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Ratz advance to FIHL Final Four

JD Cote (L) lines up photo op for his buddy Justin and their hero's 900th goal puck

JD Cote and Justin and Jason pose for group picture while Ratz Coach Jim Buchanan looks on

Blacks Harbour, NB - After blowing a late third peiod lead in game 2, the Bonny River Ratz came roaring back in game 3 to defeat the Charlotte County Bears 8-1 Sunday night. Ratz player of the game Russell Buchanan scored a pair and Gregg Buchanan, Jim O'Halloran, Mark Taylor (902), Corey Spear, JD Cote and Kyle Leslie added singles. Rob Doiron scored the Bears only marker.

The Ratz had a couple visitors from China; Justin and Jason who became Ratz fans for life as they got to come into the dressing room and meet their idols and get some pictures taken. Rumours circulated around the rink that the duo were foreign investors brought in to look at possibly buying the Ratz. Team captain Joe Stevens denied the reports and noted, "Hey the boys obviously heard about the team and got an opportunity to meet hockey heroes like Mark Taylor and Jim Buchanan in the flesh."

 



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.