Opening Day Preview!

April 1st, 2016

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Fresh Kills at Denim Demons

New look Demons will be tested early against a merciless division rival, FK. Least Improved Male of 2015 is back with more shoulder-shrugging scoring, but that is about all the Kills will be able to muster. Pride is on the line here for the wounded Demons and that is exactly when an animal is most dangerous.

Prediction: Jeff and Josh do work and the Demons pull off an upset 4-3.

 

Sky Fighters at LBS, Inc.

The hostile takeover of LBS, Inc. by the Sky Fighters continues in this latest chapter of clashing league titans. Lead strategist for SF has moved on and we can expect the LBS brass to test their change in leadership. As logical as this approach is, I expect the new captains to be deserving of the C on their sweaters and inspire their troops to replicate their 2015 playoff heroics in this quarterfinals rematch.

Prediction: Sky Fighters make a statement 3-1.

Rain fears? Snow Fears? What a day, what a lovely day to get this season started!

Rain fears? Snow Fears? What a day, what a lovely day to get this season started!

Filthier at Rehabs

Pacified by finally having their names engraved on the PBR Cup, the Filth no longer views it with the same respect as a Holy Grail. And rumors are swirling that they are secretly planning on going 0-18 in order to manufacture a tough re-peat championship run. That being said, the gossip-mongers will have quieted as the Rehabs first half success quickly erodes in the second as Filthy shakes off the hangover and regains their swagger.

Prediction: Rehabs will be holding additional tryouts after a Filthy spanking at the rhythm of 7-2.

 

Mathematics at Gouging Anklebiters

Neither of these teams made a lot of noise in the off-season with splashy acquisitions. Content with the squads they rolled with last season, confidence is high that success will continue into this one. So, alright, to determine how this one might go, let’s analyze the differences between the two. Fun Teams – check, Skillz – check, Scoring Threats – check, Drinking Buddies – check, Reliable Goalies – check, Dicks – nope, Uniforms – ah ha! Eureka, we found one! Blue and yellow is much more appealing than the lowly color of cemented slush. And what is cement good for? Walking all over it…

Prediction: Probert and the Biter’s stroll to the pace of 4-2.

'Welcome to the f---'n $h0w.'

‘Welcome to the f—‘n $h0w.’

What The Puck at Instant Karma

Welcoming Karma to the $h0wT!m3 division are the Pucks. WTP is still sore from last year’s shocking playoff upset and are out to prove it was only a fluke. Karma on the other hand experienced a bumpy inaugural season and will be unveiling some new talent. The fate of this one will be settled by the undeniable formula of: Chemistry Rules Everything Around Match-ups (CREAM).

Prediction: Nope. Not even going to go there. (But if I did, I’d go with the team that plays the better game.)

 

Fuzz at Corlears Hookers

The Elves were slaughtered last year by Karma, buried during the winter by Richiepoo, and have resurrected this season as the Fuzz. The Hookers meanwhile find themselves as strangers in a strange land after being raised in the Brown division. And who better for them to make their first Newman division encounter with than the Fuzz. This one has all the makings of a Game of the Week and is sure to be an entertaining power struggle throughout the match. Just a hunch, but I’m forecasting that one of them commits a heinous act in the second that they’ll regret later in the season.

Prediction: A hard fought battle that goes to overtime with the Fuzz prevailing 4-3.

We'll see how their new digs work out.

We’ll see how their new digs work out.

Gremlins at Poutine Machine

These two teams had opposite season’s last year. The Gremlins’ steamrolled the Greene division and are back in their rightful place, while the Machine is still picking up the pieces from a disastrous showing.   Past being put aside, this game features an outstanding battle of top Centers in the league. Sullivan of PM is one of best two-way Forwards and will be put to the test against offensively gifted Graham of G who thrives on a style of push-push-push.

Prediction: Gremlins narrowly escape with late a goal by Cho 3-2.

Can't find anything to watch?  Then tune in to this...

Can’t find anything to watch? Then tune in to this…

Tompkins Square Riots at Mega Touch

The Basement Bowl Series of 2016 kicks off with the first installment: Team Jones vs Team Katz. If you are on the sidelines when this show begins then I implore you to grab some refreshments, throw on something warm, and cheer these two on championship game style! Which side will you be on? I know which one I’ll be and it’s not either of these two. Smooches, ladies. Love ya both!

Prediction: Mega Fun Bunch earns their Mega Only Win! 2-0!

 

Gut Rot at Dark Rainbows

This match-up is being played waaaaaaay too early in the season as both teams are predicted to slug it out for tops in the Greene division. Captain Abby is super peeved about some DRs not receiving name recognition in the previews and may ask them to announce themselves. However, if Captain Tommy and the rest of Rot can pick up where they left off last year, then 2015’s Second Star is in for a long day.

Prediction: Scott solves Longwell and Gut Rot takes opening day pole position 2-1.

Well, do ya!?!

Well, do ya!?!

Cobra Kai at Butchers

These two teams are polar opposites of each other. The Butchers play a stay at home, slow it down game that forces opponents into making mistakes. And the clan from the evil dojo likes to turn up the tempo and push the ball into their offensive zone. Unfortunately for CK, their overzealous effort will play right into the Butchers’ hands and cost them an opening day W.

Prediction: Patience rewards the Butchers 5-2.

A Fan’s Guide to the Newman Division

March 31st, 2016
kjl

Not this Newman, but close.

Before we go any further…yes, you read that correctly.  The higher-ups of BTSH thought it was time for this division to change names, and as a result, the Glanzer Division has been renamed the Newman Division.  Now, let’s meet the teams…

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Season Preview: Greene Division

March 30th, 2016

9. Gut Rot

“The marijuana goes in the top drawer. The cocaine and speed go in the second drawer. And the heroin goes in the bottom drawer. Always separate the drugs.”

“The marijuana goes in the top drawer. The cocaine and speed go in the second drawer. And the heroin goes in the bottom drawer. Always separate the drugs.”

Yeah baby, this disorderly collection of rambunctious grown persons turns any party into a PARTY! Not sure what Scott has been mixing in those protein margaritas, but it scared Dan Hopper so bad that he skedaddled over three thousand miles away. (Or was it the threat of the ‘Touch of Death’ from Ashley and Eric in the playoffs???) Anyway, me thinks last season’s success wasn’t an anomaly and Gut Rot owns this division. (And yes, I’m calling Ellery out of retirement for at least a shift to show the league’s new blood what this is all about. Where you at, dude?)

13. Dark Rainbows

So........ this is how Dark Rainbows are made.......

So…….. this is how Dark Rainbows are made…….

So much mystery surrounds these mythical creatures. One of the more defensively sound teams of the league; the Rainbows power is derived from candy corn and the blare from Tia’s kazoo. This dreadful bunch of sugar seeking maniacs will need another stout season from Abby, A Freeman, B Lin and their rock star goaltender to keep games close. I like them as a solid runner-up to keep GR looking over their collective shoulders.

15. Poutine Machine

“Saint Ostie. C'est mon nom”

“Saint Ostie. C’est mon nom”

Consigned to the Greene division for their uneven effort and loss of key players, the Machine is in full rebuilding mode. Significant offseason acquisitions of speedster Christina Lee and other young talents should make them a force to be reckoned with. Led by Jo-Jo’s French Canadian work ethic, Sullivan’s home-grown Brooklyn grit and Hornswoggle’s veteran savvy, this team will make you earn it.

20a. Tompkins Square Riots

Who run the world?  GIRLS!!!

Who run the world? GIRLS!!!

Jones & Co. are looking to build off of last season’s surprising playoff upset against WTP followed up by a respectable showing against the eventual champions. With the meat and potatoes of their squad returning, it’s possible that the Riots just might be able to raise eyebrows past half-mast. While they do have the potential climb higher than previous seasons I’m predicting that they end up in a familiar spot.

20b. Mega Touch

Let us all channel our inner Mega Touch.

Let us all channel our inner Mega Touch.

A fun bunch of laid back peeps who have retained the Chill Team Championship Belt for the 3rd or 5th or 14th consecutive year (my BTSH history is a little hazy). A.E.M. and J-Katz set the tone with their getup of zany socks and JORTS!?! With a little more exuberance, and possibly some dickishness (think Derek of Math) this team could compete with anyone. To figure out how their 2016 campaign might go, we decided to consult the reliable Magic 8 Ball and received an answer of ‘Better not tell you.’ The follow up question: So, you’re saying their throne of chill will go unchallenged? ‘Most likely.’

Season Preview: $h0wT!m3 Division

March 27th, 2016

Our division preview series continues as we tell you everything you need to know about the $h0wT!m3 Division.

What’s New

  • Quite possibly, the division name.  Rich already jettisoned Tim Brown’s honorific and replaced it with one for Julie Katz.  As of press time, the division still bears the $h0wT!m3 name, but it could soon be retired, much like its namesake has done multiple times already.  Rich could even bring back the Rubens Division.  Stay tuned for all of the drama!
  • Instant Karma.  After suffering through a difficult inaugural season in the Glanzer Division, Karma should welcome a schedule that is a lot more forgiving.  Of course, three of their seven wins last season came against the Elves, so they’ll have to find other teams to beat up on this year.
  • The Gremlins.  Oh hey guys, good to have you back!  After a one year sabbatical to the Greene Division, the Gremlins return to the division they called home from 2011-2014.  However, they were never able to win it during those four seasons, so maybe coming back isn’t all its cracked up to be.
"You're killing me, Gremlins."

“You’re killing me, Gremlins.”


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From The Vault

March 26th, 2016

Emeritus Note: The editorial staff is hard at work on the remaining division previews, but to tide you over until those are ready, we’re running a classic team preview. Here are our thoughts on LBS, Inc. prior to the start of the 2011 season. This post was originally published on March 22, 2011.

Meet LBS, Inc.’s New Security Manager

Courtesy: LBS, Inc. Office of Communications

Color: White
Year Founded: 2002
2010 Regular Season Finish: 8-7-0-1 (4th, Rubens Division; 11th overall)
2010 Playoff Result: Lost to Filthy Gorgeous in round of 16
Conference: Weyersberg
Division: Hackett
2010 Leading Scorer: Karsten Pichon, 16 goals
Team Song: Pet Shop Boys – Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)

New Hires: Lawrence Goldstein
Resignations: Alex Simon, Phil Yang
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