Well, this article was to be all about the rivalry game between the evil Swedish Stars and the German Whale but…. something incredible happened last night. MNL veteran Brian LeRoy scored his first ever MNL goal! In front of a capacity crowd inside Viking Arena, LeRoy pulled off an amazing feat eight years in the making. Called for an egregious roughing penalty against lovable former MVP Chad Paulinski, LeRoy was ushered into the penalty box during the first period of the Japanese Seals verses the Canadien Nordiques 10:30 premier game. “The guy has like 100 pounds and 18 inches on me” said Chad while being evaluated for another concussion. “He went all Brian Branch on me and basically assaulted me… he deserved a prison sentence, not a two minute penalty”.

With mere seconds left on the penalty, LeRoy surveyed the play behind the dirty plexiglass. Seals defenseman James Wruble noticed the penalty box open and his large figured target striding towards open ice. With a swift flick of the wrist, Wrubs whipped the vulcanized rubber disc onto the tape of his streaking team mate. In full flight LeRoy expertly caught the pass and was headed towards the Nordique goal unimpeded. A sudden hush came over the crowd that had gathered in anticipation of the momentous occasion. “I thought it was Slick Rick on that breakaway when I saw how graceful he was skating” said observer Lee Hughes while savoring a warm Labatt Blue. LeRoy continued to the net with several powerful strides until it was only him and Nordique goaltender Andrew Keila. As if he had done it a thousand times, LeRoy went backhand/forehand deke-ing the helpless tendy and scoring a highlite reel goal.

The arena erupted in jubilation as the crowd recognized the significance of the moment. Arms raised in celebration, thunderous applause echoed throughout the building, the rink glass was vibrating from onlookers banging on it, small children wept. It was a sight to be hold. We had witnessed Brian LeRoy’s first time lighting the lamp. Play was paused after the goal at center ice to retrieve the puck, a tradition the dates back to the early days of hockey. Referee Kevin Ortballs quietly mumbled “Are you serious…you want the puck?” as the keepsake was gathered for LeRoy. The Japanese Seals would go on to win the game and as if it had been written on a Hollywood script, the LeRoy goal would be the game winner.

As both teams exited the ice surface after the game, Brian LeRoy was showered with congratulations. Here is his post game interview…

Dickie Dunn