What an EMOTIONAL High!!

Just got back from Planet Ice, the arena that hosted tonight's Team MB/Midnite Express game. Before I actually get into the game from a fan's perspective, let me clear up some confusion as to why those of you trying to access the game via CBHA's broadband were not able to access it.

Simple put, the games at Copeland are being broadcast, and the games at Planet Ice (at least tonight's) are not because the equipment is over at Copeland. Hopefully they'll be able to setup the camera's, get the feed, etc. to broadcast tomorrow's Team MB (also hosted at Planet Ice). Unfortunately, we're all at the whim of the CBHA on this one.

That said, I will do my best to update the scores as it changes on this blog and the time remaining as I'm watching the games in the arena.

*** NOW FOR THE GAME ***

One word: EUPHORIA!!

The boyz played extremely hard and gave every bit of effort against a VERY GOOD veteran-laden team. For those of you that may not know, a big portion of the Express team ALSO play for Team Canada -- including the goalie, their top forwards, and top defenseman. This was...in some way...one of Canada's best ball hockey teams -- AND WE BEAT THEM!!!

The reffing has been clearly biased this year, more so against Surrey, but even in this game -- at least this game was a bit more "fair". There were some obviously MISSED calls -- one in particular was a cheap attempt to injure against one of our faster forwards as he was unceremoniously STOMPED on by a Midnite Express player. Everyone in attendance saw the stomp, except of course, the referrees -- both of them.

Team MB Goaltending was phenomal -- Scotty Cameron for Mayor!! Absolutley solid -- a money goalie. When Team MB needed a big save, Scotty came through -- AND smothered the rebound.

My favorite part of the game was CHANTING at the top of our lungs -- "TOBA, TOBA, TOBA"....it was hair-raising and DEAFENING!!! I'd like to think that we helped the boys give them that extra "UMPH" that took them over the top -- hopefully that will come across Karpiak's recording of the game.

The boys kicked it in a second gear and put enough pressure on the Express team that a pass out in front bounced of something (their defencemen) and right through the Express/Team Canada goalie's five hole. THAT WAS THE GAME WINNER!!!

And the CELEBRATION was EXPLOSIVE!!! You couldn't be MORE prouder of your boyz, MBHA Fans!!

After the game, a handful of the fans raced over to the exit gate to high five the team as they headed off to the dressing room -- UNBELIEVABLE!!!

CTO's First Game Tomorrow

Our first game in Western B's is tomorrow -- 4:30PDT (6:30CST). Cereal Killers also play their first game as well (I think 7:30PDT - 9:30CST) so all of the Manitoba games tomorrow are at Planet Ice.

ps. Planet Ice resembles Highlander -- a 4 plex w/ 2 Ice Rinks and 2 Ball rinks -- obviously, a "cool" environment to play ball hockey w/ limited seating.

The CTO are PUMPED and READY to play! We stretched our legs for an hour this afternoon, and it felt great -- the floor is smooth but not too slippery and the glass is quick.

We also ran into the CK boys and hung out w/ some of them to watch the Nationals games. Good to see more Manitoba boys -- we're all RARING to go....and we WANT our hardware!!

Gotta get some sleep -- even backup goalies need their rest!

C'Ya All Tomorrow!!!