NJ Cougars 16 - Philly Rage 7

[wolves89]

well last night was an interesting game...

we were originally supposed to have a game in DC that i would not be able to attend due to easter being today... well i find out at 5 pm yesterday that we have a game at skaters choice at 730 pm... now i am not even ready to go yet and its over 2 hours from my house to get there... i find out that we are supposed to have 8 guys if i were to go... so being concerned about getting enough guys for the game i get in my car and do 90 all the way there...

so i pull in the rink at exactly 730, to find what? Bill Raue running around because the Philly Rage only have 3 guys and a goalie there!! 3 guys!!! the Cougars have 12 and 2... a full team, so they held the game untill i was able to get dressed...

so needless to say we played a full 48 minute, full contact game and lost 16-7.... and really until the 4th quarter the game was within reach... we were only outshot 48-38 and hit some posts and missed some open nets... the other team came out hitting to tier us down, and it finally caught up to us in the fourth...

on a side not....WHERE WAS EVERYONE!!!!! 9 guys live within 15 minutes of that rink and all the guys there were from Northern NJ!!!!!!! took me 2 and half to get home with traffic!!

just my thoughts on the game, seemed dead on here so there ya go

bill


i'm not slow, i'm patient

[SpeedDemon]

Well, I was out of town and would not have been able to make the DC trip. However I did not hear anything about the venue change until this post. I didn't really elaborate as to what time I'd be back in the area to anybody. I was back in town yesterday afternoon and in plenty of time to make it to Sewell had I received a phone call. Bummer. No one's fault though, who the heck would have thought that the game would have been changed to a closer venue during the day Saturday, more less call me in the remote chance I was back in Philly?

There's always a next time. Thanks for making the trip, though.

-Naz

[yokes]

Wait im lost here?!?!?! So the Cougers and the Rage were supposed to play against each other in DC? Why would either team want that? Why would they even schedule that? Am I the only one here that doesnt see the good of an away game for both teams?

If you dont hit me im not stopping it.

[extremes55]

no...philly was orginally soppused to travel to DC to play the Mad Dogs...but to help everybody out...they rescheduled and had philly play NJ Cougars in NJ and i guess rescheduled the Philly vs DC game

[wolves89]

yeah there were no local players there, as i heard it everyone who could not make the trip to DC did not get a phone call... i do not understand why... was definitly fun, although i never want to do it again, playing with 4 guys!

bill

i'm not slow, i'm patient

[wolves89]

sorry for not clarifying here yokes... we (rage) were supposed to play DC @ DC but because of easter they rescheduled us to play @ NJ which for most would be a home game for our team, with the exception of some of us being from Northern NJ.

i'm not slow, i'm patient

[Falcons77]

Philly was to play the Mad Dogs, Wings to travel to NJ; so since traffic was horrible and Philly didnt have a team to go to DC, Philly thought that they could get enough to go to NJ and simply have the Wings drive 30 minutes to the Mad Dogs rink. Mad Dogs won 13-4 against the wings.

[Brooklynite10]

Funny that the MLRH website didn't even acknowledge in their game summary the fact that you guys battled with only 4 players. What a joke !

[SpiderRat]

The past XIHL season wasn't a joke? Rule changes, ridiculous play-off format, barring the previous champs from competing, controversy at ever turn, I'm glad I sat out. Solution; combine the leagues and stick to one set of rules. Bill and Charlie, that's all we need. Have these TWO sit down and iron out a plan.

Blah Blah Blah, Shoot the puck already

[Brooklynite10]

NO, it was a trial season. Funny, you say "Rule changes, ridiculous play-off format, barring the previous champs from competing" because the fact of the matter is; the previous champs CHOSE not to play because the league DIDN'T change the eligibility rule in their favor, which created a 3 team format instead of the original 4 team playoff.

The "controversy at every turn" was created by a few immature players(if the shoe fits, wear it)throughout the league. I know you don't like Benny personally but to blind yourself about what really went on toward the end of the season is ignorant and dumb.

Bill is greatly responsible for having all these half ass leagues instead of one solid league. He was invited to sit down with Steve, Charlie and Benny to combine the leagues, but refused to do so. What makes you think that all of a sudden he will abandon his selfish ways and join up with Charlie ?

Let me touch more on the "barring the previous champs from competing" statement. This is my view and many others feel this way too: Some of the Glads CHOSE not to play so that they could put this "question mark" on the playoffs and championship knowing that they had no chance to win it all anyway. I know it sucked for them not having all their guys eligible but that was their own fault. We are talking about a AAA/PRO league. These guys acted like this was some bantam level house league playoff. Real teams deal with adversity and move(play) on.

[SpiderRat]

What's with the personal attacks? Not once in my post did I mention you. My post was directed to XIHL and MLRH joining forces. Sure I threw in a few jabs about XIHL, but are we still not in America? Does my opinion not count? I've dealt with Benny, Steve and Bill. Bill has been the most honest of the three in my "opinion". So if you have issues with Bill, and you say something about it, should I call you out? No. I respect everyone's right to have an "opinion". So, in closing, have a great day!!!

Blah Blah Blah, Shoot the puck already

[NLane]

Now you have to admit it is much easier to commit to travel when you have an owner with money. I remember with the Warriors when the Wolves were hinting that some of the players had a wedding to attend, etc., etc and were asking to change the game date on Thursday night before a Saturday night game. Maybe you were not with them when it happened and, not pointing fingers at just the Wolves, most teams have tried it for one reason or another. But those two years that we had an owner there was NEVER a question of attending any game. Owners make it much easier so please remember, Wolves10, that you are speaking from a place that most players have yet to experience. And try to remember what it was like to pay for it all yourself.

[wolves89]

it still should've been written that we only had 4 guys... game was closer then the score... i do not feel we were given enough credit for the lack of guys that we had but w/e its one stupid game anyways... we know what happened when we played them with a full team...17-6

i'm not slow, i'm patient

[yokes]

So ill make my comments now. We wanted to have this question mark???? Please!!! I know that in your little mind you are the greatest on the greatest team ever but come back down to reality. We have never, ever been scared to play anyone at anytime. Now to the rule of eligibility, we the Gladiators had 10 players and 2 goalies with playoff eligibilty, the rule is that you have to have a minimum 12 and 2. Our other 2 would have been Brian Yingling and Ed Smith and would of filled out our "playoff" roster. Now why was everyone complaining about those guys playing when they played 3 games and the "unwritin" rule was they were the next eligible. But after enough uproar on XIHL board after a question was asked we were told they could not be available, uproar i meen posts by about 7 Wolves players and 1 or 2 Thunder. Just know Justin had we shown up with the "eligible" 12 and 2 you would have watched the championship being played for on your home rink and not playing in it. I wont get way ahead of myself so just wait till next year and we will do our talking on the rink.

If you dont hit me im not stopping it.

[wolves89]

yokes that is an opinion... we played you once and handled you with everyone but tracy... our game would have been a good one no doubt but no one will know who would have won... i for one look foward to next season of playing you guys with a full team... yeah we did win this season... but untill the Champs are knocked off i do not think it is as sweet as i am sure you will agree... good luck in PIHA see ya next season

bill

i'm not slow, i'm patient

[33]

well said...both of you bill and yokes.

[Brooklynite10]

I know I'm not the greatest and neither is my team. Where did you see that in my post ?? BTW - We are really good ! I know you have to stick up for your team but I remember most of the posts that were sent during the whole eligibilty fiasco and I know that you were one of the few guys on your team that wanted to play. That is why my post read "some Glads".

Also, I believe your statement, "you have to have a minimum 12 and 2" is inaccurate; If I am wrong then I apologize. Nobody complained about "those guys playing", cause nobody gave a rats ass who it was. We were more concerned with the integratity of the league. That means more to us than a championship in a short season. We have an owner and a bunch of veteran players that are sick of these BS leagues coming and going. You guys chose to play in the XIHL. There where rules in place from the outset, so what was so tough about getting your guys eligible ? Did your GM or coach just assume that the rule would be changed at the end of the season to fit your teams needs ?

Your talking on the rink next year will be just jibirish, just like your posts are. I wish you guys had played in the playoffs, cause we would have took you like we did earlier in the season. The Glads have been the dominant team over the past few years, and I know it must be tough for you to face the fact that, YOUR REIGN IS OVER.

[Brooklynite10]

It was more stating a fact than a personal attack. It is just frustrating to me that anytime there is a chance for something good to happen in this sport, people bring it to a halt over personal, immature or selfish issues. You wanted to talk about XIHL and I just joined in. Sorry if I was so blunt, but your post contradicted itself.

[Brooklynite10]

I think you missunderstood my post. What team would have a tough time traveling ?

[NLane]

Maybe the ineligibility was caused because someone couldn't afford to get off work, didn't have a car that would stand the trip, etc. You don't have to worry about any of that do you? That's all I'm saying....just remember how good you have it compared to others.

[SpiderRat]

How many games would your team have made if you had to pay out of your own pockets? Better question, how many games did the Wolves enter into last year with a full squad? I have nothing against the Wolves, my point is like NLane's, it's easy to make every game when the trip is free.

Blah Blah Blah, Shoot the puck already

[yokes]

Yes you are wrong because the eligibilty is that you have to have 12 and 2 as a minimum. Also all our players wanted to play not just some, we are a team and play as a team. So for now since you still have no clue the reason this was such a situation was all caused by reasons i dont want to discuss with everyone on these boards. Now open up that closed mind and try to figure it out for yourself, CJ is in Colo. and a few players were trying to get this whole thing to happen without any help from above. I am in complete belief that you are so worried about the integrity of the league. As far as before the season and even during we (the players) had no idea about a minimum amount of games. We were told when games were scheduled then showed up or as we see some didnt. Lastly as of next year you WILL see me and most of my Glad teamates on the rink and im sure you will not do the same thing you did last year which is back down from a fight. I dont blame you not to many people would fight JJ but Roman is smaller than you but you still wouldnt ablige.

If you dont hit me im not stopping it.

[imasieve30]

I will speak on behalf of my team but I would appreciate if anyone has a problem with what I say, they can direct the response to me and not my team. This is my opinion.
The wolves players have been playing competitive roller hockey for years, on separate teams across NJ. We are all good friends, competitive as hell, and enjoy the concept of an organized league. We are all very fortunate to have an owner involved at the level that ours has been. I wish every team could have that kind of support.
That being said, it comes down to commitment. Its been said time and time again that this is the only way a "pro" league is going to survive. Our owner has shown commitment to us, and we have shown commitment to the team. We do have our personal schedules to work around, and we do have to plan our own trips and expenses to get there (with the exception of Buffalo). There are obviously things that get picked up and that is a huge help in making things easier to attend and commit to. None of us know how long it will last, but we are all grateful for the chance to be part of it.
The truth is, there aren't enough teams that are willing to commit, support or no support, for long enough to allow things to really take off. At this rate it might never happen. This could continue to go on as just a "glorified" advanced house league with teams that are willing to travel. People will continue to whine on these message boards about everything and anything because everyone has an opinion on how it should be done, and who is getting a fair shake, among other things. I'm just tired of seeing the excuses and the ranting. We all played hockey at some point in time because we loved to, and didn't care about expenses or travel. As you get older, it gets tougher, and if you don't have outside support it can be a burden. I understand that, I've been there. My point is that this all comes down to two words. Commitment and organization. That starts at the personal level, and works itself all the way up to the people that run the leagues and call the shots. Everyone needs to understand this in order to eventually be happy with the end product. Most everyone on this board knows what it takes, but I guess its easier to just complain about it. One way or another, organized, out of pocket, supported or not, we all end up on the rink somehow. Worry about yourselves and do your best to make it work or don't participate. Its really that simple.

-Joe D'Aloisio

[Brooklynite10]

Is that why you couldn't stop the puck cause you were so worried about everything else going on ? I'm a player and not a goon. If I got paid to drop em, maybe I would be quicker to do so. Also, It doesn't make sense for me to drop em with 30 seconds to go and my team up 10-5.

I can't speak for all, but a lot of our guys ARE worried about the integrity of the league we commit to play in. Maybe we just take this sport a little more serious than others. Many of us have many years invested in this sport, as do you guys. That's why I don't understand why you wouldn't worry about the credibility of the league. It's just frustrating to me because this is the attitude that keeps our sport from getting to the next level.

The fact that your players didn't know about the minimum game rule is the fault of your GM and coaches, as I stated. This whole turmoil would have never existed if your players were managed and coached properly in order to get enough guys eligible.This topic is a soooooo old and don't feel like waisting my time on it anymore.

[yokes]

Just to correct you, I wasnt in that game. Just think of the players you are talking about commitment about, they are all at the top of this sport and I think that CJ would be the first to worry about integrity.

If you dont hit me im not stopping it.

[Brooklynite10]

Well said !

[Brooklynite10]

I'm sure he does and some others do too. Checkout the post from a few minutes ago that our goalie(imasieve30) posted, he summed it all up better than I could. I'm done talking about this.

[wolves89]

guys lets bring it down a notch huh?? come on next season will be here soon enough, and we can settle this (whatever this is?) on the rink... yes the glads have been the team to beat... yes we beat them 10-3 in our building, NO tracy and yokes were not in the game... if we played again would we win, maybe, but maybe not... i think that we are a team who can give the glads a good game everygame and vice versa... i think that both teams know that when we play each other its going to be a battle till the end... its a long summer... hopefully you two wont kill each other in PIHA, because you are both important to your teams...

i look at it like this:
the glads- great team, proven with victories, maybe a little on their heels with us coming up as a competitor

the wolves- a very good team, that had a great season, also on their heels though because we know until we knock marple out of the playoffs it doesnt have the same meaning... for me anyways..

just my thoughts guys

i'm not slow, i'm patient

[wolves89]

we are very lucky and we know it... but i think our owner is what we need to push roller hockey foward in the future... am i wrong>?

i'm not slow, i'm patient

[wolves89]

also this was my post about a MLRH game!! thanx for stealing the show guys... i just wanted to kind of brag how we played with 4 guys and it evolved (somehow) into all of this!

i'm not slow, i'm patient

[SpiderRat]

Ditto, very well said.

Blah Blah Blah, Shoot the puck already

[NoMoreNiceGuy]

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I thought I read a post that the Gladiators were out of the league for failing to show for the playoff games.

[yokes]

We are as far as i know, but if there is another organization that will be putting a team together we are all allowed to try out for them. Im 100% sure there are no more Marple Gladiators.

If you dont hit me im not stopping it.