GoonBlog.com

Hockey fight blog with humorous, blow-by-blow commentary on goons, enforcers and donnybrooks

Hockey fight blog with humorous, blow-by-blow commentary on goons, enforcers and donnybrooks.

GoonSquad

By Special Request: Frog Pussy!


in Chris, Colton Orr, Goons, PJ Stock

That one goes out to Janet, one of the Goonsquad members in the Garden last night. Apparently she hates Drouin as much as the Charlestown fan in the opening of the greatest movie of all time. If I may borrow from the immortal Nick Brophy, the Goonsquad got stinkin shitfaced on the bus last night. Yes, a good time was had by all in Section 5 last night as the Bruins got their first Divisional win of the year against the Leafs. No, Janet, tell your friend it should not be the Leaves. Good tilt last night. We saw some pretty good up and down hockey, but, more importantly, we saw what I consider to be the fight of the year so far between Wade Belak (TOR) and Colton Orr (BOS).

I didn’t see what started the fight, as I had just rounded the corner when it started. I would assume it was just the two toughest kids on the block looking to get the boys going. What a great fight it was though. Both guys landed some really heavy punches, with Belak scoring a very hard right hand and Orr countering with an even harder one of his own, breaking Belak’s nose. Belak was wearing a full face shield for the rest of the game. The Boston Herald has a great picture of Orrsie lowering the boom on the last page. It’s an awesome picture. The photographer really captured the spirit of the thing. Colton has done really well so far this season in good bouts with Eric Cairns, Andre Roy, and now Belak. The guy knows his role, and will answer the bell when it is rung. He’s exactly what the new NHL needs. A big tough guy, that I bet will be a folk hero in the mold of PJ Stock very soon.

On tap for the weekend is a trip to Hooters for beers and wings in about an hour. Tomorrow I am going to the Bruins game for my 31st birthday, and a Halloween party after. Then on Sunday, the beloved Lockmonsters are in action against Bingo at 4. My old buddy Brennan Evans will be in the house. I think he’s a very underrated fighter, and I hope Mr. Mitch "Spread The" Love is in a fighting mood because I think it would be a pretty good match up. If there are any fireworks, you’ll hear about it here first! Peace Out all. Have a great weekend.

{ 10 Comments }

That’s Assistant Captain Trevor Gillies to you, Pal!


in AHL, Chris, Goons, Trevor Gillies

I saw on the Portland Pirates website, that Trevor Gillies will wear the A on the road. That means he will have to dress in Lowell, even if he has no one to fight. Another Portland piece of news. They have really good game photos here. There are a few good fight photos of the aforementioned Trevor Gillies mixing it up.

Trevor Gilles Fighting

Jesse Boulerice (CAR) and Brian McGratton (OTT) had a spirited go Monday night. The announcer commented that both fighters were willing to take a few on the way in, and they both had hard heads. That’s a guy that understands the role of enforcer.

Lots of fights in the Chicago game last night. Naturally I missed it. MOL was tired of the constant hockey, so I let her pick for the evening. We watched some Bernice Mac movie, which turned out to be not half bad. It wasn’t as good as a hockey game, but it wasn’t half bad. Here are the matchups.

Matthew Barnaby (CHI) vs Jeremy Stevenson (NAS)
Matt Ellison (CHI) vs Jamie Allison (NAS)
Todd Simpson (CHI) vs Jeremy Stevenson (NAS)
Martin Lapointe (CHI) vs Jamie Allison (NAS)

Stevenson gets the gate for three fighting majors. Anyone see what happened?

The Bruins continue to suck. They should never have lost that game Monday night in Toronto. I hope the rematch tomorrow will be a better outcome for the Black and Gold. The GoonSquad will be in the house. If you are looking for us, follow the "Hal Gill Sucks" chant.

Speaking of which. Hal Gill is the worst player in the NHL. I will not debate this.

Off to Lowell tonight, as the Monsters take on the defending Calder Cup Champions Philadelphia Phantoms. Here’s hoping Mitch "Spreading The" Love is all riled up. By the way, I made up that nickname. Not his official title. Anyway, MOL has expensive taste in everything. Back to work.

{ 5 Comments }

Lowell Lockmonsters vs. Albany River Rats


in AHL, Chris

If I didn’t have a party to go to tomorrow, I would seriously consider making the two hour drive to Albany for tomorrow’s rematch between Albany and Lowell. After a very slow first period, there was plenty of excitement the rest of the way.

Lockmonster newcomer, Mitch Love (LOW), got the fireworks started early on in the second when he tangled with Albany Right Winger, David Clarkson (ALB). The two came together just inside the blueline across from the benches. Clarkson put a hit on Love, and Love, trying to get something started, took exception to the hit, and dropped his gloves. Early on Love had a huge advantage, as he got the jump on Clarkson, and got in some huge right hands before Clarkson could even engage in the brawl. Once Clarkson did get in the fight he managed to handle himself nicely. The boys traded a few nice right hands, and Clarkson got the takedown on Love. I score the fight as a win for Love due to the early advantage.

The period percolated on coming to a head with 5 seconds left. Cam Janssen (ALB) (Who, by the by, I saw in his under armor before the game, and is totally jacked. Someone test his piss please) took a run at Lazy Lockmonster Pavel Brendl right in front of the Monster Bench. Now, I think no one deserves to be run more than Brendl, but you got to stick up for a team mate, and that’s exactly what Craig Adams (LOW) did. With Brendl down, Adams jumped in and started pushing Janssen. Young Cam is going to answer the bell at any time, so he obliged Craig’s request to have a go. The fight was at the far blueline from my vantage point, and all the players on the ice and the linesmen were blocking my view, but I did manage to catch enough of the tilt to see what happened. Adams got smoked. The boys at ringside reported Adams did land a couple, but clearly lost the fight. Still, kudos to Craig Adams for sticking up for a team mate. Even if it is Pavel Brendl.

Along the way, the pushing and shoving after the whistle in front of the goal became more and more frequent, and violent. It seemed every whistle in the second, and third periods were followed by the zebras earning their keep, and keeping the opposing teams in line. With 6 minutes left in the third, Mitch Love (LOW) and Barry Tallackson (ALB) took the slashing after a whistle to the next level, and decided to have a go. Again, the fight was down at the other end from me, but I could see it clearly this time. Mitch Love smoked Tallackson. Love landed a very nice uppercut that knocked of Tallackson’s lid, then got in two very hard right hands. The second of the two knocked the much taller Tallackson to the ice. Clear win by Love. I am as giddy as a school girl right now. I honestly don’t remember the last time a Lockmonster had two fights period, let alone in one game! I am impressed with Love. He handled himself nicely in both bouts.

From what I could gather, he’ll have to handle himself again tomorrow night. As Love was sitting in the box, Cam Janssen yelled over to him from the bench, "Hey Love, me and you are going tomorrow night." Love indicated he had no problem with that, so there should be some fireworks in Albany tomorrow night. Oh, by the way, if you care Albany won 6-3.

{ 7 Comments }

Alive and well in the AHL


in AHL, Chris

I do not like the new NHL. I like the idea of what they are trying to do with the new rules, but it has been taken too far. I saw a penalty called last night during the Red Wings game, where an opponent lifted the other guy’s stick to take the puck on the fore-check. He didn’t slash the guy, he didn’t trip him. Simply lifted the stick of the defenseman, and took the puck. Whistle. Hooking penalty. Pretty soon, I am going to stop watching.

Fighting it seems is way down as well. Although, there have been a few spotty fights, the numbers are way down. I don’t think it has as much to do with the game being too fast for the enforcer types to play, as it does with so many penalties being called, the teams are never 5 on 5. It looks like an All Star game every night, and it kind of bums me out. I hope it gets better as the season goes on, because this "new NHL" looks a little too European for my taste.

The AHL on the other hand, seems to have it down. They have opened up the game with the same rules package, but aren’t calling it nearly as tightly. Looking at the box scores over the weekend, it looks like there were 3 and 4 fights in a lot of games. Hell, Trevor Gillies even managed to score a goal! The American League has long been a testing ground for the NHL to see how rules may play, and the game can be improved. I think the NHL needs to look to its little brother and see how the game is being called so it may be taught a lesson on how to run the new rules game. The game is up tempo, and the fights are alive and well! Don’t do a thing AHL, you’re doing fine.

{ 6 Comments }

Lockmonsters Meet the Monarchs


in AHL, Chris

Ottawa really took it to the Bruins last night. As luck would have it, I missed the whole thing. After 4 straight days of not sleeping very much, and being exhausted from helping a buddy build a stone wall in the pouring rain, I had had it. I had every intention of watching the game, but it just wasn’t in the cards. Doesn’t sound like I missed anything anyway.

Friday night however, the Lowell Lockmonsters opened up their season against the Manchester Monarchs in Lowell. There weren’t any fights or anything, as this is Lockmonster hockey after all, but I really enjoyed the game. The game wasn’t called as tightly as it is in the NHL, but the same rules for opening up the game (i.e. tag up offsides, two line passes…etc.) still exist so it makes for an entertaining brand of hockey. Lowell should be pretty good this year. They have a couple of good defensemen that enjoy hitting, and some real good forwards. Obviously they will be near the bottom in fights, but I have sort of accepted that fact, and moved on. The sun is out here in New England, and I will celebrate by cutting the grass. Anyone see any AHL games over the weekend?

{ 1 Comment }

A Long Winter Part Deux


in Chris

Alright, maybe I misjudged Boston. They played their best game of the year last night against Tampa. I feel everyone played well in front of Rayzor, although he still did have to come up with some big saves he shouldn’t have to make. It’s early, but I think they may just be OK. Speaking of early, I have a few observations on the new NHL I’d like to share.

– Hal Gill Sucks. He is the worst player in the NHL. He was horrible when he was allowed to clutch and grab, now that his game has been taken away; he is making me physically ill. If Boston is getting scored on chances are excellent number 25 is standing there watching it all happen with that not so bright look on his face.

-I like the no 2 line pass rule. A couple of times last night John Grahame hit someone in stride at the far blue line while he was in his crease. I think Rick DiPietro will have at least 6 helpers this year.

-Where is all the emotion? I realize the fighting will be down because of the rules, but where are the scrums after the whistle? I have seen one good face wash, and I am not happy about it.

-Joe Thornton needs to take the bull by the horns and lead the team in Boston. Oh, and shoot the fucking puck.

-Sidney Crosby is legit. I was very impressed with him Saturday against Boston, and he looked great against Buffalo last night as well. Great passer. I feel he will be tops in the league in assists this year. Someone needs to watch his luggage a bit better.

-Where are the fights? I saw three Friday night. There was none in any of the games yesterday. If I wanted European Hockey, I’d move to Sweden.

-NHL Center Ice is overwhelming. I forgot how difficult it is to choose what game to watch. I may run a poll on this.

That’s all for now. Friday night is the Lowell Lockmonsters opener. I will be in the house, and will provide blow by blow if there is any. Any more observations, let ’em fly!

{ 2 Comments }

A Long Winter


in Chris

The Bruins suck. They are not good. No life at all until the 3rd, when it was too late. I throw up my hands.

I did however catch the third period of the Blackhawks 6-3 rout of San Jose. There were three very entertaining fights starting at the 10 minute mark. First up was Matthew Barnaby (CHI) vs. Mark Smith (SJ). Both guys landed a few good shots. It looked like Barnaby may have even been cut a little bit too. The fight was too close to call. The next face off Wayne Primeau (SJ) vs. Mark Bell (CHI). The fight started right off the face off after the Barnaby tilt. I shouted to MOL, "Sweet, here we go again!" She did not care about the first fight, so I am not sure why I am telling her about the second. Anyway, this tilt was a bit shorter than the first go. The boys traded a couple of good rights, with Bell switching hands and delivering a couple of quick uppercuts to Primeau before getting the jersey over Primeau’s head. At that point the linesmen were on the scene to break it up.

The third fight of the night was the best. After the first two go’s the game calmed down a little bit until Ryane Clowe (SJ) and Jim Vandermeer (CHI) got together along the half boards in the Chicago end. Before I get into the fight, let me ask you this: How many Vandermeers are there? 12? 67? Anyhow, the camera didn’t show what started the fight, but they showed how it finished. This was a classic "two guys stand there and chuck ’em" fight. They didn’t really jackhammer teach other or anything, but I would say they probably each threw and landed 8-10 punches. Good work by Clowe to work in a couple of nice uppercuts to the veteran Vandermeer as well. I have to call the tilt a draw, but it was the most spirited go to be sure.

Back to the Bruins for a second. Hopefully Sully lays into the boys and they come out with a little jump tomorrow in Pittsburgh. They way they have played the first two games, makes me think we are in for a very long winter here in Massachusetts.

{ 0 Comments }

“Diesel” Dale Purinton below the hard deck


in Chris, Colton Orr, Goons

Saturday afternoon was a lovely day in Massachusetts, which I spent with a wicked hangover trying to start my lawnmower. The little bastard never did turn over, so the grass will have to wait. In between pulls on the mower, I went into the house and watched a little TV. While perusing the channel guide I noticed the Bruins vs. Rangers game would be televised on NESN. This was the best news I had heard in days. I decided the mower wasn’t going to start, and took it to the shop, for you see, I am as mechanically inclined as a tree stump. After returning from the repair shop I settled in to watch the Sox get killed, and strategize on beer, and food for the Bruins. It was decided Dominos for pizza and wings was the way to go, and a case of Bud Select could be found at the liquor store right next door.

With nourishment taken care of, I was set to watch the beloved Bruins do battle with the lowly Rangers. I must say, I was as happy as a little girl to be watching NHL hockey on TV again. It really was awesome, and the game was pretty entertaining. The B’s really took it to the Blue Shirts, going up 3-0 after one.

Dale Purinton Fight

When Boston scored the 4th goal of the game early in the second, I looked over at MOL and said, "Good time for a fight eh?" She agreed, and no sooner had the words come out of my mouth, there was Joe Rullier, and Boston’s Colton Orr tangled up on my TV screen. Rullier, I feel, is one of the most under rated fighters out there. He has very quick hands, and will go with anyone, but on this night, it was all Orr. Colton broke Rullier’s nose pretty badly, and while it looked to me like Joe did land a couple of shots, the fight was a clear decision in Colton Orr’s favor. The rest of the second period was more of the same. There was sloppy play by the Rangers, and the Bruins controlled the game. I realize it is pre season, but they sure looked good to me.

As the game progressed, Ranger forward, and general pest Ryan Hollweg ran around banging bodies more and more. He wasn’t hitting dirty or anything; he was just banging bodies, and trying to impress Rangers brass to be able to stay on Broadway. Just over 2 minutes into the third, Colton Orr had Hollweg lined up, and checked him pretty hard on the boards. Hollweg’s team mate, and general scum bag, Dale Purinton took exception and speared Orr in the side. Orrsie says, "Ok, let’s go", and gets the gloves off, as does Purinton. The boys locked up right away, and Purinton took the opportunity while they were in close to stick his hand right in Orr’s right eye, and push his head back, eventually toppling the young enforcer. The boys fell to the ice, and it looked like Dale was trying to hit Orr after he had been eye gouged and defenseless on the ice. The linesman took Orr off to the box, and less than a minute after he had been gouged, his eye was almost closed. I could hear Viper yelling at Purinton, "YOU BROKE A MAJOR RULE OF ENGAGEMENT!"

There is a code among the enforcers in hockey, and they hold it close. Dale Purinton is a scum bag for breaking that code. You just don’t pull that kind of shit with another man. He should have stood in there and fought him fair and square, instead of pulling that wrestling shit. Dale was suspended twice in the ECHL last year for pulling similar stuff, and I kind of always defended him, because I thought he was just a little bit crazy. Now that I have seen his tactics first hand, I have lost all respect for him. I hope Orrsie is still up with Boston when they travel to New York next month, because I am sure he will be looking for number 5 right from the get go. If he isn’t, someone in a Bruins uniform had better do something about it. Orr is willing to stick up for them, and even though he’s a rookie, they should be willing to stick for him right back. That’s just how the code works.

{ 19 Comments }

Davey Boy, I’m Retired WOOO!!


in AHL, Cam Janssen, Chris, Mike Sgroi

Remember the subject of our first installment of Tales From the AHL? That’s right; Old Pumpkin Head has called it a career. I was thinking to myself, right before I saw this news yesterday, where is Rob Skrlac? That Albany team is going to be pretty tough, with up and comer Cam Janssen, and Gladiator Champ Mike Sgroi doing the heavy lifting. Pumpkin Head is getting a little long in the tooth, so he called it a day. It was awesome to see him make the show for a couple of games last time the NHL played. He was called up as a thank you for years of service to the New Jersey organization, and wasted no time letting the organization know he was thankful. He had a pretty good scrap with Stephen Peat on a Saturday afternoon ABC game, and the crowd erupted to thank him right back. Good luck in the future Rob. Don’t forget to share that huge pillow with your new wife!

{ 19 Comments }

Lowell Gets Nasty


in AHL, Chris, Trevor Gillies

No, not some Janet Jackson cover band you silly goose, the Lockmonsters will have Jon "Nasty" Mirasty in camp when it opens on Sunday. Mirasty signed a one game PTO with Colorado, and apparently has camp, and the October 1st Pre Season tilt against Hartford to prove himself. I have never actually seen Mirasty fight, but all reports indicate that he is ready, willing, and able to go with anyone. I for one am pumped. Lowell hasn’t had an enforcer that was willing to fight since Trevor Gillies was in town. Here’s hoping he stays on, and kicks some ass at the Paul all year.

Not much on tap for the weekend. I got stinkin shitfaced on the bus last night, so I am taking it easy tonight. I am headed for the Bruins pre season game at the Verizon in Manchester tomorrow. Here’s hoping they have a knock down, drag em out affair!

{ 13 Comments }