Know Your Neighbor – Cory and Brianna of Instant Karma
June 29th, 2017by Sam N
The first installment of 2017’s Know Your Neighbor is here! This week we are featuring the family duo on Instant Karma, Cory and Brianna.
Hometowns
Medford, NY
Colleges
Cory: Ithaca College
Brianna: Pace University and Baruch College
Favorite NHL Team
Cory: New York Rangers
Brianna: New York Rangers
Favorite BTSH team other than Instant Karma
Cory: Math
Brianna: Hmmm. I’m still really bad at remembering what all the teams are in this league but I tend to like the teams that are nice. I’ve had good experiences playing against Mega Touch and Mathematics.
(Ed. Note: Woohooo!!! Though, I know this is biased since I sent the questions.)
Are you on an Ocean City team yet this year?
Cory: Nope, not yet.
Brianna: Nope, maybe one year.
(Ed. Note: There is still lots of team to find a team, and there will likely be one or two free agents teams forming this year. Please reach out to Matt Workman (via Gouging Anklebiters) to find out more.)
If Noah cruised to Tompkins, what two BTSHers would you put on his Arc (excluding yourselves)?
Cory: Cherie S, as she makes it look easy out there given the playing surface. She has a lethal shot, one of the best stick handlers and can do it all. Erich G from the Gremlins would be my 2nd choice. He is fast, has a nice shot and sets up teammates as well.
Brianna: Hugh and Nina of Instant Karma. Hugh is a play-maker and fast. He also has a great shot. Nina is awesome at handling the ball, and making plays. She’s a solid player all around.
How did you find out about BTSH?
Cory: The commissioner, we played on a team over at Zog sports.
Brianna: Back in October 2015 my brother texted me and asked if I could sub in because his team was short on girls. I scored 2 goals and had some assists with a lefty stick that Isaac found for me (thank you to the person that let me borrow your stick-it apparently had super powers because I went scoreless all of 2016 without it..).Since then I’ve been with Karma.
When you kill Rich Glanzer, how will you do it?
Cory: I guess since it’s only my third year in BTSH, I have no built up hatred towards Rich. In fact, I get along with Rich. Plus, he is a Mets and Rangers fan.
Brianna: I would never kill a man that allowed my crease goal to count as a respectable goal.
(Ed. Note: Yes, I don’t think we should allow him to ever ref again.)
How many siblings do you have in your family, and how many more can we expect to join BTSH?
Cory: Five siblings and already have one of my sisters playing in the league. Doubtful we will get anybody else to join. My older brother was some player back in the day, unfortunately he hasn’t played in years and Instant Karma could use his scoring ability.
Brianna: I’m the youngest of 6. Cory already did his job in recruiting me and I don’t think the others will join. Sorry!
What do you do for work in the city?
Cory: Senior Accounting Associate at a small public firm.
Brianna: I’m a research assistant at the Simons Foundation for autism research.
Mets or Yankees?
Cory: Mets unfortunately, my dad once said by raising my family as Rangers, Mets, and Jets fans that he should be charged with child abuse.
Brianna: Mets!
(Ed. Note: Brianna, I’d be careful. A few of these answers are very much Rich Glanzer leaning, so he may ask you out on a date. Tell him, “no”, then kill him. Also, happy Bobby Bonilla Day!)
Fuck, marry, and kill the following teams, and why: Islanders, Devils, Rangers –
Cory: 5 to 10 years ago this is an easy answer and that is kill the Devils. They have become so irrelevant over the past 3-4 years that the level of hate isn’t there anymore.
Brianna: Are the Devils still even a team? Sorry Islanders.
(Ed. Not: That’s right — fuck the Rangers!!!)
If you had to pick going to another BTSH team, where would you take your talents?
Cory: I have not given that much thought, I like being on Instant Karma.
Brianna: Hmmmmmmmmmmmm…. Instant. Karma. For. Life.
What are your favorite hobbies (outside of BTSH, of course) in the city?
Cory: Jogging around Astoria, hitting up restaurants and bars with friends. Look forward to attending the U.S. Open every year in late August.
Brianna: I run 5x a week and I’m usually training for a race (marathons). Running at long distances is a good way to explore the boroughs by foot. During the weekends you’ll most likely find me at a dive bar in the LES or the east village, or having brunch. With warmer weather, I usually spend time at an outdoor bar or go to the park and lay out with a good book and some beer. I also enjoy music and try to go to a concert once a month (if not more) and I’m currently trying to build a solid record collection.
If you were given $200 gift card to a bar (don’t worry, we’re not giving you a gift card, so you can answer this with integrity), what bar would you get drinks at?
Cory: I like the dive bars especially Irish pubs so nowhere fancy even with a $200 gift card. O’Hanlon’s in Astoria is great with cheap drinks and buy backs on your third round.
Brianna: Oh boy, that’s a tough question. Probably 169 Bar. It’s a solid dive bar.
(Ed. Note: 169 Bar is always the best choice)
If you were given only $50/week for food and booze in NYC, how would you pull it off?
Cory: I think my Italian portion of my blood would take over and all that money would go towards food. A lot of tuna, rice, and beans that week.
Brianna: Luckily my job provides breakfast and pays for my lunch. With that said, I would order a large lunch and ration it off for dinner Monday-Friday. I normally don’t drink during the week unless it’s for a special occasion (birthday or some other celebration/event) so I wouldn’t spend money on booze during the week. By Saturday-Sunday I would still have $50 to spend. With that said, I would probably buy beer to pregame at home (why spend $8-$15 at a bar for one drink?) and then head out to a bar if friends were there, and maybe buy $5 tecates (if necessary). OR, I would go to this Irish bar where my friend and I only get charged $12 for the both of us for unlimited bud lights, and tequila shots (This is usually our plan of action when we’re both broke). For food on the weekends, I would buy eggs and rice in bulk but ultimately, I could throw the “little sister” card at Cory and have him pay for dinner/lunch after a game.” Vanessa’s dumplings” is a good option too (lots of food for cheap). Oh, did I mention Dun-Well Doughnuts? Another nutritious option for weekend food.
(Ed. Note: you could also probably get by having dinner and drinks every night at 169 Bar on $50)
What is your take on the Citizens’ United ruling?
Cory: What ruling? The news is only focused on Donald Trump’s twitter account. Do I really have to look up the ruling?
Brianna: Huh?
Current Aspirations:
Cory: My short-term plans involve avoiding taking another fall during one of Karma’s games. Two games in a row that I went down to the ground, so it would be nice to not have any new cuts or scrapes on my body after a game. Long-term plans involve having a place in Costa Rica that my wife and I can use whenever we need to get out of the city.
Brianna: for Instant Karma to have a winning record. For my personal life? – I’m pretty content with things. Sometime this year I would like to take a trip to the west coast and start in Vancouver, and finish in San Diego (visit Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco along the way). Maybe squeeze in a trail race while there. Long term goals? Run an ultramarathon and visit Europe. Maybe bring Cory along and see a Liverpool game live at Anfield.
What will the BTSH media will begin to overhype you about:
Cory: I am not sure but I think BTSH media should bring up what will the league do with the two makeup game weekends in September if no rainouts occur. I say we add two regular season games, but I have a feeling the playoffs would just be moved up.
Brianna: Hmmm, BTSH media already hypes me enough. The predictions are probably my favorite part and the endless banter.
If a $20 bill dropped out of someone’s pocket on Fuzz, would you return it?
Cory: Yes, I would return it. What can I say, I have good morals or I like to think I do.
Brianna: Of course! I’m the same person who apologizes to the people who bump/push into me during games.
If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Cory: Coming to America. It’s not my favorite movie of all time or the best movie I have ever seen, but a movie that I never getting tired of watching when it’s on.
Brianna: If this is the only movie I could watch for the rest of my life I would have to pick a light hearted one. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” would be a good choice for that.
Bleu cheese or Ranch?
Cory: Bleu cheese
Brianna: I don’t remember the last time I had either of these, but I would choose Ranch.
If Instant Karma made it to the BTSH Championship, what team would you want to play?
Cory: Anybody, Instant Karma would be so happy that it wouldn’t matter who we played.
Brianna: Instant Karma and BTSH Championship?! We would be so happy to be there that it wouldn’t matter who we played. Can’t be picky now.
Three Stars – Pride Weekend Edition (Week 10)
June 28th, 2017by Rachel G and Dana K
Third Star: Pride and balance restored
As we spend more and more time together on Sundays, things get a little incestuous. Any given Sunday, lining up across from you could be your ex, your future husband, your current wife, your co-worker or your high school buddy. When this team happens to be in your own division and you play twice a season, things heat up. This given Sunday in one of these frenemy type rivalries, balance was restored. Creamy can sleep easy that Diana only wears the pants on weekdays. Dana can’t really sleep easy, because she has bruises from Schuie all over her body. Jimmy earns the right to heckle his HS buddy, Probie, for another few months about Cranford and whatnot. This star goes out to those three, for restoring the balance in their relationship.
Second Star: Webster to the Rescue
I feel like it’s kind of bad juju to beat the team dressed in rainbow tie-dye on pride weekend. It’s possible the sky-fighters were struggling with this moral conundrum(except Greg…obvi), all the way to the shoot out. I’m sure Caroline Webster was all torn up about it, but when the shootout came around, she decided if she was gonna do it, she was gonna do it right. To the crowd’s delight, she roofed it top shelf. It’s possible the goalie’s lack of rainbow jersey assuaged her guilt? Nobody will ever know. But it’s a good thing she was there to bail-out the league leading goal scorer.
First Star: Math’s Pride
Most teams take a lot of pride in their matching outfits…err…uniforms. Math has continued to evolve over the years but really nailed it this week. It’s really hard to miss those rainbow tie-dyed tank tops, and their significance on pride. We really wanted to get a photo of Michelle, you know, gay woman wearing the rainbow on pride. But we couldn’t, so instead, you get James and his shorty shorts. You’re welcome, gay men of BTSH.
Honorable Mentions:
Nadya from Mega:
Nadya has been in the league for nine years, and doesn’t often top the box scores. This week she scored a beauty helping push Mega past the rainbows. Congrats, Nad. You might have earned a star here, but there’s something shameful about beating the Rainbows on pride.
Liam from Cobra Kai:
Enough already! We get it, you are good at hockey. I’m sure your team appreciated you scoring all the goals. Even the OT ones.
Week 10 Box Scores
June 26th, 2017| Poutine Machine | ![]() |
1-2 | ![]() |
Gut Rot | Final |
| Poutine Machine: Mike Pelts (5) Gut Rot: Larry Gillian (2), Akhil Mehta (4) Goalie Win: Ed Podojil (4) |
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| Instant Karma | ![]() |
1-2 | ![]() |
Cobra Kai | Final(OT) |
| Instant Karma: Ian (via Free Agent) Cobra Kai: Liam Martens x 2 (7) Goalie Win: Campbell Weaver (7) |
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| Gremlins | ![]() |
2-1 | ![]() |
Corlears Hookers | Final(OT) |
| Gremlins: Ian (via Free Agent), Alex Rockoff (3) Corlears Hookers: Cj Anderson (3) Goalie Win: Jamie Batuwantudawe (7) |
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| Denim Demons | ![]() |
3-4 | ![]() |
Fuzz | Final |
| Denim Demons: Zach Fein (3), Josh Rosen (2), Sara Klein (1) Fuzz: Rob Walsh (1), Miles Hilder (4), Steve Accardo (2), Brian Hicks (4) Goalie Win: Aaron Pagdon (4) |
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| Butchers | ![]() |
3-0 | ![]() |
Gouging Anklebiters | Final |
| Butchers: Arthur Revechkis (3), Georgine Paulin (1), Jason Rosenstock (1) Gouging Anklebiters: Goalie Win: Jamie Batuwantudawe (via Gremlins) |
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| Tompkins Square Riots | ![]() |
3-2 | ![]() |
What The Puck | Final |
| Tompkins Square Riots: Joe Fiore (1), Christina Rohe (2), David Frost (3) What The Puck: Dave Maccallum (1), Zac Hogg (11) Goalie Win: Dave Gil De Rubio (2) |
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| Mathematics | ![]() |
2-3 | ![]() |
Sky Fighters | Final(SO) |
| Mathematics: Sam Norris (8), Adam Langer (1) Sky Fighters: Michael Teytelbaum (14), Greg Infanti (2) Shootout: Winner by Caroline Webster Goalie Win: James Stein (4) |
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| Mega Touch | ![]() |
5-2 | ![]() |
Dark Rainbows | Final |
| Mega Touch: Alok Ghai (2), Matt Jones x 2 (2), Julie Katz (4), Nadya Salcedo (1) Dark Rainbows: Unrostered Player (via Free Agent) x 2 Goalie Win: Eitan (via Free Agent) |
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| LBS Inc. | ![]() |
0-6 | ![]() |
Fresh Kills | Final |
| LBS Inc.: Fresh Kills: Julie Katz (via Mega Touch), Frank Salituro x 2 (4), Nick Scott (4), Connor x 2 (11) Goalie Win: Patrick Barch (8) |
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| Filthier | ![]() |
0-1 | ![]() |
Rehabs | Final(SO) |
| Filthier: Rehabs: Shootout: Winner by Alex May Goalie Win: Hector Melendez (3) |
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2017 Interim League Manager Role
June 23rd, 2017Hi BTSHers,
As some of you may know, Danielle has resigned from her role as BTSH League Manager effective July 9th. We are proposing to elect an Interim League Manager to see us through the rest of the 2017 season only.
Who is Eligible?
Anyone in the league is eligible to be nominated, except embers of the board (Jenn, Noah, Bob, Brian and Liza) who are not allowed to hold paid positions in the league. If anyone currently holds a paid position, they must be willing to give that over to someone else if they become League Manager.
2017 Interim League Manager Role
Responsibilities:
– Oversee Sunday League Operations including:
– Liaison with Ref Manager and Scheduler to ensure adequate game coverage
– Facilitate timely opening & closure of the courts
– Decide on and communicate any weather decisions
– Manage weekly equipment inventory
– Ensuring ref sheets/box scored are collected and posted on the website
Compensation:
– $3000 stipend for 2nd half of the season (thru Championship game)
Key Dates/Information:
Wednesday, June 28th by 5 pm: Nominations & captain’s questions submitted to the board
– Nominations due, must include a brief paragraph of why you want the role.
– Captains submit to the Board any questions they want to pose to potential nominees.
– Candidates will be given the list of questions to answer, response is due by Friday, June 30th.
Friday, June 30th: Candidates response
– Candidates responses to the captains’ questions due to the Board.
Monday, July 3rd: Responses shared with captains
– The Board will send the full list of responses to the captains for review and given time to share responses with their teams.
Friday, July 7th: Final Vote
– Captains submit votes to the board.
Sunday, July 9th: Game Day
– The Interim League Manager is in place for smooth transition on Danielle’s last day.
If anyone has any questions, please feel free to reach out to anyone on the Board via email or walk up to us at the courts on Sunday to chat about the role.
Thanks,
The BTSH Interim Board
Jenn Popack (Chairperson)
Noah Carter (Treasurer)
Liza Watts (Secretary)
Brian Sullivan
Bob Weyersberg
Week 10 Previews – Deuxième Partie
June 23rd, 2017Tompkins Square Riots at What The Puck
by Isaac
Summertime and the living’s easy for Laura and the Riots, except when you’ve got to face a divisional pest like WTP. That rowdy bunch of orange knuckle-headed pucks can be a handful to deal with. Luckily for the Riots Sharif has been back in the mix and the skillful duo of Joe and Drew know how to keep calm and motor on.
Just a whisper of Joe and Drew is enough to make the Puck’s defense, led by Eric, quiver in their sneakers. Human Grease Fire is new to these rivalries and we’ve heard that he’s susceptible to monitoring his stats more than the scoreboard. Emily will need to pull this unruly band together in the second half if they want to survive this divisional clash.
Prediction: when life gives you oranges you make screwdrivers and that’s what the Riots will be sipping on while savoring this victory, 3-2.
Mathematics (W/L/L/W/L) at Sky Fighters (L/L/W/W/L), Tompkins East, 1630
by Jer-homie
While both teams ended up with a loss each by the end of Week 9, we can’t shame them for losing more than giving credit to their opponents where credit is due. Eli and company faced the unflappable Fresh Kills, and Infanti and his posse squared off against a Rachel’s tide—credit to Justin P. for being so vulgar—who probably recruited that saxophone player (who played “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” in the 2010 PBR Cup final) to score the goal that would guarantee them the win. That was a long sentence.
What can the media say other than if the Teytelbaums show up, this could be an open and shut case for the azzurri. However, the matriarch of the Norris clan has revitalized her family’s reputation by posting three pictures of what seems to be good times after an afternoon of rounders. Positive thoughts all around, Sam, Zach, and Rebecca will hope to spread that to their teammates and give Stein a run for his money.
Prediction: This will be a close game, but Roxanne could be the difference that settles the bout. David L. has been minding the net diligently with his sub-2.00 GAA, and he’s been giving them the wherewithal to take the division.
Mega Touch (L/L/L/L/W) at Dark Rainbows (SO/L/L/L/L), Tompkins West, 1630
by Jer-homie
This is a time for either squad to start seeking redemption after having a shambolic first half. Week 9’s climate conditions weren’t nice to anyone, and even forced Rainbows’ substitute goaltender to leave midway through the second half of the game. On the opposite court, Mega’s Brady somehow found a moment to be opportunistic for his winless side and slot one past Jamie. [A lesson for Walker: nothing is more important than facing a team with nothing to lose; just imagine if you didn’t run that marathon, right?]
One point separates these teams, but their stats tell a different story. For example, Alex EM’s army has lost four games by 2 goals (the second of which could be an empty netters); whereas Bernstein’s bunch has been robbed of a chance of trying to post a comeback, having fallen to seven different teams by 3 or more goals. Everyone in this clash knows that, while they’ve been designated the #19 and #20 spots by the media, a win—or even a point—at the start of the latter half potentially rejuvenates one or both teams. But will Sunday’s weather be kind or awful to them? A brief look says 80 degrees with 55% humidity with a 20% chance of precipitation… so probably kind.
Prediction: Sophomore player Eric T. could break out of nowhere if he makes his appearance known. But his formidable foe that afternoon will likely be Cheeky, who’s been unbelievable these past few weeks. “Studies have shown that 70% of the earth is covered by water; the rest is covered by Cheeky.” Mega Touch victorious by 1.
LBS, Inc. (W/SO/W/L/W) at Fresh Kills (W/W/W/W/W), Tompkins East, 1730
by Jer-homie
Hockey Night in Tompkins, National Telecast
Folks, this is a game that many will silently regret missing (because they’ll likely be getting plastered at Hifi/Double Wide/Ace/13 th Step) because the stakes are certainly high. There’s the obvious Fresh Kills win streak that could be broken, and then there’s the great sense of LBS. momentum that entered after their victory over the Rehabs in Week 9. These two had a rendezvous at the season opener, from which Ariel and Ashley S. tallied and Longwell filled in for a shutout. Fresh Kills has an opportunity to keep the status quo, and the LBS. can seek redemption.
We’ll expect a real barnburner with Ariel, Connor, and Sheena against the kid and Karsten when it comes to who can light the lamp the most. 38 goals between the five of them is a stat that is staggering to the point that Ed and the Pork Fried Rice veterans would raise their eyebrows. The type of offensive output seen today by all teams is something that only one or two teams 10 years back wouldn’t even fathom accomplishing.
Prediction: I wrote that LBS. was a legitimate threat to the Rehabs in Week 9, and I write similarly about them in this Week 10 showdown. Soko will have to batten down the hatches because their opposition is pacey. Gabe and Ariel parry with prodigious stickhandling and could definitely hit twine. But if the LBS. secondary scorers join the rush (Jake, Dustin, and the rest) and add to Karsten and the kid’s tally, they’ll serve the Kills the finest cold dish this summer. Los blancos by one after regulation.
Filthier (L/W/SO/W/W) at Rehabs (W/W/SO/W/L), Tompkins West, 1730
by Jer-homie
Hockey Night in Tompkins, National Telecast
A divisional matchup between midseason-ranked #3 (Rehabs) and #4 (Filthier)—thanks to a one-sided journalist—should be less intense but equally as competitive as the game above. Ann, James, and now Suvin are going to town on some teams, most recently making a statement against the underachieving Fuzz a fortnight ago. With Cherie returning from international duty, the rossoneri hope to get wheels up again after one of the toughest opponents they faced this season in LBS.
One conception of the Rehabs might be that they’re physical; of course, their logo is the face of a beaten up hockey player. But other than the alleged fence incident (which wasn’t even started by a Rehabs’ player), there really hasn’t been any rabblerousing since the days of Villano and “Dinner Plate” Feldman. On the same vein, Filthier has been relatively quiet except where it matters: the scoresheet. Being third in scoring productivity means they’ve loosened the reins on their offense and it’s been paying off.

Joey, Alex and the Rehabs have been enjoying success this season. Can they keep the good times rolling against Filthier?
A concern about this game could be the kit clash. Two days ago marked the longest day of summer, so the sun will be still roasting players even after 5pm. Goalies will be delicate in choosing their water breaks, but the outfield players will surely be drenched by the half. Also, the West court isn’t as forgiving since more umbrage dominates the East bench area. That said, which side will don the change kit and go light?
Prediction: the team in the lighter color has a good chance of taking the match. But the for the sake of being unambiguous, Filthier could take the match due to spectacular goaltending (Tim K.) and goals from their very best (see above). The Rehabs won’t go down in regulation but expect some laser beams from Joey “Come get your Bola de Bolacha!” B.



































