Ironmen would only
SHOOT THE PUCK!!!! The Ironmen D-men have
to do a better job at helping the forwards
keep the puck in the zone and for God's sake
shoot the puck!!!! I counted at least four
times during the game when Steve Meadows could
have at least got a shot through to the net
but instead passed the puck into the corner.
How many goals are scored from the corner
boards???? AAARRGGH!!! I'm getting frustrated!
Meadows is not alone though. Everyone has
passed up chances to shoot and gone for the
highlight reel instead. At this point, the
only thing that will make my highlight reel
is a 3 period consistent effort from the Ironmen
on Monday night when they will take on the
Mountain Shadow Alers.
Luc
Trois Etoiles
La
Première Etoile - Rick Makarowski
La
Deuxième Etoile - Gary Floyd
La
Troisième Etoile - Craig Granter
|
|
|
|
Craig
Granter scored two goals for the Ironmen
in a losing cause.
|
Ironmen
Put An Extra Point In Cowboys Stockings
December
20, 2003
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY, British
Columbia (CP) ---- After defeating the Cowboys
in their previous outing, the Ironmen must have
licked their chops at the sight of a depleted
Cowboy squad that hit the ice for their Saturday
matinee. Yet it was the Cowboys that came out
on top with a goal at 3:51 of overtime to defeat
the Ironmen 4-3. I would have to say that the
loss was less a result of the Ironmen playing
poorly but more a case of the Cowboys sucking
it up and gutting out a victory.
The
Ironmen struck first as Craig
Granter scored at 8:05 of the first
period from Rick Makarowski and Evan Johnston.
The period was a good one for the Ironmen
as they were getting lots of chances and carried
the play. Lack of finish was their only nemesis.
By
the midway point of the second period when
the Cowboys tied the score, one could sense
trouble. The Cowboys had hung in long enough
to turn the tables on the men of metal and
manufacture some life. The Ironmen had their
chances in the second but for the most part,
stopped taking the play to the out-manned
Cowboys, who would go ahead 2-1 at 14:12.
Poor defensive coverage left a Cowboy all
alone in the high slot to hammer in a one-timer.
To add to the Ironmen's woes, the penalties,
which were all going to the Cowboys in the
first period, were going to them in the second.
A love tap here, a soft trip there...it didn't
matter. God.... er...I mean the ref was calling
it all.
The
third period start was not much better for
the Ironmen as they gave up a goal on a long
slapshot at 5:42 to make it 3-1. It was then
time for a time-out call to rally the troops,
after which the Ironmen started playing with
some emotion again. The line of Kelly, Godbout
and Floyd had a great shift, claiming ownership
of the puck in the offensive zone. D-man Steve
Meadows slid in to the slot, intercepted
an errant clearing attempt and scored to make
it 3-2 at 6:32. With the Ironmen gathering
steam (pardon the pun) the Cowboys simply
tried to hang on for dear life.
There
was lots of loose pucks around the Cowboy
netminder that on other nights would find
their way to the back of the net but not today.
Fortunately, with under 5 minutes to play,
Granter would strike again, firing home a
wicked shot from close range to tie the score
during another dominant shift. Makarowski
and Johnston once again assisted on the goal.
With the Cowboys running on fumes the Ironmen
pressed for the winning goal in regulation
time but were denied.
So
on to the crazy, ridiculous 3 on 3 overtime
they went. O.T. began with a quick series
of two-on-ones back and forth and ended abruptly
with the Cowboys scoring the winner from a
bad angle at 3:51. Now, as I'm sure you know,
I'm not one to cut up anyone or criticize...but
what the hell, it's Christmas time and the
spirit of giving overcomes me. I'm sure Ironmen
goalie Jamie Barnes would want another crack
at least three of the goals, if not all of
them. He seemed to get caught back in the
net on the long shots and misplayed the winner;
probably thinking a wraparound attempt was
coming. Having said that, though, he did face
29 shots and made a number of good saves to
keep the Ironmen in the game, and it wasn't
his fault that the high slot was uncovered
by his teammates most of the time.
As
for the Ironmen's shooting percentage...43
shots were fired at the Cowboy's net with
only 3 getting by the goalie. It wasn't for
lack of trying, but the guys simply have to
bear down and bury a few more chances. Their
shot total could actually have been upwards
of 60 had they let more shots go when they
had the opportunity.
All
in all, it was a game that the Ironmen let
get away from them. In spurts, they looked
like a powerhouse and at other times they
seemed to stop skating, which opened the door
for the Cowboys to burst through.
RANDOM NOTES
· Oh MY GOD!!!! I think I've just discovered
another colour in the Cowboys jerseys
· I really have to give credit to captain
Brent
Kelly. He disclosed to yours truly
earlier in the week that his hips were in
such bad shape that he wasn't sure he could
walk, let alone play hockey. Mr. Ironman had
a whale of a game and had his frail body tested
thoroughly on several plays, including one
dirty hit from behind that led to a Cowboy
game ejection. That's grit. That's heart.
That's an Ironman. (Brent, I trust the cheque
is in the mail...)
· What the hell is with the food at
8 rinks?? Next game I'm packing a lunch.
· At this time I'd like to wish the
entire Ironmen squad and their families a
very Merry Non-Secular, Politically Correct
Festive Season. Whether you celebrate it or
not, may you drink much and remember little.
I'm aware I'm probably not on everyone's love
list what with some of my opinions at times
but I hope it's not taken personally. I mean,
Christ...after watching all these losses pile
up, I'm starting to feel the hunger as much
as you guys. Anyway, have a safe and happy
holiday. Noel joyeux et bonne chance dans
2004!
Luc
Trois Etoiles
La
Première Etoile - Brent Kelly
La
Deuxième Etoile - Craig Granter
La
Troisième Etoile - Peter Farkas
|
|
|
|
Brent
Kelly opened the scoring on his first
shift of the game.
|
Ironmen
Put Cowboys Out To Pasture
December
12, 2003
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY, British
Columbia (CP) ---- The Iron-clad crew,
clearly sick and tired from a season of disappointing
results, fought back in a big way Friday night.
Rick Makarowski and Craig Granter had 2 goals
each (although I'm sure Makarowski wasn't
even on the ice when he was credited with
his second goal but nonetheless....) helping
the Ironmen defeat the Cowboys 5-2 before
a sell-out crowd at 8 Rinks. Defenseman Steve
Meadows had a breakout game point-wise
picking up 4 assists.
The
fun started midway through the first as Meadows
made a bank pass off the boards to Todd Fraser
who spotted Brent
'Mad Dog' Kelly alone in front of
the net. Kelly fired while in full stride
and gave the Ironmen the 1-0 lead.
The
second period saw the Cowboys battle back
as some blown coverage in the defensive zone
led to the tying goal. Many times this season,
the Ironmen would wilt in this situation but
not tonight.
The
Ironmen would go on to have a strong third
period and take over the game. Craig
Granter would score shorthanded from
Meadows and Francois Godbout at 3:07 followed
quickly by Rick
Makarowski from Gary Floyd at 5:13.
Makarowski was an offensive threat all game
for the men of metal, as he owned the puck
when he was on the ice. With his team up 3-1,
Makarowski scored his second of the night
on the powerplay at 6:29 (I'm sure this goal
was scored by Dave Walden but the official
scoresheet has Makarowski). Peter Farkas and
Steve Meadows picked up the assists. For those
that can't add, that's 3 goals in 3 minutes
and 22 seconds. BREAK UP THE IRONMEN! With
still lots of time on the clock though, the
guys started to try and get a little too cute,
maybe feeling a little too relaxed with a
3-goal lead. The Cowboys drew to within two
as a player was left all alone in front of
goalie John Prendergast to bang in a rebound
with 7 and a half minutes left. I have to
give the Iron squad credit for pulling it
together the rest of the way and keeping the
energy level up. The Cowboys, sporting their
white, red, black, green, blue, yellow, indigo,
aqua-marine, pacific teal, and salmon coloured
jerseys (what is that, a test pattern???)
were unable to solve goaltender Prendergast
the rest of the way. Craig Granter drove the
final nail in with 14 seconds left scoring
an empty netter from Henry Fowlds and Steve
Meadows.
One
noticeable difference in this game, aside
from a much more complete effort from the
Ironmen, was the penalty box on the OTHER
team's side of the ice was busy for a change.
Unfortunately the Ironmen were unable to capitalize
on many powerplay chances they had but just
to have the other guys killing penalties much
of the game was a nice break for Kelly's crew.
This
was a contest that everybody on the Ironmen
roster was pulling in the same direction.
In addition to my Three Stars, I though Craig
Granter had another solid performance and
could have been easily selected as one of
my stars. I was also impressed with the strong
forechecking of Craig
Petterson who showed a lot of hustle
tonight. This was easily Petterson's best
all round performance in some time. He was
very involved at both ends of the ice all
night long.
Henry Fowlds was a wrecking machine
in front of the Ironmen net. Fowlds make anyone
that dared to enter the Ironmen slot pay the
price.
The
Ironmen will savor this victory until December
20th when they will again face the Cowboys
in a grudge match at 12:00 pm on the Blue
'A' rink.
|
|
|
|
Rick
Makarowski had a three point night despite
only playing half the game.
|
Icemen
Put The Freeze On Ironmen
December
6, 2003
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY, British
Columbia (CP) ---- The Ironmen once again
fell victim to isolated errors and unfortunate
penalties in yet another tough loss as the
Icemen skated off with a 5-3 victory on Saturday
afternoon. Penalties again played the biggest
role in the loss as they gave up 3 powerplay
goals and a shorthanded goal. Without the
special teams goals, this game could have
gone the other way.
It
was a tight scoreless game until a late first
period powerplay goal by the Icemen, with
Evan Johnston in the box for a 4 minute slashing
penalty. The Ironmen stuck with it however,
and would tie the game just 45 seconds into
the middle frame. Defenseman Steve (don't
call me Audrey) Meadows would make a huge
stop on a 3 on 1 and turn the puck up the
ice to Craig
Granter who slid it over to a charging
Rick
Makarowski. Rick Mak went hard to
the net and finished the play to tie the score.
A great goal all around.
Granter and Makarowski would combine again
to give the Ironmen their first and only lead
of the game at 8:42 of the second. Makarowski
feathered a great pass from the corner to
a waiting Granter who slammed it in from close
range. The Ironmen were able to savour this
great turn of events for a total of 57 seconds
before the Icemen charged right back to tie
the score. Late in the second the zebras decided
to make a call that could have been made countless
times against Ironmen opponents in the past.
As Rick Makarowski was driving hard to the
net for a rebound he got tangled up with an
Icemen defenceman and was forced to leap over
the goaltender to avoid a collision. In doing
so, his stick caught the D-man above the eye
and drew blood. He also drew a 5 minute major
and a game ejection. Now, I've just looked
in the rule book and sure enough, it looks
like the ref made the right call. My beef
is why the hell don't we see that call made
all the time? It's this inconsistancy in the
officiating that drives me nuts and obviously
didn't sit well with the Ironmen either as
they were forced to play the rest of the game
without Makarowski, who had been having a
great game up to that point.
The
Icemen took advantage and scored two goals
during the 5 minute advantage, the second
one coming just 16 seconds into the 3rd period.
With the Ironmen pretty much deflated by this
point, Craig
Ahlstrom threw one of his pattented
up the gut passes to a waiting Iceman player
who fired home their 5th goal at 3:44. The
pass up the gut was bad enough but it was
also shorthanded goal to boot. The Ironmen
got one goal back to make it 5-3 on a Todd
Fraser goal at 6:59 but couldn't get any closer.
Fraser's goal, according to the game sheet,
was assisted by Craig Granter and the ejected
Rick Makarowski, who by this time was standing
behind the glass at the other end of the rink.
That must have been a hell of a pass!
The
Ironmen were outshot 38-18 and were only saved
from a blowout by several nice saves from
Dave Toyoda.
It's becoming quite obvious after the umpteenth
loss in a row that something's gotta give
here. The men of metal have to start playing
with some mettle. Too often, Ironmen players
are losing their checks and quitting on the
play rather than staying with it until the
puck is turned over. I thought Craig
Petterson and Gary Floyd, who were
roundly criticized by yours truly last week,
came up with much better efforts but this
kind of slump goes way beyond just a couple
of players. This has to be a team buy-in thing
where everyone's accountable. It looks at
times like everyone is trying hard but they're
not trying hard TOGETHER. Guys are drifting
into other guy's areas and leaving their men
open. On offence, more pucks have to be put
on net and more guys have to drive to the
net with reckless abandon to get loose pucks.
The forecheck needs to be much more effective
as well. Too often an Ironman will be on his
own with the puck and have no pass to make
because no one's there for him. So he just
whiffs one at the net or is stripped of the
puck and the other team starts away with it.
The D-men have been doing a better job of
late at getting open in the offensive zone
and keeping the puck in with smart pinches.
They need more of that. All in all, the game
today could have been an Ironmen win with
some decent penalty killing. Even with the
powerplay goals against them, they still managed
to keep the score fairly close which is something
positive to build on although of little consolation,
I'm sure. They'll try their luck next against
the Cowboys on Friday, Dec 12th at 7 pm.
|
|
|
|
Newcomer
Dave
Walden
would
get
his
first
point
with
the
club
in
his
second
game.
|
Ironmen
Lose
Battle
Against
Titans
November
27,
2003
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY,
British
Columbia
(CP)
----
The
Ironmen
returned
to
action
after
another
lengthy
layoff
courtesy
of
the
brilliant
schedule
makers
at
Burnaby
8-Rinks.
The
men
of
metal
last
played
ten
days
ago
and
have
already
endured
12
and
14
day
gaps
between
contests
over
their
first
twelve
scheduled
games
this
season.
Tonight
they
faced
the
NS
Titans
for
the
first
time.
The
first
period
would
see
each
of
the
teams
getting
some
good
scoring
chances
but
both
netminders
would
shut
the
door
to
keep
the
game
scoreless
after
one
period.
The
Ironmen
would
strike
first
3:20
into
period
two,
when
Peter
Farkas
would
throw
the
puck
across
the
slot
where
it
would
find
the
skate
of
Craig
Petterson
before
getting
behind
the
Titans
goalie.
The
Ironmen
lead
would
be
short-lived
with
the
Titans
answering
back
just
14
seconds
later.
The
remainder
of
the
period
would
see
the
teams
exchange
chances
and
powerplay
opportunities
with
neither
team
being
able
to
capitalize.
The
second
period
would
see
the
teams
deadlocked
in
a
1-1
tie.
The
final
frame
would
see
the
Titans
getting
their
first
lead
of
the
game
scoring
4:49
into
period
three.
As
has
been
the
case
all
too
often
this
season
the
Ironmen
again
would
surrender
another
back-to-back
goal
in
this
contest.
This
one
coming
just
1:08
after
the
second
Titans
goal.
In
typical
Ironmen
fashion
the
boys
would
go
down
swinging,
they
would
close
the
gap
by
one
with
3:49
left
on
the
clock
when
Petterson
would
get
his
second
of
the
game.
Gary
Floyd
and
newcomer
Dave
Walden
would
get
the
assists.
For
the
third
game
in
a
row
the
Ironmen
would
be
trailing
by
one
in
the
games
final
two
minutes.
They
would
once
again
pull
Goaltender
David
Toyoda
for
the
extra
attacker.
However,
the
result
would
once
again
see
the
Ironmen
falling
a
goal
short.
There
are
a
few
players
that
I
feel
need
to
be
singled
out
for
their
strong
play
in
recent
games.
I
have
been
impressed
with
the
improved
play
of
Right
Wing,
Jim
Defer
over
the
last
two
games.
Defer
has
shown
a
lot
of
hustle
at
both
ends
of
the
ice
and
has
managed
to
stay
out
of
the
penalty
box.
Defensemen,
Peter
Farkas
who
is
basically
playing
on
one
knee,
continues
to
be
a
model
for
making
the
smart
plays.
As
long
as
Farkas
has
a
defense
partner
that
has
the
wheels
to
get
back
and
cover
up
for
him
on
those
rare
occasions
he
is
unable
to
hold
the
line,
the
Ironmen
defense
will
continue
to
improve.
Goaltender,
David
Toyoda
continues
to
play
strong
in
the
Ironmen
nets.
If
there
was
ever
a
guy
the
team
should
go
out
and
get
a
win
for,
it
is
their
goaltender.
Toyoda's
solid
play
gives
his
team
a
chance
to
win
each
and
every
game.
Left
Wing,
Craig
Granter
who
is
known
for
his
scoring
must
be
commended
for
his
newfound
ability
to
walk
away
from
altercations
or
potential
altercations.
Granter,
who
in
the
past
was
often
an
easy
target
for
opposing
teams
to
take
the
bait
with
retaliation
penalties,
has
time
and
time
again
this
season
turned
the
other
cheek.
In
fact
Granter
who
only
has
6
minutes
in
penalties
(and
did
not
deserve
4
of
those
6
minutes)
is
a
legitimate
candidate
for
the
team's
Lady
Byng
Award.
I
also
feel
that
it
is
necessary
to
point
out
the
players
that
need
to
pick
up
their
games.
Although
the
scoresheet
may
indicate
he
should
have
been
the
games
first
star,
in
actual
fact
the
play
of
Left
Wing,
Craig
Petterson
over
the
last
few
games
has
been
uninspiring
to
say
the
least.
Petterson,
who
early
in
the
season
I
figured
would
be
one
of
the
teams
top
players,
started
the
season
with
hustle
and
demonstrated
that
he
was
an
effective
checker.
Some
how
he
is
still
managing
to
get
the
goals,
however
he
can
often
be
spotted
floating
and
seems
to
be
uninterested
in
playing
a
two-way
game.
If
Petterson
could
get
back
to
being
the
effective
checker
that
he
displayed
earlier
in
the
season,
he
does
have
the
tools
to
be
one
the
teams'
best
two-way
players.
As
it
is
now
he
just
looks
lazy.
Right
Wing,
Todd
Fraser
who
was
red
hot
offensively
for
most
of
the
season
has
cooled
over
the
last
few
games.
Fraser
who
like
Petterson
is
very
capable
of
playing
two-way
hockey
but
does
not
do
so
on
a
consistent
basis.
This
becomes
even
more
evident
when
Fraser
is
not
scoring.
Fraser
also
does
not
utilize
his
linemates
enough.
Perhaps
with
having
two
shooters
on
one
line
there
is
not
enough
puck
to
go
around
on
the
top
line.
Maybe
a
move
to
a
different
line
would
not
only
provide
Fraser
an
environment
he
could
thrive
in,
but
it
could
also
give
the
Ironmen
another
line
that
is
a
legitimate
scoring
threat.
Left
Wing,
Gary
Floyd
who
on
many
nights
has
been
one
of
my
favorites
for
his
hustle
and
his
strong
ability
to
keep
his
feet
moving,
tonight
finds
his
feet
moving
directly
to
my
doghouse.
Floyd
took
a
foolish
four-minute
slashing
penalty
late
in
this
evenings
contest.
This
occurred
when
his
team
needed
a
goal
to
tie
the
game.
I
have
also
not
been
impressed
that
he
feels
the
need
to
discuss
at
length
his
penalties
with
the
officials.
Just
go
to
the
box
'Pretty
Boy'!
I
will
give
Floyd
the
benefit
of
the
doubt
and
chalk
it
up
to
an
off
night.
The
jump
and
hustle
and
good
positional
play
that
is
normally
his
strength
was
just
not
there
on
this
night.
Although
the
Ironmen
have
dropped
three
in
a
row
for
the
first
time
this
season,
they
continue
to
show
improvement
to
their
team
game.
However,
they
are
still
having
costly
mental
breakdowns
that
ultimately
result
in
losses.
The
improved
effort
and
hustle
of
many
of
players
that
were
previously
just
going
through
the
motions
has
made
a
big
difference.
More
players
are
now
working
harder
and
helping
their
teammates
as
opposed
to
watching
them
do
the
dirty
work.
The
overall
work
ethic
of
the
club
has
greatly
improved
over
the
last
four
games.
The
team
continues
to
take
baby
steps
in
an
effort
to
improve
their
team
game.
The
overall
effort
has
definitely
been
there,
now
the
Ironmen
need
to
concentrate
on
eliminating
the
costly
mental
mistakes.
Communication
is
key!
The
team
must
start
to
do
a
few
simple
things
that
will
enable
them
to
turn
games
they
are
now
losing
into
wins.
Things
such
as
setting
up
the
breakout,
providing
puck
support,
utilizing
the
points,
cycling
the
puck,
taking
out
the
man
(especially
in
front
of
their
own
net.
Everyone
must
take
a
man!),
taking
the
time
to
make
the
right
play
as
opposed
to
panicking.
Most
important
each
player
must
play
their
own
position
and
do
their
own
job!
Many
times
this
season
half
the
players
are
trying
to
do
too
much
while
the
other
half
are
not
doing
enough.
The
players
must
do
their
own
job
and
if
a
teammate
isn't
pulling
his
weight
he
needs
to
be
told
he
has
to
pick
it
up!
The
Ironmen
are
heading
in
the
right
direction.
If
the
team
continues
to
work
hard
like
they
have
been
over
the
last
four
games
and
they
start
to
apply
these
basic
but
necessary
components
to
their
game,
the
second
half
of
the
season
could
be
a
very
rewarding
one
for
men
of
metal.
The
Ironmen
are
once
again
idle
for
more
then
a
week,
they'll
be
back
on
the
ice
on
Saturday,
December
6th
when
they
take
on
the
Icemen
at
2:00
pm
on
the
Red
'A'
rink.
|
|
|
|
|
Craig
Granter
would
record
his
second
hat
trick
of
the
season
in
the
loss
to
the
Bolts.
|
Ironmen
Screw
Themselves
Against
Bolts
November
17,
2003
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY,
British
Columbia
(CP)
----
The
Ironmen
returned
to
the
ice
tonight
on
the
heels
of
two
solid
outings
that
saw
them
outscore
their
opposition
6-5.
Tonight
they
faced
the
Bolts.
Ironmen
Left
Wing,
Gary
Floyd
would
open
the
scoring
with
just
37
seconds
left
on
the
clock
in
period
one.
Francois
Godbout
would
pick
up
the
only
assist.
The
Bolts
did
not
wait
long
to
answer
back,
responding
just
52
seconds
into
the
middle
frame.
That
goal
would
be
the
first
of
a
four-goal
outburst
by
the
teams
that
would
see
four
goals
netted
within
a
span
of
two
minutes
and
33
seconds.
Craig
Granter
would
answer
back
30
seconds
later
to
restore
the
lead
for
the
Ironmen.
Craig
Petterson
and
netminder
David
Toyoda
would
draw
the
assists.
The
Ironmen
would
only
enjoy
the
led
for
42
seconds
before
the
Bolts
would
again
pull
even.
Things
would
settle
down
for
the
next
minute
and
21
seconds
before
the
Bolts
would
get
their
first
lead
of
the
game.
The
Bolts
would
take
a
3-2
lead
into
the
final
frame.
The
third
period
would
be
scoreless
for
the
first
seven
minutes
and
four
seconds,
until
Ironmen
sniper
Craig
Granter
would
bring
his
club
back
even.
Todd
Fraser
and
Rick
Makarowski
would
pick
up
the
assists
on
the
goal.
The
Bolts
would
answer
back
with
two
quick
goals.
The
first
would
be
scored
2:29
after
Granter's
goal
and
the
second
and
eventual
game
winner
would
follow
28
seconds
later.
Both
goals
were
the
result
of
odd
man
rushes.
Although
they
dug
a
hole
for
themselves,
the
Ironmen
showed
what
they
were
made
of
refusing
to
quit.
Craig
Granter
would
pull
the
Ironmen
back
within
one
recording
his
second
hat
trick
of
the
season.
The
goal
was
a
powerplay
goal
and
again
Todd
Fraser
and
Rick
Makarowski
would
pick
up
the
assists
on
this
goal.
The
Ironmen
did
have
some
good
chances
to
even
the
score
late
in
the
game
and
would
even
get
a
powerplay
with
27
seconds
left
on
the
clock.
In
the
end,
it
was
the
same
story
for
the
second
consecutive
game,
the
Ironmen
ran
out
of
time
and
waited
too
long
to
put
the
pedal
to
the
metal.
In
this
game
the
selfish
play
of
a
couple
Ironmen
players
spoiled
a
very
decent
effort
by
the
majority
of
the
team
and
ultimately
cost
the
Ironmen
the
game.
Hockey
is
a
team
game
and
with
three
forward
lines
and
five
defensemen,
there
is
absolutely
no
excuse
to
join
an
offensive
rush
when
you
have
nothing
left
in
the
tank.
Especially
when
your
linemates
left
the
ice
45
seconds
earlier.
Plain
and
simple
it
is
selfish!
It
was
that
selfishness
that
led
to
horrible
line
changes
and
odd
men
rushes
that
killed
the
men
of
metal
on
this
night.
That
kind
of
selfish
play
is
not
normally
seen
in
the
Ironmen
line-up.
However,
odd
man
rushes
have
been
the
back
breaker
for
the
metal
men
all
season
long.
That
and
combined
with
the
lingering
bad
habit
of
surrendering
untimely
back
to
back
goals,
only
minutes
apart,
continues
to
take
the
Ironmen
out
of
games
that
they
often
dominate.
The
Ironmen
have
displayed
a
much
better
effort
as
a
team
over
the
last
three
games.
However,
it
seems
just
when
they
start
getting
the
effort
from
everyone,
they
shoot
themselves
in
the
foot
with
poor
decision-making.
The
Ironmen
have
to
eliminate
these
mental
mistakes
and
stop
beating
themselves!
The
Ironmen
get
the
next
ten
days
to
dwell
on
the
mental
aspects
of
their
game,
as
they
won't
return
to
the
ice
until
November
27th
when
they
take
on
the
NS
Titans
on
the
Gold
'B'
at
10:15
pm.
|
|
|
|
|
Defensemen
Steve
Meadows
had
another
strong
game
at
both
ends
of
the
ice.
|
A
Game
To
Remember,
Officiating
To
Forget
November
11,
2003
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY,
British
Columbia
(CP)
----
The
Ironmen
returned
to
action
on
this
Remembrance
Day
evening
as
they
faced
the
first
place
Mountain
Shadow
Alers.
The
opening
period
saw
both
teams
playing
good
hockey.
Both
teams
showed
hustle
and
grit
in
the
first
period.
This
game
had
all
the
ingredients
to
be
one
of
the
most
entertaining
games
of
the
season.
The
Alers
would
strike
first
with
49
seconds
left
in
the
first
period.
The
Alers
capitalized
on
a
four-minute
powerplay
opportunity
with
Ironmen
Right
Wing,
Jim
Defer
in
the
box
for
slashing.
The
Alers
would
lead
1-0
after
one.
The
second
period
would
see
both
teams
continuing
to
battle
hard.
It
was
a
shame
that
the
officials
started
to
get
whistle
happy
and
interrupt
the
flow
of
a
good
game.
The
officials
would
also
make
no
attempt
to
hide
the
blatant
one-sided
calls
against
the
Ironmen.
The
Ironmen
would
however
see
some
powerplay
time
when
Brent
Kelly
would
take
an
Alers
high
stick
to
the
face.
That
would
result
in
a
four-minute
Ironmen
powerplay.
Thirteen
seconds
later
the
Alers
would
take
an
interference
penalty
to
give
the
metal
men
a
two-man
advantage
to
take
with
them
into
the
final
frame.
There
would
be
no
goals
scored
in
the
middle
frame
and
a
total
of
24
penalty
minutes
were
accessed.
The
Ironmen
were
assessed
14
minutes
in
penalties
and
the
Alers
were
assessed
10
minutes
in
penalties
during
the
second
period.
The
Ironmen
would
make
the
Alers
pay
when
Steve
Meadows
scored
a
powerplay
goal
just
17
seconds
into
the
final
frame
to
tie
the
game.
Craig
Petterson
and
Jim
Defer
would
get
the
assists.
The
parade
to
the
penalty
box
would
continue
into
the
third
period.
The
teams
would
each
be
assessed
two
coincidental
penalties
before
Brent
Kelly's
roughing
penalty
would
give
the
Alers
another
powerplay.
The
Alers
would
make
Kelly
and
the
Ironmen
pay
scoring
50
seconds
into
the
man
advantage.
A
heated
goalmouth
scramble
would
follow
the
goal,
which
would
result
in
both
Ironmen
defensemen
Craig
Ahlstrom
and
Shaun
Brown
getting
roughing
penalties
along
with
their
Aler
counterparts.
The
Alers
would
then
go
up
by
two,
with
5:54
left
in
the
game.
Ironmen
defensemen
Shaun
Brown
would
take
the
puck
in
deep
in
the
Alers
zone,
Right
Wing,
Todd
Fraser
was
in
good
position
to
cover
for
Brown
but
failed
to
make
the
effort.
That
provided
the
Aler
player
a
clear
path
to
goaltender
David
Toyoda.
The
Alers
would
convert
the
breakaway.
Toyoda
did
get
a
piece
of
it
but
the
puck
managed
to
trickle
in.
However,
the
Ironmen
refused
to
quit!
Craig
Granter
would
bring
the
Ironmen
back
within
one
when
he
converted
a
Steve
Meadows
pass
and
roofed
it
by
a
stunned
Alers
netminder.
A
minute
and
13
seconds
later
in
a
game
that
had
everything,
there
would
also
be
a
fight.
Ironmen
defensemen
Shaun
Brown
would
be
jumped
by
an
Alers
player
whose
only
purpose
seemed
to
be
to
go
after
Brown.
The
officials
of
course
did
not
see
the
Aler
player
instigate
the
fight
and
therefore
there
would
be
no
instigator
suspension
issued
against
the
Aler
player.
The
Ironmen
would
have
a
couple
of
good
scoring
chances
late
in
the
game,
with
goaltender
David
Toyoda
on
the
bench
for
the
extra
attacker.
The
best
chance
would
see
Ironmen
Right
Wing,
Francois
Godbout
with
a
wide
open
net,
but
he
was
unable
to
get
a
handle
on
it
and
shot
the
puck
wide.
This
was
a
solid
effort
by
the
men
of
metal
and
although
poor
officiating
threatened
to
ruin
the
game
by
constantly
interrupting
its
flow,
it
still
ended
up
being
a
very
entertaining
contest.
The
Ironmen
continue
to
improve
their
team
play
and
seem
to
have
really
picked
up
the
effort
over
the
last
couple
of
games.
Defensemen,
Steve
Meadows
had
another
strong
game
at
both
ends
of
the
ice.
He
scored
the
first
Ironmen
goal
and
assisted
on
the
other.
Goaltender
David
Toyoda
was
solid
in
his
return
to
the
Ironmen
nets
after
a
two
game
absence.
Centre,
Rick
Makarowski
looked
like
a
two-time
Selke
winner
in
this
contest.
Makarowski's
solid
defensive
play
was
evident;
he
was
often
bailing
out
his
linemates
who
were
frequently
out
of
position
or
nowhere
to
be
found
in
the
defensive
zone.
The
Ironmen
will
continue
to
build
on
their
recent
strong
play,
when
the
take
on
the
Bolts
on
Monday,
November
17th
at
9:00
pm
on
the
Blue
'A'
rink.
|
|
|
|
|
Goaltender
Jamie
Barnes
was
sharp
in
the
Ironmen
net
playing
in
his
first
game
since
September
8th.
|
Blue
Collar
Effort
Pushes
Ironmen
Past
Becks
November
3,
2003
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY,
British
Columbia
(CP)
----
The
Ironmen
returned
to
the
ice
Monday
night
to
face
Becks.
The
Ironmen
were
looking
for
a
better
performance
from
everyone
in
this
contest.
The
metal
men
were
eager
to
erase
the
lack
luster
effort
they
displayed
on
Friday.
The
Ironmen
would
come
out
of
the
gate
like
they
really
came
to
play.
The
first
period
provided
some
good
scoring
chances,
but
it
was
Becks
that
would
strike
first
4:55
into
the
game.
Three
Ironmen
attackers
went
to
the
puck
carrier
and
abandoned
their
checks.
That
would
leave
a
clear
shooting
lane
for
the
Becks
player
to
put
one
past
goaltender
Jamie
Barnes.
Barnes
returned
to
the
Ironmen
nets
for
the
first
time
since
September
8th.
Becks
would
take
a
1-0
lead
into
period
two.
The
Ironmen
would
continue
to
play
solid
hockey
in
the
second
period,
but
fell
behind,
as
Becks
would
go
up
by
two.
The
remainder
of
the
period
would
go
back
and
forth
until
Craig
Granter
would
bring
the
Ironmen
back
within
one.
Granter,
who
most
often
scores
much
prettier
goals,
rolled
up
his
sleeves
and
got
dirty
on
this
one.
He
was
digging
tenaciously
for
a
loose
puck
in
a
goalmouth
scramble,
before
shoveling
it
past
the
Becks
netminder.
Craig
Ahlstrom
and
Rick
Makarowski
would
draw
the
assists
and
were
instrumental
in
the
scramble.
The
Ironmen
would
pull
even
when
defensemen
Steve
Meadows
blasted
one
past
a
stunned
Becks
goaltender.
The
goal
was
the
first
of
the
season
for
Meadows,
who
had
to
feel
good
about
that
one,
as
he
had
been
squeezing
the
stick
up
to
that
point.
Francois
Godbout
would
get
the
only
assist.
The
game
would
be
deadlocked
at
two
after
two.
Period
three
continued
to
have
good
flow,
but
the
Ironmen
would
continue
to
turn
up
the
heat
and
outwork
Becks.
They
would
be
rewarded
with
a
shorthanded
goal,
when
at
the
end
of
a
very
long
penalty
killing
shift,
Todd
Fraser
would
pick
off
a
Becks
pass
and
go
in
alone
to
give
the
Ironmen
their
first
lead
of
the
game.
The
Ironmen
would
continue
their
hardworking
ways,
which
was
good
because
Ironmen
enforcer
Jim
Defer
decided
to
make
his
teammates
work
a
little
harder.
Defer
would
take
a
foolish
roughing
penalty.
Fortunately
for
the
I-men
Becks
would
only
have
the
powerplay
for
a
minute.
The
strong
penalty
killing
of
Gary
Floyd
would
lead
to
Becks
taking
an
interference
penalty.
Floyd's
hard
work
and
his
ability
to
keep
his
feet
moving
resulted
in
extinguishing
the
Becks
man
advantage.
The
Ironmen
would
get
the
insurance
marker
late
in
the
game
when
Todd
Fraser
would
pot
his
second
of
the
game
and
his
7th
of
the
season.
Makarowski
and
Granter
would
get
the
assists.
This
was
a
complete
team
effort.
Many
Ironmen
players
put
together
a
solid
game.
Goaltender
Jamie
Barnes
was
sharp
in
the
Ironmen
net
and
he
had
plenty
of
help
on
this
night.
Defensemen
Steve
Meadows
had
his
best
game
of
the
season
and
was
very
involved
at
both
ends
of
the
ice.
Newcomer
Peter
Farkas
had
a
strong
game
and
did
a
great
job
on
the
blueline.
He
often
kept
the
puck
in
the
Becks
zone
and
made
great
passes
all
night.
The
forwards
also
looked
very
good.
The
MFG
Line
of
Rick
Makarowski,
Todd
Fraser
and
Craig
Granter
continue
to
manufacture
the
offense
for
the
Ironmen
collecting
six
points.
The
Gangster
Line
of
Gary
'Pretty
Boy'
Floyd,
Francois
'Le
Traiteur'
Godbout
and
Brent
'Machine
Gun'
Kelly
were
arguable
the
hardest
working
line
in
this
contest
and
had
many
good
chances
as
well.
The
Ironmen
looked
like
a
different
team
tonight,
compared
to
the
team
that
just
phoned
it
in
on
Friday.
The
ironclad
crew
played
classic
heart
and
soul,
hardworking,
blue
collar,
Ironmen
hockey!
I
guess
the
zombies
that
showed
up
on
Halloween
were
just
disguised
as
heartless
hockey
players.
Whatever
it
was,
it
was
a
pleasure
to
see
the
real
Ironmen
squad
tonight.
The
Ironmen
can
savor
this
one
for
the
next
week,
as
they
won't
return
to
the
ice
until
Remembrance
Day
when
the
take
on
the
first
place
Mountain
Shadow
Alers
at
8:15
pm
on
the
Green
'A'
rink.
Please
remember
to
purchase
a
poppy
and
support
our
veterans.
|
|
|
|
|
Todd
Fraser
recorded
a
goal
and
an
assist
in
the
loss
the
the
Blades.
|
Blades
Slash
Apart
Scary
Ironmen
October
31,
2003
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY,
British
Columbia
(CP)
----
The
Ironmen
finally
returned
to
the
ice
on
Halloween
for
the
first
time
in
two
weeks
as
they
faced
the
second
place
Blades.
The
Ironmen
last
played
on
October
17th.
This
was
a
game
that
I
was
thankful
for
the
game
line-up
feature
on
the
team
website.
I
needed
a
program
for
all
the
new
faces
in
the
Ironmen
line-up
in
this
contest.
The
metal
men
would
need
this
new
blood
with
David
Toyoda,
Craig
Ahlstrom,
Jim
Defer
and
Edward
Kouwenhoven
all
out
of
the
line-up.
The
first
period
was
fairly
even
with
the
Ironmen
applying
some
early
pressure,
but
they
failed
to
convert
on
a
couple
of
good
scoring
chances.
At
the
other
end,
Goaltender
John
Prendergast
was
being
tested
in
the
Ironmen
nets
and
he
looked
sharp.
Prendergast
not
only
made
the
initial
saves
but
also
had
to
make
the
second
and
third
saves
as
a
result
of
rebounds
his
teammates
failed
to
clear.
The
period
would
end
scoreless
after
one.
The
Blades
wasted
little
time
in
the
middle
frame;
they
would
draw
first
blood
just
one
minute
and
5
seconds
into
period
two.
The
Ironmen
would
respond
exactly
1:05
later
on
a
Todd
Fraser
goal.
The
score
would
remain
that
way
until
Rick
Makarowski
would
give
the
Ironmen
the
lead
at
6:48.
Craig
Granter
and
Todd
Fraser
picked
up
the
assists.
All
three
Ironmen
forwards
were
in
alone
on
the
Blades
netminder
and
the
Ironmen
almost
didn't
get
the
shot
off
before
Makarowski
was
able
to
let
one
go
from
a
sharp
angle.
Less
than
two
minutes
later
the
Blades
would
pull
even.
Then
at
10:28
the
Blades
would
take
the
lead.
They
would
add
a
powerplay
goal
with
1:38
left
on
the
clock
and
would
take
a
4-2
lead
into
the
final
frame.
It
was
very
fitting
that
this
game
took
place
on
Halloween,
as
the
Ironmen
played
the
majority
of
the
final
frame
like
zombies.
They
were
only
down
by
two
goals
but
played
as
if
they
were
already
dead.
The
Blades
would
score
three
unanswered
goals
before
Craig
Petterson
would
get
a
late
powerplay
goal
for
the
Ironmen.
The
goal
was
assisted
by
Evan
Johnston.
The
Blades
would
add
one
more,
putting
a
final
nail
in
the
Ironmen
coffin
and
closing
the
scoring
at
13:40.
The
Ironmen
do
have
the
excuse
of
being
affected
by
the
long
layoff,
however
that
does
not
explain
the
countless
odd
man
rushes
they
had
against
them.
It
also
does
not
justify
how
Ironmen
goaltender
John
Prendergast
would
make
save
after
save
with
no
support.
Many
of
the
Ironmen
players
showed
up
in
body
on
this
Halloween
evening,
however
like
any
ghost
they
lacked
heart.
The
Ironmen
are
back
in
action
on
Monday,
November
3rd
at
10:15
pm
on
the
Gold
B
rink
when
they
take
on
Becks.
|
|
|
|
|
Brent
Kelly
had
a
solid
effort
in
his
300th
career
Ironmen
game.
|
Icemen
Goalie
Puts
The
Freeze
On
Ironmen
October
17,
2003
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY,
British
Columbia
(CP)
----
The
Ironmen
returned
to
the
ice
Friday
night
after
coming
off
an
impressive
victory
last
week
over
the
Silverbacks.
Tonight
the
metal
men
would
take
on
another
I-Man
squad
as
they
faced
the
Icemen
in
a
battle
for
fifth
place.
The
Ironmen
looked
a
little
sluggish
to
start
things
off,
but
seemed
to
control
the
play
and
were
clearly
the
better
team.
However,
the
Icemen
would
strike
first
with
just
under
two
minutes
remaining
in
the
opening
frame.
The
Ironmen
would
continue
to
out
chance
the
Icemen
in
the
second
period,
but
it
was
the
Icemen
that
were
getting
the
bounces.
They
capitalized
on
one
of
those
bounces
at
7:27
netting
goal
number
two.
The
Ironmen
would
crack
the
scoresheet
answering
back
a
minute
and
15
seconds
later.
Brent
Kelly
would
win
a
draw
deep
in
Icemen
territory,
getting
the
puck
to
Right
Wing,
Jim
Defer
who
blasted
a
sharp
angle
shot
past
the
Icemen
netminder.
Things
were
looking
up
for
the
Ironmen
who
seemed
to
be
building
momentum.
Then
they
ran
into
penalty
trouble!
First
Brent
Kelly
was
tagged
with
a
questionable
interference
call
at
11:47.
It
is
interesting
that
Referee
In
Chief,
Scott
Sisett
(who
Kelly
had
a
letter
writing
war
with
over
the
Craig
Helm
incident)
would
not
only
make
this
questionable
call,
but
he
would
also
leave
Kelly
off
the
scoresheet
on
the
Defer
goal.
To
think
Sisett
claims
he
and
his
referees
don't
hold
grudges,
hmmmm,
I
wonder?
Anyway
the
club
would
successfully
kill
off
Kelly's
penalty.
Then
a
minute
and
10
seconds
later,
the
club
would
take
a
foolish
too
many
men
on
the
ice
penalty
with
just
24
second
left
in
the
middle
frame.
Period
three
would
start
with
the
Icemen
going
right
to
work
on
the
powerplay.
They
would
waste
little
time
scoring
just
50
seconds
after
the
call
was
first
made.
This
goal
seemed
to
be
the
turning
point
and
took
the
wind
out
of
the
Ironmen
sails.
At
7:23
Ironmen
center
Rick
Makarowski
would
be
called
for
hooking.
That
would
lead
to
another
Icemen
powerplay
that
would
earn
them
goal
number
four.
The
Ironmen
would
continue
to
have
more
quality
scoring
chances,
but
would
be
turned
away
time
and
again
by
Icemen
goaltender
Mike
Vecchio.
Vecchio,
who
was
by
no
means
flashy,
put
together
some
solid
goaltending
and
his
strong
positional
play
resulted
in
many
Ironmen
shots
hitting
him
square
on
the
logo.
This
is
the
type
of
game
that
the
Ironmen
must
win.
They
were
the
better
team
and
could
have
won.
However,
at
times
they
lacked
the
hardwork
and
determination
that
is
required
to
win.
All
to
often
Ironmen
players
could
be
spotted
flat-footed
and
waiting
for
someone
else
to
do
the
job.
Many
players
looked
listless
and
lazy
with
little
or
no
jump.
The
Ironmen
were
without
two
thirds
of
the
their
top
line
with
Todd
Fraser
and
Craig
Granter
both
missing
from
the
line-up.
However,
that
is
not
an
excuse!
The
Ironmen
proved
last
week
that
all
three
of
their
lines
are
a
legitimate
scoring
threat.
All
that
is
needed
is
an
honest
effort
from
everyone.
In
addition,
the
Ironmen
have
to
get
back
to
setting
up
their
breakout.
Tonight
the
Icemen
gave
them
tons
of
time
to
set
it
up,
but
instead
the
Ironmen
often
hurried
the
puck
up
ice
which
resulted
in
turnovers
and
the
puck
coming
back.
The
Ironmen
have
eleven
days
to
forget
about
this
one,
as
they
won't
be
back
on
the
ice
until
October
28th,
when
they
face
the
Cowboys
at
10:00
pm
on
the
Green
B
rink.
|
|
|
|
|
Craig
Granter
would
end
his
scoring
drought
in
a
big
way
scoring
four
of
the
nine
Ironmen
goals.
|
Silverbacks
Pounded
By
Sudden
Iron
Attack
October
11,
2003
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY,
British
Columbia
(CP)
----
The
Ironmen
were
back
on
the
ice
on
Saturday
night
after
an
eleven-day
layoff.
It
seemed
to
help
as
they
finally
found
some
scoring
and
their
first
win
of
the
season,
in
a
9-1
cakewalk
against
a
listless
and
pathetic
looking
Silverback
squad
that
is
surely
heading
to
division
9.
In
fact,
that
may
not
be
enough
of
a
drop
for
a
team
that
was
thoroughly
outplayed
by
a
previously
winless
Ironmen
crew.
The
goals
came
early
and
often
as
the
men
of
metal
poured
9
pucks
past
the
helpless
Silverback
goalie.
Meanwhile,
David
Toyoda's
shutout
bid
at
the
other
end
was
spoiled
by
an
unfortunate
defensive
lapse
with
just
seconds
left
in
the
game.
Brent
Kelly
opened
the
scoring
for
the
Ironmen
in
his
first
shift
of
the
game
backhanding
a
rebound
from
a
Craig
Ahlstrom
shot
from
the
point.
Craig
Granter
who
returned
to
the
line-up
after
a
one
game
conditioning
stint
in
China,
was
the
big
benefactor
of
some
hopeless
defensive
play
from
the
Silverbacks.
Granter
would
go
on
to
pot
four
goals
on
the
night.
Three
of
Granter's
four
goals
were
the
result
juicy
rebounds
that
were
left
like
Christmas
presents
in
the
slot
to
which
he
pounced
on.
Craig
Petterson,
Todd
Fraser,
Rick
Makarowski
and
Gary
Floyd
rounded
out
the
Ironmen
scoring.
The
new
line
of
Gary
Floyd,
Francois
Godbout
and
Brent
Kelly
impressed
in
their
first
outing
as
a
unit.
The
Ironmen
had
three
solid
lines
tonight
and
the
defense
also
looked
very
strong.
The
addition
of
Shaun
Brown
on
defense
added
some
grit
and
toughness
to
the
Ironmen
blueline.
Edward
Kouwenhoven
continues
to
improve
and
impress
on
the
back
end
and
was
the
best
of
a
very
good
blueline
in
this
contest.
While
not
diminishing
the
improved
team
play
of
the
Ironmen,
one
has
to
wonder
how
they
would
have
fared
had
they
had
an
opponent
on
the
ice
with
them.
There's
no
denying,
though,
that
the
Ironmen
got
a
complete
effort
from
the
entire
line-up
in
the
victory.
They
got
lots
of
shots
through
from
the
point,
which
was
a
big
key
on
several
goals.
Toyoda
was
solid
in
the
net
when
he
was
tested
and
the
defense
had
little
trouble
moving
the
puck
out
of
trouble.
The
Ironmen
are
back
on
the
ice
on
Friday,
October
17th
vs.
the
Icemen
at
9:30
pm
on
the
Red
A
Rink.
|
|
|
|
|
Henry
Fowlds
played
his
first
game
of
the
season
on
defense
and
picked
up
an
assist
on
the
lone
Ironmen
goal.
|
Bolts
Put
The
Screws
To
Ironmen
September
29,
2003
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY,
British
Columbia
(CP)
----
The
Ironmen
went
in
search
of
that
elusive
first
win
of
the
season
Monday
and
came
up
empty,
dropping
a
4-1
decision
to
the
Bolts.
After
5
winless
games
to
start
the
season
for
the
Iron
squad,
getting
that
first
"W"
seems
about
as
likely
as
the
NHL
recruiting
great
officials
from
8
rinks.
The
Ironmen
played
the
Bolts
pretty
tight
in
the
last
half
of
this
game
but
spotted
them
a
4-0
lead
after
two
periods.
Again,
it
wasn't
so
much
as
the
Bolts
outplaying
the
Ironmen,
as
it
was
the
Ironmen
not
firing
on
all
cylinders.
While
they
did
a
passable
job
defensively
in
not
allowing
too
many
glorious
scoring
chances,
the
Ironmen
could
only
muster
a
paltry
14
shots
on
goal
and
very
few
of
those
were
difficult
saves.
Do
opposing
goalies
have
to
air
out
their
gear
after
facing
the
Ironmen?
A
lengthy
2-man
advantage
in
the
third
period
should
have
offered
the
Iron
a
chance
to
get
back
in
the
game
however,
few
if
any
great
scoring
chances
resulted.
Scoring
machine
Todd
Fraser
potted
yet
another
goal
early
in
the
third
frame
to
get
the
Ironmen
on
the
board.
Henry
Fowlds
and
Rick
Makarowski
assisted.
Makarowski
was
one
of
the
few
red
shirts
that
seemed
to
have
lots
of
jump
throughout
the
contest.
Unfortunately
there
wasn't
a
lot
of
support
for
him
in
the
offensive
zone
as
the
rest
of
the
players
on
the
ice
looked
to
be
going
at
a
different
speed.
Also,
Makarowski
fell
victim
to
the
new
rules
in
place
at
8
rinks
which
obviously
state
that
any
player
who
carries
the
puck
in
the
offensive
zone
shall
be
deemed
to
be
fair
game
for
hooks,
slashes,
maulings,
bear
hugs,
strangulation,
stabbings,
poisoning,
shootings
and
whatever
else
the
refs
miss.
Other
Ironmen
who
impressed
me
include
Gary
Floyd,
Francois
Godbout
and
of
course
Todd
Fraser
who
looks
to
be
running
away
with
the
goal
scoring
title
on
the
team.
It's
early
though.
There's
still
time
for
Hank
Fowlds
to
catch
him.
There
is
no
doubt
that
this
team
is
going
to
need
more
offensive
spark
to
have
any
chance
at
success.
More
shots
on
goal
from
ANY
angle
are
needed.
The
back
end
needs
to
step
up
a
little
more
as
well,
starting
with
Steve
Meadows
and
Craig
Ahlstrom,
both
of
whom
have
shown
a
flair
for
offence
in
the
past.
Last
but
not
least...work
ethic.
Yes,
it's
a
tired
cliché
but
when
I
see
a
guy
like
Makarowski
buzzing
around
out
there
and
forechecking
hard
only
to
have
his
linemates
in
neutral
it's
hard
to
watch.
Follow
the
puck
carrier
and
support
him
when
he
gets
double
teamed
by
going
to
an
open
area
to
receive
a
pass.
Then
bust
a
nut
hoofing
it
back
when
the
play
goes
the
other
way.
The
opposing
puck
carrier
is
going
his
fastest
towards
your
goal.
Anything
less
than
your
fastest
just
isn't
going
to
cut
it.
Having
said
all
that,
it
is
still
early
and
there
are
several
new
faces
in
the
Ironmen
line-up
that
still
need
time
to
come
together.
What
I'm
seeing
in
terms
of
raw
talent
this
year
is
better
by
leaps
and
bounds
than
the
past
so
hopefully
the
breaking
in
period
is
short.
The
Ironmen
will
have
to
wait
awhile
for
a
crack
at
their
first
win
as
they
won't
play
again
until
Oct
11th,
when
they
will
face
Silverbacks
who
are
also
in
search
of
win
number
one.
|
|
|
|
|
Todd
Fraser
has
looked
good
in
his
second
stint
with
the
club.
|
Officials
Lose
Control,
Ironmen
Lose
Game
September
22,
2003
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY,
British
Columbia
(CP)
----
The
Ironmen
were
back
on
the
ice
again
for
yet
another
Monday
night
game.
What
is
with
all
these
Monday
night
games?
I
don't
know
what
the
hell
is
happening
on
CSI
Miami
anymore!
For
the
first
time
this
season
the
men
of
metal
would
have
their
full
line-up
as
they
faced
the
first
place
Delta
Devils.
Craig
Helm
returned
to
the
line-up
for
the
first
time
since
opening
night.
In
addition,
the
Ironmen
finally
added
a
francophone
to
the
line-up,
with
Francois
Godbout
playing
in
his
first
game
with
the
team.
This
is
what
the
club
has
been
lacking!
The
Devils
would
strike
first
in
this
one,
midway
through
the
opening
period
when
a
Devils
forward
made
some
nice
moves
before
sneaking
one
past
the
short-side
of
Goaltender
David
Toyoda.
The
Ironmen
were
out
shot
7-5
and
trailed
by
one
after
one.
The
second
period
would
prove
to
be
the
turning
point
in
the
game.
That
is
when
the
officials
decided
to
completely
lose
control
of
the
game.
Defensemen
Edward
Kouwenhoven
was
already
serving
a
four-minute
minor
for
high
sticking
(a
call
I
actually
agree
with).
Then
5:53
into
period
two
there
was
a
four-man
battle
in
the
corner.
Ironmen
players
Craig
Helm
and
Brent
Kelly
battled
with
two
Devils'
players
attempting
to
free
a
loose
puck.
The
referees
failed
to
blow
the
play
down!
Instead
of
blowing
the
play
dead
the
referees
allowed
the
play
to
go
on,
thus
escalating
the
pushing
and
shoving
with
Helm
being
front
and
centre.
When
the
official
finally
did
blow
his
whistle,
he
then
decided
to
play
hero.
He
raced
into
the
scrum
were
he
proceeded
to
push
Helm.
Helm
who
took
exception
to
being
man
handled
by
a
Devils'
player
and
now
the
official
was
promptly
ejected
from
the
game.
He
would
be
assessed
a
five-minute
major
and
a
match
penalty.
I
agree
that
Helm
should
have
been
tossed
from
the
game,
but
a
match
penalty
when
he
was
pushed
first
by
the
official
is
crazy!
You
could
here
from
the
stands
when
Helm
yelled
"Get
your
damn
hands
off
me".
These
referees
were
very
unprofessional
and
extremely
confrontational
and
that
was
a
sign
of
things
to
come.
The
Ironmen
players
were
livid
at
the
call
and
were
in
danger
of
completely
loosing
their
composure.
After
a
mini-melt
down
and
some
emotional
outbursts
Ironmen
captain
Brent
Kelly
huddled
the
players
on
the
ice
around
David
Toyoda's
net
in
order
to
re-group.
That
seemed
to
settle
down
the
Ironmen.
The
Ironmen
penalty
killers
quickly
went
to
work
to
kill
off
the
five
on
three.
That
hard
work
would
payoff
when
Craig
Petterson
picked
off
a
Devils
pass
that
would
send
him
in
alone
on
the
Devil
netminder.
Petterson
maEdward
Kouwenhoven'sde
no
mistake
firing
one
to
the
back
of
the
net.
The
momentum
seemed
to
be
shifting
as
penalty
expired
he
jumped
out
of
the
box
and
shoveled
a
pass
to
Francois
Godbout,
who
made
some
nifty
moves
and
showed
some
amazing
patience
waiting
for
the
Devil
goalie
to
commit
before
roofing
it.
That
would
give
the
Ironmen
a
2-1
lead
while
playing
shorthanded.
Un
But!
Unfortunately
for
the
ironclad
crew
that
lead
would
last
less
the
two-minutes.
The
Ironmen
defense
would
be
caught
on
a
poor
line-change
leading
to
and
odd
man
rush
that
would
allow
the
Devils
to
convert
an
easy
one-time
pass
behind
David
Toyoda
putting
the
score
even
at
two.
Twenty
seconds
later
and
with
the
Ironmen
still
out
manned
the
Devils
would
take
back
the
lead
for
good.
The
Devils
would
capitalize
on
an
uncovered
man
in
front
that
one-timed
it
to
the
back
of
the
net.
To
make
matters
worse,
19
seconds
later
the
Devils
would
add
another
when
Defensemen
Kelly
accidentally
knocked
the
puck
in
his
own
net.
As
bad
as
that
was,
it
is
much
worse
that
the
Ironmen
continue
to
give
up
multiple
goals
only
seconds
apart.
A
habit
the
Ironmen
must
break!
This
has
cost
the
Ironmen
far
too
many
games.
These
one-minute
meltdowns
are
killing
these
men
of
metal.
The
Ironmen
would
shut
the
door
for
three
minutes
and
seven
seconds
before
allowing
goal
number
five.
Todd
Fraser
would
pull
the
Ironmen
within
two
with
35
seconds
left
on
the
clock
in
the
middle
frame.
Fraser
has
looked
good
in
his
second
stint
with
the
club.
Rick
Makarowski
and
Craig
Granter
would
draw
assists
on
the
play.
The
second
period
was
a
period
that
was
bombarded
with
poor
officiating.
Numerous
missed
calls
and
calls
that
were
made
that
would
leave
anyone
with
half
a
brain
shaking
their
head.
I
would
have
to
rate
the
officiating
in
this
contest
in
my
top
three
worst
ever
officiated
Ironmen
games.
I
realize
that
I
have
only
been
covering
the
squad
for
the
last
two
seasons,
but
these
referees
were
absolutely
awful!
It
was
not
so
much
the
calls
that
were
made,
although
many
of
them
were
very
questionable
(for
both
teams)
it
was
the
non-calls.
These
referees
failed
to
make
calls
on
obvious
infractions.
The
obvious
infractions
often
were
overlooked
in
favor
of
a
delay
of
game
type
call
or
some
other
new
rule
that
the
officials
wanted
to
try
out.
Allowing
these
infractions
to
go
unpunished
often
lead
to
retaliation
from
both
teams.
The
officials
favored
the
ridiculous
calls.
Such
as
calling
Goaltender
David
Toyoda
for
delay
of
game.
Toyoda
raced
out
of
his
net
and
jumped
on
the
puck
just
beyond
the
hash
marks
before
the
opposing
player
could
turn
it
into
a
scoring
opportunity.
I
have
seen
goaltenders
do
this
a
thousand
times
and
I
have
never
seen
a
goaltender
penalized
for
doing
so.
In
addition
Rick
Makarowski
was
mugged
and
hauled
down
to
the
ice
all
night
long
and
not
once
was
a
call
made.
It
was
sickening!
Credit
does
have
to
go
to
the
likes
of
Makarowski
and
Granter
who
did
not
come
unglued
and
outclassed
these
awful
excuses
for
referees.
Period
three
was
a
wash;
the
Devils
scored
13
seconds
into
the
final
frame
to
round
out
the
scoring.
The
remainder
of
the
game
continued
with
more
missed
and
moronic
calls.
Finally
in
their
wisdom
the
officials
decided
they
were
going
to
call
the
game
with
four
minutes
left
on
the
clock.
I
guess
they
were
tired
of
being
told
that
it
was
their
fault
the
game
got
out
of
control.
The
truth
hurts!
Like
any
coward
when
you
call
them
out,
they
run
away
and
hide.
Ultimately
Helm's
five
minute
major
and
the
incompetent
officiating
buried
the
Ironmen.
However
the
Ironmen
can
hold
their
heads
up
high.
This
is
one
that
you
can
legitimately
blame
the
officials
for.
The
Ironmen
will
return
to
action
next
Monday
when
they
take
on
an
old
rival,
the
Bolts.
Luc
Trois
Etoiles
La
Première
Etoile
-
Francois
Godbout
La
Deuxième
Etoile
-
Todd
Fraser
La
Troisième
Etoile
-
Craig
Granter
|
|
|
|
|
Steve
Meadows
would
lace
'em
up
for
the
200th
consecutive
game
and
record
his
100th
career
assist
in
this
contest.
|
Milestone
Night
For
Meadows
September
15,
2003
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY,
British
Columbia
(CP)
----
After
a
game
last
week,
which
saw
the
Ironmen
lose
a
few
wheels
off
their
wagon,
they
looked
forward
to
Monday's
tilt
with
Becks
to
make
amends.
It
was
a
historic
night
in
Ironmen
history,
as
Defenseman
Steve
Meadows
would
lace
'em
up
for
the
200th
consecutive
game.
Brent
Kelly's
streak
that
'would
never
be
matched'
somehow
has
been
and
congratulations
must
go
to
Meadows
for
making
the
sacrifices
necessary
to
assemble
such
an
enviable
feat
(apparently
his
wife
is
seeking
sole
custody
and
half
of
his
pension).
As
sure
as
there
is
Guinness
in
my
glass,
I
know
Steve
would
trade
his
share
of
the
record
for
a
few
more
wins
on
the
ice.
Speaking
of
wins,
the
Ironmen
are
still
searching
for
their
first
of
the
season
after
fighting
Becks
to
a
2-2
draw
Monday
night.
The
first
period
looked
great
for
the
Iron
as
they
dominated
much
of
the
play
and
jumped
out
to
a
1-0
lead
on
the
strength
of
Todd
Fraser's
laser-like
wrist
shot.
I
haven't
seen
the
mesh
ripple
like
that
since
Bobby
Schmautz
patrolled
the
wing
for
the
Canucks.
Unfortunately
the
Ironmen
let
up
in
the
second
period,
stopped
forcing
the
play
in
Becks
zone,
and
ran
into
some
penalty
trouble
yet
again.
They
paid
dearly
by
giving
up
2
second
period
goals
including
a
powerplay
marker
on
the
2nd
goal.
If
not
for
the
acrobatic
display
by
goalie
Dave
Toyoda,
the
score
could
have
been
much
worse.
The
third
period
saw
the
men
in
red
play
a
more
desperate
game
and
came
up
with
the
tying
goal
on
a
nice
deflection
by
Craig
Petterson.
In
the
process,
Steve
Meadows
picked
up
his
100th
career
assist
with
his
shot
from
the
point.
Becks
pressed
the
Ironmen
several
times
for
the
winner
but
couldn't
beat
red-hot
Toyoda
between
the
pipes.
The
Ironmen
themselves
had
several
chances
for
the
winner
as
well
but
came
up
short,
especially
on
a
3
on
1
play
that
would
make
Howie
Meeker
roll
over
in
his
grave...except
he's
not
quite
dead
yet.
Overtime
settled
nothing
except
to
confirm
that
the
3
on
3
change-on-the-fly
concept
just
may
be
the
dumbest
idea
since
Ishtar.
The
Ironmen's
record
now
sits
at
0
wins
-
1
loss
-
and
2
ties
as
they
get
set
to
try
again
next
week
for
that
elusive
first
win.
|
|
|
|
|
Ed
Kouwenhoven
was
one
of
the
few
bright
spots
for
the
Ironmen
playing
some
solid
defense.
|
Sharp
Blades
Slice
Apart
Ironmen
September
8,
2003
By
Luc
LaRouche
BURNABY,
British
Columbia
(CP)
----
The
Ironmen
were
back
on
the
ice
Monday
night
after
a
bizarre
evening
last
week
to
open
the
season.
Last
Tuesday
night
the
team
dressing
room
and
three
other
dressing
rooms
at
8-Rinks
were
broken
into.
Looking
out
on
to
the
ice
from
my
perch
just
off
the
Cutting
Edge
Grill,
(Oh
by
the
way
I
know
the
boys
like
to
play
on
the
Blue
'A'
Rink,
but
ole
Luc
here
likes
to
be
in
the
bar!..No
worries
the
Cutting
Edge
sells
beer!)
I
wondered
did
those
thieves
from
last
week
get
away
with
one
third
of
the
Ironmen's
line-up?
The
Ironmen
would
go
with
just
over
two
lines
in
this
contest.
I
then
wondered
to
myself,
a
game
against
the
Blades
from
the
Cutting
Edge
Grill.
Perhaps
that
was
an
omen
of
things
to
come?
Things
stared
well
for
the
Ironmen
who
drew
first
blood
when
newcomer
Craig
Petterson
jumped
on
a
rebound
from
an
Eddie
Kouwenhoven
shot
5:02
into
period
one.
The
first
period
was
close
with
the
Blades
out
shooting
the
Ironmen
7-6.
The
Blades
also
had
the
better
scoring
chances
testing
goaltender
Jamie
Barnes,
who
had
to
be
sharp
to
allow
the
Ironmen
to
close
the
period
with
the
lead.
Barnes
playing
in
his
first
game
with
the
club
looked
like
he
might
be
pushing
to
be
David
Toyoda's
back
up.
The
Blades
would
pull
even
3:07
into
the
second
period
when
the
Ironmen
failed
to
clear
a
Barnes
rebound.
Then
37
seconds
later
Henry
Fowlds
was
called
for
interference
to
give
the
Blades
the
first
powerplay
of
the
game.
The
Blades
wasted
little
time
going
to
work
and
potted
the
go
ahead
goal
58
seconds
in
the
Fowlds
minor.
The
Blades
would
continue
to
control
the
tempo
of
the
game
with
nice,
short
give
and
go
passing.
They
would
get
goal
number
three
with
7:11
on
the
clock.
From
my
vantage
point
the
goal
looked
to
be
batted
in
with
a
glove.
Ironmen
captain
Brent
Kelly,
seemed
to
agree
protesting
to
the
official
to
no
avail.
It
was
fitting
that
there
was
7:11
on
the
clock,
because
like
a
7-Eleven
Slurpie
that
called
sucked!
Then
less
than
one
minute
later
the
Blades
would
go
up
by
three.
The
Ironmen
again
failed
to
clear
the
puck
out
of
their
zone.
Defensemen
Craig
Ahlstrom
who
was
my
First
Star
last
game
went
from
hero
to
zero.
He
seemed
to
be
fighting
the
puck
all
night.
Fortunately
for
the
Ironmen
Ahlstrom
seldom
has
an
off
night,
but
this
is
one
I'm
sure
he'd
like
to
forget.
Period
two
ended
with
the
Ironmen
down
4-1
and
being
outshot
11-5.
However
to
that
point
I
don't
think
the
Ironmen
had
5
shots
in
the
game
let
alone
the
period.
The
Ironmen
looked
like
they
may
have
stopped
the
bleeding
and
2:21
into
the
period
they
would
get
there
first
powerplay
opportunity.
A
Blade
forward
retaliated
to
some
of
Brent
Kelly's
stick
work
in
front
of
the
Ironmen
net
cross-checking
Kelly
to
the
ice.
(Hey
is
crosschecking
not
a
two-minute
penalty
in
this
league?)
Well
I
guess
not,
as
the
Blade
player
was
assessed
a
two-minute
minor.
Powerplay,
what
powerplay?
No
less
then
17
seconds
later
Craig
Granter
was
called
for
tripping
to
extinguish
the
Ironmen
powerplay
before
it
started.
Granter,
who
is
one
of
my
favorites,
has
yet
to
shake
off
the
rust
after
a
long
summer
of
golf.
I
have
never
seen
#93
turn
the
puck
over
more
then
he
did
tonight.
No
worries
my
newfie
friend,
it
is
early
and
Luc
has
faith
in
you!
Two
minutes
and
four
seconds
later
the
Blades
would
cut
a
little
deeper
netting
goal
number
six.
The
Blades
seemed
content
with
a
6-1
lead
when
Evan
Johnston
tried
to
restore
some
dignity
scoring
the
I-men's
second
goal.
Henry
Fowlds
and
Craig
Ahlstrom
assisted
the
goal.
The
Blades
however
really
wanted
the
five
goal
cushion,
answering
back
just
15
seconds
later.
As
was
the
case
far
too
often
in
this
game
goaltender
Jamie
Barnes
made
the
first
save
but
his
teammates
were
not
able
to
beat
the
Blades
to
the
rebound.
The
Ironmen
were
beat
by
a
team
that
out
passed,
out
hustled
and
beat
them
to
loose
pucks
and
rebounds.
The
story
is
a
familiar
one
for
the
Ironclad
crew.
Untimely
penalties
and
giving
up
back-to-back
goals
in
a
short
period
of
time
continues
to
hurt
these
men
of
metal.
They
were
out-shot
33-16.
If
not
for
Jamie
Barnes
in
the
net,
it
could
have
been
much
worse.
This
is
one
to
forget!
I
know
the
boys
can
put
together
a
much
better
effort
and
they
will
have
their
chance
when
they
take
on
Becks
on
Monday,
September
15th.
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Defensemen
Craig
Ahlstrom
led
the
way
for
the
Ironmen
with
the
game
tying
goal
and
two
assists.
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Ironmen
Robbed!
September
2,
2003
By
Luc
LaRouche
&
Brent
Kelly
BURNABY,
British
Columbia
(CP)
----
The
Ironmen
took
to
the
ice
Tuesday
evening
to
open
the
2003-2004
season
against
the
Sask
Flyers.
The
team
looked
pretty
good
considering
it
was
their
first
game
in
three
months.
Newcomers
Craig
Helm
and
Craig
Petterson
look
like
they
will
fit
in
quite
nicely
with
the
club.
Todd
Fraser
who
made
his
return
to
the
club
after
a
two-year
absence
did
not
look
out
of
place
with
Craig
Granter
and
Rick
Makarowski
on
the
top
line.
The
Ironmen
controlled
most
of
the
opening
frame
with
a
few
good
chances.
They
got
the
game's
first
goal
with
3:27
on
the
clock
with
that
familiar
combination
of
Craig
Granter
and
Rick
Makarowski.
Granter
jumped
on
a
loose
puck
and
skated
down
the
left
wing
with
Makarowski
following
to
his
right.
Granter
faked
a
pass
and
let
go
what
seemed
to
be
a
harmless
shot
that
Makarowski
jumped
on
and
put
it
in
the
back
of
the
net.
Ed
Kouwenhoven
got
the
second
assist
on
the
goal.
The
second
period
was
a
little
more
even.
The
Ironmen
failed
to
do
anything
with
the
man
advantage
on
three
separate
occasions
and
seemed
to
be
letting
the
Cowboys
creep
back
into
the
contest.
The
middle
frame
ended
without
a
goal.
Then
it
got
strange!
At
the
conclusion
of
the
second
period
the
Ironmen
were
informed
that
the
team's
dressing
room
was
broken
into
and
robbed.
The
cowardly
thieves
seemed
to
focus
on
cash
and
wallets.
After
discovering
that
most
everyone
on
the
team
had
some
possessions
stolen,
rather
than
call
the
game
Ironmen
captain
Brent
Kelly
dismissed
any
player
that
wanted
to
leave
to
report
credit
cards
stolen
and
deal
with
their
lost
possessions.
The
Ironmen
lost
their
top
line
when
Craig
Granter,
Todd
Fraser
and
Rick
Makarowski
called
it
a
night
to
deal
with
their
stolen
property.
The
rest
of
the
team
decided
to
press
on
to
play
the
third
period.
No
doubt
with
the
theft
looming
in
the
back
of
their
minds.
Things
looked
promising
early
into
the
final
frame
when
newcomer
Craig
Helm
scored
just
1:21
into
period
three.
Henry
Fowlds
and
Craig
Ahlstrom
assisted
on
the
goal.
The
Cowboys
were
not
ready
to
be
put
out
to
pasture
just
yet,
they
responded
51
seconds
later
making
it
a
2-1
game.
Not
to
be
outdone
the
Ironmen
took
back
their
two
goal
led
1:12
later
when
Evan
Johnston
scored
from
Jim
Defer
and
Craig
Ahlstrom.
Perhaps
the
Ironmen
thought
they
were
safe
and
could
start
to
focus
on
the
break-in.
That
is
when
the
wheels
fell
off
for
two
shifts
for
the
Ironmen.
The
Cowboys
scored
three
straight
goals
in
a
minute
and
22
seconds
to
take
a
4-3
lead.
Goaltender
David
Toyoda
would
not
doubt
like
to
have
all
three
of
those
shots
back.
But
Toyoda
and
the
Ironmen
would
not
fold.
The
metal
men
kept
digging
and
with
3:40
on
the
clock
defensemen
Craig
Ahlstrom
jumped
in
from
the
point
collecting
an
Evan
Johnston
rebound
to
bring
the
Ironmen
back
even.
Brent
Kelly
got
the
second
assist
on
the
goal.
The
Ironmen
always
trying
to
keep
things
interesting
would
go
shorthanded
ten
seconds
later
when
Evan
Johnston
was
called
for
tripping.
One
of
many
week
calls
on
the
night,
but
to
be
fair
there
were
weak
calls
both
ways.
No
sooner
did
the
Ironmen
kill
off
that
penalty
than
Brent
Kelly
was
nailed
with
a
tripping
penalty
with
1:29
left
in
regulation
time.
The
Ironmen
did
a
great
job
killing
off
both
Johnston
and
Kelly's
penalties.
Then
with
3:40
left
in
overtime
Jim
Defer
was
tagged
with
a
four-minute
high-sticking
penalty.
That
spelled
the
end
of
any
even
strength
play
for
the
Ironmen
in
this
contest.
The
Ironmen
penalty
killers
did
a
great
job
killing
off
Defer's
penalty
as
well,
but
it
was
some
last
second
heroics
from
goaltender
David
Toyoda
that
let
the
Ironmen
escape
with
a
point.
Toyoda
'robbed'
the
Cowboys
shooter
with
a
brilliant
Patrick
Roy
like
glove
save
with
four
seconds
on
the
clock.
The
stunned
Cowboy's
shooter
was
already
celebrating
his
game-winning
goal
when
he
realized
that
Toyoda
had
foiled
him
to
secure
a
4-4
tie.
Not
only
did
the
Ironmen
recover
a
point
in
this
contest.
But
outside
the
rink,
an
8-Rinks
staff
member
discovered
goaltender
David
Toyoda's
hockey
bag
that
the
thieves
had
used
to
pile
the
team's
valuables.
It
seemed
these
cowards
were
only
interested
in
cash
and
things
they
could
easily
hawk.
Luckily
most
of
the
team
recovered
their
stolen
wallets
and
keys.
Although
Craig
Granter
did
have
his
wedding
band
taken
and
Todd
Fraser
had
a
significant
amount
of
cash
stolen.
It
could
have
been
much
worse
and
the
Ironmen
will
no
doubt
be
taking
keys
and
wallets
with
them
to
the
bench
from
here
on.
After
what
had
to
be
the
strangest
opening
nights
in
team
history,
the
Ironmen
look
forward
to
getting
back
and
just
worrying
about
hockey.
They
get
that
chance
on
Monday
when
they
face
the
Blades
at
10:30
pm
on
the
Blue
'A'
rink.
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Feb
20/04
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Feb
25/04
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Mar
1/04
|
Mar
9/04
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Mar
14/04
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Mar
22/04
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Mar
27/04
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Mar
30/04
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Apr
3/04
|
Apr
4/04
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Playoff
#1
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Playoff
#2
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