The game consisted of 2, 30 minute periods with an intermission in-between. This was just like a regular game with refs, authentic jerseys, and penalties. Coach McConnell and Coach Enga were the two refs of the game and they recruited some help for the scoreboard and penalty boxes. Since McConnell and Enga were the refs, the two coaches were Hockey Operations Intern, Neil Jenkins, and Equipment Manager, Pat Dolan. The teams were as follows
Team Black (Pat) | Team Mania (Neil) |
Jackson | Vanko |
Ernsting | Kwiecinksi |
Smith | Payne |
Tischke | Bergh |
Kearney | Yau |
Artemov | Schilling |
McDonald | Fetzer |
McGing | Bjorkung |
LeBlanc | Jones |
Polino | Booth |
Bunz | Nell |
Morris | LaValle |
Niko |
If any of you remember, last Wednesday was cold and snowy. That didn't stop any of these boys. Between scarves, hats, gloves, and multiple layers, everyone was set and ready to go.
Minus some of the front office staff heading out there to watch the game, we had some spectators stop by and watch the boys play. Needless to say, by the end of the game it was too cold for most people.
Here are some action shots from the game. You might notice that a lot of the players had different positions compared to a regular game. The team "coaches" had some interesting ideas of who they wanted to play what.
The game had some penalties, and 23 goals total. In the end Team Black was able to pull out the win.
Overall the boys and staff had a complete blast with the game and decided that this needs to be an annual occurrence. Everyone agreed this was a fun and unique way to practice, and take advantage of an outdoor rink that is almost right in our backyard. We can't wait to see what next year's outcome will be! Have a great day Steel Fans!