Commish’s Corner

Week 10 Picks

BWW vs. AE2S

The 2^nd half of the season is upon us. Although there are 4ish regular season games remaining, the playoff vibe will begin to flow through the veins. There is quite the spread this year to this point as you have one team with a 9-0 record… and then you have AE2S…0-9. Many, including the AE2S players, will be shocked to hear this but they are playing better as of recently and are poised to spoil someone’s playoff hopes. Before that happens, AE2S will take another shot at the BWW’s and need to find an answer for Henke, Lehmbecker and Corbett, who led the way the last time around. AE2S will not go 0-13, but this is not the week they get the elusive first win.

BWW 7-5

Golf Center vs. Red Pepper

I haven’t seen the RP’s play in weeks, but after analyzing in-depth and complex statistical Forx Hockey next-gen algorithmic data, it’s been determined I will continue to make no effort to attend their potentially historic run. Their dominance will continue here against a strong GC team that gave them a good back and forth run just before the holiday break. The GC’s finished the first half among the top 4 and are on a steady pace to finish the regular season right in the middle of the pack.

RP 8-6

Mattress 1928 vs. Johnny’s

Not the greatest first half of the season for either team in the one. Collectively 5 wins brought to the table. Johnny’s took round 1 in a shoot out back in November. Mattress lost last week against a hot Adams team and Johnny’s played Pepper and have flushed the P-flu down the Icon toilets as a full roster is expected this week. A tight one again as the goaltenders dual.

M-1928 5-4

Bonzers vs. Adams

Bonzers finished the first half with a highly respectable 7-2 record, said no one ever—as it was the first time for them since league inception. The first matchup for these squads was a battle and incredibly entertaining game that was later marred by the Adams team when they knocked on the Red Pepper locker room door for assistance. Should be a good true test for either team this time around as the leagues two youngest teams get a 2^nd round. Coinflip if the rosters are ‘correct’ on each bench.

Bonzers 6-5 S/O

Rumors vs. Broods

Rumors first half record does not accurately reflect the team on the ice. Knowing the talent in the group and the high emotions that come with that, their 2^nd half and post season will be strong. Their first round with Broods was the first game of the season and was a one goal contest going into the 3^rd but was eventually put away by the Broods and led by a dominant D. Wurden and his 6-point night. Wurden, along with 2 additional inches of beard since Oct. 29^th, should be able to sneak past Rumors here again but will be a high octane, late night affair needing all 3 periods to decide it.

Broods 6-5

 

Week 9 Picks

AE2S vs. Rumors

The final round of the 1^st half begins here with 2 teams that are grasping for answers as they collectively have 1 win on the season. To rub it in further, a year ago there were 10 wins combined entering week 9. AE2S, content with saving themselves for the playoff season, are hoping to spark their offense leading up to week 14 as they rank amongst the bottom of the league. 2S’s J. Solc utilized the holiday season by gifting each of his players brand new sticks purchased off the Temu website. The Chinese stick shafts, made out of shellfish and kitten bone fragments, are measured to be around a 5-flex and its incredibly likely none of them will make it past warmups. In unrelated news, Solc will likely be out this week due to working through all of his banking and internet passwords being leaked in a data breach. It’s the thought that counts.

Rumors 6-4

NDAD vs. Golf Center

Golf Center has sneakily put together a solid first half. Currently in the top 4, they’ve been able to put together complete games and feed off veteran players R. Johnson, Schaefer, and Breidenbach. They’ll look to keep the momentum they had before the break as they played an admirable contest against the RP’s despite a losing effort. Meanwhile, the Broods are just ahead of the GC’s and are doing so again this year with strong defense. Despite not having the large numbers of Goals For as they’ve had in the past by this point in the season, they continue to show their ‘by committee defensive dominance via their goal differential. The Broods, until proven otherwise, continue to stay among the top of the standings in a tight one.

Broods 7-6

Red Pepper vs. Johnny’s

Since the schedule was submitted in middle October, the Johnny’s faithful have had this contest circled on the calendar. This is the week where ringleader S. Mutscher will receive 11 text messages 8 minutes before game time with his ‘used to be friends’ informing him that they will be unable to make the game for various reasons, possible excuses are as follows: ‘Pepper flu’, ‘dead car battery’, ‘hair appointment’, ‘forgot we play this week’, ‘thought the season ended in December??’, and ‘at the vet, dog ate my new Temu hockey stick’. I was hoping the year 2026 would help me find something positive to say about the RP’s, the search continues.

RP 11-2

BWW vs. Bonzers

On a positive note, the Bonzer boys were the feel good story of late 2025. They’ll now need to prove they can take a solid run deep into the start of 2026. They’ve been a fun team thus far and its hard not to root a little for the underdawgs from time to time. As I get a little emotional, I remind myself that they beat my team and will tread lightly for now. BWW finds themselves in a familiar place in the standings but have some interesting tools in their toolbox that could make for a couple upsets in future weeks. If they can bring the Henke, Corbett and Jammer V combo back to life theres some opportunity there. For now, Skarperud has been a hot mess for many teams, leading to Bonzers finishing the round of 9 with a 7^th win.

Bonzers 6-4

Mattress 1928 vs. Adams

After 3 weeks of surviving off meat and cheese trays, old fashioned’s, 2000 frosted sugar cookies and zero glasses of water, the aging 1928’ers will try to rally for the 2^nd half assuming all of their Angioplasty results come back negative. They’ll prepare to chase the young fellas from the Adams team who sit one spot ahead in the middle of the standings pack. Adams strong start to the season was marred by illegal rostering and injuries the 2^nd half of the 1^st half?...if that makes sense. Likely a fun contest here as they were in years past. Coinflip

1928 6-5

 

With the first half of the season coming to a close this week, teams have settled in and the standings speak for themselves. 4 teams have jumped out and dominated the bottom of the pack. While the bottom 6 teams have provided wins for the top 4 and seemingly beating themselves up along the way to leave things wide open for the 2^nd half push to the playoffs. I thank you all for the sportsmanship shown towards your fellow opponent and cheers to all the great games I’ve seen thus far. Merry Christmas!! The holiday picks are in….

 

Week 8 Picks

BWW vs. Johnny’s

BWW with a surprising victory last week against a Rumors team that looked back into winning caliber form a week before. Both Johnny’s and BWW enter this week with 2-5 records and are nearly even statistically in the GF and GA department. Lamoine and Reed-O continue to be the spark plugs for Johnny’s while Lehmbecker and Henke follow suit for BWW. Another coinflip affair with BWW getting the nod based on last weeks momentum.

BWW 5-4

Bonzers vs. NDAD/Broods

I miss the days of trying to find positive things about the Bonzers squad and justifying how brown and yellow, plaid uniforms could coexist into this league, but after they beat us last week, those days are in the past. A new chapter is under way as the leagues youngest team takes on the wily veterans in the oldest team in the league. Average age Bonzers=23.68 Broods=35.92. It seems like just yesterday (10 years ago) that Broods were showing up to play a beer league game 4 years into their careers, while the Bonzers guys were getting dropped off at the front door for PeeWee B practice. Wild times. Bonzers is off to their best ever start and possibly best ever season. A true test tonight as Broods has played these games strategically. Broods keeps them honest this time around with a real chance at a deep playoff rematch.

NDAD 6-5

Adams vs. AE2S

Big news from the Adams camp and the league. With the help from Dillon Jackson and Forx Hockey, the league is excited to announce that the winner of this years championship will scrimmage the University of North Dakota’s Mens Hockey team on September 29^th, 2026, leading up to next years October Exhibition against Manitoba. This is the only relevant news after Adams has stalled out losing their last 3 and now play a completely stalled out, bottom of a flooded out underpass, AE2S team.

Adams 7-4

Golf Center vs. Red Pepper

The RP’s dominance continues as they seem to get stronger each week with contributions coming from what feels like 6 or 7 guys on the ice at one time. They’ll face off against the leagues currently next in line hottest team as the GC’s are riding a 4-game win streak. Golf Center has all the tools to compete but need the stars to align and all the bodies on the ice in uniform. Red Pepper takes an unbeaten record into the holiday with hopes Santa can deliver a Christmas Miracle on an upset.

Pepper 10-6

Mattress 1928 (Factory) vs. Rumors

I will go out on a limb here and say this is the first time these 2 squads have met this late in the season and have collectively, 3 wins. The leagues 2^nd and 3^rd oldest squads match up in a gentlemens rivalry and it’ll be a miracle in itself if we can all stay awake long enough to make the 9pm graveyard time slot. Despite the negativity and regardless of their current standings status, these teams have both played each other the last couple years for 3rd place after similar prior years starts. The end is near for many of us in this one… but not quite yet…

Rumors 6-5

 

Week 7 Picks

Red Pepper vs. Adams

Adams imported half of the bad gu…Red Pepper team a couple weeks back, and now will witness the other side of the blunt force that’s about to take place. RP is on cruise control after another lop-sided scorefest took place last week. Adams roster black eyes continue with Costello on IR and Severson a partial healthy scratch last week. Unfortunately, its likely another, a lot to a little, contest.

Pepper 11-4

Johnny’s vs. Golf Center

This week’s Game of the Week by the media team will feature their 3^rd installment of the FHL YouTube series. A game that will feature Johnny’s 2^nd leading point scorer L. Lamoine in his first game against his former team. Lamoine, who doesn’t like Golf, was removed from the team after buying his most recent set of irons from Play It Again Sports. If he decides to show up this season, the referees will be eyeballing E. Leach for the GC’s to monitor his behavior towards L.L. Last week, Johnny’s was able to scrape together a win but need to find more answers to their offensive game. Meanwhile, the GC’s are buzzing with a 3-game win streak and are looking to extend that before they lose to RP next week. GC’s have the current momentum.

GC 8-4

Bonzers vs. Matt 1928

Speaking of momentum, Bonzers is going to finish the first chunk of the season with a winning record no matter how the next 3 weeks unfold which has never happened. Kudos to them after winning 4 games total the past 6 years. Skarp is dominating offensively with plenty of support to follow. As for this week, I hope they play like the previous 6 years.

1928 6-5

BWW vs. Rumors

Its been weeks since I’ve last seen the BWW’s take the ice but seems I haven’t missed much losing 4 in a row ☹. BWW is another team needing an immediate injection in offense other than Lehmbecker up front. Jammer V, N. Corbett and Henke are the potential answers but have stalled out as of late. Rumors played an incredibly fast contest last week, losing in a shootout to Bonzers. When one opponent tries to steal the show, Rumors Eddie answers right back. Edevold went toe pick to toe pick last week against Skarperud and it was breathtaking to say the least. Rumors has the advantage this week.

Rumors 6-4

Broods vs. AE2S

Broods continue to silently remain among the leagues best. Currently they have the 5^th best goals-for average but again lead the league defensively with the least amount of goals-against. Sumner in net has dominated in the crease with a .963 save percentage in a completely made up statistic to provide some rare love to the goalies.  AE2S leads the aforementioned categories in the polar opposite directions as they continue to bleed out on their current path to this years toilet bowl. The Nerds have been known to play the top of the league teams tough in the past but this week will be a mountain not worth the climb.

Broods 9-2

 

Week 6 Picks

Bonzers vs. Rumors

As if it wasn’t hard enough losing to Pepper in Week 4, the Bonzers team was unfortunately, blessed with another attempt at the RP’s after as many as 6 of them were seen wearing different costumes in the nightcap contest. Some controversy leading into Turkey Day but made for an instant classic game for Bonzers and Adams. As correctly predicted last week, the Rumors team snuck out their first win of the season and put together a full 51 minutes led by ‘Eddie’ on the scoresheet. The media team broadcasted last weeks Broods v M1928 game and have this B vs R game slated as their 2^nd ‘televised’ game of the year. Tell a family member. Skarperud was on full display a week ago and playing his best hockey since his Squirt days. Bonzers keeps this dream season rolling assuming hes in the lineup.

Bonzers 7-6

Matt 1928 vs. Red Pepper

The M1928’s played a masterful, full 51 minutes in their 10^th Thanksgiving game matchup against the Broods. The 1928’s haven’t beaten the Broods since early in 2019, and despite ending in a tie, at least one of the two locker rooms let their emotions take it to a win mentality. Another instant classic. RP on the other hand pulled away early and won after scoring two touchdowns in the game. They continue to be a freight train and it’s unlikely that the 1928’s will be able to derail what’s coming this week.

RP 9-4

Broods vs. BWW

BWW may rinse and repeat here as they face off again this week against one of the leagues top squads. Semmens may see a little less head high rubber this week, but the BWW offense will be tested as the Broods are one of the known top defensive skilled teams. PPL made his season debut and was a ‘pleasant’ opponent to play against said none of the 1928’s. As mentioned earlier, while one of the Lammy’s was back in the lineup, brother Jacques, deployed…defending our country had to be educated via group text that his squad back on the home land was settling in with a tie for the Turkey Day Extravaganza Game. Broods likely to move on here but score will be closer than previous contests.

Broods 7-4

AE2S vs. Johnny’s

These two squads currently round out the bottom of the standings. Johnny’s is clinging to life with Reed-O and Lamoine up front on the score sheet but are needing more depth to start contributing. AE2S rebuilding year continues as a couple extra Solc’s in the lineup last week couldn’t tilt the ice enough. Goal tender duel here. AE2S’s needs the W to stay afloat.

AE2S 4-3

Adams vs. Golf Center

The Adams family who comprises of the largest roster amongst all the fellow squads ran into an illegal predicament when they transferred in some foreigners into their lineup. Nearing league banishment for the players that were chosen, were awarded another chance to compete. Meanwhile, the GC’s have no idea what the hell we are talking about and went into the holiday break savoring the flavor of a win against a stingy AE2S team that wouldn’t go away. With Adams, ‘back to normal’, this week, they should be able to pick up where they left off utilizing their speed up front. Adams enters the week with their 2^nd graveyard time slot in as many weeks but with none of them showing up last week they shouldn’t notice. With that, this should be a fun one to end the night on

Adams 6-5

 

Week 5 Picks

AE2S vs. Golf Center

The glorious Thanksgiving week returns when hybrid rosters appear in full effect; where teams see half their roster disappear for family travel and then replenish with friends and family returning for the weekend. With the great American holiday set to commence, the AE2S roster will foil that celebration as the leagues most international made-up squad will take the ice. Not the first time they’ve been this diverse but they will be composed of 3 Czech’s (Solc Posse), a couple Norwegian’s (Kjenstads), a Canadian (L. Thompson), Italian Mafia (Caroselli) and a German goaltender in Wuitschick. The only member left to celebrate the time-honored holiday is the most basic, common American name on the team, Brian Nelson.  Golf Center is expected to have a translator on the ice at all times for this one. This will likely be a tight contest. Coinflip.

GC 6-5

Mattress 1928 vs. NDAD

For the 10^th consecutive and purely coincidental time, the Mattress Makers will play a Turkey Leg Game of the Week against long time, fellow-tenured Broods. Both teams comprised with old fogies as the leagues two oldest squads prepare for another yearly matchup averaging 35.21 and 35.07 age. Each locker room will see their fair share of pill popping ibuprofen and body supplements with the sweet aroma of baby powder and Bengay circulating its way throughout the ductwork of the Icon. More of the same with roster additions and subtractions. The 1928 living off the ‘Why have only one Haley when you can have 3 Haley's’ mentality to help fill out the lineup card. Meanwhile the Broods likely to return PPL to their starting lineup assuming he can borrow PPL senior’s packed away, retired gear. Forx Fans will for sure be frightened to see a large defenseman wearing a Freddy mask on the ice.  These are the days that many of us will miss.

Broods 8-3

BWW vs. Red Pepper

The BWW’s suffered a one goal deciding loss last week in an instant classic matchup against the GC’s. With little to look forward to tonight, they can at least take note in the fact they will be done early enough tonight to celebrate the holiday accordingly after their expected dilapidated loss to the RP’s. This contest will be the first reunion for former teammates Albrecht and Jammer V since their playing days and the Zamboni staff will delay their ice resurfacing after the game to give each player time for a formal, post-game jersey swap.

Pepper 10-2

Bonzers vs. Adams

Apollo 13 Odyssey to Houston Ground Control. Initiate speedy, muscly arms sequence. The other side of the age coin faces off this week with the leagues two youngest teams set to battle. Bonzers sneaking out the tight race with an average of 23.68 vs. 23.78. Adams likely to remove Chris Adams, team name representative and significant sponsor benefactor, from the team to drop their average age and win that unnecessary race. Strategically making this move after the holiday to not embarrass him in front of his family during the break. An interesting matchup as both squads are littered with red and maroon helmets; will be a mess for the referees to decipher what is playful riff raff vs. former rival riff raff. Tough one here has both teams are rising stocks. After witnessing Bonzers game play against the RP’s last week, it’s tough not to lean that direction. Both enter the week at 3-1 and have similar stat lines.

Bonzers 7-6

Rumors vs. Johnny’s

Rumors is 0-3-1 to start their 2025 campaign with no reason to hit the panic button quite yet as their strength of schedule the first four weeks was arguably the toughest. Johnny’s on the other hand is coming off a lopsided loss to the Broods who led play from the opening draw, they’ll now play Rumors; where Johnny's is unfortunately 0-13 all-time in regulation games against. Rumors sends us off to our first holiday of the season with their first win.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Rumors 8-3

 

Week 4 Picks

Johnny’s vs. Broods

Johnny’s lost a tight battle last week but are pleasantly seeing contributions from Reed-O on the offensive side of things. Newcomer L. Lamoine has been a spark as well joining the team after being cut by the GC’s after a 5-year run, citing irreconcilable differences. Broods played a brilliant game but were edged by long time foe RP last week. Missing a couple key pieces on offense certainly didn’t help. Positively, D. Simpson on the blue line was an instant plus factor and looked comfortable in his new surroundings after not skating competitively for a handful or so years, stating “this might be the best league I’ve ever played in”, while not surprising to hear, still made me blush. Anyways…. Broods get back on track.

Broods 9-3

AE2S vs. Matt-Fac

The 1928 got their 1^st win of the season in what looked like a low scoring football game on the scoreboard with a 12-7 final. Many may have contributed to the win but will get zero recognition after the Commish himself was glistening on the ice displaying a full act of heroism, quarterbacking the squad with 2 goals. In a bid to score his first ever hat trick entering the 3^rd, ended poorly after having to leave the game with a non-contact lower back injury which is like the most depressing, old guy thing to have happen. Having to watch a full period on the bench because you forgot to take your 15 prescription supplements is a tough, tough deal. One thing that won’t be forgotten this week is the coinflip needed to determine which locker room neighbor (Biermaier/M. Lukkason) will apply tonights IcyHot to my lower back. In other news, AE2S is set to make their season debut after not showing up the first 3 weeks.

Matt 1928 7-2

Rumors vs. Adams

A legendary rivalry that dates way back to the days when my back to didn’t let itself go bending over to tie my sneakers or blow my nose in my handkerchief. Now, all of that has been tarnished by Adams after their youthful rebuild. Rumors are still maintaining the elderly look with 49 years young, Neubert, leading the way. Adams based on the analytics should have the advantage but similar to the last few years for Rumors as they are playing much better than their record shows. The first of many references to the Tortoise and the Hare storyline comparison. Going full Tortoise mode.

Rumors 6-5

Bonzers vs. Pepper

Shockingly??...  Bonzers is 3-0. With a chance to reach 4 wins this week, its time to  Initiate statistical dump sequence. The last time Bonzers (iSight) had 4 wins was back in the 2018-19 season and based on the numbers, many of the current players were just getting their drivers license and preparing for sophomore career day at school. Additionally, after the 4 win season, the Bonzers would play 6 full seasons with only 4 wins during that span. Unfortunately, the 4^th win of the season will be on stand by as the face off against the blue and white, Red Pepper team who is also 3-0 to start the season which is not shocking like the previous information. Bonzers will get there, not this week.

RP 8-3

BWW vs. Golf Center

BWW was on the wrong end of a lopsided contest will try their luck with another round of late games this week. Questions being asked coming into the week: Will Semmens play 3 in a row again? Will the Jammer-V, Lehmbecker, Henke line stay together? Did one of these BWW’s secretly injure my back? With that, the GC’s are off to a comfortable pace with R. Johnson again leading the way with a more balanced attack this year with contributions from the veterans in Breidenbach and Aamott. Tight one that could go either way that has generally gone the GC’s way.

GC 6-4

 

Week 3 Picks

Broods vs. Pepper???

The Earlybird contest kicks off with last year’s championship game contenders in what will likely be their first of seven more meetings this season after they accidentally get scheduled to play each other every week in the 2^nd half. Broods have quietly begun their season campaign with 2 wins after a goalie-less start to the season and shutting down an offensively potent week 2 opponent in Adams. Meanwhile, Pepper is going through some sort of ‘identity crisis’ as one member stated it. I think I speak for many of us out there when I thought I would never see the day where the Red…Red Pepper jerseys were not displayed. After a 10-year steady diet of Busch lights, meat and cheese trays and more of the Busch lights, I assumed I would have tipped over before I witnessed the beer league world look uncomfortably different as they displayed their new costumes. With that, the artists formerly known as Red Pepper likely pull away late in this one with more of the same as the Bjorge Trio combined with Johnson and Johnson have created havoc in the offensive zone.

RP 7-5

Golf Center vs. Rumors

Both teams are coming off week 2 losses. Golf Center was on the wrong end of several wacky bounces off the glass and fortuitous net-mouth pucks that the Bonzers squad were able to capitalize off of. Rumors played Pepper so no need to elaborate. Both teams are aging beauties with retirement minded players on either side. This should be a classic matchup. Rumors in years past was the favorite; Deckers unknown hip dysplasia status the deciding factor here.

GC 8-5

Adams vs. Johnny’s

The Adams youth was held in check by the Broods veteran D-core last week. I wasn’t able to witness any of that contest as I was too busy turning over countless pucks to the entire Johnny’s team as they were able to pull off a shootout victory. Johnny’s adding a 2^nd story to the goalie injury issues as Sauve’s Monday night, freak accident, injury report documented needing to be Swingline stapled to be ready to go in this one.  Adams will move on here.

Adams 6-3

BWW vs. Matt 1928

BWW with a solid win feeding off the sticks of fresh faces, Henke and N. Corbett. The mattress folks were stifled again and despite a desperate attempt to win, were not able to hit the net at the right times, or at all for that matter. A large contingent of the Geriatric group on display for all Forx Fans to stick around for the late game to view as lack of speed and moderate skill will be the showcase. 1928 looking to get that elusive first win of the season. Coinflip.

MF 6-5

Bonzers vs. AE2S

As mentioned earlier, the Bonzerites utilized their opportunistic, friendly bounces to generate a healthy lead against the GC’s. It’s been 8 pleasant years since I last saw a Tellmann contribute in the league and the first time in a positive way as Bet was able to put together a 3-point night and crack the Bro of the Week list. I’ll leave it to Bet to ask papa bear about the last Tellmann moment the league remembers when his father, Jeff, launched his broken stick 8 rows deep into the bleachers en route to grab a new one. Archives show this is still listed as one of Forx Hockeys Darwin Award winners. Hoping this sets the groundwork for a good upcoming Thanksgiving dinner icebreaker. The 3^rd goalie injury story line is the absence of the engineers netminder who suffered a….Wii…. related shoulder injury. I have no words. 2008 all over again for many of us. Bonzers is making an early season bid to be my late season sleeper team.

Bonzers 6-5

 

Week 2 Picks

Bonzers vs. Golf Center

Bonzers was able to kickstart their season off with a win, which is a sentence that’s never been used in 9 prior seasons. As the youngest squad in the league, they utilized that youth as well as a couple newcomers in Gardner and Morneault to top off an entertaining 3-2 win. The Golf Center fellas on the other hand took their 3-2, 2^nd period lead and rattled off 6 in the 3^rd to knock of the leagues best looking team. Looking ahead to this weeks slew of contests and we may be looking at a full slate of coinflips. Bonzers aforementioned youth can sometimes come with hiccups as the team needs a couple weeks to sniff each others jock straps and learn each others game play. The GC’s will lean on the veterans after Johnson and Breidenbach put together a monster first week. GC gets the nod here.

GC 7-6

Red Pepper vs. Rumors

Rumors looks to erase a week 1 loss---in week 3, as they match up against the Red Army this week. A few teams have new players this season via the summertime, golf course waiver wire; This game will feature one of those moves as long time Red Pepper star, T. Uglem, has made a locker room change. In an attempt to make the Uglem move a feel-good story for season 10, the league will do everything they can to manipulate the game in Rumors direction. Red Pepper will likely start with a 2-man disadvantage after 2 made up bench minors during warmups. Despite that, Rumors will have their hands full as the Bjorge Triplets were already causing havoc on the score sheet alongside another family connection in the Johnson’s. The usual suspects will keep Decker busy in net.

Pepper 9-5

AE2S vs. BWW

BWW hung in their game and put together a decent 2^nd half in their contest against Adams. After adding a couple of their own young fellas to their dressing room, they were able to see some contributions from the leagues 2^nd set of triplets with N. Corbett tallying his first point alongside fellow rookie, Graney. The engineers limped into week 1 with their dilapidated roster that saw some tough offseason departures. 22-year-old netminder, J. Wuitschick repeatedly reminded the Commish of how out of shape he is/was coming in to the game. Showing no sympathy at all, I followed up with reminding him that my 43-year-old body has to take a several rest breaks on my way to the bathroom at 1, 3 and 5 in the morning every night. Until the engineers start immediately 3D printing some extra players, they will need a couple more weeks to get back to game speed.

BWW 5-4

Matt Fac vs. Johnny’s

Both teams were involved in early season barn burners. Johnny’s losing by 1 goal, Matt Fac losing by 1 goal after 2 and punting on 3^rd period participation. Nothing fancy here this week as both rosters are relatively the same year over year with an addition or two. The Mattress makers swept last years season series and this week will get nod to take this first round matchup.

GR 7-3

NDAD/SG vs. Adams

Adams needed 8 seconds to begin their scoring summary for the season. A faceoff win and 4 muscly armed passes later led to their 1^st tally. They didn’t look back after the gentle giant, Costello, looked like a tank on the ice debuting a 4-point night. Meanwhile, in the bizarre, cant make it up department. The Broods began their 2025-26 campaign with a no 1^st period goalie strategy in which Sumner was under the impression the game started at 9:15pm. The teams group chat has been moved to Eastern Time Zone to avoid future issues. Going down by 3 immediately and by 4 to end the period, Broods miraculously made a comeback to win 8-5. This will likely be the game of the week as Adams is looking to display their bountiful roster and the Broods will rely on their experience as wily veterans do. This is a matchup we may see again in late February. Coinflip time.

Adams 6-5

 

 

2024-25 Year 9 Recap:

For the 9^th straight year, the second the season ended in early March, I again boarded ForxJet 1 and began vacationing with my Amish folks in Fordville, ND for the remainder of the summer, interning in furniture making. After returning to my corner office this week, I was able to fully reflect on the previous season. The 2024-25 season saw a few more of the OG’s (Adam’s Team specifically) move on to the next phase in their career which was a coming sign of age, skill depreciation and age again. The team parity across the league was better than the year before and what a sight to see all the teams record a positive number in the ‘win’ column. Last season also introduced the most new players to the league which sometimes can come with a bit of an adjustment period but despite that, we had the least amount of penalty minutes for the year and league history. The Playoff run was entertaining with the introduction of the new toilet bowl system. The top 4 teams were the same as the year before but flip-flopped in the end as Rumors beat Mattress 1928 for 3^rd place and the Red Pepper squad was able to reclaim their championship nod by beating fellow foe, Broods. Looking forward to more of the same as our 17-week adventure begins. With that…

 

Welcome back winter friends….… Year 10 begins. The picks are in.

 

Week 1 Picks

BWW vs. Adams

It was well documented last year how the Adams squad had reloaded. 2 years ago being the 3^rd oldest team to becoming the 2^nd youngest team in a matter of one offseason. With that, they are my predicted team to beat this season as they will again return a loaded squad with a few more names to fill some gaps. Too early to tell on the BWW side but they were able to claw their way up to a respectable 7^th place in the standings last season. Winning their play-in game, they were then ousted by the Broods in the Quarterfinals. Based on current knowledge, Adams directs the show on the season opener.

Adams 5-2

Mattress 1928 vs. Golf Center

An addition or two on either side for these two squads. GC is in that unique period of their beer league careers as kids and marriages are for some reason becoming more of a priority than Wednesday night hockey as many of the teams throughout have experienced. The Mattress makers are another year older and feeling that age as one of their tenured players submitted a release, seen here. Many of the 1928’s were not emotionally available for initial response except for M. Lukkason who responded with, “What took him so long to hit send on that email, didn’t he retire 2 years ago?” Golf Center had their first losing season since inception last year and will lean towards M-1928 as the favorite here.

Mattress 6-4

Bonzers vs. Johnnys

Johnny’s led many of the wrong categories last year. Losses and goals against being the elephant in the room. Defenseman C. Clausen hopes that by wearing shin pads this season he’ll be able to block one or two shots this year to bring the GA column back to double digits. One step ahead was the talk of the league last year in the Bonzers squad as their game play was fast and furious. Led by honorable mention rookie of the year, M. Reynolds, they’ll need a couple other squad mates to fill the gaps and would not be surprising to see them finish in the middle of the pack. These two teams were the toilet bowl competitors and split hairs with Johnny’s eventually taking the shootout winner. More of the same here with Bonzers having a slight advantage.

Bonzers 5-4

Broods vs. Rumors

The Broods are set to embark year 10 with a new look roster that features a Lamoureux-less opening night but hoping a couple youthful additions can spark their aging workload. Meanwhile Rumors roster consists of….I actually don’t know and when someone finds that out, please report. Rumors is either on the verge of extinction or they will sneakily put together a squad that can rattle off another solid season which they have done the past 9 seasons. Broods lost in last years final to a reloaded Red Pepper team, with Rumors taking the 3^rd place non-existent trophy. Broods gets the pick here until the Rumors roster report is submitted.

Broods 7-2

Red Pepper vs. AE2S

Red Pepper returns looking to repeat with what was nearly a perfect season in leading almost all categories in the stats department. What was perfect was their record. Going 17-0 on the season and winning the coveted cup in the end. The AE2S engineers return in a different look as many of their 58104 connections may have dried up. Too early to tell and not the right opponent to gauge their level of play but the nerds will suit up and hide their pale skin after spending another summer at various robotics camps. RP rolls on.

AE2S Key Returners: J. Solc,  B. Nelson, A. Wowrick, J. Wuitschick       Pepper Key Returners: None

RP 8-3