Sweeney has ideal rig for the the "man on the go"

NBCC Whalers head coach Justin Sweeney

Kingfishers' members form new band

Turds of Misery - Andrew Clark, Jamie Harris and Matty Walsh

FIHL Wishes a Happy Holiday to All

Jim Buchanan

Carl Chambers

Jason McFarlane

Joe Stevens

Greg Justason

Jeff MacQuarrie

Hockey Voice Exclusive

Bonny River from the granite mountain

Towards Second Falls from the old granite mountain in Bonny River

The eastern side of the Linton Stream Bridge

Bonny River, NB - Roads are opening up again and things are returning to somewhat normal conditions for many but others are not quite as fortunate. The flood was more of an inconvenience for me. While I was home since Tuesday morning, I had calls and text message from people who asked how I was doing and what they could do. I talked to the boys from Cooke's who were doing admirable work picking up people and making sure everybody was looked after. Jack MacNeil from Bonny River Ratz fame and an employee of the Dept. of Natural Resources extended his invitation of help to me and anybody who needed it. Flakeboard has offered up building materials to anybody who needs it, no questions asked. I'm sure there's plenty of people and companies who have also done likewise but these are the ones that I know about personally.

I am always amazed at the human kindness shown when people really need it. I said it many times and I'll say it again - there's always somebody out there worse off than you and if they are in Bonny River, there's people with their hands out to help.

MacQuarrie sums up Bears loss with one word

Charlotte County Bears star veteran Jeff MacQuarrie

Blacks Harbour, NB - The sting of the 8-4 loss Tuesday night against the Bonny River Ratz has now subsided for the Charlotte County Bears. In fact, just after the game, Jeff MacQuarrie entered the Ratz dressing room to discuss the game and other matters and let it be known he was not troubled by it. Actually, FUHGEDABOUDIT, a popular New York term, was the message he wanted to deliver.

MacQuarrie added, "We were only down 3-1 after two periods and a bounce here and a bounce there and we'd be right back in it. In fact, we did get within 1 goal at 4-3, but the friggin' wheels fell off the cart again."

Moffitt's trick sinks Bears

Andrew Moffitt gives thumbs up on Ratz victory

Blacks Harbour, NB - Andrew Moffitt potted a hat trick while linemate Russell Buchanan added a pair, as did Greg Justason and Jack MacNeil rounded out the scoring with a single as the Bonny River Ratz downed the Charlotte County Bears 8-4 Tuesday night. T.J. Matser scored a pair for the Bears and Tim Dunfield and Daniel Leavitt netted singles.

The Ratz had a season high turnout with 15 skaters and captain Joe Stevens was forced to make some tough decisions. Stevens and Jim Buchanan were dropped back to defense and Stevens called the duo "the shutdown twosome."

Russell Buchanan's promotion to the BIG Line was well-received by the rookie who responded and broke out of his scoring drought. "When you know you're going out on a line with Taylor on it, the open ice available is amazing. I never realized it until last night. I watch Taylor play and it almost becomes another day at the office for him, but the guy opens up many doors that I didn't even know existed. I just hope that I can stay on the line," noted a jubilant Buchanan.

The Ratz roll into St. Andrews Thursday night at 8:30 to take on the Milltown Moose.

Stevens cautiously optimistic about tonight's game

Ratz captain Joe Stevens (L) on his way to team meeting with bodyguard

Bonny River, NB - The Ratz aren't ready to start making predictions on up coming games. "I've been burned too many times know what I'm saying? I ain't making no predictions, no matter what, know what I'm saying? Yeah, we're playing the Colts/Pirates/Bears tonight but we ain't taking nuthin' for granted. We gonna play our game. They've changed their name more times than my boy Diddy, know what I'm saying?" noted Ratz team captain Joe Stevens.

Thompson releases motivational poster

Cush Thompson administers a dose of reality

Kingfishers brass refuse to comment on allegations

Blacks Harbour, NB - A very dejected and tight-lipped Kingfishers brass walked by reporters Monday morning, refusing to comment on a picture that alleges that maybe one of their team members is in the Taliban.

When faced with the picture, team captain Greg Groom noted, "Why are you asking me? I don't even know who that is. Why must the Hockey Voice continue to pick on the Kingfishers? Who says that person plays for the Kingfishers? I'm so sick of this shit."

Another great Trews tune from Saint John show "Ishmael & Maggie"

Fubar 2 set to be released on DVD

If you've seen Fubar, then you have to get Fubar 2 that is set to be released on DVD December 28. The two metal heads Terry and Deaner get back together for what I can imagine will be a truly memorable movie experience. For some reason, this movie never made it to any of our local theaters which goes to show you what sort of people we have running them.

Get this important DVD December 28 and don't be disappointed.

Hoffman "disappointed" by teammates reaction after loss

Matty Walsh and Cush Thompson celebrate after loss to Ratz

Blacks Harbour, NB - Some of the celebrating after Tuesday night's stinging loss to the arch rival Ratz didn't sit well with some of the Fundy Kingfishers. An exclusive photo of Matty Walsh and Cush Thompson whooping it up in an undisclosed location has caused some issues within the Kingfishers camp. One in particular was Chris Hoffman who was very vocal about it.

"Sure, I'm disappointed with Walsh and Thompson. They should have been home going over plays and replaying mistakes and stuff, but instead they chose to party down. I mean, Taylor and Stevens put on a clinic out there tonight. Am I the only one who sees a problem here? If so, then dip my balls in a bowl of sweet cream and put me in a roomful of kitty cats," noted a very dejected Hoffman.

Hockey Voice covers Fundy Arena Meeting

Councillor Dave Mahar

Arena treasurer Fred Maker and Mike MacQuarrie crunch numbers

Arena President Mike MacQuarrie

Blacks Harbour, NB - Where was TSN when Mark Taylor was delivering the Bod on the Wad? Where was Sportsnet when Mark Taylor was scoring his 800th goal? Where was ESPN the Kingfishers captured 3 out of a possible 4 FIHL titles? Where was CBC when the Timberwolves said "enough is enough?"

The Hockey Voice covered all these historic events and with absolutely no bullshit. Monday night the Hockey Voice attended a meeting on the future of the Fundy Arena. The rink is being funded primarily by the village with some assistance from the Town of St. George and of course, from the various user groups like the FIHL, Brunswick Curling Club, Figure Skating Club and Fundy Minor Hockey. The meeting was called to bring in all the groups to address the shortfalls and to determine what the financial standing is of each group.

A follow up meeting will be held in December to assess what role the village should play based upon sheer numbers of their residents who actually use the facility versus "outsiders." It was discussed at the meeting and a conclusion was drawn that most of the users are from outside the village limits and yet, the the municipality is the one shouldering most of the costs. A plan will be formulated to perhaps even up the financial involvement of the village based up the numbers.

Blacks Harbour, NB -

Ratz double Kingfishers

Chris Hoffman of the Kingfishers

Blacks Harbour, NB - Joe Stevens potted a hat trick and Andrew Moffitt, Greg Justason, and Rick McFarlane all had a pair and Corey Spear added a single as the Bonny River Ratz hammered the Fundy Kingfishers 10-5 in FIHL action. Meanwhile, Chris Richardson netted a pair and teammates Eric Jean, Chris Hoffman and Aaron MacQuarrie added singles in a losing effort.

Warren Giesbrecht was steady in the Ratz net to gain the win and Matty Walsh suffered the loss in the Kingfishers cage. Walsh, although dejected, met with a scrum of reporters after the match. "That BIG line of Stevens, Taylor and Moffitt were on fire tonight. Here I was trying to shut down Taylor and the other two get 5. Taylor was dishing tonight and making some pretty cool plays. To said I'm afraid of the Ratz now might be a huge understatement. They definitely came to play tonight," noted Walsh.

Murray enjoys life after Ratz

Kevin Murray with Mike

Mascarene, NB - Kevin Murray says he misses going to the rink, but doesn't regret his retirement from the Bonny River Ratz. "I had a good run with the Ratz and sometimes I wish I was back there. I have my pet moose Mike now and we're getting along pretty good. It keeps me pretty busy keeping all the idiots from shooting at him," said Murray in an interview.

Kingfishers "worried" about tilt with Ratz

Matty Walsh holds Mark Taylor's 800th goal puck

Blacks Harbour, NB - Normally, a game early in the season against a team that has been struggling is not a big deal, but not to Kingfishers GM Matty Walsh. The 7-1-0 Kingfishers lock horns with the 2-4-1 Ratz and it has some people a bit "nervous."

Walsh noted, "Well, they have a guy (Mark Taylor) whose scored 883 goals, do you need more? He's been a little cold lately, but scores in bunches once he gets going. I've called everybody I can think of to play net Tuesday and it looks like it will fall on yours truly. I'm shakier than a long tailed cat in a roomful of rocking chairs."

Report: Spear incorrectly blamed for remarks

Joe Stevens meets with press Wednesday night
Corey Spear and pet parrot leaving St. Andrews Wednesday

Bonny River, NB - After a stinging loss Wednesday night to the NBCC Whalers by an 8-6 score, the Bonny River Ratz were looking for answers. An in-depth talk after the game revealed that ejected player Corey Spear did not utter a word but his pet parrot had plenty to say. Spear was thrown out of the game for supposed remarks made after an official's decision.

Team Captain Joe Stevens noted, "We just found out about what happened to Spear and it's unfortunate. We are looking to get the win somehow or at least replay the game. Clearly, Corey Spear doesn't say anything to referees and it had to be that stupid parrot saying stuff. We'll get the two points I think."

The Trews put on spectacular acoustic show at Imperial Theater

"I feel the rain" played live Thursday night in Saint John's Imperial Theater

Photo surfaces from Brutal Labour Day Bear Fight

Matty Walsh (Right) poses with opponent

Blacks Harbour, NB - It has been over 2 months since Matty Walsh rassled a bear at the Fundy Arena and the Hockey Voice just obtained a photo of the rugged creature and the bear.

Walsh noted that it was family picture, but he figured the Hockey Voice fans would appreciate it. "We were just sitting around having a beer together and somebody came in with a camera. The bear was hammered," noted a very proud Walsh.

Report: Taylor and Stevens rapped together years ago

A younger Joe Stevens and Mark Taylor

Ratz lose squeaker to Kingfishers

Kingfishers star Matty Walsh leaving Fundy Arena

Blacks Harbour, NB - All is quiet in Ratz Nation this morning after they lost a close one Tuesday night 11-2 to the arch rivals Fundy Kingfishers. The Ratz were in the game at the puck drop but fell behind early and never recovered. The Kingfishers dazzled and dangled their way through the skeleton staff on the Ratz, who had 9 out of 16 skaters present.

Still, the Ratz Captain Joe Stevens was not about to offer up excuses. He noted, "The Kingfishers came to play tonight. They always get up to play the Ratz. The keyed in on Taylor early and I think Taylor's line might have been -11, although we haven't got the final stats yet. He played with Buchanan and MacDougall and then I took over in the third from Buchanan and we did manage to play half-assed. You decide if it was putting Buchanan on D or moving me up that made the difference. We play Sunday and we hope to get a better effort and a better turn-out."

Report: Kingfishers are #1 in Blacks Harbour

Gerald McGarrigle picking the Kingfishers over Ratz in Tuesday's match

Blacks Harbour, NB - Longtime local sports enthusiast Gerald McGarrigle is picking the Fundy Kingfishers to beat the Bonny River Ratz Tuesday night at the Fundy Arena. McGarrigle noted, "I have my Pro Line picks all done - Kingfishers to beat the Ratz; pure and simple. I know the Ratz have Mark Taylor, but he can't do it all. Put two or three guys on him and he's toast."

Walsh: "We hope to contain Taylor"

"This ain't your Daddy's Ratz anymore"
Matty Walsh as he leaves Kingfishers headquarters

Blacks Harbour, NB -Matty Walsh met with Kingfishers exectutives Monday to go over the game plan for their game versus the Bonny River Ratz at 7:40 Tuesday.

A very serious and solemn Walsh noted, "The best we can hope for is to contain Taylor and try to minimize his impact. He's got a scoring streak going and this guy can fill the net so we'll try to have 2 or 3 guys on him at all times."

Is Richard in Ratz sights?

Andrew Clark's reaction; "Piss on it!"
Frankie Richard at Ratz Meeting Tuesday

Bonny River, NB – Kingfishers veteran Frankie Richard met with Bonny River Ratz management late Tuesday to discuss his future with the organization.

Richard said, “The Ratz are the only team I’d even consider moving to if a deal can be made. I will be meeting with Matty Walsh to determine what can be done.”

Meanwhile, a very upset Walsh noted, “It’s been four years since Richard signed with us and I doubt he still knows how to sign his name so I’m not overly concerned about him signing with anybody.”

Ratz captain Joe Stevens was very tight-lipped but did offer, “I think Richard seems a little too horny to play for us and I wonder what's behind that. I will say that’s the biggest set of horns I've seen all hunting season so that's a positive."

Ratz lose tough one in shootout

Stevens pays the price in loss

A visibly shaken Joe Stevens after loss

Blacks Harbour, NB - The St. George XXX needed a shootout to put the FIHL's top-ranked Bonny River Ratz Tuesday night. Gregg Buchanan and Sara Ross scored in a shootout while Joe Stevens was the only Ratz player to bend the twine. The XXX prevailed 4-3 despite a valiant Ratz effort. Joe Stevens suffered a life-threatening injury early in thr first period but returned for the final stanza. Stevens is expected to make a complete recovery and is scheduled to be in the line-up for next Tuesday's match with rival Fundy Kingfishers.

Ryan MacDonald, Jamie Ross, and Gregg Buchanan scored in regulation for the XXX and Jason McFarlane, Andrew Moffitt and Mark Taylor replied for the Ratz. It was goal #881 for Taylor, who continues to edge toward his next milestone of 900. Both goalies, Warren Giesbrecht and Nick Ganong were steady between the pipes. After the game, XXX netminder Ganong noted, "I will have a hard time sleeping tonight after Taylor scored on me." When asked about the comment, Taylor replied, "I don't see why he'd say that. It wasn't my first one on him and it won't be my last. If that's the case, I must be the source of a lot of insomnia in this area."

Taylor releases secret ingredient to phenomenal success

Mr. Zogs Sex Wax for Hockey Sticks

Being sold by Mark Taylor - "Mr. 800"

Bonny River, NB - If you're toiling in a hockey league and would like to see your numbers increase, why not use what Mark Taylor uses, the scorer of 880 career goals? Taylor has obtained a sizable shipment of Mr. Zogs Sex Wax and is offering it up the general public as "2 pucks for 5 bucks."

In case you haven't been out of your cave in awhile, Mark Taylor is the undisputed "King of Industrial League Hockey," according to former teammates Matty Walsh and Chris Richardson.

You apply it over the tape of your stick and it flattens out the tape to allow a smoother shot and makes the blade stickier to help you control the puck for stick-handling, passing and shooting. Goalies also apply it to the shaft of their stick to help their grip.

See Mark Taylor to get your edge and get on your way to stardom. If Mr. 800 is using it, why aren't you?

Corey Spear partying with George W.

Former President George Bush and Corey Spear

Bonny River, NB - It was supposed to be top secret but news has leaked out that Ratz star Corey Spear has been photographed partying with former US President George W. Bush.

Ratz captain Joe Stevens met with reporters on Monday morning and noted, "We are aware of Spear whooping it up, and we are told he will not be available for Tuesday's game VS the XXX. I'm not saying that's his choice and that's all I'm saying at this time. No further comment."

The King is Back

Elvis visits Blacks Harbour

St. Andrews Mayor John Craig and the King at Blacks Harbour Freshmart

Blacks Harbour, NB - Elvis Presley is not dead. It was confirmed this morning that he is alive and well and on tour. The King stopped by the Blacks Harbour Freshmart and greeted John Craig, the Mayor of St. Andrews. While there, Craig extended a welcome to the music legend to stop by the Shiretown anytime for a visit.

Kingfishers announce signing of veteran

Kingfishers star Andrew Clark (picture taken by Chris Hoffman)

Blacks Harbour, NB - The Fundy Kingfishers announced the signing of veteran player Andrew Clark. Clark was a member of the Kingfishers early dynasty and played on two FIHL championship teams. Although GM Matty Walsh firmly denies the report, Clark was rumoured to be seeking a position with other clubs before settling with the Kingfishers. In fact, as recent as last Sunday, Clark was supposedly asking the Bonny River Ratz for a contract, something that Walsh says is "Mark Taylor and Joe Stevens propoganda bullshit."

"I had some cap issues and needed to juggle things a bit. Although I never actually announced a contract or tryout for him, we have officially released Mr. Deke Cheney. Also, to say Clark asked Taylor for a job is simply not true. We actually have a couple guys who could make the Ratz, but at this point in the season, it's not Clark," noted Walsh.

Clark expects to be in the line up tonight as the Kingfishers tackle the Milltown Moose in St. Andrews at 8:30.

Ratz continue to roll along

Andrew Moffitt relaxes after the win

Blacks Harbour, NB - Andrew Moffitt made his 2010-2011 season debut and was immediately put on the BIG line with Mark Taylor and Joe Stevens. Moffitt potted a pair of goals as did Jim Buchanan while Stevens and Eric Lee added singles as the Bonny River Ratz downed the Lepreau Pirates 6-3. Keaton McKay replied with a pair in a losing effort while Matt Hatt scored a single for the Pirates.

The win put the Ratz on top of the FIHL standings with a 2-0 record and captain Joe Stevens was vocal about some line up changes made by the rodents. "I understand Greg Justason was upset by some comments made after game 1 and I understand that. I'm not saying he was told to stay home tonight, but certainly plugging Moffitt into the BIG Line paid huge dividends. When a line isn't connecting and one of the pieces gets replaced and it takes off like a dog with turpentine up its ass, anybody can connect those dots. I just want the public to know the Ratz are on a roll here and we're not letting personalities get in the way. If Justason comes back, he may get back on the BIG Line and he may not. It will be a game time decision for sure. This is a business, not a game," noted a very content Stevens.

Walsh shows interest in Outdoor Activities Position

Joe Walsh in his Viagra Ad

Toronto, Ontario, Canada - The news about Jim Buchanan's sudden departure from the Hockey Voice has spread to Toronto. Joe Walsh said he was "shocked" by the move but would love to give outdoor activities a try. "I'm always grabbing a gun and going out on the street hunting. People are used to it now. They used to give me the hairy eyeball at one time. I have a tree stand across the street in a park and every weekend, I'm grabbing a cooler and deer call and hanging out in it," noted Walsh.

No decision has been made and the Hockey Voice is offering no comment.

Picture of Buchanan opens up an investigation

Jack MacNeil

Bonny River, NB - An investigation is under way regarding a Hockey Voice photo of Jim Buchanan with a dead bear. Local Forest Ranger Jack MacNeil says he's consulting with his "people" on whether it is even legal to bait a bear with root beer. MacNeil said, "I heard Buchanan used root beer to bait that bear. Of course, we'd like to meet and talk it over. We are also looking at when the bear was shot and have sought an injunction under the Right to Know Shit Act to determine when the animal was shot and the picture was taken. I think everybody had better chill out; this is a legal matter and I play hockey with Jim, so it's pretty sensitive stuff."

Meanwhile, exiled and former Hockey Voice employee Jim Buchanan said he welcomes the investigation. "Sure, I'd like to get this out in the open. The Hockey Voice likes to print pictures of people and make fun of them and now it looks like I might be doing hard time over this latest one. I'm not saying I'm guilty of anything illegal, you just never know about judges and stuff," noted Buchanan.

Buchanan "let go" from Hockey Voice

Jim Buchanan in happier days

Bonny River, NB - Due to "philosophical differences," the Hockey Voice announced that Jim Buchanan has had his position terminated, effective immediately. Buchanan joined the popular publication last week as director of outdoor activities. Reports are swirling that editor Mark Taylor and Buchanan had a disagreement over a picture that Buchanan refused to allow, saying "it would make him look like a pimp." Taylor denied the report, saying "he wanted Buchanan to merge the rural and urban lifestyles" with a photograph with a newly designed hunting hat.

A replacement has been sought and Taylor said the Voice is inerviewing many great candidates.

MacDougall's Hat Trick Sinks the Moose

Kyle Leslie enjoys post game celebration after scoring the game winner

Justin MacDougall - Ratz Cap Player of the Game

Blacks Harbour, NB - The sting of last year's exit from the FIHL playoffs has worn off and the Bonny River Ratz have rookie sensation Justin MacDougall to thank for it. MacDougall scored all three of his goals in the first period as the Ratz built up a 4-0 lead and coasted to a 6-2 victory over the visiting Milltown Moose. Kyle Leslie scored the winner and Shane Lee and Jim Buchanan each chipped a single for the Ratz. Ryan McGregor and Sean McSorley replied for the Moose. Warren Giesbrecht was very sharp and back-stopped the Ratz between the pipes while J.J. Hyslop suffered the loss.

Before the game, the Ratz held a ceremonial toast to fallen comrade Wayne Barrett who lost his battle with cancer in the summer of 2009. Wayne was a founding member of the team and his teammates have decided to keep his memory alive and keep him in their thoughts throughout the season. Wayne may be gone, but certainly is not forgotten.

After the game, Ratz captain Joe Stevens told MacDougall and fellow rookie and linemate Russell Buchanan to show up for Tuesday's game and to "bring their gear." Stevens also added, "I wouldn't want to have to shoot at Warren (Giesbrecht) all the time. He was solid but MacDougall stole the spotlight with that performance. I think Wayne would be proud of this one and would get a kick out of MacDougall lighting it up. The line of Jim Buchanan, MacDougall and Russell Buchanan certainly shone bright tonight but I might have to make some changes to get scoring from the BIG line."

This comment was apparently directed at Mark Taylor and Greg Justason who are on the BIG line with Stevens. A shaken and stirred Justason met with reporters after the game and offered,"Does it hurt to have Stevens call you out like that? Sure, it does, I'm only human and have feelings. Whose to say that it's not Taylor and I that need the help? I didn't Stevens' name on the scoresheet. Giving MacDougall his 88 jersey is a bullshit way of getting some publicity. We were all there; we know he didn't get squat. I'm getting used to this crap and just let it slide like duct tape off my back."

Ratz Captain on cover of a book about this great country

Joe Stevens (R) on the cover of "A day in the life of Canada"

Groom says "Ratz Team to beat this year"

Longtime Ratz fan Leonard Sinclair shows his approval for his favourite team Kingfishers Captain Greg Groom

Blacks Harbour, NB - Greg Groom has battled many big foe in his time, but he said that this year's version of the Bonny River Ratz may very well take the cake. In a candid interview, the shifty forward was very candid.

"I mean, they already have Taylor and Stevens and now they have added two MORE legitimate, bonafide superstars in Russell Buchanan and Justin MacDougall. Our scouting department didn't see either of these guys on the radar and that proves that maybe they are getting careless and lazy. The Ratz have gotten younger this year and from what I could see last Sunday, a helluva lot faster. Geez, Taylor looked like he had jets on his skates and Stevens? Well, he's already proven he's got great wheels. I think there should be some poop stains in some undies around this league if they don't have them already. Luckily, Matty Walsh does the schedule and we aren't playing them until Nov. 9th. I hope there's not an outbreak of the Ratz flu," added Groom.

2010-2011 FIHL Season set to start Sunday, Oct. 24

The 2010-2011 FIHL season kicks off Sunday with the Blackland Twisters from St. Stephen visiting the Bonny River Ratz at 7:40 p.m. and in the second match, the Lepreau Pirates take on the reigning league champs Fundy Kingfishers at 9:10 p.m.

There are still good seats available for both games.

Buchanan joins Hockey Voice staff as Director of Outdoor Activities

Jim Buchanan's Top 10 Gun Safety Rules
Jim Buchanan gives approval to new appointment

Bonny River, NB - It has been months since the Hockey Voice has hired any new help, but VP of Operations Chris Richardson said, "We felt we needed to add a guy who gives readers something else in addition to the wonderful stories we are already covering. This guy knows the outdoors and I can't think of a better guy for the job than Jim Buchanan."

Buchanan, who was on his way to a meeting noted, "I am excited about this turn of events. I've had my resume into the Hockey Voice for a long time and finally, somebody is listening. I am really busy getting ready for hunting season and stuff but would like to offer up these very important rules for guns; especially when it's that time of year."