Byline: Central Scouting Office
Sometimes it’s important to reflect and evaluate. This reporter has spent the last 12 months with MNL and has witnessed incredible progress throughout the league. Last August a middle-aged Fire Marshal was invited to play in a league where he was told that @wilkie was the best player. He wasn’t sure what to expect. The grass roots, non USA Hockey sanctioned league was comprised of a close knit group. He observed players of all skill level from relative novice (@davep) to aging washed up Junior hockey superstars (@pniphoratos). Some players struggled to skate backwards and some gracefully strode across the frozen surface.
What I have gleaned in the last year is that the level of play in it’s totality has exponentially gotten better. All the credit befalls upon the players by improving their respective games. To make the league better individual players have gone to great lengths. Players have resorted to week long fasts, power skating schools, daily Danny Hull film study, goalie camps, rigorous biking marathons, getting bionic ankles and pyschotherapy from @dslackerone. As a result the level of play is considerably better than last year. The descrepancy between benders and top line guys has infinantly shrunk.
MNL is gaining popularity due to its high level of competition. The league has already expanded with two franchises being awarded in 2017. “We currently have about 80 people who want a chance to play with us” said league embassador @pantydropper. “We could easily have six more clubs”. Corporations have taken notice also. @Tye Otto , head honcho of Otto Family Properties LLC, sees potential in becoming the official sponsor of MNL. “Funding the entire cost of the league is fiscally responsible. It’s like free advertising. All uniforms would have OFP logos on them just like NASCAR”. Otto says there are some hurdles to clear before they aquire the league. One particular sticking point with the Players Union is the stipulation that every player has to sell their home and purchase another using OFP. Players Union Sergeant at Arms @hal said “Are you fucking kidding me? My wife would fucking kill me!”.
The league is also purportedly in negotiations for broadcasting and television rights. ESPN 8, Twitch and the Hazel Park Community Access Channel are in a bidding war to air the games. @ottotroy29 says the deal has to make sense for the players. “I’m trying to spin this and pitch it into some kind of reality TV show. They could follow guys like @Peso around and build story lines”. The idea seems legit. Imagine a night with @tkshreve, a day in the life of @chad_paulinski, dinner with @Tim D’Onofrio, a European vacation with the jet setting Italian Stallion @gorlandi, chilling with @chaalsmachi and his cats or an introspective into the mind of Cipps. @Busta believes Vape would be an overnight internet sensation! “Could you imagine the shit-show that episode would be”. The ideas are boundless.
It is my hope that this intimate league continues to flourish…
Dickie Dunn
