CTO WINS over Calgary for the Western B Bronze

We had to get up pretty early for our Semi Final game (6am) -- the winner plays for the Gold, the loser plays for the Bronze. Although it was early and we were tired (and some hurt), we did our best to try to win the semi's, but unfortunately, we just got beat by a better team. Basically, they played our game against us and won. Our goalie held us in there but you won't win many games only having scored 1 goal....Final score: East Van Centurians 4 CTO 1. That meant we had to play Calgary Pitbulls (the team we lost 5-3 to in our opening game) for the Bronze @ 1:30pm.

In between games we were able to catch the last period of the Team MB/Mississauga game via broadband -- we were amped to watch Team MB win the Bronze 6-1 -- the BEST finish for Team MB at the Nationals in the past 20 years or so. Way to go boyz -- JEFF: I'd luv to see that game on your big HDTV.

After a quick regroup session and an even quicker meal, we returned to Planet Ice to play the Bronze Medal game. The feeling in the room was electric -- beyond that -- EXPLOSIVE really. Shout out to the Cereal Killers for coming out and cheering us on -- their banter and "commentary" helped us win the game. And each and every one of them high-fived us on the way out of the rink -- it was an AWESOME feeling!!!

It was tight at first but we exploded w/ offense and capitalized on Calgary's undisciplined play -- it really wasn't a contest, and as expected, the Calgary team got frustrated and tried to take it out on us physically (and cheaply) however, the refereeing was FANTASTIC...we ended up scoring at least 3 times on the powerplay. Again, Lodgey held the fort -- Final Score: CTO 9 Calgary 3.

They also handed out the individual awards after the game: James Zyloway won for best Forward and Darren Lodge won for best goaltender.

And although Gold was the our objective all along, I've learnt that winning Bronze DEFINITELY feels better than losing Gold or finishing fourth.

It was an awesome tournament -- thanks to our CTO Fans (Jess, Tiff, & Kaylee on the left -- it was THEIR idea to get the tops -- both home and away) , Meaghan our trainer/medic, our coaches Allan & Bernie, our advisor (Leon), all the Team MB guys for inspiration and support, every member of the Cereal Killers for their support, J.Jericho for being an AWESOME ref (and party guy), friends and family and supporters back home.......and now we get to party!!!

Thanks for all your text messages, emails, Facebook posts, etc. from all the fans in MB!!!

Catch you all when we get back to Winnipeg -- WITH SOME HARDWARE!!!

CTO Wins Both Game #2 & #3 Today!

This morning's game was a great fast-paced game; we came out w/ a mission, a lot more energy and a lot more discipline -- and THIS time we DID NOT let up. Final Score: 6-1.

This evening's game was a lot tougher -- the Vancouver team had some great forwards and were very quick offensively; the game was a bit rougher but in my opinion, Vancouver took a couple of undisciplined penalties that lead to some powerplay opportunities that we managed to capitalize on. The game was close. Final score: 4-1 (en).

Shout out to the Vancouver guys for their hospitality and suggestions on some of the Vancouver nightspots to hit -- and yes, I think the White Spot restaurants are the coolest thing -- we need a franchise in Manitoba.

Gotta get some rest for tomorrow morning's playoff games -- and hang the stinky equipment to dry. Everybody back home -- thanks for the well-wishes and text messages.

Keep in mind: I may not be able to attend the Team MB games as they may conflict w/ our own CTO games, so please check the CBHA broadband page for the video feed (and hopefully it won't freeze -- and the audio will get fixed).

C'ya!!

Final: Toba 1 knights 3

Next game for toba will be the bronze medal game.

Team MB Game IS BEING Broadcast...

....right now, brought to you bye my two new friends, Brandon and Colin, who do a FANTASTIC job of play-by-play.

Go the CBHA broadband site to view the game.

FINAL: Toba 3 kamloops 2

Gotta go get changed for CTO game!

On 8/8/08, Joe <joe.cefali@gmail.com> wrote:
> :25 second left!
>
> On 8/8/08, Joe <joe.cefali@gmail.com> wrote:
>> :44 seconds left. Kamlops scores. Nail biter!
>>
>>
>> On 8/8/08, Joe <joe.cefali@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> Kamloops goal. Boo!
>>> 4:05 left.
>>>
>>>
>>> On 8/8/08, Joe <joe.cefali@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> 4:35 left.
>>>>
>>>> On 8/8/08, Joe <joe.cefali@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>> Toba Powerplay. 6:46 left
>>>>>
>>>>> On 8/8/08, Joe <joe.cefali@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>> 7:55 left.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On 8/8/08, Joe <joe.cefali@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>> 10:46 left.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On 8/8/08, Joe <joe.cefali@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>> Roman namiuk goal!
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Original message -
>>>>>>>> 17:10 left in 2nd period.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> On 8/8/08, Joe <joe.cefali@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>>> 17:10 left in 2nd period.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> On 8/8/08, Joe <joe.cefali@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>> End of 1st.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> On 8/8/08, Joe <joe.cefali@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>> Lee kuryk from cook.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> On 8/8/08, Joe <joe.cefali@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>

Team MB & Cereal Killers Win but CTO Loses

It was a bit of an emotional roller coaster today....first having watch Team MB mercy the Newfoundland team 8-1. Not much to say here other than it was textbook hockey from the get-go. Pat Ross made his first appearance and the lineup and looked solid -- with the win Team MB finishes the preliminary round 3W 0L 1T which puts them in 3rd place in their pool and sees them facing the rough & tumble Kamloops BlackJacks in tomorrow's 2:30pm(4:30CDT) game @ Planet Ice.

Note: Still not sure if the game will be broadcast over the internet -- check the CBHA site for details. I'll do my best to update you via this blog if it is NOT being broadcast.

CTO Loses First Game

We came out with a strong 2-0 lead only to see the Calgary team fight back to close the gap 2-1. We then regained our 2 goal lead from our thanks to our 3rd line -- a gutsy goal by Alan Lavasseur. However penalty trouble and a breakdown in our zone allowed the Calgary team back into the game as they ended up winning 5-3.

Be assured -- we've learnt our lesson and will NOT allow another team to get back into the game like that. Next game 10am Friday -- the game will NOT be broadcast over the internet.

Cereal Killers win their first game

CK came out w/ a 2-0 lead, only to see the lead vanish, but the CK fought back to eventually win the game 5-3. Their next game will also be on Friday @ 1pmPST.

Just got back from the Red Lite/Midnite Express wildcard game -- Red Lite has been (unbelievably) eliminated.

Gotta get some rest -- catch you all tomorrow!!

Final Score: Toba 8 Cabots 1

Team MB mercied the Cabots on Brant Cook's 3rd goal of the game. The next Team MB will be at 2:30 PDT or 4:30 CST Friday afternoon at Planet Ice -- so, again, the game MAY not be broadcast over the internet.

Note: I'll try my best to keep this blog posted with updated scores if the games are not being broadcasted.

CTO's first game is in 3 hrs at Planet Ice!

Thanks!!

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!!!

Final score: Toba 2 midnite.1

Landon duchon with the player of the game. Manitoba's record is 2W 0L
1T. History in the making!!!

On 8/6/08, Joe <joe.cefali@gmail.com> wrote:
> They beat midnite express!
>
>
> On 8/6/08, Joe <joe.cefali@gmail.com> wrote:
>> 2 min left
>>
>> On 8/6/08, Joe <joe.cefali@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> 3:10 left
>>>
>>> On 8/6/08, Joe <joe.cefali@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> 4:18 left!
>>>>
>>>> On 8/6/08, Joe <joe.cefali@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>> 6:30 left in 2nd
>>>>>
>>>>> On 8/6/08, Joe <joe.cefali@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>

What an incredible day of Ball Hockey...

As this tournament progresses, the teams get better, the competition is more intense, and the importance of each and every game is magnified. Team MB's game was so incredibly exciting, it was hard to stay in our seats. The refereeing was questionable at times (and I'm being conservative) as Manitoba spent the majority of the game on the penalty kill....but the boys killed off penalty after penalty and Scott Cameron's goaltending was absolutely phenomenal.

The young guns were blazing beating their checks one-on-one and running down icing calls...it was incredible to watch the effort and the euphoria of the post-game celebrations.

The games will not get any easier from here on in, especially after the results of Wednesday night's games in the other division.

The infamous Red Lite were upset by Mississauga Hawks 4-3. What we noticed about that game was the difference in reffing -- a lot of rough play, lots of stick work -- it's almost as the game speeds up to another gear more and more calls are missed. There were some potentially dangerous plays along the boards that were considered incidental contact -- shocking!! Goaltending was great...it was really an awesome game and one that I thought would be the best of the night, until....

...we walked over to the other surface to watch the Midnite Express/Falcon Machine game. Wow! The place was JAMMED pack....people crowded 2 lines deep along the glass to get a chance to witnesses some of Canada's top ball hockey talent. What incredible moves, some absolutely beautiful goals (one of which was a Zhamnov drag), and some stellar goaltending. Both teams were so incredibly fast, it made you wish there were more people there to witness the speed and the talent. Final score: Falcon Machine 3 Midnite Express 2.

That's it for last night's recaps -- gotta remember to bring a sweater next time. CTO practices today at Planet Ice @ 1pm -- first time we get to hit the "slippery" floor.

catcha later.

Final score: toba 3 Surrey 0

Goal scorers: dom vann, lee kuryk, Dustin Kelly.

Scott Cameron wins his second player of the game award!

Calgary phantoms 2 mississauga 3

Intersting note: former mbha all-star Jason Eapen plays for calgary.
Good to are him again.

That's Calgary's second heartbreak loss.

Tues Morning: Continental Brekkie or Brekkie Special??

Ode to an Omelette -- it's like pizza....never really had a bad pizza.

The hotel we're staying at has been pretty great so far. Free continental breakfast (or $3 off a regular breakfast), free parking, pool to ourselves...and they love us now to the point that they give us the remote control to the big screen tv so we can switch it to the NHL Network. Yeah baby!!

Yesterday during the game I had absolutely NO TIME to do a proper blog as I was videorecording the contest for the Team MB coaching staff.

BTW: AWESOME camera Karpiak -- the nasty videos I could make with that.

I was hunting for a primo location to record the game, and spotted "the gondola". So I climbed the ladder to set my equipment up, and was surprised to run into the Coach George of Team Canada. Great guy!! He was there scouting all the teams -- every game. I thought that was pretty snazzy.

Both teams were evenly matched -- this game would be HUGE for both squads and their respective ball hockey organizations in showcasing their growth and development. I won't bore you w/ all the details, but this was an exciting game right from the ball drop. It was also the BEST GOALTENDING DUAL of all the games that I had seen yesterday: breakaway saves, plenty of powerplay opporunties, some great passing, and some hard shots. Edmonton opened the scoring and led going into the 2nd period 1-0. In the second, Team MB tied it up on Roman Naumiuk's 4-on-4 goal. And from then on in it was a back-and-forth chess match and a goaltending battle. The end result: 1-1 tie.

I haven't been able to sit w/ Jeff for an indepth post-game analysis podcast yet, but if I get the opportunity, I'll do so and upload it to the podcast page.

gotta go...my foods here.

Final: edm 1 team mb 1

My hands are still shaking!

Mississauga 7 vaugn 1

First game was a mercy. The poor Vaughn goalie just wasn't in the game
mentally. Will post some picks later.

Team mb takes the ice at 6pm. The edmonton team is warming up.

11:08pm Day 1 - Discovering the White Spot

We headed out for dinner trying to find an all-you-can-eat buffet we had located earlier in the day. Turns out the place had been closed for a while -- for health reasons?? who knows.

Within walking distance we came across a restaurant I remember hearing great things about -- The White Spot. So we left the car where it was and walked through the parking lot to find the place.

From the back entrance the White Spot looked....well, sketch! A more appropriate name would've been the Wet Spot. Anyway, we found the main entrance and went in to check out the menu -- it wasn't like it was our only option. After a quick survey of the menu, and a much more better second impression, we sat down for a hearty dinner.

Meal #3: DOUBLE-DOUBLE burger platter w/ (and get this....) all-you-can-eat FRIES!! Bottomless soft drinks and endless fries -- I was home! These fries were AWESOME -- toasty on the outside soft in the middle -- made from REAL potatoes. And the double-burger was killer -- it came w/ this Triple-O sauce, which we ended up getting as a "french fry dip" for round 2 and 3.

Actually, all of our meals were fantastic -- chicken fettuccini, butter chicken, more burgers, pizza, all great food.

And the service was GREAT! To date -- the official server of the 2008 Western B Championships is Kevin from The White Spot.

Check out the pictures above.

I'm still trying to digest the food -- I think we're just going to hang around the pool and call it an early night -- first day of Nationals competition starts tomorrow and I don't want to miss a minute of it!!

6:00pm Chillin in the hotel room...

Just got settled in; had to wait for our hotel rooms to get "readied"...so we had some time to kill after brekkie.

Hit the mall, caught a movie, then checked in. After all that hard work, we went on a mission -- find the beer vendor-- mission accomplished -- The Moose Bar & Grill. And I think we met their mascot....Mrs. Moose, near the back entrance. Picked up some sud's for tonight -- might need to go back if the place is closed tomorrow.

Had to hit the Timmy's..one consistent thing about Timmy's from coast-to-coast -- LINEUPS!!

Across the street from Timmy's is one of BC's larger malls (so they advertised)...Guildford Centre (or something like that). Prices aren't necessarily cheaper than Manitoba -- in fact, I'd say on most things its either the same or cheaper at home. Found the grocery/food market for the fruit & veggies, Walmart for my Gatorade. Chillin' in the hotel room -- some checked out the pool, some are working out, I'm going "techy" w/ the blog and some website stuff....thinkin' about food. Consensus sounds like BUFFET -- gotta find me some apple pie!

We're watchin' some of the news -- hmmm -- Gay Pride Parade this weekend? Seriously! Getting the impression from the locals that Surrey isn't that safe...we'll have to watch our backs. Who's going to miss w/ 20 guys, though?!?!

getting hungrier....gotta decide on MEAL #2.

c'ya!

10am landed in Vancouver

Picked up the 3 cars...they had no vans. And they tried to screw is up
onthe upsell - didn't fall for it. Found the hotel. No problem.

Message from al: Hi Lisa!!

Got in earlier than expected thanks to lodgey's navigation.

So were chowing down with some breakfast at ABC restaurant. Foods here
- meal #1 - big meaty breakfast!

Gotta go!

6:30AM boarding

Half asleep of course. Still no coffee! Somehow our flight will only
take 1hr. The wonders of modern technology.

5AM Sunday morning

I don't think i've ever seen 5AM on a Sunday except coming home from a
late nite poker night? Ugh...i need coffee!!

Goalie Pads? Check..Blocker?...Check...

...just going through my checklists of things to bring, do, take with me, who to notify....yet however many lists I make, I always think I've forgotten something.  And I always do -- something silly (like deodorant), but always....something. 

Goalie Bag is packed, luggage is packed, I guess the last thing to pack will be this laptop.  Equipment, clothes, camera, microphone, headphones, camera....lotsa crap.

I can't quite describe this feeling of anticipation....right now every team going to the either Nationals or Westerns share the same thing -- we're all full of optimism and no one has lost a game as of yet.  We're all excited and probably just a little bit nervous -- but its a good nervous -- a nervous confidence.  We're out to go get some "hardware" -- leave it all on the floor and WIN!  And in the process, we'll have some adventures, have some great times, share some great stories, hopefully EAT a lot of great food, meet some interesting people....it'll be awesome and it all starts in just a couple of hours.

Or....has it already started?  Didn't it start almost a year ago....winning your division to earn the right to even attend?   planning and fundraising for this very trip?  hours upon hours of practices? hundreds upon thousands of shots taken on net?  passes made? shots blocked and saved??  Isn't this event just the culmination of a year (or more) of all the effort that got you here to this very place.  

(....okay, so I grabbed a beer while I was packing, but hear me out -- i'm not drunk, just a little..philisophical..)

No one can forsee the outcome or predict the results of what will occur this past week and culminate next Saturday.  But what we all know for sure is that each and every one of us participating this week is already successfully in their own right -- having achieved the right to play by beating out numerous other teams and players -- in order to play at the highest level of competition this sport can offer here and now. 

So to all of you heading out to Vancouver, remember to take some time out from all the competitiveness  & gamesmanship to appreciate just BEING there, be proud and thankful  -- there are plenty of players who would love to switch places with you.....regardless of who wins or doesn't win. 

Gotta go charge some batteries...catch me in Vancouver!!

And the Award Goes To....

....Team MB for a wonderful job of hosting the MBHA Awards Banquet Thursday Night at the Norvilla. It was a good turnout of nominees, players, fans, and supporters of the MBHA and Team MB. The food was great (went up for SECONDS)...the Norvilla puts on one helluva spread: Steak, Spud, & Suds!! YUM!!

(on a sidenote: I even got TWO HELPINGS of APPLE PIE!! Thanks K, you're back in my cook -- i mean -- "good books"! )

For those in attendance there were door prizes, 50/50 draws, raffle draws....lots of fun stuff and what great weather -- I enjoyed eating my dinner "al fresco" on the patio/deck. Great job Norvilla Hotel!!

I should have all the award winners posted on the Summer page once I receive the final results -- going by memory, I still need to confirm about 10 award winners. Hopefully, they should all be posted on Saturday.

Having the opportunity to smooze around the room and chat informally w/ CTO and Team MB members, you can't help but feel the anticipation of this upcoming tournament. I have a REALLY good feeling that some hardware will be coming back from Vancouver one week tomorrow. All the guys can't wait to head out there and hit the floor -- I spent most of the day just running around making last minute plans for what I'm going to need out there to be able to bring you the best coverage of the games.

One last "team-bonding" event tonight before we leave out West -- pizza windup at one of the league sponsor's Boston Pizza!! Plus, the Bomber game to entertain us as well. Should be a great night!!

gotta get going -- have an appointment to "get the kinks out" of my back & shoulders w/ my muscle therapist .

catch ya' on the weekend!

ps. as of this writing Mats Sundin STILL hasn't decided where he's going to play -- WTF??