This is why it's called the BIG Show

McFarlane shows emotions after loss and and then a berth BIG Show finals

Ratz star Jason McFarlane Saturday afternoon at the BIG Show

Buchanan: "Walsh and his buddy ripped me off!"

Jim Buchanan poses with Mario Sweater

Bonny River, NB - Jim Buchanan is blaming Joe Walsh for what he feels was a rip off from the get go. "I was talking to Joe on line and told him I'd like to get a real Mario sweater. He said he could get me one for 300 bucks. I sent him a cheque and he said he'd look after everything. Like most shysters, he had a buddy in the biz. Well, look what I got. My lawyers all tell me I'm screwed. I want everybody to be aware of this," said a very dejected Buchanan.

Joe from T.O. (Smalltown boy, Big City lights)

Joe Walsh from T.O. (Back)

Hi there, I'm Joe from T.O. It must be spring. The Leafs are putting on a push to slide into 11th or 12th place in the NHL east standings. The Jays are building a squad to fight for third in the American League East and the Raptors are blowing more leads than Joan Collins. This is life in the Big Smoke.

I flopped on the couch Sunday afternoon and Mark Taylor and Joe Stevens were on the TV talking about the BIG Show. Now that got my tears flowing. I was on the list of hopefuls for the BIG Show this year, had been demoted to the taxi squad and then cut loose. Stevens said the team couldn't afford to fly me in for the weekend like they had done in the past. He said if we had been successful, he may have been able to justify bringing me again. In any case, it was really bizarre to see the boys on TV in Toronto. Everybody at work was talking about it the next day. My boss let me go home early as he knew it was bothering me. I haven't felt that bad since Matty hung my old friend Fluffy the Cat.

I hope to get home for the 2010 Golden Partridge Awards and until then, so long from Joe in T.O!

Justason glad to be back home

Greg Justason as he leaves 2010 BIG Show

Bonny River, NB - All was quiet at Ratz headquarters on Monday as players gathered up their gear and began the task of preparing for the 2010-2011 FIHL season. One player in particular who seemed to be glad to be back was Ratz star Greg Justason. "The BIG Show was a lot of fun and I'm happy with my performance. I think the Dalmatian in the parking lot summed up my weekend though. If assholes could fly, that place would need an airport," added Justason as he left for meetings.

Ratz receive unofficial information about being in the finals

It was an all "Down Home" dressing room Saturday evening

Ratz place second at 2010 BIG Show

Ratz own the podium

An obviously disappointed Carl Chambers looks on
Joe Stevens and Jim Buchanan try to comfort each other after loss

Corey Spear and Kevin Murray come to grips with devastating loss Sunday

Greg Justason discusses final game with Jason McFarlane

Ratz clear out Saturday night as XXX arrive for their final game

Saturday afternoon think tank and strategy session

Jim Buchanan shows quiet confidence

Leonard Sinclair points to his hockey heroes on the scoreboard

Mark Johnson, Kyle Leslie, Greg Justason, Corey Spear and Kevin Murray

Warren Giesbrecht, Joe Stevens and Jim Buchanan

Carl Chambers right after game 2

Kyle Leslie socializing after game 2

Mark Taylor with bling

Jason McFarlane with TSN reporters

The Bonny River Ratz clawed their way to the finals at the 2010 BIG Show, only to fall 6-2 to Jake's Thrashers. It was evident the Ratz were running on fumes as the pressures of playing three games in two days finally caught up with them. It also appeared that nerves played a part in the loss; as several members obviously had reservations about playing in the finals but did manage to join the team after arriving late for the game. Team captain Joe Stevens noted that to his surprise many players were extremely nervous and that was to blame for the player's late arrival.

"We are not planning any disciplinary action for the players who were late for the final game. We all know who they were, and to single them out at this point would serve no purpose. Everybody is human and to be a little queasy is normal in these circumstances. I was proud of the effort even though we didn't reach our goal of a championship, but I do believe we were the only team from Charlotte County to get on the podium," added a very distraught Stevens.

LIke ZZ Top says, "Every girl's crazy about a tank top man"

Matty Walsh on vacation

Ratz grab Game 1 of BIG Show

The Bonny River Ratz grabbed the all important first win at the 2010 BIG Show Thursday night at the KV Arena with a huge 4-1 victory over the Jake's Thrashers.

Jim Buchanan, Greg Justason, Jason McFarlane and Joe Stevens all lit the lamp for the Rodents while Mark Taylor was a +4. Warren Giesbrecht was by far the star of the game, making big stops on breaks and holding the Ratz in the game when they were on the ropes. The games are a one period of 38 minutes stop time affair.

Joe Stevens felt that conditioning was a big factor in the win. "Heavy Kevy Murray looked like he just stepped out of the 90's with his fancy foot work and steady defensive play. If we weren't in tip top shape, I would have been really worried," noted Stevens.

Jason McFarlane - One of the Ratz goal scorers chilling out after win

Warren Giesbrecht, Ratz Cap Player of the Game (By far!!!!)

Corey Spear shows how he paid the price for the Ratz

Joe Stevens relaxes after victory

Ratz to show off new skates at BIG Show this weekend

The new slipper skates

In an effort to make the players feel more at home during this weekend's road trip to the BIG Show in Quispamsis, the Bonny River Ratz are trying something different. The new "Slipper Skates" are a new invention and will hopefully give the Ratz the edge they need and maybe allow them to sneak up on the opponents.

Murray signs 4 game tryout deal with Ratz

Kevin Murray just before inking deal with Ratz

Bonny River, NB - Long time Ratz veteran defenseman Kevin Murray signed a 4 game tryout deal with the team early Wednesday morning. The terms were not disclosed, but Ratz captain Joe Stevens said that the deal "would keep the Ratz under the salary cap and under budget for the BIG Show." He added, "Signing Kevin Murray is like pissing in the snow. You notice it right away; but you never know just how much damage it does until later. Murray will definitely do some damage. He's been away from the game all year and we feel he can still contribute. He knows the BIG Show and how grueling it can be and will pace himself accordingly ."

Murray met with reporters briefly, and added, "I'm excited about getting the chance to get back in the game again. I never said good-bye, I just said take 'er easy boys. I know the BIG Show is a great place for me to show that I can still play a high level. I will not let Stevens and the boys down."

Ratz prepare for BIG Show

The Bonny River Ratz will take the ice once again Thursday night at the KV Arena in hopes of bringing home another title from the BIG Show.

"Due to some scheduling issues in the past, it has been difficult for the team to achieve the success it once enjoyed," noted team captain Joe Stevens. "We always seem to get ice times that are not advantageous to us and it ends up costing us the title," added Stevens.

The Ratz reportedly have received clearance to hold a community parade Sunday afternoon though Bonny River and Second Falls if they come home with the title. Several dignitaries will be on hand to take part including Prince and Tom Petty.

Richard gone Hollywood, draws criticism from players

Kingfishers player/coach Frank Richard

Blacks Harbour, NB - Even though the Fundy Kingfishers took home top prize in the FIHL, it still didn't stop some players from criticizing the coaching performance by Frank Richard. Speaking under anonymity, one player noted, "If Richard wants to screw around and be all shits and giggles with Taylor, he should have waited. This is serious business here."

Walsh turns down offer by Ratz

Matty Walsh meets with press Sunday

The look said it all. Matty Walsh said he couldn't believe that he got an offer to go the Big Show with the Bonny River Ratz. "My eyes bugged out of my head and still are. They offered me free transportation and lodging and all the moose meat I could eat. They also said I could get a treestand in Piskehagen next fall if I played. I simply cannot believe it. I called the travel agency to cancel my trip and it can't be done without a lot of hassle and money," noted a very excited Walsh.

So long Courier! Taylors bids farewell

Former Courier columnist Mark Taylor

Just in case some people don't know I used to write a column in the Saint Croix Courier for many years called "Rollin' on the River." I say "used to" as I have given up the column as of today. I have many reasons why, and it really came to a head this morning when I noticed a picture and story I had written had been ignored. It was to do with the Fundy Kingfishers recent FIHL championship. I took a group photo and wrote a small story.

The new editor replied, "Mark: I simply didn’t have space for this story. I think it’s important that you realize I tend to plan quite far ahead in all aspects of the newspaper. Hence, if you have a story idea, please call me ahead of time to ensure you’re not sending something I can’t use – as is the case above. On that note, I didn’t get a column this week: have you decided to pull out of writing the column? If so, do let me know so I can plan accordingly."

The straw that broke Glen Campbell's back comes to mind here. Anybody who knows me would know that I would not take this lightly. I unleashed an e-mail to this guy and the manager outlining what I thought of the job he was doing and what I thought of this exclusion. I believe Matty Walsh of the Kingfishers is planning to send an e-mail as well to promote his views on the fact that our league, let alone his own team, was tossed to the side.

He e-mailed me back and said he realizes the story would have been well-read but didn't have a clue it was coming. I told him the next time we have a best of five series, I'd dig out my crystal ball or Ouija Board and let him know when the story would be coming.

If you read my column, thanks. I will still be right here doing my own creation and pride and joy, the Voice.

Joe Walsh celebrates Kingfishers win

The scene in Joe Walsh's apartment just after receiving the news

Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Just moments after Joe Walsh read about the Fundy Kingfishers impressive Fish Bowl win, he lit up his apartment with his motorcycle. Joe Walsh, one of the longtime Hockey Voice employees, said,"I always stay up to date with the hockey scene back home, and when I read the story and saw the videos, the stomping boots were on, and I cranked 'er good. The Hockey Voice has been a blessing for people like me who need to stay in touch with their roots. I might be home for the BIG Show; it appears that I may be moving soon. It appears that doing burn-outs in your apartment is not welcomed. I guess I figured that as long as I was paying the rent, it was my place to do what I wanted. My lawyer is reading all the small print and stuff right now."

Walsh shows "nervousness" in Game 3

Walsh talks to Charlotte County hockey legend between periods

Hoffman responds to trade rumours

Kingfishers make it 3 out of 4

Front (left to right) - Chad Chambers, Matty Walsh, Frank Richard, Jamie Harris, Greg Groom
Back (left to right) - Aaron MacQuarrie, Chris Richardson, Josh Bagley, Eric Jean, Chris Hoffman, Robin Heelis, Cush Thompson, Ken Wright, Jeff Ross

Stevens: "Deal or talks to get Walsh never happened!"

Matty Walsh in Ratz cap and uniform

Bonny River, NB - A supposed deal that Jamie Harris claims was almost signed "never happened" according to Ratz captain Joe Stevens. A confidential Kingfishers memo was leaked to the Hockey Voice and had Matty Walsh, Chris Hoffman, Eric Jean and Chris Richardson all going to the Ratz in exchange for Mark Taylor and a Lee Settlement treestand.

Stevens denied the deal ever was discussed. "I like to have a few drinks as much as the next guy, but I haven't had that much to drink since I was a teenager," noted Stevens. "Taylor has 8 years left on his 10 year deal and is the highest scoring player this area has produced and I'd trade him for that junk? I don't think so," added Stevens.

Joe Walsh of Hockey Voice promotes book on making extra money

Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Hockey Voice staff member Joe Walsh says he has found a "must read" book. "A lot of my friends that I play hockey with all have second jobs and in this economy, a fella can't have enough dough. This book lays it all out there on what to do, where to do it and how to pocket that tax free money. I recommend this to anybody struggling to make ends meet," added Walsh in a Hockey Voice interview.

Jim Buchanan - "a hero in St. Stephen"

Jim Buchanan poses with unruly bear he bagged on King St. in St. Stephen

Kingfishers prepare for Game 3 in FIHL Finals in different ways

Matty Walsh relaxing at the pool

Chris Richardson relieves himself before leaving St. Stephen

Unidentified Kingfisher player stretches out at the beach

Greg Groom makes his way to Fundy Arena early

Kingfishers take commanding 2-0 lead in finals

Timberwolves apply sporadic pressure on Kingfishers

The Fundy Kingfishers appear to be poised to grab their 3rd league title in 4 years after a decisive 8-3 victory Sunday night over the reigning champs Blacks Harbour Timberwolves. Team GM Matty Walsh noted after the game that his team "looks to wrap it up in three games and save the league some coin."

The Kingfishers took advantage of several odd man rushes and had the Timberwolves on their heels most of the night. If the effort is not increased, it may very well be a short series.

Game three goes Tuesday night at 7:40 at the Fundy Arena.

Game 2 of FIHL Finals this Sunday at 7:40 p.m.

Kingfishers host Timberwolves

If you said there's a buzz about game 2, then you are the king of understatements. The Bonny River Ratz have a block of seats already and it appears that many FIHL fans and players will be lining up for some good seats. The fact that game 1 was dripping with controversy and the anticipation for game 2 has many on the edge of their seats already. Fans are encouraged to get there early to ensure they are not disappointed.

The teams have placed a media ban for game 2 and no comments are being offered. Even the usually vocal Matty Walsh has been stifled.

Tempers flare in FIHL Finals - Game 1

Hockey Voice Editor reacts to last night's game

It is not very often that the Hockey Voice deals with a hot button item like last night’s game 1 in the FIHL finals. I was in attendance and watched the game in its entirety. The game started very tentatively but when the Kingfishers got rolling, the outcome was not in doubt. The problem is that the game itself was not a hot topic afterward; it was the criticism from members of the Timberwolves about one of the Kingfishers and the officiating.

I was going to publish the comments by Dan Levesque and Andrew Dugas but felt it would serve no purpose. I talked to Dugas last night after the game and suggested he might want to sleep on it before sending anything, but he felt it was something he had to do. I find that sometimes when things are really heated, it is a good idea to sit and think about the issue, before dealing with it and that is why I didn’t reply right away this morning.

I am neutral in this and will try to see both sides of the story and deal with it objectively.

As an observer, it was very apparent that Jeff Ross was out to stir the pot last night and “get in Dugas’ kitchen.” That is his style of play and is what he does best. Jeff and Dugas work together and from all accounts, like to throw digs and chirp at each other at work. You can probably throw Jamie Ross into that mix as well, along with Carl Chambers and Greg Justason who also work together. Dugas said he has no problem with Jeff screening him, chirping, gliding through the paint; it’s all part of the game. The problem arises when it goes beyond the verbal and becomes physical and contact is made with the goalie. That is where Jeff crossed the line in my mind. In most of the incidences, he was not pushed, and made no effort to slow down or stop. I don’t have the scoresheet, but do not recall him getting penalized for this, but please don’t quote me on this.

Both Levesque and Dugas made comments about the reffing and I’m not about to pass judgment on the job they did or didn’t do. I said last night that it’s a totally different experience to watch the game and to be in it. When watching a team down by 5 goals is different than to have your team be down by 5 goals. To be on the ice and see what is being called and not called is certainly different than watching from the stands. Dugas said he tried to plead his case on the ice in the heat of the moment and nothing was done. To say that Jeff Ross was pushed into the goalie every time it happened is simply not factual.

I tried reffing this year and know first hand how difficult that job is. I would say that to officiate the finals is many times worse and calling the game evenly is even more crucial as there is more at stake. I do not envy their task and it is my opinion that going after them personally does not do anybody any good. I seriously doubt that when Gordie Anderson or Matt Clark dressed last night, they said, “Okay, let go screw the Timberwolves.” I think they try to do a good job but certainly could have done more last night to protect Dugas.

The next thing may not be popular with a lot of people but dealing with the problem yourself is another way of stopping the foolishness from happening. I’m not saying that anybody should headhunt Jeff Ross, but certainly he does what he knows he can get away with. I also know the character of some of the Kingfishers players who have played sports of many kinds and at many levels and know that if Jeff Ross was not a teammate, he would looked upon differently. They do not condone his actions. They do not instruct him to play with an edge; he does so willingly. I don’t think that Chris Hoffman would jump anybody that was to grab Jeff Ross and tell him that if he does “X,” he will get “Y.” Certainly he is not going to allow a gang mentality to take over and let a teammate be thrown to the wolves (pardon the expression) and have more than one guy deal with him or some big strapping guy lay a pounding on him.

Lost in all of this is the Kingfishers reaction. I think Matty was going to send a reply but felt that it would not serve any purpose either. He cannot defend Jeff’s actions but as with any friend, he would try to downplay it and that’s normal.

I have heard many, many people who talk about the Ross boys style of play and Levesque and Dugas aren’t the first and probably won’t be the last. I like a guy who plays hard, goes hard to the net, sticks up teammates and wants to win. Put him on my team any time. If the guy had all these attributes and slew-footed people, dirt-bagged people and ran over goalies like they were pylons, I’d have to say something to them. We are not playing for the Stanley Cup and will not make any money doing this. We all need to get up and go to work tomorrow.

I am not taking sides. I like to think I’ve made more friends in the league than enemies and do not want to see people get hurt. I think that most guys who have been around this league playing and officiating know the “usual suspects” when it comes to aggressive play and need to have a closer eye kept on them. Having said that, there is also no room for anybody making threats of physical harm to another player no matter what the circumstance might be. I think that if Dan Levesque could look back on his statements, he may regret some of them as from all indications and dealings I have had with him, he is not a goon in this league.

Come out and play hard Sunday and let’s not have a repeat of last night. It doesn’t do anybody any good. There’s my two cents. If you have two cents, leave a comment on the blog. Peace.

Sweeney "I want to play ball"

Justin Sweeney reacts negatively to sign

Cunningham returns with another great funny

See, the guy that answered the door is a bug, eh? The other guy is an exterminator and he kills bugs, so when the bug answered the door and says, "No thanks, we're good," that's pretty funny, eh?

Ganong prepares for BIG Show

Nick Ganong shows off some of his moves

St. George, NB - After his team's exit from the FIHL playoffs, XXX star goalie Nick Ganong has turned his attention to the annual BIG Show in Quispamsis and Rothesay. Ganong was running around kicking ass and taking names as he showed off some of his moves for reporters. "I am at the top of my game right now. I certainly wouldn't want to be a shooter coming down on the likes of me right now," noted a very cautious Ganong.

Harris receives endorsement from Obama

US President Barrack Obama congratulates Jamie Harris

Blacks Harbour, NB - It appears that Kingfishers star Jamie Harris is out running with the big dogs instead of laying on the doorstep. During a recent business trip to the United States, Harris received a phone call from a man identifying himself as the US President and asked to meet him. "I went to the address he said and there was he was in person. He gave me a fist pump and said he'd heard about our return to the FIHL finals and wanted to wish me and the boys all the best. We had a couple beer and he seemed very knowledgeable about the game and the FIHL. I was impressed and he gave me his phone number to give him a call to let him know how we make out. He doesn't always get time to check out the Hockey Voice," noted a very relaxed Harris.

And then there were two...........

Joe Stevens and Jim Buchanan assess FIHL Final

The FIHL Finals have come to the team with the two best regular season records, the Blacks Harbour Timberwolves and the Fundy Kingfishers. The Fish Bowl will not be going to an outside team again this year as these two teams are the only winners of the prized trophy and the Timberwolves are the reigning champs.

Dan Levesque, the captain and GM of the Timberwolves expects it to be a hard-fought series and may very well come down to home ice advantage. "We played hard all year to get home ice for the playoffs and now we have it. If we play it smart, we should be successful," noted a very strategic minded Levesque.

Matty Walsh, the GM for the Kingfishers disputes the value of home ice in the series. "They get last change and can try to match up, but we plan on shuffling lines all the time, so I can't see it being that much of a factor," noted an equally great hockey mind, Matty Walsh.

The puck drops Tuesday night for Game 1 at the Fundy Arena at 7:40 p.m.

Walsh twins shine for Silver Kings

Twin brothers Fred and Matty Walsh sit in the penalty box Saturday night at Fundy Arena

Blacks Harbour, NB - It's not very often you get a picture of twin brothers sitting in a penalty box together but award winning photographer Mark Taylor captured them Saturday night at the Fundy Arena. The younger bother Matty noted, "We have different fathers and mothers but carry a lot of the same characteristics. I felt his pain when he went to the box, so I made sure I did something in order to join him."

Matty Walsh gets plenty of exercise with giant snowman project

Groom conserves energy - "expects long playoff run"

Greg Groom shows how to pace yourself

Nick Ganong held as supect in slaying

Nick Ganong poses for Hockey Voice photo

Trade deadline reaction from two great hockey minds

Chris Richardson
Geoff Cunningham

The Two Wise Men weigh on the Leafs moves

Geoff Cunningham and Chris Richardson, long viewed by the Hockey Voice as men of great hockey knowledge and general wisdom have both come out applauding the Leafs latest roster moves.

Cunningham has been a long history of being a Leafs supporter said, “It’s a sad day when guys like Lee Stempniak and Joey MacDonald are sent packing. I’ve always maintained these two guys were the future of the team or at least a very large piece of the puzzle. Jamal Mayers was another guy in my mind that was an untouchable. When big name guys like these get moved, I just shake my head.”

Richardson echoed Cunny’s sentiments by noting, “Burke has moved about a quarter of what I felt was a solid squad. I hope they have a lot of scrub brushes in Toronto to polish up the turds they got in the trades. Dion Phaneuf has seen better days. Giguere will be okay if they use beach balls in the NHL. My hero Pierre McGuire said the other night on TSN that it will take 5 years to rebuild this team and I think he’s being generous. I think the Habs made some solid moves and look poised to be raising another Cup this year. You have no idea how that makes me feel to say that.”