The weather forecast got progressively better throughout the week, and by the time it was hockey day in Vancouver we were greeted with just about the perfect hockey climate (partly sunny, partly cloudy, and about 10 degrees). As we had only 10 people confirmed the evening before, we decided to go back the tried, trusted and true rink at Ambleside Park. The fact that 3 additional people showed up forced us to get a little creative with the game format.

With enough for 3 teams (and 2 teams still having a sub), we decided to do a tournament. The teams were created based partially on origin (i.e. Team Burton) and partly on skill level (i.e. to try to make them as fair as possible). At first it seemed like Team Pat would dominate, winning both games in the first round robin series; however, in the 2nd series Team Burton came out strong winning both their games. For full teams and all scores check the Game Analysis section.

Due to games taking quite some time, it was suggested at one point to play up to 3 instead of 5. This seemed to be a majority opinion, including even some of the original BH members; nevertheless, a certain someone had to put the rest back in their place and tell them it could not be done, due to long standing tradition going back almost 10 years of playing up to 5 goals.

Nevertheless, due to the long breaks created by the tournament format, we switched back to a regular format, with one team having two full lines and another having 2 subs. The teams proved to be extremely close with 3 of the 4 games going to sudden death overtime.

It should be noted that due to the vast numbers today, it can be expected that everyone's PPG will suffer greatly. Also, despite what the stats may indicate, the goaltending was exceptionally solid today with many mind-boggling saves from both netminders.

Thanks, Bernman! (And thanks for keeping the teams from playing games to three, a Burton statistician’s worst nightmare!) Well, tourneys are never great for points, but two guys still managed 3.00 PPG; in fact, those two players tied for the lead at 13G-11A, Pat and Lorne. Mind you, Lorne required 25 fewer shots on goal to do so. The other 15-pointer today was recorded by Tony (7G-9A). Also notable were Sam’s 10G and 67 shots. And don’t worry, Bernie; the goalie stats are just fine! Dom posted .816 on 151 saves, and Alex was right with him at .807 on a huge 167 saves, the fifth-highest total ever. Alexander is already establishing himself as a force in goal after just two sessions and is, without a doubt, Rookie of the Year thus far.

Here are the game scores:
Pat Bernie Downey Tony Alex def. Rob Sam Barlow Downey Dom 5-2
Team Burton (Lorne Stefan Joern Alex) def. Rob Sam Barlow Ollie Dom 5-0
Pat Bernie Downey Tony Dom def. Team Burton (Lorne Stefan Joern Alex) 5-2
Rob Sam Barlow Downey Alex def. Pat Bernie Downey Tony Dom 5-4
Team Burton (Lorne Stefan Joern Dom) def. Rob Sam Barlow Downey 5-2
Team Burton (Lorne Stefan Joern Dom) def. Pat Bernie Downey Tony Alex 5-0 (Team Burton wins tournament)
Note: the following is how they were written on the scoresheet
Tony Downey Ollie Pattie Bernie Lornie Dom-E def. Stefano Barlow Samo Roberto Joerno Alejandro 5-2 5-4
Tony Downey Pattie Bernie Lornie Dom-E vs. Stefano Barlow Samo Roberto Ollo Alejandro 5-4 4-5

We’ll save the rest of the stat analysis for the BUSH session write-up, as both leagues played simultaneously today. Go look, already!