The Ronnie McDonnie Coming Up Next!
|
Vipers Tryouts Fun for All!
Great to see all the faces at the Vipers try outs March 15th and 16th, some old friends, some new faces. I got to meet a few goalies I had not met before and they were cool guys. We all will have the years ahead getting to know each other. As always the Canadian ice was top notch at Leisure Plex.
This years team, as was last year's, will be sponsored in part by Chico's Bail Bonds. Bailed out again with extra practice ice we remain at a loss who to call to say "Thanks"!
My eyes were on the defensemen. Vipers spring hockey is not about lots of training it's about getting out there and playing. We do have practices but it's playing together we are concentrating on. I saw some great shooters and darn good passing at the try outs so our team no matter who selected will be strong. I would hate to be on the choosing end as to which players to pick.
|
 |
| We're Looking for First Place in 2008 |
|
|
 |
| Oh Canada! |
|
|
The 2007 & 2008 Spring '97 VIPER Goalie speaks out -
I am looking forward to the 2008 spring season and if it's anything like last season the fun does not stop! My Spring Hockey is fun not training. Of course we play Tourneys and I must admit last year our wins felt great. I'm always ready for wins. Slap a few red maple leaves on my mask and it's Oh Canada here I come! International tailgate and great Canadian competition, what a combo.
VG
|
Niagara Vipers Tryouts
Stripped off the ice so quickly
From winter season play
Always throws true regulars
Into a disarray.
Still steaming for more ice time
Spring hockey fits the bill
For players tough and ready.
Puck action is the thrill.
Niagara Vipers tryouts
Turn outs always rough.
Everyone there on the ice
Sure looks good enough.
Contenders come from Grimsby
Buff Bison champs I know
From Rochester, Niagara Falls
St. Catherine, Buffalo.
All are set to give this team
Everything they've got
To reach inside still further
If they can earn a spot.
In the net I'm taking shots
Guessing who they'll choose.
All of us have come to try
Knowing we may lose.
No honor just a given.
On this spring hockey team.
For putting out your very best
Has always been the theme.
Tough with heart there in the net
To keep my title sound.
The hardest working goalie
Will win this go around.
Some faces change and some remain
All besting for their spot.
Sometimes a disappointment
For guys I like a lot.
Coaches have to pick and choose
To fill the locker room.
Whittled down the numbers
Cause elation and some gloom.
I held my place there in the crease.
Dad raised his cup of joe.
We signed a leading scorer
In all Ontario.
Those who did not make it
Another team, a chance.
We better do our very best
So they don't whoop our pants.
©Artica Burr 2008
|
Ready Too Soon
I'm packing up for practice
To keep my skills intact.
Heading out to Canada
To go get in the act.
I want to get there early on
To see the others play.
Long the wait, impatient
For my practice day.
Grab my sticks, my goalie mask
Passport in the car.
Right across the border
It isn't very far.
Equipment smells a bit today
Guess I ought to spray.
One whiff and a border guard
Will send me on my way.
To measure up in Canada
Quite a cup of tea.
Guaranteed the shooters
Bring out best in me.
Sitting here upon the bench
My spirits take a lag.
Forgot some key equipment
Not in my goalie bag.
Neck piece, under armor
Don't have a mouth guard too.
Forgotten is my jersey
I slacked on follow through.
Packed in haste I rushed myself.
No need to learn it twice.
Double check I should have done
Comes WAY before the ice.
Borrowed jersey, played in shorts
A neck guard someone found.
In my bag some older socks
Things seem to turn around.
They let me work the passing line
No mouth piece could be had.
Because I played with lack of one
Big flack for me and Dad.
We'll go outside and rake the lawn
I'll shower or I'll bath.
Anything that we can do
To silence Mama's wrath.
© Artica Burr 2008
|
Our Next Challenge:
PRO HOCKEY SPRING SHOOT OUT May 23, 24, 25
RESULTS WE Lost
|
Views from the Goalie's Net
On The Pro Hockey Tourney
Seems that we outmatched ourselves
This tourney anyway.
Lost them to the Super Teams
All there was to play.
Held the score down pretty low
The best that we could do.
No matter who was in the net
We couldn't follow through.
Our chances few and far between
Some actually got in!
Judged from shots upon our net
Their goalies - weak as sin!
I was ready for a win as we all were, but zip and not a win this time. But I loved taking 50 shots a game. It was fun (if losing can be) and fast hockey. VG
Ever Onward to the Ronnie McDonnie!!!
|
Ready for the Nike Bauer
At Niagara Nike Bauer
We play Division "A".
I just received the listing
Of our scheduled play.
First game against Alberta
Selects as they are known.
Next New Hampshire Knights
Heard that team has grown.
And New England Generals
Third team that we meet.
Times and spacing of the games
Are looking pretty sweet.
|
Cougars from Division "C"
Last team that we play.
If WE roar we get a spot
On the final day.
A tourney for the Vipers
A go for winning slot.
Hauling home the hardware
Shows them what we've got.
We have a real shot at this
From what I saw today.
All the indications
We practice like we play.
© Artica Burr 2008
|
 |
| Tied this game against NH |
|
|
 |
| Alberta plain out skated us |
|
|
Results Nike Bauer
Lost Two, Won One, Tied One, No Finals for us. Went home humble and raked the yard. Our first experience playing as a team. New heavier practice schedule should be the fixer for us according to coach. Wide eyed we agree to learn from our mistakes.
Vipers loss to Alberta Selects 3 to 1
Vipers tied New Hampshire Knights 2 to 2
Vipers beat New England Generals 4 to 2
Vipers loss to Cougar Selects 6 to 5
|
©2008 Last Update May 2008
|
|
