WCHL SLAPSHOT #36 v 4
April 5, 2003
2- NEWSROOM
Week 12
Re
Week 13
Re
Week 14
Re
Round
1, Game 1 Pre
3- AROUND THE WHEEL
Jon Davis
[article]
Al Omilian [article]
Battle on Ice 2003 [article]
Ask the Ref [article]
4- FACE-OFF INTERVIEWS
Featuring:
Jeff Bielecki [article]
Welcome
to Slapshot #36!
It's time for the playoffs, the time when our
league's champions are named. All the players have their eyes on the prize:
the Wheeler's Cup. It's the opening stages with some incredible bouts.
We've got the defending Cup champions taking on a team that has yet to
claim a championship. We've got two former champions to push themselves
beyond their limits to get another shot at the Cup. Our season has ended,
it's now time to prove which team is the best.
With our 5th season now in the history books, I can
say the competition was the best yet. Every game has evolved into an intricate
system of screens, complex team schemes, and heavy defense. Our normal
way of playing hockey was turned on its side. Goals were much harder to
achieve as all the goalies have improved, making double-assisted goals
a necessity. Breakaways were stopped before they even developed, giving
a player only a few seconds to react. I really had fun playing in this
season. At times I was even nervous, it's been awhile since that's been
a factor. I'm very impressed by our new crop of players. It's going to
be cool watching them increase new skills.
Other happenings in the WCHL we were on television
on a local PBS show called Disabilities Today. I thought it presented
the league fairly well. Except I'd rather have more highlights from our
games, like on ESPN, then talking about them. Maybe one day. Also going
on are our annual events of Battle on Ice and the All-Star game. In this
issue, we've got some reviews, a playoff preview, and some possible new
columns. There is an interview with Outlaws' Assistant Captain Jeff Bielecki.
There is more on the way, and hey, the Slapshot has surpassed last season's
issues.
On a serious note: I'm saddened that our country is
at war. I'm thankful for all our brave troops being there to protect our
country. I hope for swift and peaceful resolution to the war.
So until next time, I'm on the goal line!
WCHL Slapshot Head Editor
Tom Martin
[Top]
2002-03 SEASON WEEK 12 RECAP
by Tom Martin
COBRAS' STREAK STOPPED
TEAM......1st...2nd...3rd....F
=====================
Outlaws.....3.....3......0......6 *
Cobras.......0.....2......1......3
Undefeated in two straight games, the Cobras had to contend
with their most dominating season rival, the Outlaws. The Outlaws have
defeated the Cobras twice this season with an overall score of 12 to 1.
The Outlaws defeated the Seals in Week 11. So, with the Seals off for
Week 12, it offered the Outlaws a terrific opportunity to capture first
place. Following period one, the Cobras were again facing huge odds as
they trailed, the Outlaws, 3 to nothing. In period two, the Cobras scored
two goals; however, the Outlaws maintained a 4-goal lead. After period
three, the Cobras ended the game on a positive note as they shut down
the Outlaws' offense and scored a goal. Mo Gerhardt, Cobras, continued
his 2-point scoring streak to three games as he scored two goals in this
game. Brandon Lesner, Cobras, pulled off a rare feat of scoring two assists
in the same game that he played as the goalie. Jon Davis, Outlaws, had
the last laugh on the Cobras as he caught fire scoring 4 goals, his season
high. The Cobras lost the game, but thanks to an intense performance,
they have a formula to defeat the Outlaws. Only one question remained
would these two teams meet again?
Game Stars
3- C. Abraham, OUT; 2- J. Kiel, COB; 1- J. Davis, OUT
WOLF
PACK'S PLAYOFF RUN
TEAM......1st...2nd...3rd....F
=====================
W. Pack......2.....1......2......5 *
Hornets.......2.....1......1.....4
One playoff spot remained open for either the
Wolf Pack or the Cobras. Winning their last four games was the Wolf Pack's
way to guarantee a playoff spot. A Cobras' loss in Week 12 gave the Wolf
Pack a chance to gain an edge on the final playoff spot. Marty Witberg
(2 goals, 1 assist) and James Crawford (1 goal, 1 assist) led their team,
the Wolf Pack, to a huge 5 to 4 victory. Witberg scored the game-winning
goal in the last 5 minutes of the third period. Crawford's one goal gave
him a goal-scoring streak in his last three games. Ryan Klotz of the Wolf
Pack scored his first career goal. With their 5-4 loss, the Hornets are
in a slight slump, since they haven't won a game since Week 8. Rico Vitelli
and Jen Deneau put up a remarkable fight against the Wolf Pack. Vitelli
scored 2 goals and an assist while Deneau provide a goal and defensive
help. Frank Rogers of the Hornets scored his first career goal. With the
conclusion of this game, the Wolf Pack was attempting to claw their way
into playoff contention.
Game Stars
3- J. Crawford, WFP; 2- J. Deneau, HOR; 1- N. Ireland, WFP
[Top]
2002-03 SEASON WEEK 13 RECAP
by Tom Martin
THE OUCH-LAWS
TEAM......1st...2nd...3rd....F
=====================
Outlaws.....3.....6......2....11 *
W. Pack.....0.....0......1......1
The Wolf Pack's playoff contention took a major blow as the Outlaws dealt
the Pack a blow out. The Outlaws' offensive fury amounted to 11 goals,
10 assists, and 50 shots on goal. Jeff Bielecki, Outlaws, accumulated
3 goals, and a league high of 5 assists. Sheryl Stumbaugh and Jon Davis,
Outlaws, each scored 4 goals and 2 assists. Davis has scored 4 goals in
two consecutive games. Despite the lopsided score, the Wolf Pack kept
playing throughout the game. Chuck Mallard's goal for the Wolf Pack was
one of the team's high points. Wolf Pack goalie, Brian Ulewicz earned
loads of respect by staying in the net for the entire game facing an almost
constant barrage of shots on goal. Consider this most goalies would face
30 shots or less for a game, Ulewicz blocked 20 more than that. Surprisingly,
the Wolf Pack still held onto a slim chance to get into the playoffs.
With their offensive fury, the Outlaws suddenly had a new nickname, the
"OUCH-laws".
Game Stars
3- J. Davis, OUT; 2- J. Bielecki, OUT; 1- N. Ireland, WFP
TIME TICKING AWAY
TEAM......1st...2nd...3rd....F
=====================
Cobras........1.....1......1.....3
Seals...........1.....1......1.....3
The Seals needed to win to keep pace with the Outlaws,
who had a 3 standing point lead, for first place. With the Wolf Pack's
defeat, the Cobras could clinch a playoff spot with a victory. The Seals
got on the scoreboard early and first as Matt Schwarck scored. Matt Resetar
tied the game up for the Cobras with a goal. During the first period,
the Cobras racked up 16 shots on goal that doubled the Seals' 8 shots.
Resetar struck again for the Cobras with another goal assisted by Mo Gerhardt.
Schwarck scored again once again tying up the game for his team, the Seals.
With the start of the third period, the score remained tied at 2. Then
Schwarck, Seals, completed his hat trick, which gave his team a one-goal
lead with little time left. The time ticked away and away. Jason Drapinski
scores the game-tying goal for the Cobras with a minute remaining on the
clock. The Cobras made a furious attempt to win, achieving multiple scoring
attempts in less than a minute. It was intense. The game clock reached
zero following one final great scoring attempt. The game resulted in a
3-3 tie so it is the first tie this season not involving the Hornets.
Ryan Kay, Seal goalie had an awesome game, saving 36 of 39 shots on goal.
Josh Kiel, Cobra goalie, played sensational with 23 saves. The Cobras
put pressure on the Wolf Pack, now they need a win, in their fight for
the final playoff spot.
Game Stars
3- J. Drapinski, COB; 2- R. Kay, SEA; 1- J. Kiel, COB
[Top]
2002-03 SEASON WEEK 14 RECAP
by T. Martin
ELIMINATED HOPES
TEAM......1st...2nd...3rd....F
=====================
Seals.........1.....2......1......4 *
W. Pack.....0.....0......2......2
If the Wolf Pack lost this game, their playoffs hopes
would be eliminated. Their playoffs hopes were very slim, since the Pack
is required to win two straight games then a Cobras' loss. If the Seals
lost this game, their first place hopes would be eliminated. In order
to win first place the Seals need to win two straight and the Outlaws'
must lose two straight. In period one Anthony Nowak scored a goal; meanwhile
the Seals' defense allowed one shot on goal. Zeljko Sreckovic and Matt
Schwarck continued to build up a sizable lead when they each scored a
goal in the second period. Again, the Seals' defense smothered the Wolf
Pack allowing only 4 more shots on goal. Schwarck scored a power play
goal to open the third and final period, giving them a 4-0 lead. The Seals'
defense slipped a tiny bit allowing a huge 5 shots on goal, except 2 shots
were Wolf Pack goals. The Wolf Pack's comeback started way too late, as
the game ended in a 4-2 final score. Defensively, the Seals were unstoppable
as they allowed a mere 10 shots on goal. With their loss the Wolf Pack
were eliminated from the playoffs; however, the Seals applied pressure
to the Outlaws to win a game for first place.
Game Stars
3- K. Konfara, SEA; 2- M. Witberg, WFP; 1- J. Zenicki, SEA
IT'S
NOT A TIE!
TEAM......1st...2nd...3rd....F
=====================
Outlaws......2.....0......2......4 *
Hornets.......1.....1.....1......3
Each meeting between the Outlaws and Hornets has ended
in a 2-2 tie. One thing was sure neither wanted to repeat with yet another
tie. After dominating the first half of the season, the Hornets have been
on a skid, not winning a game since Week 8. The Outlaws have only lost
once for the entire season, were ready to take first place in back-to-back
seasons with a win. Matt Motzny scored the game opening goal for the Hornets.
Hornets scored only 5 shots on goal, and the Outlaws created 14 scoring
attempts. Two of those 14 shots on goal were goals for the Outlaws from
Sheryl Stumbaugh (assisted by Jeff Bielecki) and Jon Davis. Shots on goal
for the Hornets doubled for the second period, except they were kept to
scoring just one goal from Mary Stack assisted by Eric Cornell. The Outlaws
were kept scoreless for the second period though oddly enough the score
was tied at 2-2. Start of the third period and the Outlaws scored a power
play goal from Stumbaugh. The 2-2-tie streak problem was at last broken.
Davis capped off an Outlaw victory with his second goal of the game (10th
goal from the last three games). Hold on, as the Outlaws' almost assured
victory was challenged as Rico Vitelli scored another Hornets goal. A
sudden offensive charged Hornets, made a several attempts in the final
8 minutes. All the players watched out of the corner of their eyes the
game-clock tick away. The buzzer sounds as the Outlaws claim victory.
The Hornets finish their awesome 2002-03 WCHL Season in third place and
in the playoffs. With the win, the Outlaws clinched first place.
Game Stars
3- C. Abraham, OUT; 2- K. Richter, HOR; 1- J. Davis, OUT
[Top]
2003 WHEELER'S CUP PLAYOFFS ROUND ONE PREVIEW
by T. Martin
The Wheeler's Cup is the ultimate accomplishment
for teams in the WCHL. WCHL Playoffs consist of two rounds of a best-of-three
game series. Games in the playoffs signify much more than season games.
Any loss can be trouble and will send a team home early. The Playoff match-ups
are determined by how the teams finish in season standing, so the first
place team faces the fourth place team while the second place team faces
the third place team.
10 PLAYOFF FACTS
1- A lower seeded team never defeated a higher seed
2- All Wheeler's Cup champs were the 1st place seed
3- Every Final series has been the 1st & 2nd place seeds
4- Cobras & Wolf Pack never won a championship
5- All 3 playoff series have never gone to 3 games.
6- Outlaws made in the Finals in previous 2 years
7- Seals are only back-to-back champions
8- Last year 3 games went into overtime & a shoot-out
9- All-time stats: 27 games, 203 goals, 80 assists, & 283 points
10- Last year: 8 games, 44 goals, 16 assists, & 60 points
COBRAS
(4) vs. OUTLAWS (1)
It's the first place Outlaws against the fourth place
Cobras. The Cobras have not been lucky against the Outlaws, since they
have lost all three meetings. The Cobras are a different than earlier
in the season, especially when you look at things like Mo Gerhardt's strong
return after a lengthy absence, a goalie change, and a new team playing
style. Those factors allowed the Cobras to go 1-1-3 in their last 5 games
and their only loss was to the Outlaws. Suddenly the Cobras' goalie situation
improved as Josh Kiel, with his new wheelchair, moved to the position
allowing Gary Bartle to leave the net for some much-needed defense. The
Outlaws had some trouble with the Cobras in their final game. The "new
look" Cobras have only faced the Outlaws once. Quietly the Outlaws
have strolled away with first place in back-to-back seasons. They lost
their first game, and haven't lost since. Defensively the Outlaws are
awesome, their goals against is 23 (as of Week 14). No team has scored
more than 3 goals against the Outlaws. Offensively they are no slouches
either, especially with Jeff Bielecki, Sheryl Stumbaugh, and Jon Davis.
Against the Cobras, they scored 18 goals, 6 per game, and one of those
three players had a huge scoring game. If having a good offense and defense
isn't enough, they've got lots of teamwork as well. Yes, the Cobras lost
to Outlaws three times, but now its playoff time, and with a clean slate
it should be an amazing series.
HORNETS (3) vs. SEALS (2)
The second place Seals tackle the third place Hornets
in this round one series. The Hornets have had trouble with the Seals,
since they lost 2 but tied 1. Each team is practically equal defensively
and offensively. The largest difference between the two is their shots
allowed the Seals (176, league lowest as of Week 14) have allowed fewer
shots on goal than the Hornets (272 as of Week 14). However, the Hornets
can afford to allow shots on goal with a goaltender like Al Omilian. Teams
that face the Hornets' goalie automatically have problems on offense.
Rico Vitelli, Hornets, has been dominating on offense all season, he has
led the league in goals and points on several different times. With a
dominant scorer like Vitelli on their roster, the other Hornets like Mary
Stack and Eric Cornell are capable to sneak in and score as well. The
Seals are just as tough on offense as the Hornets with Matt Schwarck,
Zeljko Sreckovic, and Anthony Nowak. All three of those Seals have strong
shooting abilities making them difficult to defend. Defense is the main
event for this series, as each team offensive plays will be densely defended.
Each team's defense is almost made to defend each other's offense. Every
time the Hornets and Seals have met this season, it's been super close.
First Week 1 resulted in a 1-1 tie, then Week 6 resulted with Seals' victory
of 2-0, and finally Week 10 was a bit of a shoot-out for these teams as
the Seals won 5-3. This series has potential to be the toughest fought
playoff series to date.
[Top]
Several things happen around the league with each passing
month, so let's take you around the wheel of the WCHL! Hey, do you know
of a newsworthy story in the WCHL? Please let us know and it'll be highlighted
here.
SNIPER: THE NEXT GENERATION ~ Jon Davis
The Outlaws have an offensive dynamo in rookie Jon Davis. Four goals in
a game is quite an accomplishment, well that's not enough for Davis. He
repeated his four goals in the very next game. He wasn't done. Two more
goals in the next game, which brings his multiple goal streak extends
to three games. Wait, that sounds familiar... Fellow WCHL player Matt
Resetar said, "Jon's skills include quickness, good stick handling,
and shot/passing accuracy". Matt Resetar (also known as the Sniper)
shares many similarities with Jon Davis. He plays a similar style as the
sniper, with the small hockey stick/blade, quick reactions and excellent
hand eye coordination. "I was like Jon back in the day...quick and
a good shot ability," the Sniper proclaimed on their similarities.
"He pushes his chair quick and has good stick handling so it is hard
to poke it from him and he shoots really fast", Resetar declared
on Jon's scoring ability. Come to think of it, Matt Resetar's alter ego
the Sniper is also well known for the same thing. Resetar on being compared
to Jon "it shows how great he is now and how great I used to be."
Some sniper-to-sniper advice: "Jon, play how you're playing and don't
get mad when games go wrong and you'll play great. Oh and for everyone
else that are new, don't sweat the small stuff while playing hockey."
--T. Martin & M. Resetar
[Top]
A BRICK WALL ~ Al Omilian
It's a breakaway, he's broken into the offensive zone,
he shoots and he... He ran into a brick wall, the goalie stopped him cold.
Many WCHL players can attest that this has happened to them while playing
against the Hornets. The net-minder for the Hornets is a stopper and his
name is Al Omilian. Recently the Hornets concluded the 2002-03 Season
and Mr. Omilian has concluded the season with rather ground shaking numbers.
He faced 272 shots and made 242 saves (that's only 30 goals allowed).
More than a hundred shots higher than any previous goaltenders. His save
percentage of 0.890 is an all-time WCHL best. Teammate Rico Vitelli has
a lot of praise for his goaltender: "He's amazing, I've seen him
come up with stops that I never thought anyone in the league can make.
He has come up huge for us at times and he helps me to stay focused. He's
a big help for us in the playoffs." He has broken league records
and makes huge saves to keep his team. The brick wall remains strong.
--T. Martin
[Top]
CHILLER THRILLER ~ Battle on Ice 2003
Recently the WCHL teamed up with Divine Child Falcons
in their annual Battle on Ice event. The Battle on Ice is a special exhibition
the WCHL holds on the ice. Normally we play on a gym floor. We removed
the goalies and each WCHL player gets assistance from a skater. The Divine
Child Falcons players assisted the WCHL players. It was an exciting game
as the Red team defeated the Blue team with a final score of 13-9. We
raised over 1,200 dollars that goes to the WCHL. We give our thanks to
the Divine Child Falcons. All the players enjoyed themselves and hope
to do it again. --T. Martin
[Top]
ASK THE REF~ Possible Column
This is the first installment of "Ask the
Ref". It seems that each week Matt [Winowski] and myself [Bill Long]
receive questions on this or that rule or asked how we are interpreting
this or that rule. For the most part, we are judging INTENT. While we
realize this is a subjective judgment call, we are making calls to ensure
safety and fair play. So without further ado...
The Situation: (The Names will be changed to
protect... no one in particular...just a lame attempt at humor) Joey Zamboni
has the ball in his V-stick. His teammate "Mach III" Schick
AKA "The Shaver", hears his teammate ask him to take the ball
from him as his ball advancing efforts have reached their end.
The rulebook states:
CHAPTER 5 PENALTIES
5.10 DOUBLE STICK INTERFERENCE
A double stick is two hockey sticks taped together to
form a "V". When a player with a double stick gets the ball
inside the "V", no player can knock the ball out of the "V"
with any force or run over the stick. This includes other double stick
players. Should this occur, the offending player will be issued a two-minute
penalty. If a ball is "in the V" it may not be taken out of
the V by another player. The only defense is to block or divert the player
so that inertia forces the ball to roll out of the V. Players have and
will get a penalty if the ball is plucked out of the V-stick.
THE RULING: Not much, gray area here folks!
While everyone usually gets a warning (I think Matt and I are pretty consistent
about this), this infraction WILL be enforced. In practice, it has the
potential to adversely impact the quality of playing time of the V-stick
player. An opposing player can usually count on the call of "IT'S
IN THERE!" from one or both refs, so the warning is a moot point.
--B. Long, the Ref
[Top]
SLAPSHOT (SS): WHEN DID YOU START PLAYING IN
THE WCHL?
Jeff Bielecki (JB): I started playing in the summer of 2001.
SS: HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT
THE LEAGUE?
JB: I went to high school with Jen [Deneau], Zeljko [Sreckovic] and Marty
[Witberg]. They told be that it was a very competitive league and that
it was also fun.
SS: HOW DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD
HAVE FAIRED COMPETING WITHOUT GOALIES, LIKE OUR FIRST TWO SEASONS?
JB: I think that I would have faired pretty well, but having goalies is
the way to go. It makes it more fun and competitive.
SS: HAS THE TEAM DEFENSES OF
YOU BEEN IMPROVED SINCE YOU'VE STARTED PLAYING?
JB: Every year the defenses get better and better. With all of the new
electric and manual chairs being used, many of the breakaways that we
used to see have disappeared. I think that the players have a better understanding
of how to use their goalies as another defender.
SS: ARE THERE ANY WCHL PLAYERS
YOU REALLY ENJOY PLAYING AGAINST?
JB: There are quite a few really good players in the league, but I would
say that Matt Schwarck, Gary [Bartle] and Mary [Stack]. Matt [Schwarck]
is a really tough competitor that gives his all 100% of the time. Gary
[Bartle] is like a brick wall in net, definitely the hardest goalie for
me to score against. Mary [Stack] is a player that plays solid defense
and always causes trouble for me.
SS: WHAT CURRENT WCHL PLAYERS HAVE
REALLY IMPRESSED YOU?
JB: Al [Omilian, the Hornets] is a player that as soon as I saw him, I
could tell that he was going to be a star. His chair is almost impossible
to score under. Jon Davis [of the Outlaws] has really started to play
very good hockey in the second half of the season and has developed a
great one-timer shot like [Detroit Red Wings'] Brett Hull.
SS: WHY IS WHEELCHAIR HOCKEY
IMPORTANT TO YOU?
JB: The WCHL is important to me because it allows me to play one of my
favorite sports in a competitive league. It also has allowed me to meet
a lot of new people and make new friends.
SS: HOW DO YOU APPROACH A GAME? WHAT
IS YOUR HOCKEY PLAYING PHILOSOPHY?
JB: I approach each game the same way. All teams have to be taken seriously,
because anyone can be beat on any weekend. My hockey philosophy is to
go out try my hardest, try to get everybody involved and of course the
bottom line, WIN!
SS: WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY CONCERN
DURING A GAME? IS IT OFFENSE, DEFENSE, TOP SCORER, OR SOMETHING ELSE?
HOW DO YOU GET AROUND THAT CONCERN?
JB: I pride myself on my defense. I think that defense is the most important
part of hockey and that should be everybody's first concern. The best
way to get around a concern like playing good defense is to play it safe
and try to limit the mistakes.
SS: DO YOU ENJOY BEING AN OUTLAW?
WHAT ARE THE SUCCESSES OF YOUR TEAM? ANY DISAPPOINTMENTS? DO YOU LIKE
THOSE LOVELY YELLOW JERSEYS?
JB: I enjoy being an Outlaw because we have a close knit team that believes
in a team system The successes of our team would have to be that we are
in first place and are trying to defend the Wheeler's Cup! I really do
not think that we have any disappointments, although our team is not perfect.
I do think though, that this year's team is the best that I've been on.
The jerseys are bad although there are many people that say that we look
like bees!
SS: WHAT'S YOUR OPINION OF THE OTHER
TEAMS IN THE WCHL?
JB: The Hornets and Seals both have good goaltenders, good defense and
potent offensive players. The Cobras are a team that has had its ups and
downs this year, but seems to be playing better towards the end of the
year. The Wolf Pack is a team that I thought would be better then they
are, but it is tough when a team's captain is unable to play. I think
that they will be better next year.
SS: WHAT'S BEEN THE BIGGEST SURPRISE
TO YOU THROUGH THE 2002-03 SEASON?
JB: The biggest surprise to me is how well the Hornets have played this
year. They went from being a winless team last year, to making the playoffs
this year. Matt [Motzny] and Jen [Deneau] have done a really good job
leading the team, and Rico [Vitelli] looks like a rising star in the league.
Just keep your cool!
SS: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT
FACING THE COBRAS IN THE PLAYOFFS? WHAT YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE OTHER PLAYOFF
SERIES SEALS VS. HORNETS?
JB: The Cobras down the stretch have played really well. It should be
a really good series. The Seals/Hornets series should be really competitive.
They have two of the top scorers and two of the top goalies. I'm looking
forward to watching them play.
SS: WHAT TYPE OF PLAYER DO YOU
SEE YOURSELF AS?
JB: I try to model my game after [Detroit Red Wings'] Pavel Datsyuk. He
is a skilled player that has unbelievable puck handling moves.
SS: WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MEMORY
AND YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE WCHL?
JB: I'd have to say that my proudest memory was helping the Outlaws win
the Wheeler's Cup. It meant a lot to see Dave Rosen so happy after. My
greatest accomplishment would have to be, being voted as an All-Star captain.
I think that it is one of the highest accomplishments that a player can
receive.
SS: YOU'VE ALREADY CLAIMED A WHEELER'S
CUP CHAMPIONSHIP IN ONLY YOUR SECOND SEASON, WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU IN THE
WCHL, YOUR GOALS?
JB: My first goal is to obviously defend the [Wheeler's] Cup, but my future
plans are to try to teach the game to the new players coming in. I think
that teaching is my strongest asset.
SS: WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AFTER
YOU FINISH COLLEGE? WHAT DO YOU STUDY AT COLLEGE?
JB: My goal is to hopefully become a sports broadcaster. Right now, I
am taking prerequisites classes and hope to study communications at Central
Michigan.
SS: HOW IS TOM MARTIN AS A TEAMMATE?
JB: I don't think that [should be] written here, there are some younger
kids that read this!
SS: ANYTHING YOU'D LIKE TO REMARK ON?
JB: I wish all the teams in the playoffs good luck.
[Top]
FAST BREAK ~ 2003 Playoffs
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON YOUR ROUND ONE OPPONENT?
Chris Lemieux, Seals: Well the Hornets are a tough team, they are
physically strong and have a great goalie in Al Omilian. They work well
as a team and have a great hockey mind leading them, their captain Matt
Motzny.
Rico Vitelli, Hornets: Well I know they're a tough team and they should
be by their #2 seed, they have a lot more experience then we do and they're
the one team we had trouble with all year (only 1 point against them)
but I do feel confident.
Claire Abraham, Outlaws: I think that they have a good team and it'll
be a challenge because they have speed and skill.
Mike Belanger, Cobras: We just have to play well and see what happens.
Many people are probably not giving us a chance to win and that should
allow us just to step on the floor and have some fun. I think if we just
have fun and stay focused on what we are capable of anything is possible.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE
OTHER ROUND ONE SERIES?
Chris Lemieux, Seals: Although the two teams have two very different
playing styles, they are both very good. The Cobras have a very fast and
good stick handling team, while the Outlaws depend on power and precise
passing, I think that series will come down to who plays [better] defense.
It should be a good one.
Rico Vitelli, Hornets: In my mind, the Outlaws are the team to beat
this season, they're the [number] 1 seed and the Cobras have been improving
but I don't think they can hold up against the Outlaws.
Claire Abraham, Outlaws: I think both teams have good offense and
defense and it will be a good series because both teams will play hard.
Mike Belanger, Cobras: I have no thoughts at this point because I
am focused on the Cobras success against the Outlaws.
WHICH TEAM WOULD YOU WANT TO
FACE IF YOU MAKE IT TO THE FINALS?
Chris Lemieux, Seals: Personally, I'd like to face the Cobras,
I think we are two very well matched teams and I would like to take the
cup away from my former team and teammates. It would be a very memorable
first championship for me if it happened that way. But they do say, "in
order to be the best you have to beat the best", so I welcome the
challenge of the Outlaws too.
Rico Vitelli, Hornets: Well the Outlaws would make it a fun and tough
series, and id love to knock off the # 1 seed, but I think we would have
a much easier time against the Cobras, the easier it is the better What
do u mean "IF we make it"??
Claire Abraham, Outlaws: I would want to face the Hornets because
the last time we played them, it was a good game and it was challenging
for us. Also, the Hornets and the Outlaws both have the same level of
skill I think so it is more even.
Mike Belanger, Cobras: It would not matter to me because any team
has to beat their competition to become champions of our league.
WHAT DOES PLAYING IN THE WCHL
PLAYOFFS MEAN TO YOU?
Chris Lemieux, Seals: This is what it all comes down to, the playoffs
are a great thing, and it's like a mini-season of its own. I've never
won a championship in the WCHL and I feel we have a great chance this
year. I just ask all the spectators to give it their all and cheer their
hearts off. It was amazing to see someone actually bring a fan sign last
year. Like I said it's a total different atmosphere and it's going to
be an interesting next few weeks.
Rico Vitelli, Hornets: well its great to be a part of it. Especially
in my rookie year. I have always wanted to win a championship. I have
come close during my days in basketball but I've never been there. Hopefully
the WCHL playoffs can make it happen for me.
Claire Abraham, Outlaws: I feel that my team deserves to be in the
playoffs because we played hard all season and it's a cool experience
playing in the playoffs because it gets so competitive.
Mike Belanger, Cobras: I think the playoffs are a privilege to
be apart of. I think this because the best four are competing against
one another to see what team is the absolute best. Whatever team wins
the Wheelers Cup becomes part of WCHL history and every persons name on
that trophy is a hockey champion and no one can ever take that away from
those people. I also think this chance for the Cobras to prove that the
regular season was a fluke and show everyone that we are an elite team.
[Top]
WCHL Slapshot trademarked (® or TM) & copyrighted
(©) to the Wheelchair Hockey League (WCHL). The WCHL is a non-profit wheelchair
sports organization. Any other reference to a trademarked item or character
belong to their respective companies and in no way affiliated with the
WCHL.
