Walsh Speaks Out on Misconduct

Walsh: "Enough is Enough!"Matty Walsh in Happier Times

Blacks Harbour, NB - It seems some things do not want to go away. After a league game between the NBCC St. Andrews team and the Blackland Twisters in St. Andrews Thursday night, the league referee was not impressed by the conduct of either team. After 8 game misconducts and talk of possible suspensions, the referee in question felt that both sides contributed to the problems and felt that they should stick to hockey before someone gets hurt. He urged that the FIHL take a stance and send out a communication denouncing the play.

After another reading the report from a league referee of misconduct, Matty Walsh was quick and decisive on his take of the affair. In a terse e-mail, Walsh said, "If this continues the entire NBCC team will be asked to leave the league. I don't believe this is a reflection on Justin (Sweeney) as he has put a lot of time and effort into putting this team together. Don't let a few bad apples ruin it for the entire team, please talk to your guys. I take it he (the official) is talking about the NBCC team as the St. Stephen boys have already played several games against other teams in the league and seem to only be interested in playing good clean fun hockey. Granted I am sure they are no different than the rest of the teams and will take matters into their own hands and you can't fault them for that. Let's try to rectify the situation before someone gets hurt, this is not what the league is about. I will personally be attending the next few NBCC games myself to see what the problem is. This is the second reported incident from a referee concerning the NBCC team, their best not be a third. Please take this message to your guys Justin."

No response was offered by either team at press time.

McFarlane Contemplates Ratz Season

McFarlane Looks Forward to Ratz Debut

Ratz Forward Jason McFarlane in the Zone

Bonny River, NB - Jason McFarlane left Ratz headquarters on Friday with assurances that he will be in the line up Sunday night versus the XXX. He noted, "I had some scheduling problems last week and missed the opener. Barring a complete catastrophe, I'll be there Sunday. Hey, I'm not like this 'cause I'm on the Ratz. I'm on the Ratz 'cause I'm like this, know what I'm sayin?"

Director of Officiating Has a New Daughter!

Josh Bagley's Little Bundle of JoyKathleen Bagley

St. George, NB - As proud as a new Dad could possibly be, Josh Bagley announced his big news to the Voice late Wednesday. He and his wife Carla brought a little sister into the world for Peter (4) and Charles (2). Kathleen was born October 27 at 11:52 p.m. Weighing in at 7lbs. and 4 oz., aand 21 inches, she has a ways to go to catch dear old Dad. All is well and Kingfishers GM Matty Walsh offered the comment, "She may have some catching up to do in the size department, but I think Dad has some things to do in the cute department. Nuff said. Increase the peace!"

Heelis Answers Questions About Haircut

Robin Heelis Likes the Hockey HairHeelis Just After Last Haircut

St. George, NB - Kingfishers Robin Heelis came to camp this year with a full set of locks. He noted, "When I found out that I'd be back in the line-up this year, I wanted to have some hockey hair to compliment my look. It worked, I scored in my first game against the Ratz. That's a helluva lot more than Walsh did."

Neville Brother Responds to Hockey Voice Story

Crabbe says, "Ain't Nobody Releasing this Cat!"Former Kingfishers Forward Neville Crabbe

Rightoutover, NWT - Neville Crabbe didn't take long to set the record straight. Despite reports that he was released by the Fundy Kingfishers, Crabbe says, "Ain't nobody releasing this cat. I left on my own free will. I hope they don't put the screws to my brother like they tried to to do to me. Nothing gets my dandruff anymore than the press screwing things up. It's still business in the front and party in the back, man. Go Skynrd."

Director of Officiating Makes Big Announcement

Bagley Proud Parent of New Baby GirlJosh Bagley Celebrates Birth

St. George, NB - FIHL Director of Officiating Josh Bagley announced the birth of Kathleen Bagley on Monday, October 27, 2008. Bags has promised a picture of her as soon as possible. The staff of the Hockey Voice and members of the FIHL fraternity wish to congratulate Josh and the rest of his family on this very happy occasion.

Kingfishers Announce Signing of Big Fish

Stephen Crabbe Signs One Year Deal

Stephen Crabbe leaves Kingfishers Headquarters after inking new deal

Blacks Harbour, NB - Kingfishers General Manager Matty Walsh was just finishing up some paperwork for his new recruit Stephen Crabbe when he met with reporters Wednesday. Walsh said, "Just in case this guy's name sounds familiar, he's the brother of Neville Crabbe who we released at the end of last season. We have completed our due diligence on the new Crabbe and found everything checked out okay. With all the nuts we have on the team, we need to make sure somebody doesn't come along and upset the apple pie or whatever that saying is."

Crabbe will be counted on to supply some tight defense in light of the performance last Sunday night versus their rivals, the Ratz. Walsh added, "Anybody who was at the game would have seen the way Taylor skated around unscathed and we can't allow that to happen."

McGrattan Wants to Add Music to Games

Jason McGrattan( aka Juggy) Volunteers for National Anthem

McGrattan Practises O Canada recently

St. George, NB - A proud Canadian, XXX GM Jason McGrattan announced he would like to share his love of his country and music with fellow players in the FIHL. McGrattan said, "I thought it would be nice to show the guys my singing abilities. I like to rock out but I can bring it down to do the O Canada thing."

League Officials are meeting to discuss the issue and offered no comment at press time.

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Richardson "Mats Sundin of FIHL?"

Richardson Re-Signs with Ratz

Chris Richardson of the Bonny River Ratz

St. Stephen, NB - Chris Richardson was just coming off a bender when he realized the FIHL season had just about commenced and he hadn't signed a deal. The deal was signed Friday and he skated in last night's season opener. Richardson said, "I knew there was something that I had forgotten about. People calling me the Mats Sundin of the FIHL don't know what they're talking about. I'll go along with maybe Keith Richards but not Sundin. If Point Lepreau blows up you'll find two things living -me and a cochroach and I'll eat the cochroach."

Details of the deal were not made public but souces tell the Voice say it was a multi-year deal much like the one Andrew Moffitt signed.

Twisters and Ratz on Top of Pack

Ratz and Twisters Take Season Openers

Standings as of October 27 Game

1. Blackland Twisters 1-0-0
2. Bonny River Ratz 1-0-0
3. Fundy Kingfishers 0-1-1
4. Blacks Harbour Timberwolves 0-0-1
5. NBCC St. Andrews 0-0-1
6. St. George XXX 0-0-0
7. Lepreau Pirates 0-1-0

Monday night's game between NBCC and Timberwolves ended in a 5-5 tie. Due to misunderstanding, a shootout wll be held before their next game against each other to decide winner.

Tuesday Night's Games 7:40 XXX VS Timberwolves

9:10 Kingfishers VS Twisters

Ratz Take Season Opener

Stevens: "Gooning it up Won't Work This Year"Ratz Captain Joe Stevens Meets with Reporters after game

L to R Rookies Jack MacNeill, Shane Watson and veteran Carl Chambers

Blacks Harbour, NB - In the battle of Blacks Harbour, give the Bonny River Ratz round one. The Rodents beat the Fundy Kingfishers 4-3 in an exciting shootout victory on Sunday. Mark Johnson snapped a high one on Kingfishers goalie Jamie Harris to seal the deal. Joe Stevens, Greg Justason and Chris Richardson scored the Ratz goals in regulation. Replying for the Kingfishers was Robin Heelis, Aaron MacQuarrie and Chris Hoffman. Hoffman also scored in the shootout while rookie Jack MacNeil scored for the Ratz as well, but Johnson's marker did the Kingfishers in.

Joe Stevens was vocal after the game. He noted, "Walsh has to know that gooning it up won't work this year. This squad is solid and that won't make any difference. They really have to stop triple-teaming Taylor too. They had three guys on him and he just dished it off. What a joke. Did anybody catch Warren's goalie clinic? Whew. Glad I didn't have to shoot at him!"

3rd Star of the Game Kingfishers Chris Hoffman

Matty Walsh was really philosophical the loss. He said, "We tried to get Stevens off his game and managed to get him out of the game which was a plus. We figured going in that if we could keep Taylor under a hat trick, we'd have a chance. It didn't work out but nobody figured Warren would be that hot in the net in his first game."

Walsh's Buddies Offer Dating Tips

Matty Walsh says his friends want to share some foolproof tips (Below)

1) Did you fart? cuz you blew me away.

2) Are yer parents retarded? cuz ya sure are special.

3) My Love fer you is like diarrhea I can't hold it in.

4) Do you have a library card? cuz I'd like to sign you out

5) Is there a mirror in yer pants? cuz I can see myself in em.

6) If you was a tree & I was a Squirrel, I'd store my nuts in yer hole.

7) You might not be the best lookin girl here, but beauty's only a light switch away.

8) Man - 'Fat Penguin!' Woman - 'WHAT?' Man - 'I just wanted to say something that would break the ice.'

9) I know I'm not no Fred Flintstone, but I bet I can make yer bed-rock.

10) I can't find my puppy, can you help me find him? I think he went inta this cheap motel room...

11) Yer eyes are as blue as window cleaner.

12) If yer gunna regret this in the mornin, we kin sleep til afternoon. AND.. the best for last!

13) Yer face reminds me of a wrench, every time I think of it, my nuts tighten up

New Voice Feature; "Somebody was Saying......"

"Somebody Was Saying............."

"Somebody was Saying" author Geoff Cunningham

Somebody was saying:

• that Trevor Lomax is afraid he'd break a nail and won't drop the mittens anymore.
• that Harris and Walsh are so crooked they have to screw their socks on.
• that if shit becomes valuable, the poor will be born without assholes.
• Hoffman almost drowned trying to bury a buddy at sea by digging the grave.
• if I could get Doobie's goals against average paid to me per hour, I'd only work 6 months a year.

Moffitt Breaks Silence

Andrew Moffitt: "Ratz Treated me Professionally"

Moffitt Meets with Press late Tuesday

St. Stephen, NB - Andrew Moffitt was visibly shaken and stirred as he met with the throng of reporters at a Tuesday press conference. Moffitt was part of the controversy that saw fellow St. Stephen buddy Chris Richardson make a quick exit from the Ratz last week. Moffitt noted, "I heard Richardson was dissing me in the Voice and that hurt. What deal I got from the Ratz shouldn't matter to him or anybody else. I talked to Taylor and Stevens and they mentioned that Richardson may not be part of their plans going forward. The Ratz have treated me professionally. When you go into a meeting with legends like Taylor and Stevens, you know it's all biz all the way. They gave me a line on a place to put some treestands and I think that may have been the camel that broke the straw house, know what I'm saying?"

Hockey Insider Likes Ratz Moves

Cunningham: Ratz Have Enough Veterans

Hockey Voice Insider Geoff Cunningham

Pennfield, NB - Geoff Cunningham said, "I'm seeing some moves being made that I had planned if I got the GM job. I know I sound like OJ, but if I did it, this is the way I would have done it. The Richardson move had to be made. He was going to cause problems with all his talk about buddies like Moffitt getting multi-year deals and stuff. With Taylor, Joe Stevens and Crusty Justason on the first line, secondary scoring isn't all that important. The Ratz have enough veterans. I hear they have their sights on some prospects that will blow everyone's mind. They hope to have it all finalized before the end of deer season."

Cooke Released by Ratz

Ratz: "We Wish Cooke All the Best"

Former Ratz Star Forward Darryl Cooke Meets with Reporters

Bonny River, NB - Despite rumours to the contrary, Darryl Cooke was given his unconditional release by the Bonny River Ratz late Tuesday. Cooke, known for loud booming shot, will suit up for the St. George XXX this season. Cooke said, "This was a hard one. I thought we could get a deal done but it didn't happen. I knew I wasn't gonna be on the Big Line with Taylor and Stevens, but I thought I was in the mix somewhere. They are going in a different direction and now I am as well."

Ratz Captain Joe Stevens wasn't all that talkative, but did say, "We wish Cooke all the best. There is no ill will toward him and clockwise as well. Taylor spoke with him over the phone and everything is cool. How come the media makes so much of these things? He wanted out, we wanted to go younger, what's the problem?"

World Industrial Hockey Classic Cancelled

Groom Upset over Cancellation

Kingfishers Greg Groom Meets with Press

Blacks Harbour, NB - The word spread quickly and when it hit Greg Groom, he "exploded." Groom said, "This was the perfect opportunity to showcase what some of the guys in the FIHL could do as a group against the Bonny River Ratz. Now it's gone. If Walsh had been on the ball, it would have happened. I mean, they had Taylor, Stevens, and pretty well their whole roster lined up to play. Sure, I'm pissed. "

Meanwhile, it was announced the FIHL season will kick off Sunday October 26 at 7:40 p.m. the Lepreau Pirates taking on the expansion Blackland Twisters. At 9:10 the aforementioned Ratz will play the reigning champs Kingfishers at 9:10 p.m. Some tickets are still available for both games but the public is reminded not to wait until the last minute and go away disappointed.

Walsh Shopping for New Talent

Walsh: "Kingfishers' Line-Up not as Deep as Last Year's"

Matty Walsh Shopping

Blacks Harbour, NB - Fearing the worst and hoping for the best, Matty Walsh says he has "second thoughts" about the Kingfishers 2008-2009 line up. He said, "When I saw what the Ratz have been able to do and some of the others, I feel we are in deep trouble at this point. I have been concentrating on other things and I guess I fell asleep at the wheel. This is not good. When I get to the World Industrial Hockey Classic and see first hand what the Ratz have, I'll have a better picture. Yeah, right now, I'm shopping hard."

World Industrial Hockey Classic Being Held on October 23

Walsh: "I have the Best Players Available"Organizer Matty Walsh Throws Some Cash Around

Blacks Harbour, NB - It is being billed as "probably a collection of the best industrial league hockey players in the world." Organizer Matty Walsh met with reporters briefly late Monday to discuss the details. He noted, "I called Mark Taylor and told him we'd be honoured if he could bring the Ratz down to the rink and put on a little show for the boys. He agreed and now I have the World Industrial Hockey Classic in place. I have recruited the absolute best players available at this point. Taylor said he wanted to see some competition and not just make it a walk in the park for his squad. I think we'll be able to hold our own with the Ratz. Play gets under way at 9 and to say I'm a little nervous would be a huge understatement."

Cunningham: A Lot of People Are High on the Ratz This Year!

Hockey Insider Chooses Ratz as Early FavouriteThe Hockey Voice Insider Geoff Cunningham

Pennfield, NB - "The Ratz just signed Taylor to a 5 year extension on his 5 year current deal. That alone tells me the Ratz are serious about the team. They have a commitment to bring the good people of Bonny River a championship," said Hockey Voice Insider Geoff Cunningham. He added, "I know a lot of people are high on the Ratz this year and for good reason too. I didn't like the Richardson thing, but getting Murray back and sending Chris Barry and Jason Frost packing may help as well. The new guys like Jason McFarlane, Jack McNeil and Scotty Leavitt show Taylor's commitment to excellence. I went through the interview process with the Ratz and found them to be very professional. Other than some moose meat scraps on the boardroom table, everything was good."

Bagley: Officiating will be Top Notch Once Again

Bagley Says Meditation Has Helped him ImmenselyFIHL Director of Officiating Demonstrates Meditation Method

Blacks Harbour, NB - Josh Bagley says he's been refereeing hockey for a number of years and said that it can definitely wear on a fellow after awhile. "I have learned that you need to relax and meditate and let all the things pass. If you didn't, it would drive you crazy. I like to meditate and let the whole ying and yang thing kick in, "said a very laid back Bagley when contacted at FIHL Refereeing Headquarters. He went on to add, "The officiating will be top notch again this year. I just got a rule book in today that is in Braille so I'm cool for sure."

Gould says: What About Me?

Mike Gould Snubbed by Ratz Management Team, Wants AnswersFormer Ratz Prospect Mike Gould

Pennfield, NB - The hockey season is upon us and the Ratz are causing some people some discomfort. Mike Gould sat back in his chair and said, "I had concrete offers from Taylor that I was in their 2008-2009 plans and now I read in the The Hockey Voice they have their team picked and finalized and guess what? My name is not mentioned. I have e-mails from Taylor that state I had a spot if I wanted it. Not only are my feelings hurt, I think this sort of stuff is bush league at the very least. I want some answers and I want them now."

All calls to Ratz Headquarters were unanswered, but a recorded message said, "If you're calling about the Chris Richardson thing, press 1. If you're calling about the Mike Gould thing, press 2."

When 2 was pressed, the message stated, "Although we at Ratz Headquarters sympathize with Mr. Gould's plight, we in no way feel we owe him anything. We continue to wish him all the best in his future endeavours and love, peace and hair grease."

Ratz Trim Roster, Announce Signing

Richardson Walks Away from Ratz Offer

Former Ratz Star Chris Richardson

St. Stephen, NB - Chris Richardson lashed out at Ratz manangement today as yet another star player expresses dissatisfaction with the operation of the team. Richardson noted, "I know guys that have more than one year deals. That's all Taylor ever talks about is one year deals and that's crap. I heard Andrew Moffitt got a two year deal and Taylor just signed a five extension to his five year deal. If I was playing for them, I wouldn't be playing for them, know what I'm saying?"

This latest development comes on the heels of Joe Walsh's tirade yesterday regarding unfair treatment.

Murray Signs One Year Deal

Ratz All Star Defenseman Kevin Murray Reaches for Pen to Sign Deal

Bonny River, NB - The Ratz obviously had plans in place as they announced the re-signing if standout Kevin Murray. Murray, a long-time veteran of BIG SHOWS, Bonny River Hard Puck and the FIHL, said, "Taylor offered me a one year deal and I guess I'm not as greedy as some. I look forward to lacing them up this winter and try to keep a hold on our top spot in the world of Industrial Hockey. If I was a dog, I'd be pissing on the floor right now."

Cunningham Wastes No Time in Dishing it Out

Hockey Insider: Kingfishers Have BTSJosh Bagley (L) and Frank Richard (R) Celebrate 2007-2008 Win

Blacks Harbour, NB - According to the new Hockey Insider Geoff Cunningham, the Fundy Kingfishers are suffering from BTS. According to Cunningham, who is a licensed bullshometist, they have what is referred to as the "Big Turd Syndrome." Studies have shown that when waste is created, the big turd always sinks first. He added, "As far as I can tell, it's gonna be hitting them really early in the new campaign, possibly before Christmas. I hope they have a plan in place to fight it off."

The Hockey Voice Announces Appointment

Hockey Voice Insider Geoff Cunningham Takes Over New Post

Geoff Cunningham as he leaves for FIHL Headquarters

Pennfield, NB - As he was unable to land a coaching or management position in the FIHL, The Hockey Voice announced the appointment of Geoff Cunningham as the Local Hockey Insider. Cunningham brings with him years of experience in the local hockey scene. In his new role, he will be responsible for maintaining the integrity and accurateness of reports released in the publication.

A self-proclaimed Leafs fan, Cunningham intends on keeping the Hockey Voice on top of the heap as far as being the most-respected and most quoted hockey publication of its kind in the greater Charlotte County Area.

We at the Hockey Voice are proud to have Geoff on board and want all of our readers to extend a warm welcome to him as he gets his feet wet.

Elder Walsh Brother Sounds Off at Ratz

Walsh: "I Ain't Disrespecting Taylor!"

Joe Walsh speaks with reporters in Toronto

Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Amidst the glare of media cameras, former Ratz prospect Joe Walsh sounded off at Ratz management at an early morning skate in Toronto. He noted, "They asked me to play with them in Quispamsis last spring which I did. They told me there would always be a spot open if I wanted. Taylor said he'd fly me to the games by Tera Dactyl Airlines or some foolish thing and I said no problem. Now I read in the Hockey Voice they pretty well have their roster set and my name is nowhere to be seen. I ain't disrespecting Taylor, but Stevens and the rest of them have really put it to me. I mean, I got treestands and stuff to build and I can't be screwed around by those idiots. You know the old saying, Smoke pot or take a shit, make up your mind, man. "

Walsh is the older brother of Kingfisher GM Matty Walsh and has been skating in Ontario with Tony's Pizza and Pest Control in the GTA Hatchet Hockey League and has 4 goals and 3 assists with 99 penalty minutes in 5 games this year.

No comment was offered by the Ratz organization citing that Walsh was no longer a member of the Ratz and wasn't due any comments. They respect Walsh's right to make statements but felt that it would be "counterproductive" to offer a rebuttal.

Hoffman Ready for 2008-2009 Season

Hoffman Says, "Ratz had better run before the ship sinks!"Kingfishers Chris Hoffman

Black River Road, NB - Fundy Kingfishers player Chris Hoffman was full of energy late last night. He met with reporters briefly and noted he was gunning for the Ratz primarily, but said that all teams need to be focused on him this year. He said, "I am ready to challenge Taylor for the scoring race. I know Taylor had his backhand clocked at 80 mph, but me and the boys were fooling around and they clocked my slap shot at 55 mph this past week. I knocked over the Chief's coffee cup and had to buy donuts for everybody. The ship is sinking at Ratz Nation and they had better bail before it sinks."

McGrattan Questions Integrity of FIHL

McGrattan Has "Hard Questions for FIHL"

Jason McGrattan Comes Unwound at Press Conference

St. George, NB - The puck hasn't even dropped but that hasn't stopped the XXX General Manager Jason McGrattan from voicing his opinions. McGrattan, saying he has "secret league documents" that show Bonny River Ratz star forward Mark Taylor in the league scoring lead. McGrattan added, "What a bunch of crap this is. Taylor is leading the scoring race? We haven't even got ice to skate on and this is happening? I question the way the league is run. It appears that Taylor and Bags must be up to something. I saw Taylor giving Bagley money at the last meeting and said he was buying tickets. I have some ink on this one boys."

Much-maligned Director of Officiating Josh "Bags" Bagley at press conference

Meanwhile, at league headquarters, Director of Officiating Josh Bagley scrambled to explain the issue to reporters. Bagley said, "This is a problem we had with our computer system. Apparently what happened was somebody was inputting data from the league and it automatically calculated the point totals for 2008-2009. The calculation was based on career figures and the player's team roster for the upcoming season. For the record, based on these numbers, McGrattan is predicted to be around 125th place. That's what's bothering him, not what Taylor is doing."

Timberwolves Ready to Challenge for Top Spot

Timberwolves Off Season Training Expected to Pay Dividends

Timberwolve GM Daniel Levesque

Players Griffin Leavitt and Eric Scammell show T-Wolves Symbol

Pennfield, NB - Timberwolves General Manager Daniel Levesque address the media late Saturday night. Levesque said, "I don't think any team has been working any harder than our squad. After last season we felt that we needed to pick up the conditioning and it has been addressed. I told the boys not to come to camp out of shape and not to be all screwed up from heavy boozing all summer. From what I've seen and heard, the message has been received loud and clear. We too have a couple guys that could probably make the Ratz right now."

Cunningham Fires Back at Walsh

Cunningham: Walsh Really Needs to Butt Out or Else!

Ratz GM Candidate Geoff Cunningham

Pennfield, NB - Geoff Cunningham called a press conference late Wednesday afternoon to respond to reports put out by Matty Walsh. Cunningham said, "I think Walsh really has to butt out or else. I'm getting sick up and fed of this foolishness. I said I wanted the ABILITY to make John Ferguson Jr. types moves. There's a difference. I never knew that when I threw my bandanna into the ring that there would be this much media coverage. Then again, this is the Ratz and with Taylor and Stevens involved, it's to be expected. If I see Walsh, I'm gonna whack him so hard it'll kill the both of us."

Dugas Announces New Program

Dugas Kicks Off "Treestands for Humanity" Example of Treestand that would qualify for assistance under Dugas' program

Timberwolves # Goalie Andrew Dugas

Pennfield, NB - Andrew Dugas said he was "just trying to do the right thing," when he announced his latest program. He noted, "I have been driving around the county and noticed that a lot of treestands had fallen into disrepair. I wanted to upgrade them so we can all have treestands that we can be proud of. This upcoming season, I'm asking that $1.00 of all FIHL gate receipts go Treestands for Humanity."

Matty Walsh praised the initiative saying, "Dugas cares and it shows we all care too. The last thing we need is for somebody to fall, break their necks and put somebody's eye out."

Walsh Weighs in on Ratz Situation

Walsh says, "Cunny is Junk. Ratz Need to Move on. "

Kingfishers GM Matty Walsh

Blacks Harbour, NB - Matty Walsh would not address the sudden departure of #1 draft pick Jared Borthwick, but offered up advice to the Ratz about their vacant GM position. Walsh said, "I played for the Ratz last spring. This organization is as good as it gets. They treated me and my brother like royalty. Why they are even talking to Geoff Cunningham is beyond me. He keeps saying he's gonna make John Ferguson Jr. type moves as soon as he gets the reins. Has anybody not heard of JFJ? This Cunningham guy is a nut. I've met him a few times and he's asked about a job with us and I told him that when we scrape the barrel, we'd give him a shout."

Borthwick Addresses Press

Borthwick Expresses "Disappointment" with Walsh's Decision

Former Kingfishers #1 Draft Pick Jared Borthwick

St. George, NB - The mood was solemn as highly touted Jared Borthwick stepped up to the mike to address the press late Tuesday. Borthwick was to be a part of a re-building process by the Fundy Kingfishers for the 2008-2009 FIHL season. A teary-eyed Borthwick said, "I am disappointed with Matty Walsh's decision. On the other hand, I fully understand that the FIHL is a business and I got caught up in a business decision and do not take it personally. I was really looking forward to stepping onto the same ice that hockey legends and my heroes Joe Stevens and Mark Taylor were skating on. To say I'm devastated would be an understatement." Borthwick was quickly whisked away by his people into a waiting four wheel drive.

Walsh, who was visibly absent from the press conference, could not be reached for comment.

Kingfishers Shuffle Deck

Walsh Announces Major Roster Move

Kingfishers #1 2008 Signing Jared Borthwick

Blacks Harbour, NB - In a move that clearly has hockey insiders scratching their heads, Kingfishers GM Matty Walsh announced the removal of Jared Borthwick from their roster. The #1 signing by Walsh this past off season, Borthwick had hoped to make the jump to the FIHL this year after toiling in the minors all his career. In a very terse message, Walsh said, "Although we clearly thought Borthwick was going to help us out, we have gone in a different direction. I want to stress that it hadn't nothing to do with reports that his seriousness figured into this decision. We knew he is a very serious guy that is all business when it comes to hockey. We wish him all the best with his minor league career with the Blacks Harbour Silver Kings."

From the Archives

Cunningham: Hillbillies in Bonny River Need to Decide Now!

Cunningham Rips Ratz Management

Ratz GM Hopeful Geoff Cunningham

Blacks Harbour, NB - It appears that Geoff Cunningham has had enough of the delays in the naming of the new Ratz GM. He noted, "I was told I'd know after moose season. Well, it's now bird season and we still don't know. I got people after my services. These hillbillies in Bonny River need to decide now. I have been very public about this thing, talking to the Hockey Voice, etc. If I'm not the guy, I need to know. It's time to wish or cut bait."

Meanwhile, a press release by the Ratz says "they are nowhere near a decision and name-calling by Mr. Cunningham will do nothing to help his situation. "

Junior Silver KIngs Crown Co-ed Softball Champs

2008 Jr. Silver Kings Co-ed Softball Champs Back Row – Griffin Leavitt, Jeremy Mahar, Robert “Rocket” Doiron, Gregg Buchanan
Middle - Jason Speedy, Josh Hill, Geoff Cunningham, Jeff McGinley, David Mahar
Front – Vanessa Taylor, Ronnie Sue Tracy, Mandy Leavitt

Pudge Shows up at Ball Tourney with other Celebrities

Pudge Helps Out When He Can

Lepreau Pirates Star Ryan "Pudge" Lee

Blacks Harbour, NB - The Blacks Harbour Junior Silver Kings held a co-ed softball tournament on the weekend and it appears to be the place to be if you are into star watching. The defending FIHL shot blocker Pudge Lee was on hand. Team GM Geoff Cunningham said he was "stunned" and "pleasantly surprised" to see this caliber of player show up. Cunningham added, "Here's a guy who has the spotlight shone on him already and really has nothing to gain by coming out. He was just one of the guys and that's what I like about Pudge. Never mind the sheer athletic ability of this guy and the great shape he was in. He doesn't appear to be one of these guys that sits around swilling beer in the off season. Look at him and you can tell that."

In a rare interview, Pudge said, "Hey, I help out when I can and where I can. If I beleive in the cause, I'm there. I try to give back to the comminity whenever possible. If Cunny needs me, he knows I'm there for him."

Ratz Back in Talks with Cunningham

Geoff Cunningham and Agent Meets with Ratz Brass

Geoff Cunningham (R) poses with Agent at Ratz Headquarters

Bonny River, NB - A visibly nervous and shaken Geoff Cunningham let Ratz headquarters late last night. Cunningham is the on again and off again candidate for the vacant General Manager's job with the flamboyant hockey club.

Many hockey insiders feel that Cunningham's reluctance to keep his mouth shut may have prevented him from having the job already. Just last week, he said, "“I’m shocked that I would not be considered for at least an interview for that position. I have spent 3 plus seasons running the Silver Kings organization into the ground (but that’s beside the point) and think I am ready to make the jump to the bigs. I have rubbed elbows with a lot of local hockey royalty. I owe everything to those fine, outstanding citizens of the community.

In the 3 past years I have recruited, and worked with the likes of Luc Cormier, Trevor Lomax, Nick Theriault, Eric Jean, and many other notables, so I think I am ready to deal with the Ratz contingent. If the Ratz want a puppet and continue on with their losing tradition then I want no part of it anyway. I would like to say it's up to Taylor but everyone knows that Ratz nest is run by the losers he hangs with. "

No decision has been made on the position at this time.

Hockey Voice Special Investigation

HOCKEY VOICE SPECIAL INVESTIGATION

Kingfishers in Hot Water Before the Ice Freezes!Ryan Weatherby (Near) and Justin Sweeney (Far) discuss FIHL at Top Secret Meeting

Blacks Harbour, NB - The fuzzy picture around the demotion of former Kingfishers executive Jamie Harris is now getting a whole lot clearer thanks to a special investigation by the Hockey Voice. The Hockey Voice, thanks to the Right to Know Stuff Act, has obtained material that shows that Matty Walsh and Jame Harris were eavesdropping on conversations between the "new guys." Harris, who was noticeably absent from the meeting held at Fundy Arena, allegedly was in another room with a wire tap. The information was then exchanged with Walsh later that night. When Walsh became aware of the blown cover, he demoted Harris to distance himself from the racket. It is alleged Sweeney and Weatherby were discussing FIHL superstar Mark Taylor and how they could keep him at bay.

Weatherby said, "C'mon boys. I didn't think this was all that serious of a league that somebody would go through that much to gain an edge. Now I know better." Sweeney, when reached for comment, said he was "dumbfounded." He added, "Yeah, we have heard about Taylor and his scoring exploits and did talk about that, but it wasn't anything that would be newsworthy or helpful to Harris or Walsh."

Walsh and Harris were mysteriously missing on Friday when the Hockey Voice tried to reach them.

Walsh Demotes Harris, makes announcements

Walsh: Harris had better get serious or get out!

Matty Walsh as he announces management moves

Dear 2009 Kingfishers,

It is with great pleasure as part of the executive management team that I make the following structural announcements and additions to our organization.

Effective September 1st, 2008 Josh Bagley took the role of acting marketing manager for Kingfishers Inc.

Player Signing September 28th; Sporting #17 for the black and gold is Forward (yes he wants to play forward) Jared Eugene Borthwick. For those unfamiliar with Mr. Borthwick here are some details; He has extensive minor league experience with the Silver Kings and will assist with party planning and other activities within the team. He has been know to make the odd bet but wasn’t willing to gamble on a 2009 FIHL championship … he decided to go with the for sure thing.

Kingfishers Goalie and former VP of Player Development Jamie Harris

Also, Mr. Jamie Harris is on probation with the team until further notice. As this latest picture shows, Mr. Harris has shown an unwillingness to cease his wild ways and focus on the upcoming hockey season.

If at first you don’t succeed, then skydiving is not for you!

Kind Regards,
Kingfisher Mgmt.