|
|
|
 |
| |
| April 26, 2008
THE WILD WILD WEST!
Yipey Kiyay, The West is Winning!
|
BY: NICK ‘GISMO’ GISMONDI
IRVINE, California – Ok so lets level for just a moment here.
I have spent a great many years traveling the country ‘on the bus known as NARCh’ and in those years I have seen some great hockey and some amazing turnouts for events. However, and again I emphasize however, this years So Cal regional blows the previous engagements completely away.
Even compared to last years regional here at the 949, there is just something different about this event. It’s moderately hard to put an exact finger on it but I know it’s a feeling shared by all those in attendance. The event has an energy about it that is unmistakable. It’s what separates this event from anything else out there.
I thought today I would steal a partial page from Ian’s book and list some of the things that I feel have made this event one for the books after just 48 hours of hockey, here it goes…
The unmistakable and always warm smile constantly on the face of quite possibly the nicest man in the world Pat Barber, the amount of respect I have for him and the entire AKS organization cannot be explained in words…The jovial and chillax attitude of Jim Irwin from the Raiders, he had to have been the coolest guy in high school and he still is the coolest guy in roller hockey…Shayne Arsenault’s, ever so subtle yet perfectly timed and to the point push to NARCh President Daryn Goodwin in hopes of helping the NARCh tournament director staff earn the ability to wear shorts instead of dress pants…the 95 degree heat in Orange County…the lack of breeze…Eddie Limbaga’s masterful placement of countless flat screen TV’s so that anywhere you turn in the 949, your going to see the hockey game…The ‘electricians’ spur of the moment quesadillas…Dave ‘Senior’ Feld manning his brand new BBQ, and making some of the best food I have ever tasted…My conversations with Scotty Savage of the Tour OC Blades 95’s, he is one of the most mature, polite and talented, not to mention well spoken 14-year olds I have ever met, I’m telling you right now this kid is going to be something, get his autograph now while he’s not charging…the jokes with our new TD Miles who fits in with this wacky group perfectly, and he looks striking like Ryan Durnan!...Daryn Goodwin’s endless stream of witty one liners, the mans a genius…The conversations with the parents, too many to mention, but you’re all great and I do so truly enjoy the talks…The players, every single one of you who stops to say hello, to you I say thank you because all of us do this for you, your great, your all talented, and thanks for playing this great sport…my bracketology discussions with my good friend and coach of the Tour Outcast’s Nick Boyarski…the jokes with the future voice of NARCh, Logan Borzanski of AKS…and finally Nick Lutu’s work ethic, he doesn’t stop, he’s amazing, and I love him!
OK, so there it is, I’m sure that tomorrow will bring even more. Derek Armstrong of the Los Angeles Kings stopped by today to sign some ‘graphs and was well received. Great guy, but there really is not bad guys in hockey right? Well maybe Sean Avery.
See you tomorrow at the 949! Going to be quite the conclusion, I’ll be the guy with the mic in my hand all day, and you won’t find a happier person in the building! Good Night.
|
Site
Credits |
|
|
|
