Battle in the Desert – Part 1 (and Challenge)

Game ON this coming Saturday.  Be there around 7pm for a fine night of Tucson Street Hockey.
Read last weeks recap of our extremely satisfying total team victory over Anthem, AZ (written by Daniel):

On Saturday, March 28, our rink at Santa Catalina High School witnessed the dreaded/anticipated/eagerly-awaited encounter between the Anthem and the PSHL teams. Before any PSHL player had shown up, eight Anthem guys were already practicing in the rink. But the PSHL was eager to play too, and well over a dozen people eventually joined in. Stephanie in the goal, plenty of subs for our side, and the game started (almost) on time. (Odd enough to be pointed out.)

Right after the start the ball was in the PSHL side, the Anthem guys playing fast and pressuring us. Then the game became more balanced. Anthem had a few opportunities, but Stephanie played great. The score stayed at 0:0 for a long time (15-20 minutes). Then it happened that the PSHL players were Hinako, Janis, Naghmeh, Stephanie, Mike, and Tim. I remember Bob mentioning that we were in for a tough time… but Tim scored! 1:0 for PSHL. A moment later (well, 20 minutes of moments later) it was 3:0 for us and we stopped for a break.

The game kept being pleasant in the second period, PSHL in overall control, but Anthem had good opportunities too, notably a few breakaways where a fast Anthem guy was alone in facing Stephanie. But she stopped all but one. I think it was 5:1 when the second period ended.

In the third period Anthem played courageously, although they were visibly tired. PSHL was not, thanks to so many subs and we continued to wear them down! We gave them a hard time, although they managed to score a second goal. It was 10:2 (some say 13:2) when the game ended.

The game was extremely fair, and the Anthem guys should be commanded for that. They drove to Tucson, they agreed to play our rules (they do not have balls in Anthem!), they had to cope with our treacherous rink, they certainly hoped to give us a hard time. Yet they were very graceful after the game. It was most pleasant to share a couple beers with them afterward.

We owe them a rematch in their home rink, using a puck, on Saturday, April 18th at 6pm!  Who’s willing to make the trip? So far was have:
- Tim
- Daniel
- Naghmeh
- The Tominator

You?

Let me know if you can make it.  I’ll send more information and directions next week.

Keep your stick on the ice,
Tim