Cunny Critical of Ratz Management

Ratz President Bob Connelly, Cunny and Joe Stevens

Bonny River, NB - Geoff Cunningham, viewed by many as a possible management candidate in the Bonny River Ratz hierarchy released a stinging press release this morning just days after the Ratz loss to the XXX.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

It is clear to me that the Ratz lost for no other reason than not having someone behind the bench guiding the ship. Blowing a 4 to 1 after two periods in inexcusable. I truthfully believe that if you would have hired one Geoffrey Cunningham at the beginning of the season, the Ratz would have had a championship this year.

It certainly appears that that Taylor and Stevens and company are comfortable and content with losing. One playoff win in three seasons in a league where everyone makes the playoffs simply does not cut it.

When the Ratz get serious about hockey, I urge them to give me a call and we can discuss my contract. I want a deal similar to Bob Gainey's or John Ferguson Jr.

The Kingfishers Dig Deep to Get a W

Unnamed Leprechaun Hired by Kingfishers Brass

Blacks Harbour, NB - It's St. Patrick's Day and Matty Walsh has pulled out all stops to get a win tonight over the Timberwolves. He has hired a leprechaun to change the team's fortunes.

No information on how much he is being paid and no calls were being returned at Kingfishers headquarters.

Cunningham The New Pennfield Super Hero?

Don't Call Him Funny Cunny, it's Pepsi Man!

Walsh: "We're Not Afraid"

Kingfishers GM Matty Walsh

Blacks Harbour, NB - Despite being on the verge of elimination, the upper echelon of the Kingfishers remain confident. Matty Walsh said, "Sure, we're down but we're not out by any stretch of the imagination. Me and Frankie Richard were in the Ratz room before their game 2 and we learned a lot from them. They were calm in their approach and that's what we need to be. Just to listen to the great words of wisdom spewing from guys like Joe Stevens meant a lot to us. Those guys are me and Frankie's hockey heroes. We're going to the BIG SHOW with them."

Ganong - The Ratz Killer

XXX Goalie Nick Ganong after Game 2

Blacks Harbour, NB - Nick Ganong was spotted wearing his western outifit on Sunday night. He said he felt like a gunslinger when he stepped on the ice with the Ratz and was ready to do battle. Ganong also noted, "Am I a Ratz killer? I dunno. I think they should look in the mirror and see the real Ratz killers."

Meanwhile, the normally shy and withdrawn Ratz captain Joe Stevens fired a shot back in Ganong's direction. Stevens said, "I guess I'll have to tell Ganong that cowboy hats and hemorrhoids have one thing in common and that is sooner or later, every asshole will have one."

Cunningham Continues to Run with the Big Dogs

Cunningham Meets with Lafleur

Habs Great Guy Lafleur and Geoff Cunningham

Pennfield, NB - Hockey Voice hockey insider refuses to comment on his meeting with Habs great Guy Lafleur. Speculation around the local hockey media is that Cunningham is in the running for a post with the Montreal Canadiens. Cunningham said, "Yes, I was hanging out with Alex Kovalev. Yes, I met with Guy Lafleur. We are buddies and we were having a few wobblies together. I know better than to say anything to the press in this area. Last year when I interviewed for a spot with the Ratz, it was all over the place. I know better now."

Ratz Come Up Short, Timberwolves Down Kingfishers

Stevens Was "Feeling Cocky" Before Game 2Joe Stevens Meets with Press

Blacks Harbour, NB - The St. George XXX roared back from a 4-1 deficit to down the Bonny River Ratz 5-4 in a thrilling overtime. The Ratz had held the lead from the halfway mark of the first period to the last minute of the third when the XXX tied it. Mark Bishop netted a pair for the XXX including the winner while Jamie Ross, Scott Matheson and Matt Hall added singles. Kyle "Chop" Leslie potted a pair for the Ratz and Joe Stevens and Eric "Truman" Lee each chipped in lone markers for the Ratz.

As has been the case throughout the series, goaltending was key for both clubs. XXX goalie Nick Ganong, although not as busy as his Ratz counterpart Warren Giesbrecht, made some key saves down the stretch. Giesbrecht made several key saves on clear cut breakaways that clearly could be called game savers. The Ratz inability to clear pucks out of their zone proved to be their downfall. The pesky forechecking of XXX cannot be overlooked either as another key factor.

The two time FIHL champs Fundy Kingfishers face elimination on Tuesday night. The Blacks Harbour Kingfishers dumped them 6-5 in another hard fought contest. Game 2 of that series goes at 7:40 on Tuesday night.

Morrow Gets Final FIHL Prize

Jordan Morrow's Happy Feet Flip Flops

Blackland, NB - The FIHL announced today that it had received the last portion of the Hockey Voice FIHL outstanding player award for Twisters star Jordan Morrow. It is not known who donated the fancy shoes, but Morrow said he plans to let his teammates share in his wealth.

Pudge Partying Like a Rock Star

Pirates Star Ryan "Pudge" Lee in New York

Cunningham: Habs are the Team to Beat!

Leslie and Kovy Share a Few Laughs in Ratz Dressing Room

Kovy and Kyle "Chop" Leslie Share a Chuckle

Carl Brisley's Story a Chilling Reminder About Eye Protection

Carl Brisley Shows Before and After Picture

Here’s a guy that played hockey in the old-timer’s league in Stephen. His name is Carl Brisley. He was hit directly in the eye by an errant puck. He now has about 60 % vision is his eye and he considers himself damn lucky to have that. He couldn’t see anything on Day 1 after the injury. Then, on Day 2 he could see shapes and was sent to Halifax for more extensive tests. The doctor in Nova Scotia was very pessimistic and told him that there was no telling if there would be any further improvement due to the damage to the back of the eye. This picture was taken 2-3 weeks after the injury and about a week after he had his orbital bones restructured.

It is every player’s decision whether to wear a visor or shield. When you see and hear what Carl has gone through and realize how innocent of a play it was, it should hit home that it a lot easier to get used to wearing eye protection than it is getting used to little or no vision.

The next time you suit to go on the ice, remember this picture.

Kovalev Drops in on Ratz Dressing Room

Chris Richardson Chats it up with Alex Kovalev

Bonny River, NB - Chris Richardson said he finally met his all-time hockey hero Alex Kovalev and he owes it all to the Ratz. Richardson said, "He came in, cracked open a beer and acted just like one of the boys. It was during round 1 and he was sitting out with the Habs at the time. Somehow Taylor arranged for him to come down to visit. The Ratz all signed a stick for him and Taylor got us to sign a jersey for him too. He said he was putting all the stuff up in his camp. He asked us stuff like where is good place to go tipping, Ridge Running, and where he could nail a few coyotes. I asked him if he meant the ones from Phoenix and we all laughed. It was a good visit and everybody came out a winner. He's a really good shit."

FIHL Stars Reminisce About Time Spent with Habs

Walsh: "Richardson was at the Forefront in Montreal at One Time"

Ratz Star Chris Richardson with Cunningham, Walsh, Koivu and Scammell in Background

Blacks Harbour, NB - As members of the FIHL executive got together Thursday night to discuss rule changes and other important issues, they also discussed a possible return of the agreement between the league and the NHL. The agreement would see many of the more high profile stars in the FIHL suit up in the bigs like had been the practice in years gone by.

Kingfishers GM Matty Walsh said, "I remember one year when a few of some of the bigger stars went to the Bell Center and played for the Habs. We partied the whole way on the train and when we got there, we partied like rock stars even more. Geoff Cunningham was in really bad shape and sat on the bench for most of the game. Chris Richardson got kicked out for wearing a hard hat instead of a helmet and he just hooted and gave the crowd the finger as he skated off. Probably the funniest thing was when Eric Scammell dropped the gloves with then Flyers tough guy Donald Brashear. Scammell held his own, but Brashear blacked his peepers up pretty good. I'd say that as early as next season, you will see many of th your favourite FIHL players donning the NHL sweaters as well. We can't let this ruin the FIHL. We will put a maximum on the number of NHL games you can play. Obviously, when a NHL team gets a guy like Taylor in the lineup, it will be hard for them to let him come back to Blacks Harbour."

Take your Pick - Kingfishers or Timberwolves

The Meek and Mild Timberwolf
The Nasty and Ferocious Kingfisher

Blacks Harbour, NB - Although many might say the Timberwolf is a violent and ferocious animal, others would argue the Kingfisher is also very intimidating. Many animals including man, have been known to run the other way when spotting the mighty Kingfisher.

In any case, the FIHL's other series between the Fundy Kingfishers and the Blacks Harbour Timberwolves is set to open Sunday, March 15 at the Fundy Arena at 9:10 p.m.

There is nobody taking anybody lightly in this one. The Kingfishers are two time league champs and have been solid all year. The upstart Timberwolves are armed and dangerous with many weapons of mass destruction. Don't expect this one to be over in two games. Be sure to reserve box seats for Game 3 but don't miss Game 1 & 2.

Justason Gives Tips on Bagging a Moose

Ratz Star Greg "Crusty" Justason

XXX Prevail in Game 1

Ratz Down, but not out

Blacks Harbour – Despite battling the FIHL’s top ranked team to a scoreless tie through two periods, the Bonny River Ratz lost 4-1 to the St. George XXX in FIHL Tuesday night action. Jamie Ross netted a pair while Sarah Ross and Jamie Earle got one each. The Ratz lone marker was scored by Carl Chambers.

The story of the night was probably XXX goalie Nick Ganong who absolutely stole the show. Time after time, the Ratz swarmed his cage but he managed to keep them at bay. Warren Giesbrecht was brilliant in the Ratz net but defensive breakdowns caused the Ratz dearly.

XXX Captain Jason McGrattan was relieved after the game and offered, “We knew this wasn’t going to be easy. The Ratz are coming off a big series win and had a boat load of confidence. They probably out-chanced us tonight but Ganong held us in. It certainly gives us a big boost to grab game 1.”

Meanwhile, Ratz Captain Joe Stevens was not deterred by the outcome. Stevens said, “We knew we had to win two games to get to the final and that is exactly what our plan is. We are not hanging our heads; we will come out flying Sunday night and hopefully get he result we desire.”

Joe Walsh says, "Taylor's Greatest Hits a Must!"

New Release by Mark Taylor

There's hasn't been a lot to talk about but now where's something everybody will be talking about - Mark Taylor's Greatest Hits. There's all the biggies here including the new ditty "Kick in the Nuts." This one really kills, man. Here's a snippet of what I'm talking about;

Baby, there ain't no ifs, ands or buts,

That feel as bad as a kick in the nuts,

Send your brother over to get a thrill

Of my size 11's right in his pills

I like this lyric. It's a love song and a protest song all in one. If Springsteen and a few others could give this CD a spin and learn something, maybe then there would be some good music on the radio for a change. I don't have to tell you to turn down the suck and turn up the good. Alls ya need to do is to run out and buy this one and you'll do just fine.

I'm Joe Walsh.

Hockey Voice Entertainment Critic Joe Walsh

Wedding in FIHL

Scammell Has Upper Body Injury

Scammell Gets Puck in the Face

Timberwolves Star Eric Scammell

Blacks Harbour, NB - It is indeed a painful reminder of the merits of wearing a shield or visor when stepping on the ice. Eric Scammell suffered a nasty injury on Sunday in playoff action versus Lepreau. Although wearing face protection is not mandatory, it is definitely something we all should think about. No word was received when Scammell will be cleared by team doctors to play again.