Byline: Viking Arena

The mystical feeling of opening day was in the air. The celebratory red white and blue bunting was displayed proudly around the building. The smell of popcorn and beer filled the arena. Small children wept as MNL players entered the rink. Fittingly, Clawz Pawz and the Sugar Cubes did not disappoint the sold out crowd. Both teams fought tooth and nail for the win. The game could not be decided in regulation and would be determined by shootout.

Adorned in Nordique baby blue, the Fighting Clawz Pawz were led by one half of the flying Ellis brothers @jellis . “He’s a scrappy power forward and a great value in the 6th round” said @CLAWZ who is the architect of the team. Cam’s recipe to draft nearly all Nordiques has been criticized amongst other GM’s. @ctaylor14 said “what was he thinking. There is a culture of losing in that organization”. @jmcshannock laughed “I’d kill myself before drafting a Dique…Well, minus @jcoan “. @hardyparty92 could not be reached for comment because he was in an ice bath for his shoulders from carrying his team last night.

“Joey Ellis had a hell of a game” commented @Pearcy . The elder Ellis was able whack in a puck waist high after a pass from Bin which put Clawz Pawz up 1-0. @jjfloreno was mesmerized by the hand eye coordination displayed on the goal. Scoring erupted in the third stanza. Sugar tied the game at one before Bin was able to deflect a beautiful pass from @smatchmo Collin Neville into the upper corner. Not to be outdone, Team GM/Captain/Superstar Sugar scored again for the Cubes. Joey Ellis notched his second of the game off a snappy pass from @Tim D’Onofrio Turtle (pun intended).

Lanky forward @qziraldo noticed several of the Cube players seemed to be snake bitten by Pawz goalie @CLAWZ. “Big Sexy @chaalsmachi and @Bustahad many glorious opportunities to capitalize on”. Attempts from both players were thwarted by good goaltending. Big Sexy appeared to be in a trance like state when interviewed post game in the Labatt Blue Party Deck. “I had a wide open net. All of the sudden, like out of a fifth dimension, a giant catching glove appeared and consumed the puck!”. @davep also commented on the play. “He mades sum good play for da team I play for tonite”. Over hearing VapeD conducting the interview, forward Nick Meyers @nekogt6 mumbled under his breath “I can’t believe I have to play with this guy”.

With the seconds quickly ticking off the clock the Cubes lifted their goalie for an extra attacker. A furious scramble ensued in front of the net. @ottotroy29 screamed from the bench @Pearcy who was seemingly positioned by the snack bar in the lobby. “Pick up the biggest threat out there you fuck” referring to the beast amongst men @youngtr7 Trent. Pearcy ignored Troy’s wailing and the puck was allowed to enter the net with a mere 15 seconds on the clock.

The game would be decided via shootout. As the home team, Clawz Pawz chose to shoot first. Bin made a direct deposit through a gaping 5 hole and forced the Cubes to respond. Using his long reach Trent was able to tickle the twine to knot up the session again. Stops were made on the next three attempts by the tendies. It came down to the early favorite for Player of the Spring Sugar Shawn Hardy. He cruised slowly over the blue line, hit the top of the circles and went into high gear. Cam was dazzled by his prowess but made the save on the deke. One problem… As the play continued, Cam’s momentum propelled his catching glove over the goal line. The single referee on the ice @Tye Otto was in perfect position to make the call. Channeling his inner Wes McCauly and speaking over the PA system through his in-ear microphone Tye exclaimed “WE HAVE A GOOD HOCKEY GOAL!” The match ended with a 4-3 Cubes victory.

This reporter cordially invites everyone to the inaugural Dickie Awards on Saturday April 14th. The award presentation will be featured at the 2nd annual MNL Honors Banquet.

Spring League Beat Reporter

Dickie Dunn