A Dominant Performance

"All Pirates, All the Time"

The Hoot Gets the Boot

"And what, pray tell, were you saying about me and Anger Management, old man" quipped Ray Krok with a twinkle in his eye. "Bet you're glad you didn't pay to get in" chimed in Terry McLinskey. "If you need a good lawyer...then, I'll help you find one" chirped Steve Greco. All because of the Hooter's cameo appearance at the opening game of the New York State Squirt A Championships being held this weekend in the Ira Wilson rink on the grounds of SUNY Geneseo. Indeed barely six minutes into the first period the 'grumpy geriatric was a goner - ejected by 'referee rabbit-ears. The Pearl River Pirates had already opened up a 3-0 lead on the Norfolk-Norwood Icemen when the 'bearded blogger' was given the heave ho for challenging the official's judgment in blowing down the play in the offensive zone because the goalie had dislodged the net from the goal line (a second time in three minutes) while the Pirates maintained control of the puck. The Hooter watched the balance of the (8-1) thrashing administered to the western NY team from the corridors outside the arena as six different Bucs netted goals. Nana Lucy reported that the auditorium was abuzz with rumor that a second ejection would mean expulsion from New York State for the 'boisterous behemoth.' To wit the Hooter responded in Dirty Harry Callahanese, "Make my day - I haven't paid my taxes yet and I have a Florida residence!"

These Girls Rule

"Who knew, 'Hooter'?! This should've been a photo of the Squirts in a victory pose. But we, like all the moms on the team, champion our sons' efforts."

Mikey Knows

"Win some, Lose Some"

Another Fishing Story...

"Well Pop Tom" quipped Nana Lucy as they began their 200 mile retreat to Rockland County as the snow began in earnest minutes after the final ceremonies at the N.E. Sports Center, "how are you gonna 'splain this?" Nice try," retorted the 'grumpy geriatric' "but I ain't no Ricky Ricardo, Lucy." Yes, the Pearl River Pirate Squirt A team came ever so close to completing the Hat Trick; joining the Mites and Pee Wee travel teams as tournament champions. But it was not to be. Their valiant fight ended at 23 seconds of the third overtime period in their 6-5 defeat at the hands of the Hetland Panthers. The New Bedford, Ma. squad proved equal to the task, rallying twice from two goal deficits to win this thriller on a power play shot from the point passed a screened Liam McCullough. Our lads demonstrated their own come back ability forcing overtime on the strength of a Ryan McLinksey goal midway through the third period to stop the bleeding. Our 4-2 lead had become a one goal deficit in the span of three minutes late in the second and early in the final period. As the two weary travelers pulled into the driveway and color began to appear in the white knuckles of the driver, the 'boisterous blogger' waxed philosophical. "Losing is what makes winning so special. Imagine the opportunity this presents the team for next week at the State Championships." Nana poked the old man and said, "I get it... that is why you go fishing day after day, even when you come home empty handed with another 'one that got away story." Responded the 'Hooter,' "Yup, every day the boat starts and I get home safely, every day that we enjoy a youth hockey game and we get home safely, God has blessed us."

Future Groupies?

"Sure it was a good game, but we've got better things to do... remember 'Girls (of all ages) Rule!'

On the Road to the Finals

"They call this tournament 'the March Classic.' Today is March first. They just saw a classic" bellowed the 'Hooter' to no one in particular. The 'grumpy geriatric' was reveling in the dominating performance displayed by the Pearl River Pirate Squirt A team against their league opponent, the Millbrook Knights who had also made the trip to the New England Sports Center for this annual season ending tournament. The Pirates came out flying, opening a three to one lead at the end of one period. The motivation no doubt was that the loser of this game would be eliminated from championship game consideration. Pirates were on the attack constantly and were seldom threatened in the defensive zone. A last minute Knight score made the game appear closer than it actually was. The Bucs were near flawless in their play in a decisive (5-2) victory over an opponent who had played them tough in league competition. "This was the de facto league championship game of the Hudson Valley League" pontificated the 'Hooter' to a smiling Chris McGee at games conclusion. "You're right on top of things" crowed the winning coach. "We won our divisional championship (Canadian); they won theirs (American). I guess we'll call this win: "The North American Cup!" This bodes well for the squad who is now assured of a berth in the finals to be played later today.