“And they’re off…”, with the official KSHL 14-15 underway, teams took to the ice with excitement and much needed oxygen. It was apparent during Week 1 that some kept in summer shape while others most likely dusted off the blades and helmet about an hour before puck drop. Game 1 saw returning Champs Greensleeves face off against Denture Center, both with a partial returning cast along with a mix of newcomers who would be donning their respective sweaters for the first time. For GS, first timer Brian Nolan wasn’t slowed by the summer beer and BBQ’s as he notched a brace for his team along with an apple for a 3 point night en route to his team’s season opening win by a score of 7-3. Chiming in with Nolan for a deuce was linemate Keith Noseworthy followed up by captain Bryan Power with a single. Getting into the action as well were spares John Galway and Chris Ryan Jr. who potted the final and 7th goal for black. Galway, unknown to most in the dressing room outside of only a host of TNHL’ers, was playing in his KSHL debut prompting leagues captains to collect contact information post contest due to his solid performance.
For Denture Center, Game 1 was also a chance to mesh with some new faces and although only 3 goals came from their efforts, the score wasn’t necessarily indicative of play. They did have some great chances that left Stephen Hunt to lend some heroics until Jon Murphy got his team on the board and the season opener for team White. Joining Murphy on the scoresheet was steady spare Steve Hodder and Bobby “BK” Kent who turned in a solid effort but ultimately Hunt’s play along with 7 on the board for black was enough to turn in the first W and their first 2 points.
HEY REF: As if officiating wasn’t tough enough in our league, exec have decided to add another task for those wearing the stripes by managing Icing this year. Although play will not always be whistled down, forechecking teams will have to retreat if icing is in play and allow defending teams to break out of their own zone without contest. Efforts here will require teams to jump aboard the learning curve so stay tuned for further updates and amendments to how officials with manage such an infraction.