International Flair

By Jeremy Ellis

Day 9 from the Silver Creek Sportsplex and the rink has been abuzz all morning.  Today is one of our lighter days in regards to Championships with only two, but there is no shortage of overall games.  From the first puck drop at 8am through the final horn, which should go off around 1130pm, the games have been action packed and the crowds loud!

One game that we were all looking forward to today was the Mite Silver Championship between the Bulldogs Yellow and Namibia.  With my recent trip to Namibia I had the chance to get to know the players and parents and I can say that they were some of the most generous and passionate people I have ever met.  You always know when Namibia is on the floor as the volume gets turned up on that rink.

Namibia looked to win the gold medal but the Bulldogs Yellow stood firmly in the way for Mite Silver.  Both teams came in riding high but it was Namibia jumping out to a 2 goal lead in the first half.  It was 5-3 in the second half, but the momentum was starting to shift.  The Bulldogs were the aggressors, and after getting goal number 4, you could almost feel that they would be tying this one up.  That destiny was fulfilled late in the second half and regulation time ticked away with both teams knotted up at 5.

The first few scoring chances of overtime belonged to the Bulldogs, but they were turned aside.  After surviving the initial flurry in their own end, Namibia finally broke back on Offense.  A loose puck on the end boards was scooped up by Theo Borstlap of Namibia.  Theo faked as if he was going behind the net, then stopped and came back short side and was barely able to jam it home.  The official’s goal signal set off a wild celebration between both players and fans alike.  Following the award ceremony, kids from all teams were seen trading jerseys and smiles.  This division was both exciting and heartwarming all at once.

Last night, I was able to lace them up and hit the floor in the 40 and over division for the Salty Crew.  Sharing the rink were fellow NARCh staff Daryn Goodwin and Alex Morrison.  Believe it or not, Alex skated off the floor with a hat trick to his credit.  Pretty amazing stuff for a guy that skates like hes nailed to a two by four board!  With our 1-0 record we take on the Flyin Hawaiians next.

All of the Men’s divisions are in full swing with 30 and over, Mens Silver/Bronze and Mens Gold all in full swing.  There have been a few chippy games, which shows the intensity that the adults bring to this event.  The competition can be fierce at times, but nothing that can’t be settled over a few beers at the High Five.

 The inaugural edition of the NARCh Podcasts have been a hit and have been a blast to be a part of.  I feel like it gives us a chance to be a bit more personal and let the personality out.  They always have the potential to turn into a comedy roast at any given moment.  Speaking of roasts, be sure to wish NARCh boss Daryn Goodwin a happy birthday today if you bump into him at the rink!  See you around!