Inquiring minds...

"Coach, I know you saw Gretzky, but what's this Gordie Howe hat trick."

Pirate Attack

Controlled the offensive zone all game.

Hat Trick(s)?!

"Gordie Howe? What do you mean Pop Tom" queried Dillon Krok to the Hooter's enigmatic statement. Dillon and teammates had just emerged from the Palisades Ice Rink where they had just completed a weekend sweep of another league opponent. In this evening's contest the Bear Mountain Bears fell meekly (5-1) to our renegade marauders. With the game barely 20 seconds old Ryan McLinskey rifled the first of his three first period goals against the first of a besieged duo of over matched goal keepers from North Rockland. Ryan added another in the second period before Sean Gordon lost his shut out bid. The Hooter explained his high compliment to the befuddled #22 by recounting the Hooter's vivid memories of #9 blistering wrist shots into the net from the top of the circle against The Gump and his tenacity in driving the net in the Old Garden. "Dillon, Ryan got the natural hat trick tonight. But you got a Gordie Howe hat trick that makes me ever so proud. A beauty of a goal driving the net, a wonderful pass to assist on a Ryan wrister, and a boarding penalty (that'll surely lead to a fight in the Pee Wees next year). But please don't be playing hockey when you're 50 years old, I won't last that long!

The Blue Wave Rolls In

Krok about to unleash his rock.

All Pirates, All the Time

Pirates had the Bears Goalie in a trap from the first minute of play

Bear Hunting Season

"Well it's about time you wrote something for the team, Pop Tom. I mean retirement and travelling to Florida at the drop of a hat trick is okay for some, but a Hooter has to have priorities and responsibilities. No!?" I've been fillin' the net more than the redfish and snook have been fill yours, I bet" chided Dillon Krok as he exited the Harvey School smiling broadly. Number 22 had again netted three goals in the Pearl River Pirates (6-0) victory over the Bedford Bears. The band of Bucs dominated from the first drop of the puck in this league contest. Indeed the lads have been on a roll in the three weeks since their disappointing defeat in the championship game of the Thanksgiving weekend Hershey Pa. Tournament. Nana Lucy exclaimed, "Dill's getting goals more easily than you catch those puny mangrove snapper and sheepshead that you pull out of Pine Island Creek to proclaim yourself a fisherman. And that ain't no fish story ol' man." Kaylee commented, "Don't worry Pop Tom all will be forgiven if you write your insipid commentary about the Tournament below this article. And make sure you tell everybody how good the girls cheered on the team.

Pirates in Action

This breakaway led to the lone goal scored against Sean Gordon.

Sweet Victory

The Hooter returned to see the white wave of Pearl River Pirates dominate the Rye Mariners in their resounding 8-1 victory at Sport-O-Rama this date. In a particularly strong performance against a weak opponent the Bucs spread the wealth around with six skaters getting on the score sheet. Impressive stick handling getting the puck out of the defensive zone and crisp passing in the attacking zone marked this total team effort. Sean Gordon was hardly tested in net. That is not likely to be the case on Sunday when the Pirates travel to Hackensack the always formidible Avalanche.

The Pirate Attack was Superb

"Plenty of offense, but where's the 'D'?

Not the result we wanted but...

It hurt more than the loss itself. "Pop Tom, you're old. You'll forget this loss as easily as you forget to bring your cell on the boat down in Florida. I can't," was Dill's first salvo in the anteroom of Sport-O-Rama. True, The Pirates dropped another heart breaker (6-5) to the Ramapo Saints with some shoddy play early in the third period as they let a 5-4 lead after two periods slip away. A scramble in front of the net and a flutterer from 30 feet four minutes into the third period determined the outcome. In a very entertaining game that had the Pirates up two-nil after one period, and rally late in the second period to recapture the lead after four unanswered goals by a gritty Saints team, there were many positives to take away from the rink. Our boys buzzed Saints goalie Sean Gordon throughout the contest and peppered him with shots with net minder Romoff pulled. The lads showed an ability to cycle effectively and fore check in the offensive zone. Yet miscues at the defensive blue line and weary legs on the back check was the ultimate deciding factor. As the Hooter slipped into his car Dillon quipped, "I only want you losing your voice in a winning effort. And don't forget to call me and Nana if you catch a fish bigger than the family record holder she caught in '03!"

A Near Miss

Luke Myers' back hand goes just wide in third period as Sean Gordon covers the post.

So close...so far.

"Dill, no problem we got 'em next week again" was the Hooter's response to an unhappy #22 as Dillon Krok entered the anteroom at Sport-O-Rama. The Pearl River Pirates had just dropped a 4-2 decision to the Ramapo Saints in the fog shrouded rink early Sunday morning. The Pirates gamely hung in there against a talented team that had played very opportunistically. The teams entered the final period tied at two on the strength of goals by Dolan Ocasal and Luke Myers in the first two sessions. Goalie Ramof, standing in for Sean Gordon, playing today for his primary team - the Saints, acquitted himself well in the loss. Turnovers at the blue line in the offensive zone, and later in the defensive slot, led to the two third period tallies that gave the Saints a win that might have gone either way. The Hooter's attempt to ease the pain of Dillon's disappointment went for naught. "Pop Tom, don't be telling me your usual twisted logic. Like, the first step to Saint hood is BE-AT-ification. I just want to BEAT them next week!"

Snatching Victory from...

the Jaws of Defeat. A total team effort for three periods can bring surprising results.

How Sweet It Is!

Pirates mob Sean Gordon (G) to celebrate remarkable victory.

Comeback Kids

"Well Pop Tom, how's that for a comeback!" cackled Dillon Krok in the anteroom of Sport-O-Rama upon seeing the Hooter. The Pearl River Pirates Squirt A team had just treated their loyal fans to a stirring third period, overcoming a two goal deficit to defeat the much heralded Greenwich Blues, 4-3. The Blues had stormed net minder Sean Gordon for three unanswered goals in the second period to negate the one nothing lead established by a nifty shot by Mike Ruthberg in the opening stanza. But a swarming group of determined Bucs turned the tide midway through the final period. Goals by Krok and Dolan Ocasal knotted the score setting the stage for the game winning goal knocked home by Luke Myers with less than two minutes remaining. Staunch defense by CJ McGee, Owen McGee, Brian Quinn and Anthony Margiatta protected the fragile lead. The Hooter noted strong work in the corners by Liam McCullough, Ciran McEnroe as they effectively dished the biscuit to Luke Myers, Ruthberg and Ocasal for many scoring chances. The smooth skating and dominant puck handling skills of centers CJ Greco and Ryan McLinskey who were double shifted effectively by Coach McGee, contributed mightily to the happy outcome. As Coach McGee spotted the Hooter exiting the building hastily coach yelled, "Hey Pop Tom, we like you coming back too. What's your hurry?" To that the Grumpy Grandpa remarked, "Gotta catch a plane to Prague. We need a goalie for tomorrow."

Like Freddy Kruger...

I'M BACK... Pop Tom and Nana Lucy are delighted that the nucleus of the '06 - '07 team has been reunited with the remaining core of the '07 -'08 Squirt A Travel Team. We look forward to a fun season with the boys and will take every opportunity to chronicle the efforts of the team from a unique perspective when I am in New York (and not on the tennis court on pleasant Saturday mornings). If you'd like to contribute to the site - pictures, commentary - you are most welcome. See Nana Lucy for particulars (she never seems to miss a game).

Much to be Proud About

Griffin Welch scored to narrow deficit to 3-2 before the 'roof caved in.'

no Miracle on this Ice

"BS and T, BS and T, BS and T" was all Nana Lucy remembered Pop Tom mumbling to himself on their 260 mile trip home from the Lake Placid Tournament. Nana did her best to console a crestfallen Dillon Krok at the Crown Plaza before their 11 member Krok entourage dispersed in three different cars. But the old man would have none of Lucy's incessant chatter to ease his disappointment for the kids. The Bucs came out flat for their semi-final match up against the Braintree Ma. squad and paid dearly. Numerous defensive lapses were only eclipsed by the raw talent, size and speed of the lads from the Boston area. A (9-3) loss is tough to take in any sport but superior athleticism must be recognized. The gritty efforts by Griffin Welch (2 goals) Kyle Javier (1 goal), and the Pirade Pride displayed with their three period effort can never be minimized. But the long striding, smoother skating New England club was very impressive in their ability to go wide to the boards or turn on the jets and burn our helpless defenders on the inside. Sammy Coughlin had no chance. Indeed, we even had an "own goal in the first 90 seconds of play." As Nana made her ritualistic calls to sons Brian and Ray to make sure that they and their families had also arrived home safely, she calmly explained that she finally figured out what The Pirates Cove was always about. "It's BS and T, Ray... You know... BULLSHIT and Tom, they always went together! Pop Tom, was heard screaming over the flushing toilet water, "No, No, No, Lucy 'Bigger, Stronger, more Talented.' Thanks for a great effort boys.

Bethlehem Blitzed

Luke Myers completes the rout.

Marauding

"Hey, Pop Tom, my dad said that Bethlehem is in Israel. Do you think the Israeli army could have helped them today," quipped a happy Dillon Krok as he left the arena. The Pearl River Pirates had just captured first place in Division 1 with their (6-0) thrashing of the Bethlehem (NY) Bears at the USA arena. Krok and Ronan James again led the scoring attack, each chipping in two more goals to bring their individual totals to four a piece in this one-sided affair (fulfilling the hooter's request). So dominant were the Pirates that Sam Coughlin was not called upon to make the first of his five total saves until the five minute mark of the second period. Solid work was put in by all 13 Buc skaters as the rink seemed to funnel right into the legs of Bethlehem net minder Bub who was under siege for all 36 minutes of play. The 'hooter' had no printable comment later that day when at dinner the brash, young, Krok 'rocked' the family dinner table at the upscale, tony restaurant with his own request, "Hey, Pop Tom, Coach Kern's always telling me to pick up my check. Tonight's your turn!!!"

Entering Rough Waters

The Pearl River Pirates completed the second leg of their journey later that evening. In a game played at the Herb Brooks Arena that had hosted the 1980 Olympics, our stalwarts faced the West Seneca Wings. The Wings had tied the Bethlehem Bears earlier in the day so it was critically important for West Seneca to avoid a defeat by the lads from Rockland County. Trailing 1-0 after the first period as a result of a defensive zone clearing lapse, the birthday boy, Ronan James, drew the Bucs even with a beautiful snap shot at the seven minute mark of the second period. Four minutes into the third period Dillon Krok 'rocked' as he connected from 20 feet out off a beautiful feed from Dylan McCavitt and crisp passing from CJ Greco in the neutral zone against net minder Jurso. Relentless forechecking efforts by the Welch, James, Javier line and the trio of Myers, Taskolas and Ocasal turned the tide. Coughlin kept the Bucs in the game with fine net minding, minimizing rebound opportunities. The tandems of Liam McCormack and Brian Quinn along with Sean White and Ryan McLinskey were near impenetrable after the first period. Only an outstanding mid ice rush by West Seneca winger Uhteg at the nine minute mark of the third period enabled the lads from western New York to tie the game at 2-2. As the Pirate Fan base left the building the 'hooter' was heard to say, "Ronan, you blew that puck by both those goalies today easier than you blew out your birthday candles." Then Dillon Krok 'rocked' the old man with "Pop Tom, do you think my shot is faster than you were in eating that slice of birthday cake?" To wit the grumpy grandpa replied, "Hey, Pup, I had four slices of pizza, how about you getting yourself 4 goals in the tournament!"

Well Done Boys

Pirates congratulate Sammy in their opening game 2-0 victory over Schenectady

On the High Seas

The Pearl River Pirates have set sail on their season ending journey - a trek that has taken them to the hallowed ice of Lake Placid, NY. Our redoubtable group of 14 opened their tournament run with an impressive 2-0 victory over the Schenectady squad of squirts. After a scoreless first period that concluded with the referee declaring 'no goal' for the Pirates as the opening stanza ended, our Band of Bucs responded by re-doubling their efforts in the offensive zone during the second period. Superb rushes by Griff Welch and Ryan McLinskey were thwarted early on in the period. Sammy Coughlin was equally adept in denying Schenectady's Testa and Metcalf's breakaway's. At the 4:11 mark of the period a tenacious Dillon Krok followed up his own rebound in the high slot and beat Goalie Stocker with a waist-high wrister making this 'hooter' very happy! Less than two minutes later Ronan James (celebrating his 11th birthday) hit the back of the twine off a Griffin Welch rebound. Sammy Coughlin excelled in minimizing rebound opportunities and was a deciding factor in a total team victory. The Pirates kept the pressure on in the final period and successfully killed three man advantages. As an excited Dillon Krok left the rink he reminded the 'hooter,' 'Pop Tom, I told you I would drive the puck, and not the garbage truck! Our birthday boy opined, "Hooter, come to the pizza party this afternoon, there might even be a piece of birthday cake there for you!

Welch Breakaway Goal

Hmmm

"Maybe I could drive the truck... but first let me drive the puck!"

Sanitation is Necessary

"But Dillon, your father will still want you to go to college" chortled a flabbergasted Grandpa Ed Gritz. Dill had said that his was a garbage goal in front of the net that had given the Squirts one of the four one-goal leads that they failed to hold this date in their 4-4 tie with the Nassau Lions. Indeed the Bucs played for the third consecutive weekend with a short bench. Coach Kern was missing defenders McLinskey and McCormack from his back line along with winger Javier. The price was paid with some shoddy play in the defensive zone and a paucity of shots on goal. Not that there weren't numerous scoring chances generated by loose play in the neutral zone by both teams. Breakaways that ended with beauitful dekes for goals by Griffin Welch and CJ Greco went for naught. The 'hooter' saw the handwriting on the wall when the Pirates failed to test the Lion netminder with another shot on net in the opening period after Ronan James' 25 foot blast from a ridiculous angle exposed a catching hand weakness barely 15 seconds into the contest. Nana Lucy reminded her grandson that "garbage men do hard work and are necessary on any team. But school is your most important job." Linda Krok opined, "Let's hope that the Pirates finish up in Lake Placid like they did in Harrisburgh in last year's season-ending tournament." Pop Tom quipped, "Yeah, March has come in like a (Nassau) Lion, we better not go out like (Pearl River) Lambs in the Adirondacks. Shoot the puck boys!"

Pirate Power in Action!

No Shortage of Pirate Power

"Pop Tom, how about you go back to Florida again before the Lake Placid Tournament" suggested a smiling Dillon Krok upon completion of today's resounding thumping of the Jersey Devils at Sport-o-Rama. Our redoubtable Squirts had just completed a weekend sweep with their (7-1) thrashing of an arch-rival, following their (3-2) defeat of the New Jersey Colonials the previous day. The 'hooter' and Nana Lucy arrived home from their 1290 mile car ride just in time to witness a superior display of unanticipated Pirate Power. Working with a short bench Coach Kern's Bucs made the most of their opportunities. The line of Welch, Javier, and James was on fire accounting for five of the goals. Play-making and passing among the three lads was exceptional as they buzzed the net and cycled in the offensive end. The Devils found no respite against the Pirates only other line of the day as CJ Greco chipped in the other two goals with strong support from line mates Krok and McCavitt. Not to be minimized was the work of the always mobile Ryan McLinskey and steady Liam McCormack on 'D.' These defensive stalwarts were complimented on the backline by regular wingers Luke Myers and Nick Taskalos who defended a near flawless Sammy Coughlin in net. As the Krok family parted ways leaving Sport-o-Rama Dillon shouted, "And make sure you come back to New York the night before the Tournament!" Ray Krok's hand was seen covering Kaylee's mouth as she uttered, "Yeah, Pop Tom, my daddy will pick you up at the Albany airp..."

Pressing the Attack

"Bucs nearly scored late in the third period."

Their Effort was far from Zero

"A true Team Point in the standings"

The Owl and the Pussycat

"Hey, did you want a picture of the ICE Cat in the Hat?"

Pedal to the METTLE?

"Pop Tom, don't you mean 'pedal to the metal' queried' Nana Lucy as they left Sport-o-Rama following the conclusion of today's Pearl River Pirate game. The geriatric journeyman was lauding the efforts of the scrappy Bucs who battled the Green Machine Ice Cats to a (0-0) tie. The squad played without two of their best skating forwards and managed to carry the play to the Long Island visitors for the bulk of the first and third periods in this tightly contested affair. Smooth skating Ryan McLinskey and a tenacious Luke Myers led the charge that entertained the crowd of parents and friends from the first drop of the puck to the last whistle. But all in all, this was a total team effort. Indeed, Sam (Slam the Door) Coughlin came up big in key moments to match his counterpart in the Ice Cats nets. Coach Kern mixed and matched his skaters especially well and used his time out effectively in the closing minutes of the game to negate an Ice Cats man advantage. At the post game recap Kaylee Krok opined, "But Pop Tom, we didn't get to hear you 'hoot'!" To wit the old man howled with delight, "Sweetie, this wise owl's voice needed a rest anyway. Our team proved its mettle with a gut-check perfomance this morning." Dillon Krok chipped in, "Who gives a hoot about that. We wanted to win!"

Melanie, Kaylee, Catherine

Nana, we're going to be Cheerleaders in Lake Placid."

"Ice over Sand any day!"

"Nana Lucy, now this is what I call 'a nice welcome home."

When Opportunity Knocks...

"Pop Tom, I knew that you liked ICE more than SAND" quipped a smiling Kaylee Krok as the 'Hooter' walked into Sport-o-Rama upon his return from Florida. The Pearl River Pirates did not disappoint the wandering vagabond who had to get his hockey fix this past month at Lightning Games and with the ECHL's Florida Everblades rather than rooting for his favorite Squirt Team. Coach Kern's Band of Buccaneers appears to have hit its stride this past few weeks after having been eliminated from League playoff contention. The lads determined work ethic paid off in the second period against the Monclaire Blues when C.J. Greco converted a rebound off a Dillon Krok shot to open the scoring at the four minute mark. As the period drew to a close the opportunistic Greco forced a turn over on a penalty kill to end the period with the Pirates up 2-0 with a deft deke on his breakaway. Sammy Coughlin lost his shut out at the two and one-half minute mark of the the third period in a goal mouth scramble. With the Blues applying late third period pressure the fluid skating Ryan McLinskey had this 'Hooter' howling "this is 1957 vintage Bobby Orr" as #2 top-shelfed the insurance goal. The spunky Blues managed to draw within one with 38 seconds left when they pulled the goalie only to fall (3-2) to the gritty Pearl River bunch. Kudos all around to the dominating line of Griffin Welch, Ronan James and Kyle Javier. To the solid work from the sometimes under appreciated back liners Sean White, Liam McCormack; the versatility of Brian Quinn, Dylan McCavitt and Luke Myers and Dolan Ocasal. "They did us proud!" But will the New York Giants?!?