ABHL Forum
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.

Bob's Thumbs Ups and Thumbs Downs

Go down

Bob's Thumbs Ups and Thumbs Downs Empty Bob's Thumbs Ups and Thumbs Downs

Post  BobMukenzie Wed Nov 09, 2011 5:14 pm

Bob Mukenzies thumbs up and thumbs down.
TaSN has encouraged us to get more weekly articles out for the fans to read. So ill do my best to make it a light hearted weekly reflection of the action of the past weeks games.
All views are opinions and nothing more than that. Please read with an open mind.
 
Thumbs UP: the ABHL returning back to its home the BG Club. While Saville provided simultaneous action and a well lit playing area, the ABHL originated at the BG Club. It seems like the players and fans alike were happy to see the blue and red of its gym.
 
Thumbs DOWN: Not seeing Shockers GM Hon Yee wearing a matching single coloured track suit as he entered the gym. Along with his beastie boys playing tshirt, the league is a lesser place without his awesome track suits.
 
Thumbs UP: no major injuries in an action packed week of the ABHL. While many suffered minor bumps/bruises and Howard’s sprained ankle, overall a safe week.
While the ABHL is highly competitive, safety is always the main concern thumbs up here.
 
Thumbs DOWN: goaltending in the Cash Only and Flying Tigers matchup. While possibly the most exciting game in ABHL history the goaltending was no where to be found.
A total of 19 goals were scored which was an ABHL record. Although noteworthy Cash Only was involved in a game totaling 18 goals in season 1 as well. I suggest you take the over in any Cash Only game, that’s my advice and you can take that to the bank.
 
Thumbs UP: the offence in the Cash Only and Flying Tigers matchup. The main reason this was the most exciting game in history. Fans on the sidelines were cheering as each team sped back and forth bulging the twine. Defence? There was none here as these teams notched a goal on average per minute and a half of gameplay. Goals equals fun and action thumbs up here.
 
Thumbs DOWN: the Roosters……being outscored a total of 17-2 in 60 minutes of action probably deserves a few big Toes down as well. Ill try to take it easy as my counter part Jlu has already laid into the black team. Roosters GM David Nguyen was quoted as saying its all part of the plan. What plan involves a thrashing of that sort? Even the maple leafs have been outscored 12-1 in the last two games. Hopefully the Roosters will be more of a thumbs up candidate next week.
 
Thumbs UP: the “Childhood Line” seeing these three reunited was a reminder of why we all play this game. Winslow Tang, Andrew Szeto and Gary Wong have been friends for a very long time. From playing hockey on the streets to becoming one of the most potent lines in wk2 of the ABHL. The childhood line notched 11g6a in week 2. Many said they haven’t seen “Dub” smile like that since junior high.  The enthusiasm brought to the court reminded me of the days we yelled “CAR” and moved our nets to the side. A huge thumbs up to this line for its nostalgic performance.
 
Thumbs DOWN: Gene Carandang and his cross checkin penalties. A hardworking player, but the penalties are definetly unnecessary, but we give him a pass here as everyone is passionate and gets emotionally involved in the games we play.
 
Thumbs UP:  Dan Sune goaltending/SHJB possession game.  This stellar combination led to the ABHL’s first ever shutout and a total of 2 goals against. In a three on three ball hockey game this is un heard of. The ABHL recognized this performance as Dan notched player of the week honors with his stellar play. Thumbs up for SHJB, thumbs down for the opposition thatll be dealing with their gameplay all season long.
 
Thumbs DOWN: Players of the ABHL not abiding by the housekeeping rules of their beloved home gym. The BG Club was not swept and apparently left in fairly rough condition. It is a reminder that all the players must contribute whether it be picking up bottles left behind, moving benches/nets back to original locations, or picking up a broom to sweep up the playing surface.
 
Thumbs UP: Week 3 upcoming. with the conclusion of an action filled week that saw SHJB win 2 straight, the shockers go undefeated and the Roosters left in shambles it only prepares us for week 3 of the ABHL wanting more. With cap space issues, players with personal leaves, we know its going to be a busy week for TaSN  as we continue to try to bring you the fans every news break we hear.
 
With that, this is Bob Mukenzie signing off.
Edmonton TaSN
 
 

BobMukenzie

Posts : 7
Join date : 2011-10-11

Back to top Go down

Bob's Thumbs Ups and Thumbs Downs Empty Week 3 Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down

Post  BobMukenzie Tue Dec 06, 2011 1:09 am

A bit behind but with the three week btwn ABHL game days we are still in good shape.
So week 3 took place Nov 20th and may be tough to remember, but this edition of thumbs up and thumbs down should give a bit of a refresher.
 
Thumbs Up: The Roosters. After being given more thumbs down than Pauly Shore in the 1990’s, the Roosters bounced back nicely in week 3. Although they did not win both games they managed to win 1 and arguably should’ve won the second. Good on this team as team morale was probably pretty low after getting shellacked in week 2.
 
Thumbs Down: The Chain Gang. Although they didn’t lose by the margins that the Roosters did, the crew in blue went 0-2. The team looked lack luster, tired and careless with the ball. A far cry from the intense bullies we thought they were. CG displayed that they were definitely more bark than bite. Expecting a bounce back from them in week 4 or there may be more thumbs down to follow.
 
Thumbs Up: Alex Hoang. Alex has been taking a lot of heat with his inconsistent play. A new environment might have been just what the doctor ordered. Unfortunately he joined a Chain Gang team that didn’t play their best and left Alex out dry. As cijob for all the other games though.
 
Thumbs Up: The camera crew and the players of the ABHL. Week 3 showcased some of the best highlights we’ve seen since the post season of year 1. Insider information says that the highlight review committee had a doozy narrowing down the top plays of week 3. Check them out on YouTube under Koolfumble or just search ABHL. You might get Abbotsford Ball Hockey League, but don’t worry navigate to the real ABHL.
 
Thumbs Down: The cold weather. It was a cold winter day, but we live in Alberta, guess I’ll get over it.
 
Thumbs Up: Housekeeping. With the white stuff on the ground, the ABHL had to make sure that it kept the Boys and Girls Club clean. Players were all forced to use the front entrance and use indoor shoes for their games. This seemed to work as mopping wasn’t required and the playing area was kept clean. Also afterwards some willing volunteers did a great job in a sweep of the gym.

 
Thumbs Dow
n:
Penalties taken & Bickering. Without mentioning names, there were some very questionable penalties taken during week 3.  Some of the penalties could have seriously hurt  the victims of the infractions. These penalties and infractions need to be removed from the game.  A proactive approach must be taken. The bickering will always exist, but some individuals seemed to take it to another level this week. Referees need to take control and limit this talk. The emotions will always run high, but a positive atmosphere must be maintained.
 
Thumbs Up: ABHL player cards series 1 release. What a pleasant surprise this was for the players of the ABHL. Each player got a pack of hockey cards and were free to wheel and deal their new possessions. Being an outside I could see the joy on each players face, whether they opened a pack and received an insert or in the rare occasion their own player cards. Luckily the ABHL has signed a contract with this local card company, so we all can’t wait for series 2 to be released come season 3.
 
As usual week 3 was filled with tons of action and amazing rivalries continue to be developed. This Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down segment was fun again, and do keep in mind it’s a light hearted recap of the highs and lows(Mostly Highs) of each week in the ABHL.
 
Until Week 4.
this is bob mukenzie signing off

BobMukenzie

Posts : 7
Join date : 2011-10-11

Back to top Go down

Bob's Thumbs Ups and Thumbs Downs Empty WK 5 Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down

Post  BobMukenzie Tue Jan 10, 2012 6:04 pm

Week 5’s thumbs up and thumbs down.
 
ABHL week 5 was another action packed set of games as all we resumed action after a long break.
A week that saw the CG go 2-0 and SHJB lose its first game in a long long while.
Here is this week’s edition of thumbs up and thumbs down.
 
THUMBS UP: The Flying Tigers for ending what was truly a record setting undefeated streak being set by the Slammers. While the Slammers unofficially lost a game in the poffs last year vs Cash Only, their undefeated streak stretched back all the way to week 2 of season 1 vs the Roosters. The tigers played a tight game and showed that the might SHJB can be beaten. The return of Garvin combined with some stellar goaltending and clutch goals from captain/GM Bernie Chu was the right formula.
 
THUMBS DOWN: SHJB Captain/GM Daniel Mah showing up with 4 minutes left to play in the SHJB first loss of the season. While it was a early 9 o clock start, there was no excuse for this. Not only was he late, but his first shift he was on for what would eventually be the GWG. With a huge facelift of the SHJB team, this was not the week to let the team down. Normally a responsibly and reliable GM, I do not expect to see this again from the SHJB GM.
 
THUMBS UP: Week 5 was the first set of games after a long 4 week holiday break. The ABHL did not lose a step in the frantic action as all teams combined for 64 goals which is higher than the league average of 59 goals per week. Week 5 marked the midway point of season 2 and a total of 78 regular season games have been complete. Teams are all whipping back into shape as they get ready for the playoff drive.
 
THUMBS DOWN: Some player that will not be named puking in the hallways. Possibly a little too much turkey and not enough practice during the break!
 
THUMBS UP: Emotion filled games, but no injuries suffered. After a oddball “high sticking” incident in week 4, we were glad to see no injuries in week 5’s games. Teams played hard and physical, but safety was kept in check.
 
THUMBS DOWN: Emotion filled games. While its great that players play hard there is a line that needs to be drawn. The officials were often berated and questioned during gameplay in week 5. The officials are not professionals, but they volunteer their time and efforts to help make the games run. Warnings were handed out for unsportsmanlike behavior and in one case a penalty shot was actually rewarded. I do believe this was an extreme case of emotional outbursts and for the everyone involved hope it doesn’t happen again.
 
THUMBS UP: our camera crew arriving right as the games started and catching great footage of the action. Another bonus is that KooDe productions upgraded their equipment to the latest and greatest and should only help them continue to provide the ABHL with highlights and videos. Our photography crew arriving even though he was not suited up for his respective team.
 
THUMBS DOWN: injury bug and personal leaves keeping some of the biggest stars in the ABHL out of action. While week 5 had awesome games, the ABHL saw some of its biggest stars and fan favorites out of commission. Head lining this long list includes Bryan Lee, Ken Dang, Thang Ly, Joseph Florendo, Hoac Tang, Wilson Man, Stan Chan, Vannak Chan, Kevin Chew, Johnny Nguyen and David Luong.
 
THUMBS UP: a good bunch of substitutes that help each franchise field a team fit for competition. This long list includes Vinson Banh, Baydon Welsh, Brian Chan, Qui Nguyen, Mike Yeung, super sub Clarence Chai. With the busy lives of every ABHLer these guys are crucial to keeping the league going.
 
THUMBS DOWN: Hate to pick on em, but that’s another winless week for the lowly Roosters. An outside source was quoted saying “team morale is low, and losing is tough on a team”. After blowing up his team to make way for Super FA Vannak Chan, the Roosters took another huge blow in their hopes for the playoffs. They now sit 3 points out of a playoff spot and dead last in the ABHL basement. Week 6 is go time for this team.
 
THUMBS UP: Each franchise depends on its top end players to produce. Ricky Gregorio and Steve Wong did their best to shoulder the load. Steve single handedly helped salvage a point with 4 goals vs Cash Only. Ricky was the focus of double teams and relentless pressure, but was able to break through with 5 pts. These two will have to be even better during this final stretch.
 
That’s all folks for this weeks Thumbs Up and Thumbs  Down.
 
Bob Mukenzie signing off for TaSN – Edmonton.
 

BobMukenzie

Posts : 7
Join date : 2011-10-11

Back to top Go down

Bob's Thumbs Ups and Thumbs Downs Empty Week 6 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down

Post  BobMukenzie Wed Jan 25, 2012 8:15 pm

Week 6 has come and gone, and here’s another installment of Bob’s Thumbs Up & Thumbs Down.
 
Thumbs UP: Flying Tigers full roster for the first time all season. They did have a sub goalie but they also had 7 strong players on the court. It showed as they stormed the Chain gang with relentless pressure and blew them out of the water. Riding the strong performance from Garvin Chow and his 5 goals 1a. This was a huge win as they continue to battle and hang onto the last playoff spot.
 
Thumbs DOWN: Chain Gang’s Wilson Man showing up late during a fierce battle as the playoffs near. The Chain gang was already without Joseph Florendo but went against having any subs as 6 players should’ve been ok. Wilson showed up late causing the blue team to be shorthanded and double shifting most of their players to start.
 
Thumbs UP: New Roosters team looking much deeper and more balanced. Kevin Chew showed his worth with 4goals, the newly deemed “Journeyman Line” of Stanley Chan and Winslow Tang looked like they were having fun as they racked up 8points vs the tired Tigers. Being dealt to many teams is only a sign of how highly in demand a player is. Together they have played on 7 different teams and I’m the Roosters won’t be their last.
 
Thumbs DOWN: after winning a huge game vs the tigers, the Roosters came out hard against the desperate chain gang. They had the lead at half, but then allowed the CG to take the lead with seconds left. Right at the end of the game the ref missed a blatant too many men call which should have awarded the Roosters with a penalty shot to tie the game. While the Roosters may or may not have scored they didn’t get the chance to earn that huge point. This thumbs down doesn’t go to the ref who missed the call, but more so the lack of a second ref. The ABHL needs to field two referees for each game, especially with each game meaning more and more. I feel for the Roosters on this one, but I guess stuff happens.
 
Thumbs UP: Shockers going 2-0. A lot of hype surrounded this team going into the season. GM Hon Yee showed faith and kept this bunch together. Finally having the key members of team yellow together they showed exactly what they can do. Backed by a strong goalie performance by Vincent Wong the shockers cruised to two easy victories. Possibly a sign of things to come as this team stays together for its stretch drive.
 
Thumbs DOWN: Game 5 Shockers vs SHJB. This was possibly the scariest game ever played in the ABHL. Two high sticking penalties occurred and 2 errant balls connected with players faces. SHJB GM Daniel Mah took the worst of it suffering a split lip. The errant balls are tough to control and tend to be a part of the game. It’s vital that players are always alert and cogniscent of their surroundings. The two high sticks while accidental were very dangerous. Players are encouraged to always be in control of their sticks. Luckily nothing else came of these incidents.
 
Thumbs UP: Reffing in the Shockers vs SHJB game. Referee was able to call down the two high sticks and suspend the guilty parties during the game. Penalty shots were awarded and deserved. The refs were able to enforce the rules of the ABHL and keep players aware that they need to be in control of their sticks.
 
Thumbs DOWN: SHJB. Its interesting how the mighty have fallen. After SHJB’s uncanny win streak, they have fallen back down to earth hard. Going 0-2 in week 6 and arguably never having a chance to win either game. It is proved just how important their star and reigning MVP Keith Mah is. There were zero flashes of the great possession game and potent SHJB offence the fans are used to. As mentioned earlier all teams are gearing up for the final stretch drive, itll be interesting to see how this team turns it around come week 7 and 8.
 
Thumbs UP: Injured players Hoac Tang and Keith Mah, still showing up on the sidelines to support their beloved teams. Not being able to suit up is already tough on an ABHLer, but standing on the sidelines is a great sign of a team player. If I were a player this would motivate me and want to go to battle with both these players game in and game out. Its not easy to wake up early on a Saturday whether you are playing or not. Big up here to these players.
 
That’s all for this weeks edition of Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down.
 
Till next week.
 
This is Bob Mukenzie signing off for TaSN - Edmonton
 

BobMukenzie

Posts : 7
Join date : 2011-10-11

Back to top Go down

Bob's Thumbs Ups and Thumbs Downs Empty Re: Bob's Thumbs Ups and Thumbs Downs

Post  Sponsored content


Sponsored content


Back to top Go down

Back to top


 
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum