btsh.org

Rehabs (7) at Fuzz (2)
by Arya Stark

It’s the game that was promised.  From the moment Hicks’ defection was announced this offseason up through the infamous letter, July 1 was the date circled on everyone’s calendar.  Unfortunately that day would bring disappointment to more than just disgruntled Islander fans as games were postponed due to heat fears despite the fact that this is mainly a summer hockey league.  We had to wait until the last game of the regular season to get this matchup by which point it had lost some of its luster (also not helping – Rich telling everyone within earshot that Fuzz was missing players).  Safe to say the stakes are significantly higher now as a trip to the final four will be on the line in what pundits are billing “the game of the week” and “an exciting rematch” and “that game I definitely don’t want to ref.”  One of these teams is going to be horrifically disappointed come Sunday night, while the other will have their ticket punched to championship weekend.  Which is which?

Forwards
There’s a murderer’s row of talent on each side as Jeff, Miles, Ryann, Gil and Sig will do battle with Joey Bats, Cherie, Monique, Andy and, of course, Hicks himself.  Losing Mike T for this game is a major blow to Fuzz as he led the league in goals yet again despite playing a bunch of games early in the year on defense.  Fuzz will rely on quick shots and traffic in front, while the Rehabs will look to try their new offensive strategy of actually passing the ball around to generate high percentage looks for Hicks and Cherie.  There’s clearly a bevy of talent on both sides, but Fuzz was the highest scoring team this season by a significant 16 goal margin, and playing shorthanded just opens up more minutes for Jeff and Miles.
EDGE: Fuzz

You can’t sleep on Monique and expect to win.

Defense
Fuzz will be without the services of Walsh and Paul in this one, leading them to use a rotation of Ryan/Vlad/one legged Glanzer on defense with Alyssa.  Sena will keep everything civil in the Rehabs defensive zone as she is apt to do, and if Jen is able to suit up she’s one of the most underrated players in the league.  But the big story on their side is which guy is shifting back to defense, with the current frontrunner according to Betfair being Alex May.  He certainly has the speed and hockey IQ to make the move; whether it hurts their offense remains to be seen.
EDGE: Rehabs (more…)

Gouging Anklebiters (9) at Cobra Kai (1)
written by hockeyfan2187

In this corner: the Gouging Anklebiters

The road so far: They finished the season in 9th place, middle of the road. They have a great team, however attendance issues may have been a bit of a problem throughout the season. They handedly beat the Gremlins 2-0 in the Round of 16, generating a lot of offense and moving the puck incredibly well. (Sources are reporting that Probert did not score, however.)

The history books: Historically the Biters were in the 4th division, and used to finish 19th or 20th in the regular season. In recent years they have added new young talent, and the addition of Craig in net in 2012 has of course helped them a ton. Regardless of the team’s varying skill level over the years, they are one of the most fun teams, and embody what BTSH was intended to be. Phil and Amy ensure this, year after year.

Injury report: Probert’s ego. (Current playoff goal tally – zero.)

One player to watch: Probert is always the player to watch for them, however this new guy Jason is making a huge splash. If not covered tightly, he will definitely make the Dojo pay.

Key number: 0. The amount of goals Craig gave up in their Round of 16 matchup last Sunday, notching what the media are told was his first ever playoff shutout (he has been in the league nearly 20 years, so this was a big deal).

Dominant narrative: “Probert is their best player. Stop him from scoring and you have a high probability chance of winning the game”. However, this dominant narrative is untrue. The truth is, the Biters have a lot of good players, and they all play well together as a team. Any of their O lines can score on you, and any of their D lines can shut you down. However, win or lose, Worky, Coco, Sarah, and the rest of the team will all be karaoke afterward, regardless. (more…)

BTSHers,

The end of season party will be on Sunday, October 14th at the Parkside Lounge following the Championship Game between Fresh Kills and Fuzz.  The festivities begin around 6 pm with the Awards Show kicking off around 7:30ish.

So SAVE THE DATE, get ready to call out sick on Monday morning and we’ll see you all there!

Best,
BTSH Media Crew and Social Committee

P.S. the Award Categories and Nominees will be posted early next week.

by Cat

The Round of 16! Puts a tear in your eye doesn’t it – the beginning of the end, really. I’ll get to see my other friends (yes I have other friends). I would say I’ll drink less and go to bed earlier but we’re getting into the holidays, cuffing season, etc. I can definitely say I won’t miss Yetter.

Remember when I was a 3 stars neophyte asking Isaac if he would give one to a bag of Doritos? Now I have a list of enemies the size of Zac’s latest twitter rant.

Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss your turn at Frey’s wine bag.

Third Star
Craig from Gouging Anklebiters

‘Fuck you, Jamie.’

Gremlins fought their hearts out but couldn’t overcome the Gouging Anklebiters. Jamie worked his ass off in net, but Craig ended the game with the shut out. This turns out to be especially noteworthy because this was Craig’s first career playoff shutout. Hell yeah dude! (This feels like the bro version of damn gurl and therefore tone deaf in these politically charged times but I’ll give a patented Kavanaugh fake-apology and move the fuck on.) (more…)

Vote for your 3 stars of the 2018 BTSH season! Polls closes on 10/12 at 5:59 PM EST. Feel free to write as much or as little on why you think each of your choices is deserving in the space provided!

VOTE HERE!