Will anybody be able to stop the Timberwolves?

Timberwolves put up record breaking number in 2011-2012

Blacks Harbour, NB - They have piled up big numbers this season by amassing 52 points with 2 games left in their season, but I'm sure they are not content yet. The Blacks Harbour Timberwolves have rolled over most opponents most nights by combining steady goaltending, fast skating and effective puck movement that sees them go from defense to offense in a flash. The long stretch pass will eat you alive if you allow it to happen.

Their only two defeats have been at the hands of the Bonny River Ratz and the Fundy Kingfishers and when playoffs hit, these two teams and the rest of the league will have all hands on deck and mistakes get magnified and usually see pucks end up in the back of one's net. It has been stated that when Timberwolves goalie Andrew Dugas is on, he'll carry the team and the key is to not allow him to get into a zone but teams will tell you that's easier said than done. The goal scoring is spread around but if a team gives guys any of their guys a little space, it usually does not end well.

The Timberwolves will have a bye in the first round as teams vie for the opportunity to advance to round 2. Finishing first is a double edged sword in that you do get a rest but you end up playing a team that's just coming off a series win and are riding that momentum. The 6 lower teams will engage in best of three series and the lowest seed remaining plays the Timberwolves while the other two remaining squads face off. Round 1 gets under way this Wednesday in St. Andrews with the second place Kingfishers playing the last seed 

Whalers at 10 pm. The Kingfishers agrred to start the round on the road to accomodate the Whalers as they celebrate Winter Carnival.



Taylor nets #900 - Finally! Ratz roll over Kingfishers

Taylor scores historic goal

Mark Taylor shows off the 900th goal puck

Blacks Harbour, NB - It should have been a big story that the Bonny River Ratz rolled over the Fundy Kingfishers 10-3, but Ratz star Mark Taylor stole the spotlight Tuesday night by scoring his 900th career goals.

The score was 8-3 Ratz and newly acquired forward Gregg Buchanan slapped the puck toward Kingfishers goalie Brandon Shaw who unfortunately could not corral the rebound and Taylor leaped on the puck and buried it at the 5:53 mark of the third period. Buchanan, who had not been on Taylor's line all night, said he stayed on a little longer as he felt something inside him that was telling him to do so. Buchanan added, "I saw Taylor coming on and I just drove the puck as hard as I could and hoped he'd be there as he had been so many times in his career. It will be something I'll certainly never forget."

 

Kingfishers GM Matty Walsh dipped the puck out of the net and presented it to Taylor. "I remember 800 and now it's 900. There's no telling where this will end up. I had hoped it wouldn't happen against us, but it's just one of those things. Our regular goalie Jamie Harris called me Tuesday afternoon and asked me if Taylor had gotten 900 yet. When I told him no, I knew right there and then he wasn't coming," added a very emotional Walsh.

Meanwhile, team captain Joe Stevens was offering up his philosophical message. "It will become a time where everybody in that rink will remember exactly where they were when Taylor got #900. I remember #800 and at that time, everybody on the roster was saying they were on the ice when he scored which is impossible of course. Shane Smith still tells everybody how he set Taylor up for 800," noted Stevens.

Ratz down Timberwolves in FIHL action

Timberwolves lose for only second time

Ratz Cap Player of the Game Keith Hoyt

Blacks Harbour, NB - The third place Bonny River Ratz grabbed a valuable two points by downing the league leading Blacks Harbour Timberwolves 5-3 in Sunday night FIHL action. The Timberwolves put up a valiant effort despite having 8 skaters as they lost for the only the second time this season.

The Ratz got a pair of goals from captain Joe Stevens and singles from Kyle Leslie, Mark Taylor, and Gregg Buchanan. The Timberwolves got their offense from Ryan Kinney, Randy Hanley and Josh Cook. Taylor's goal edged him to within one goal of the milestone 900 career goals. Linemate Jim O'Halloran assisted on the goal with a slap shot from the point which Taylor tipped by baffled Timberwolves goaltender Andrew Dugas. O'Haloran said, " I knew if I could get it on net, Taylor could give it the old tip. We were down 3-2 and desperately needed it. A game changer in my eyes."

Team Captain and winner of the last Ratz Cap Player of the Game Joe Stevens named defense specialist Keith Hoyt as this game's winner. "You don't always see Keith's contribution on the scoresheet but I felt that tonight he played a strong game at both ends, moving the puck out of our end very effectively and efficiently," noted a very content Stevens in the media scrum after the game. 

In game 2 of Sunday's action, the St. George XXX rode the steady goaltending of Brandon Shaw to a 6-5 victory over rivals Fundy Kingfishers.  



Ratz face another tough test Sunday night

"800" Puck will be in the Building tonight

Ratz star Mark Taylor shows off his 800th goal puck

Bonny River, NB - Which Ratz team will show up tonight? The one who went on a recent 9 wins in 11 game tear or the one who folded up the tent last Sunday and took a 7-1 shitkicking from the Timberwolves? It will be decided Sunday as the Ratz play the Timberwolves again at 7:40. Another great rivalry will be featured in Game 2 as St. George XXX face off against the Kingfishers at 9:10.

A few secrets are funneling out of the Ratz camp as game time gets closer. It has been reported that Mark Taylor's 800th career goal puck will be in the building tonight and that has Timberwolves goalie Andrew Dugas worried. "I know the magic that is inside that puck. To say I'm worried might be an understatement. If he gets that out and passes it around the room, no telling what might happen," said Dugas in an interview. Dugas also noted that he is also aware of how many goals Taylor has now and how he'd love to pop a couple against him. Taylor now has 898 career goals, 4 more than the Great One who finished his career at 894.

It has also been widely rumoured that the Ratz have developed a secret potion that will enable them to perform at a higher level. The Hockey Voice has been attempting to get details by using the "Right to Know Shit Act," but has been unsuccessful to date.

Meanwhile, Kingfishers General Manager Matty Walsh noted,"If I find out the Ratz are using anything illegal, I will be dumbfounded. They're all pretty clean living boys and if they have something, it will be legit. As far as that puck goes, I've had it my hands a few times and want to tell you, it works. If I was Dugas, I'd be worried."

Ratz come up short against Kingfishers

Ratz lose 5-4 in a Shoot Out

Blacks Harbour, NB - Both squads were missing some of the regular players but managed to put on an entertaining 44 minutes of hockey as the Blacks Harbour Kingfishers downed the Bonny River Ratz 5-4 in Tuesday night FIHL action.

Former Ratz prospects Chris Richardson and Matty Walsh scored for the Kingfishers as did Andrew Clark and Mike Greenlaw. Both Richardson and Walsh scored in the shootout. Ratz markers came from Jack MacNeil and Gregg Buchanan who both had pairs. Captain Joe Stevens continued his torrid pace with a shootout goal. 

Ratz goaltender Warren Giesbrecht was away on team business and former Ratz backstopper Andrew Dugas stepped in and performed sensationally in a losing effort. Kingfishers got steady goaltending from Nick Nozzillio. 

The game marked the end of an era for Ratz and their star defenseman Carl Chambers. Chambers has suited up for every Ratz game in franchise history but an unexpected illness sidelined him. Chambers is now tied with Ratz star forward Mark Taylor for all-time Ratz games played. A very emotional Joe Stevens noted, "It was sad to get the news about Chambers. It was unfortunate to have one of our tough guys out but we did have Mark Taylor and Matt Dewar (Nick Laporte) in the line up so we knew if Walsh or any of their other tough guys started anything, we had plenty of artillery available. The BIG SIX is definitely another great concept that Mark Taylor has come up with and it's made life easier for all of us who just want to stick to hockey. I want to send a holler out to Andrew Dugas for his play as long as it's still cool to send holler outs."

  

Kingfishers "afraid" about Tuesday's game against the Ratz

Dugas: "I'm slamming the door Tuesday Night"

Mark Taylor points out Andrew Dugas' name

Blacks Harbour, NB - Tuesday's game between the Bonny River Ratz and the Fundy Kingfishers is a homecoming of sorts for FIHL journeyman goalie Andrew Dugas. Dugas will be suiting with his old team in hopes of shutting down the Kingfishers who are being distanced by his Blacks Harbour Timberwolves in the standings. The Timberwolves have lost but one game all year and are atop the standings with 38 points. The Kingfishers are second with 28 points and the surging Ratz have 23 points so it's a big game and a big deal.

Dugas broke into the FIHL with the Ratz after playing many seasons of Bonny River Hard Puck. Dugas said he was happy to get the invitation from the Ratz. "Just as soon as I saw the e-mail, it was not even a second and I was in 100 %. I am slamming the door Tuesday night. It will help the Timberwolves and the Ratz at the same time and they're still pretty special to me. They have me given my chance to play and let me tell ya, I appreciate it," noted a very content Dugas.   

Nick Nozzillio, Jamie Harris and Chris Hoffman share some shits 'n giggles

Meanwhile, Kingfishers GM Matty Walsh is busy preparing for Tuesday's game. A notably nervous Walsh said, "I am afraid of what might happen Tuesday night against the Ratz. I tell ya, there had better not be any boys sitting home licking their nuts or painting their toenails as this is getting serious. No decision has been made on the goalie for the game even though the Ratz have made their announcement. Taylor is slumping and that concerns me too. It means he's probably just a tip or slapper away from filling the net. We will have two or three guys on him at all times."

The Charlotte County Bears take on the NBCC Whalers at 9:10 on Tuesday. Sparks flew in an earlier meeting so anything's possible.



Stevens Carries Ratz to Big W

Stevens Nets Hat Trick and Shootout Winner  

Ratz Cap Player of the Game Joe Stevens

Blacks Harbour, NB - The seats in the penalty box stayed warm Tuesday night as the Bonny River Ratz took on the St. George XXX  in FIHL action. The Ratz were assessed 12 minors while the XXX received 8 from officials Josh Bagley and Frankie Richard. The Ratz held a 3-1 lead going into the third period before the XXX evened it up at 3 apiece and forced the shootout before the Ratz prevailed 4-3.

The star of the game was Ratz captain Joe Stevens, who scored 2 short-handed tallies, 1 even strength goal and to ice it all, added the shootout winner. Jamie Ross, Brandon Hawkins and Ryan Best replied for the XXX.  Stevens began the game at center but felt that in the third period he'd rather get on a line with Mark Taylor and let Jim O'Halloran take over at center.

"I saw where Taylor was buzzing around the net all night and knew I'd stand a better chance of getting the Ratz Cap if I hung on with him. No offense to O'Halloran, but I had to go with the sure thing. One in the bush is worth two birds in the hand," said a very content Stevens in the post-game interview. 

Buchanan Hires on as Part Time Policeman in Bonny River

Gregg Buchanan - Bonny River's Newest Policeman

Bonny River, NB - Despite a lot of controversy concerning the appointment, Gregg Buchanan has officially been sworn in as Bonny River's newest policeman. A lot of residents were upset that the job was not advertised but that is all water under the Bonny River Bridge right now.

Rumours had been circulating that Sheriff Johnny Borthwick's move to the upper part of the community left a big portion not adequately serviced and that a new cop would be hired. Another concern was that Buchanan no longer lives in the community but that put to rest by the new guy himself, "I lived there almost all my life and I play hockey for the Ratz. I have my finger on the pulse and if anything's going on, I will find about it and shut some shit down. If anybody wants to doubt my loyalty to the community, they had better slow down and take a deep breath because I'll be gunning for them. No further comment."

Buchanan has been briefed by Borthwick and will be on patrol any day now.

Ratz continue torrid pace

Taylor Takes Home Ratz Cap Player of the Game Honours

Mark Taylor with multi-Ratz Cap winner Warren Giesbrecht looking on

 

Blacks Harbour, NB - The Bonny River Ratz fell behind 2-0 early to the NBCC Whalers but managed to prevail 11-6 in Sunday night's FIHL action. The Ratz instituted a new policy of picking the Ratz Cap Player of the Game Award that was in keeping with the same one the New York Rangers use in their locker room. The player who won it in the last game must name the player for the next game and so on. Warren Giesbrecht, the Ratz star goalie and a player who has won the award many times named Mark Taylor as the winner for Sunday night's game for his physical play and two way performance. This all being despite Jim O'Halloran's four goal performance and Gregg Buchanan's hat trick in the same game. Carl Chambers, Jimmy Buchanan, Greg Justason, and Keith Hoyt rounded out the Ratz scoring. A last minute recruit and Ratz nemesis Matty Walsh scored 4 for the Whalers while Mike James and Dominick Holland added singles. 

 

After the game, Jim O'Halloran as was asked about his failure to grab the Ratz Cap Player of the Game Award. O'Halloran noted, "Taylor has done more for this team than I have so who am I to question it? He is a physical force out there who really opens up the ice for his linemates. Do you seriously think I'd gotten 4 goals on another line? No brainer boys."

 

 

Kingfishers keep pace

St. Andrews, NB - The Fundy Kingfishers downed the Milltown Moose 7 - 5 Thursday night to stay within striking distance of the first place Blacks Harbour Timberwolves. The Wolves are on top of the FIHL standings with a 15-1 (30 pts.) record and the Kingfishers are second with a 14-3 (28 pts.) record.

Sunday's games features one of the loop's hottest teams Bonny River Ratz playing host to the NBCC St. Andrews Whalers at 7:40 and the Milltown Moose visiting the Timberwolves at 9:10.

Ratz grab win in shootout

MacNeil pots winner in shootout

Jack MacNeil

Blacks Harbour, NB - It wasn't a pretty one but the Bonny River Ratz managed to get two points after sputtering most of the night. After trailing 2-0 to the Charlotte County Bears on goals by Matt Clark and Ryan Logan, the Ratz got a goal in the second period from newly acquired Jim O'Halloran to get within one. That's the way it stayed until the Bears got into some late third period penalty trouble. An errant stick on Joe Stevens from Vance Barrio put him in the box for 4 minutes and put the team down by 2 as they already had a player in the box. It is worth noting that Barrio actually admitted to doing it as both on-ice officials did not see the infraction. It's good to see good sportsmanship exists. The Ratz got even with a Carl Chambers shot from the point in the 5 on 3 power play. Matt Hatt scored in the shootout for the Bears as did Joe Stevens. It took a slick move by Jack MacNeil to seal the victory. TJ Matser took the last shot only to have Ratz goalie Warren Giesbrecht get enough of it and deflect it just over the top of the net out of harm's way.

In other FIHL action, the Blacks Harbour Timberwolves continued their winning ways with a 4-1 victory over the St. George XXX.



Buchanan nominated for FIHL Humanitarian Award

Buchanan help homeless people on the streets of Boston

Ratz star Jim Buchanan and some of his charity work

Bonny River, NB - At a hastily called press conference over the weekend, FIHL representative Matty Walsh announced one of the 2011 FIHL Humanitarian Award nominees, Jim Buchanan. Walsh said, "Buchanan is being recognized as one of  the pioneers for his charitable deeds. As Buchanan along with sidekicks Joe Stevens and Mark Taylor weaved their way through the streets of Boston, Buchanan took time out of his busy schedule to help the homeless. He's definitely a humanitarian in my books."

Buchanan, when reached by phone later, expressed "shock and disbelief." Buchanan added, " I always preach to everybody to have a cold beer and forget about it and that was the basis for my generous act. Even though he was wearing a Bruins hat, I put aside my differences and helped the poor guy out. I didn't really think I'd be recognized for this, but it's truly an honour. We had to make a bit of a hasty exit after the deed as the police pulled in and I didn't want to create a big fuss over a little bit of charity."

Russ Buchanan "Paying the Price"

Buchanan sidelined "indefinitely"

Russ Buchanan visits Ratz dressing room

Bonny River, NB - An injury that captain Joe Stevens described as "unfortunate" could see Ratz forward Russ Buchanan out of the line up for an extended stint. Buchanan collided with teammate Jim Buchanan in Sunday's game versus the Milltown Moose.

Buchanan stated that all of the "bejesus" had been knocked out of him now and is following team doctor's orders to drink plenty of fluids and eat a truckoad of grub over the holidays. "I never really had any swelling until I blew my nose and under my eye puffed up. It's an injury to my nasal cavity and yes, I plan to keep my nose in my own business for awhile at least," noted the rugged Ratz star.  

Ratz get back on track

Ratz Down Bears 10-3 

Gregg Buchanan - Ratz Cap Player of the Game

Blacks Harbour, NB - The Bonny River Ratz posted a 10-3 victory over the Charlotte County Bears Tuesday night and got back on the winning track. Gregg Buchanan's 4 goal performance paced the Ratz who also got markers from Kyle Leslie, Carl Chambers, Mark Taylor, Greg Justason, Jack MacNeil and Shane Lee. Goaltender Warren Giesbrecht was solid once again for the Ratz and was up to the task when called upon. Taylor's scrambly goal from behind the goal line was his 898th and edged him closer to his next milestone.    

The win brought the third place Ratz up to 8-6-1 for 17 points on the season. Meanwhile, the first place Blacks Harbour Timberwolves downed the St. George XXX 6 - 4 in the other FIHL game.

The league now breaks for Christmas but gets right back to business on Tuesday, the 27th with the Bears tangling with the Kingfishers at 7:40 and the Ratz playing the XXX at 9:10.

Walsh: "Ratz are the gentlemen of the FIHL"

Ratz are the cleanest team in the league

Kingfishers GM Matty Walsh

Blacks Harbour, NB - It's not often that another team's management has good things to say about one of their arch rivals but on Monday Matty Walsh was full of accolades for the Bonny River Ratz. The Kingfishers GM noted, "They play on the edge of the rules and that makes them hard to defend against. Bar none, they are the cleanest team in the league. I have played with most of them and I'd have to say they are absolute gentlemen; the pillars of the local hockey community if you will."

This assessment seems to be in contrast to some of Walsh's cohorts and associates who have long been critical of the Ratz style of play. Walsh added, "I know that not everybody may agree with me, but they exemplify what we want our league to be. Peace out baby."

Ratz fall to Moose in a toenail biter

Hyslop Backs Stops Moose to Victory

Milltown Moose Star Goalie JJ Hyslop

Blacks Harbour, NB - After falling behind 4-1, the Bonny River Ratz clawed back to within one goal but couldn't get the equalizer. The Ratz fell 4-3 to the Milltown Moose in Sunday night FIHL action. Eric McDonald netted a pair including the winner and Jeremy Leavitt and Chris Nelson got singles to pace the visiting Moose. Jack McNeil, Joe Stevens and Jim Buchanan replied for the Ratz. 

The win put the Moose within a whisker of the Ratz who are in 3rd place. The Moose are 7-7-1 for 15 points while the Ratz are 7-6-1 for 15 points but played one less game.

The Fundy Kingfishers downed the Charlotte County Bears 9-5 to tie the Blacks Harbour Timberwolves with 26 points for top spot but the Wolves have played less games.

The league resumes Tuesday night with the aforementioned Timberwolves taking on St. George XXX at 7:40 and the Ratz playing the Bears at 9:10.

Walsh receives promotion at Hockey Voice

Hockey Voice VP of Entertainment Joe Walsh

Toronto, Ontario, Canada - The Hockey Voice is pleased to announce that with the re-launching of the site, they were able to retain the services of their entertainment director Joe Walsh and has been promoted to VP of Entertainment. Walsh will continue to deliver insightful and hard-hitting stories covering the whole entertainment scene whether it is music, TV or the big screen.



A very elated Joe Walsh said in a telephone interview that it marked the start of a new era. "I have been a fan of the Voice since it was mere e-mail phenomena that Mark Taylor used to do in his spare time. I am happy with my appointment and the re-launching of this site. I got my Christmas present early."

Timberwolves at the top of the pack

Blacks Harbour, NB - Although all the stats have not been submitted, it is known that the Blacks Harbour Timberwolves sit atop the FIHL standings with an impressive 13 win and 1 loss record for 26 points. The club is 2 points up on the Fundy Kingfishers who sport a 12-3 record for 24 points. The hot Bonny River Ratz are in third with a 7-5-1 record, good for 15 points. The St. George XXX are fourth with a 7-7 record for 14 points. The Charlotte County Bears were 6-9 for 12 points but the results from last Thursday's game with Milltown are not known. NBCC is last with a 0-14 record. The record for the Milltown Moose is not known at this time.

Stevens "Taylor is not on the trading block"

Ratz spend to the cap "finally"

Team Captain Joe Stevens shows off team's cash during recent meeting

Bonny River, NB - Now that the Bonny River Ratz have turned things around, the stories of Mark Taylor being moved have gone away. Joe Stevens said he felt the heat during the 2-5-1 star more than anybody. "I had fans coming to me right on the street saying they were disappointed with the team and I took that personally. I didn't want to even talk about moving Taylor but guys like Matty Walsh kept calling me wanting to make a deal but I'm glad I didn't now. I went to the owners and told them we needed help and they wanted to see what my plans were and I laid it all out there.We juggled some things around and brought in Jim O'Halloran and it has changed our fortunes. The D has been solid and our goaltending has been stellar. Any time you start talking about a deal that involves guys like Mark Taylor, you know things must be bad. Then again, Wayne Gretzky was traded so anybody is available on this squad. The boys should be aware of that if they're not already." 

Justason out of Ratz line up - denies rumours

Justason "I know my role"

Ratz star Greg Justason avoiding reporters after last Sunday's game

Bonny River, NB - It is not known if perennial all-star Greg Justason will be in the Ratz line up tonight VS the Milltown Moose. Suffering from what the team is calling "an industrial type injury," Justason has been forced to the sidelines. 

Justason has been the source of some rumours circulating lately, all of which the rugged forward denies. The recent signing of Jim O'Halloran has sort of put Justason down the pecking order and appears to be the end of him being on the BIG Line with Mark Taylor and Joe Stevens. The team has gone on a 5 game winning streak since the signing.

Justason spoke briefly with reporters on Saturday. "I know my role on this team. Sure, I'd like to stay on the BIG Line but there comes a time when I have to put the team ahead of my own success. I'm not mad or disappointed and would appreciate it if people could just give me my privacy during this very tough time in my career. By the way, where the hell has the Hockey Voice been when things were going good around here?"   



Ratz now on a roll after a very rocky start

Dewar Ratz Cap Player of the Game

Matt "Nick" Dewar

Bonny River, NB - After what some experts called a disastrous beginning to the 2011-2011 FIHL season, the Bonny River Ratz have righted the ship. There was talk to the team shopping around their marquee player Mark Taylor which did not happen and it now appears that it was the right move.

Last Sunday, the Rodents downed the St. George XXX in a thrilling shootout with rookie sensation Matt "Nick" Dewar scoring the winner. It put the club 2 games over .500 at 7 wins and 5 losses and one shootout loss. Dewar met with reporters just after the victory and noted that "he's living out his hockey dream." Dewar was signed last summer after travelling to Portland with the sqaud and proving his worth by playing alongside 897 goal scorer Mark Taylor and former NHL-er Gary McAdam.

The Ratz take on the Milltown Moose in Blacks Harbour Sunday, Dec. 18 at 9:10 and some seats are still available for that one. The Fundy Kingfishers take on the Charlotte County Bears at 7:40.

Walsh: "It's Poop Stain Season Again!"

Kingfishers GM Matty Walsh at team headquarters



Blacks Harbour, NB - It may be on the edge of moose season in Charlotte County, but Fundy Kingfishers GM Matty Walsh has declared it "poop stain season." Walsh was referring to the seemingly overpowering squad the Bonny River Ratz have put together in the off season.

Walsh noted, "If I told you to get a bunch of my hockey heroes and put them all on one team, you'd probably have the Bonny River Ratz 2011-2012 squad. Mark Taylor, Joe Stevens, Carl Chambers, Jim Buchanan, JD Cote, and on and on. If this hasn't got around to the rest of the league yet, there will be some very frightened people at the Fundy Arena this fall I'm afraid when they find out. It's definitely poop stain season where I'm sitting."

Walsh says "Piss on the Ratz!"

"The Ratz are nothing but a joke!"

Kingfishers GM Matty Walsh shows what he thinks of the Bonny River Ratz Roster Moves

Stevens Meets Alcohol Compliance Supervisor

Stevens: "I guess he got the last laugh"

Joe Stevens and Alcohol Compliance Supervisor Outside Fenway Park

Boston, MA - After making our way through the crowded streets of Boston outside Fenway Park, we spotted a guy in a bright yellow shirt with "Alcohol Compliance Supervisor" stitched on his shirt. We had no idea who he was or what he did, but thought after swilling a few pops on the street, on a rick-shaw, in a parking lot in plain view of police, we thought it would be funny to get a picture.

After we got in the game, and the heat was really turned up, we thought it would be a good idea to have a pop or two. The vendors were hollering out "Beer for Sale!" and we kept waving our hands but nobody was paying attention. Then we spotted the guy in the yellow shirt and it all became very clear. The section we were in was not allowed to have beer delivered to it and this guy was there to make damn sure of it too. We had to go and wait in line like the other common folk.

We learned what an Alcohol Compliance Supervisor was doing at Fenway Park and what his duties were.      

Buchanan "excited" about 2011-2012 Season

Buchanan: "3 Buchanans = Total Chaos

Jim Buchanan reflects on upcoming season

Bonny River, NB - Jim Buchanan took a few minutes to sit down and do an exclusive Hockey Voice interview late Saturday. Buchanan, usually and very quiet and reserved guy, opened up about the upcoming FIHL season and how he sees it playing out. Buchanan touched on the signing of his cousin Gregg Buchanan and called it "monumental in the whole scheme of things." He added, "I went to management after last year's playoffs and told them Taylor can't do it all. We need somebody to come in and give us some secondary scoring and take care of the rough shit if it flares up. We got a guy out winning the block shot championship every year who also happens to has almost 900 career goals. Something had to give. I'm hearing the Ratz are planning on putting the Buchanan boys all on the same line and that's exciting. (Russell, Gregg & Jim). I think total chaos might be an understatement, but we'll see."

Ratz making roster moves to deal with cap issues

Dewar, Frost and Buchanan all sign 1 year deals

L to R - Carl Chambers, Matt Dewar, Warren Giesbrecht, Gregg Buchanan, Greg Justason, Joe Stevens, Jason Frost, Mark Taylor, Jim Buchanan. (Taken in Falmouth, ME in late July, 2011 by Sports Illustrated)

Bonny River, NB - Puck drop is weeks away and the Bonny River Ratz have been aggressive in the off season in hopes of bringing a championship to the community. Last December, the mini-metro area suffered a devastating flood and it was at that time team captain Joe Stevens said he was determined to turn things around.

Stevens said, "I looked around when me and my friends were performing miracles and said how can I really give back? Grabbing the Fish Bowl might just do the trick. We tried last season but were unsuccessful again. I met with my advisers and developed a plan to turn things around. We have brought in local boys Jason Frost and Gregg Buchanan to give us some toughness. Then when we were in Maine this summer, Matt Dewar was on a line with ex NHL-er Gary McAdam and the legendary Mark Taylor and performed beyond our expectations, so we're giving him a shot as well. It's unfortunate, but we're also announcing the release of Andrew Moffitt. He is a businessman, so he should understand that this is solely a business decision."

Former Ratz star has new haircut

Former Ratz Star Mark Johnson

Stevens ready for 2011-2012 Season

Stevens: "A little heavier but meaner"

Joe Stevens with furry friend on the New Road near Second Falls

 

Bonny River, NB - The 2011-2012 FIHL season is drawing near and it appears team captain Joe Stevens will be at the top of his game. Stevens has been on a strict regiment since the horn blew on the Ratz playoff hopes last spring. Throw in a mid-summer hockey tournament and the odd can of beer and you have a recipe for success, or so it would seem. Stevens noted in a telephone interview with the Hockey Voice that he "is ready to go right now."

 

"The Ratz have not rebuilt this offseason, once again we have re-loaded. From what we have heard from a lot of the experts, the Ratz are heavily-favoured to take it all. Taylor needs 9 goals for his 900th and that is a walk in the park for a guy like that. We are bringing in some tough guys to go along with the mostly finesse guys we already have. All in all, it's a great looking squad, eh Guy?"

Greg Justason: A Big Hit on National Television

Taylor Dabbles in Animation

Click on this link and check out the 2010 Local Hero Awards Ceremony.


http://goanimate.com/movie/0G32rCDzqadQ/1

More of the Greatest Hits from Rollin' on the River

Still Rollin’ on the River

June 17, 2008

By now we all know and it has been clinically proven, that killing spiders does make it rain. I used to think that it was all made up like people telling you not to swim right after you eat and that sometimes when you make faces, your face will stay that way. Somebody was saying that this shit is taught in the school system as well, but I must have been sick that day.
In light of all this, I would like to know who the rotten sons of whores who killed all the spiders in this area lately because we've got a pisspot full of rain and somebody must have wiped out a nest or something. I was watching CNN one night and George Bush came on and called on all the people to stop killing the spiders, especially the itsy bitsy ones. And no, I don’t think I dreamed this all up or that it didn’t happen.

I was behind this guy the other day that had what I thought was a very thought provoking thing on his New Brunswick license plate. Under the license plate number, it had the word “Conversation” written in small letters. If you weren’t looking for it, you wouldn’t notice it at all, but of course, old Hawkeye here picked right up on it. I suspect it is a very clever thing the government put on there to get us all talking and I think it will go a long ways to promote peace and harmony in what used to be called the Picture Province, but is now just called Nouveau Brunswick. I ain’t no rocket specialist, but I think they should have had some conversation about putting the goddam fines so high that an honest man can’t afford them anymore.

One big fashion trend from the past that has gone by the wayside is the use of the ear for putting things behind. Now all they are used for is pretty well is to hang earrings on and that’s unfortunate. You used to see people with pencils and cigarettes mainly, but not any more. I remember one time I got my ear chopped off in kindling accident and somebody found it in the snow. When they first handed it to me, I refused it because mine had a pencil behind it, but then I realized that it was a really good chance that it was mine. The story ended happily ever after and I can now keep my sunglasses straight thanks to the quick thinking and a good doctor’s needle.

All through time, people have marvelled at the great memory of the big elephant, including me. I will be the first to admit that I don’t know anything about an elephant’s memory, but I do like the saying. I am still waiting to hear about one of these critters getting a big whack in the noggin and see what happens then. I bet if they ever got a big body check from former NHL-er Scott Stevens, they might not be recalling everything that happened. I wonder if Cheech and Chong had an elephant, would he be as sharp as a marble? I somehow suspect not.

Taylor to Release Greatest Hits Package of Rollin' on the River

Former Rollin' on the River writer Mark Taylor

Invariably, as I make my way around the area, I run into people who know me and recognize me from my days when I was a writer of the weekly column Rollin' on the River. People are always asking me if I'm going to get it going and I always say probably not. This stuff has stuck with me and like an aging rock star with no recent hits, I've decided to release a greatest hits package of some of my best material (in my eyes). Now if your memory is as screwed as mine, these might even appear to be brand new to you. I realize I will have to pick and choose as some stories would have been topical and current at the time but are not even relevant any more.

So to all my fans out there, here's the first installment of the Rollin' on the River Greatest Hits;

December 18, 2007

I enjoy talking to people I don’t know. There are no preconceived notions and all you have to worry about is that dreaded first impression. I was sitting in an eating establishment in Saint John recently and I noticed a chap trucking around and looked to be one of the big shots of the place. He was decked out in the apparel that lead me to believe that, and he was lugging around rolls of change which is a sure sign of authority in such an atmosphere. I was waiting for my grub and figured I would strike up a conversation. Of course, I said, “Are you rocking hard today? His response was something I could have predicted – “Always do man.” You have to have that gut feeling on the people you are talking to. Maybe Larry King should have read this column and use this tip. I saw him interview Kid Rock and he never asked him that question. That would have been the first thing out of my mouth. As I’ve said many times before and it’s worth saying again, “What’s wrong with people?”

What difference does it make what your occupation is when you commit a crime? You know what I’m talking about. Stuff like, “Pig Farmer commits horrific crimes,” or “Bank Manager steals pens.” There’s probably times when it is relevant, but in most cases it is not. If you’re a doctor and you’re running around unplugging hospital equipment, then maybe they should give out what you do for a living. To say, “Captain of softball team responsible for hospital deaths” is kind of distorting the real deal.

Maybe if Michael Vick was a dog psychologist, he may have been able to say that the dogs were his clients and they had to assert themselves and stick up for themselves more. I thought this occupation was bogus when I heard about for the first time. I now think this would be a good racket to get into. You can just keep telling the dog’s owner (also known at the person with the cash) that Tippy needs more help and a few more sessions should do the trick. At least you know Tippy isn’t gonna tell his owner on the way home that you don’t know that the fuckin' idiot don't know squat. Man, this is a license to print money. Giddy up!

I'm just saying.............

Cunningham Predicts Habs Victory in Game 4

Cunningham: "If I have anything to do with it, it's a Habs W Thursday night"Geoff Cunningham's "Secret Weapon"

Richardson now a "believer"

Richardson confirms his seat on the Habs Bandwagon

Text message to Hockey Voice by Chris Richardson

Pilltown, NB - Maybe the world is going crazy or maybe Chris Richardson finally has the eyesight that he always wanted, but the staunch Leafs supporter is firmly behind the Habs quest for the Cup. Knowing full well the skepticism that a lot of the Hockey Voice readers have, editor Mark Taylor knew he needed substantial proof of the conversion. It came through at 6:53 pm AST tonight.

The Hockey Voice undergoes great scrutiny through the year as Richardson himself audits the stories carried in the Hockey Voice. Richardson even said, "I told Taylor that if he's going to associate my name with his publication, I don't want any bullshit stories and so far, he has held up his end of the bargain. Whether its his goals total of 890, the St. George Space Program, Joe Stevens flashing fistfuls of cash to new players, Matty Walsh rassling bears, or whatever, I have found no inconsistencies. One time I found he spelled a word wrong and we got it fixed right away."

Meanwhile, the aforementioned Matty Walsh looked over the text message and concluded, "I looked over the message and concluded there is no way other than if Taylor has Richardson's phone that he could have pulled this one off. I know my bullshit and this is not bullshit. These are true facts."

Hockey Voice Introduces New Diet Plan

The Results Are In!

Richardson & Cunningham on the Habs BandwagonBrain X Ray of Chris Richardson and Geoff Cunningham

Bonny River, NB - In a never-ending struggle to get the truth, the Hockey Voice paid some big bucks to find out exactly what is in the minds of two of the area's Leafs fan's heads. Chris Richardson and Geoff Cunningham, both Hockey Voice staffers, agreed to let the medical field tell the world what most of us already knew. The duo are firm on the Habs Bandwagon, as most of Canada east of the British Columbia and Alberta border is already.

An embarrassed Richardson noted, "I knew I couldn't win here. If I didn't allow the X Ray, Taylor would just say it anyway so I did it, big deal. GO HABS GO!"

Cunningham said, "Well, the secret is out now and that's okay by me. At least we know there's something going on inside of my head, which is more than I can say about a lot of people I know."

Hoffman talks about his famous buddy

Hoffman: "Jack Nicholson is a hoot!"

Chris Hoffman and Nick Nozzilio share a beer and laugh with Jack Nicholson

Saint John, NB - Chris Hoffman has played a lot of hockey and me a lot of people but he says Jack Nicholson is a "hoot" and somebody you can count on. Hoffman met Nicholson one year during a vacation and the actor related to him his knowledge of hockey.

Hoffman said, "I had seen him at Laker games and stuff on TV and just figured he was all basketball, but when he got asking me about the FIHL, I knew he was a REAL hockey fan. Just recently, he called me and and asked how many goals Taylor had now and when I thought he'd get his 900th. Of course, I told him - pretty well any time Taylor wants to. He likes the Ratz the best but the Kingfishers are a close second. I wouldn't be surprised that when Taylor gets 895 or so, he'll be flying in and following the team. I mean, Taylor could get 5 goals in his sleep. I love One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and it never gets old."