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Toyko Canadians 2007-08 Season Review
As the summer heats up, the hockey season is winding down. This past season has seen a dramatic change in the dynamics of the team with new members joining and a few of the veterans hanging up the blades and moving out of Japan. Not only are some players moving on new adventures, but they have also been busy with the next generation of Tokyo Canadians.
Fund Raisers and On Ice Events
The season kicked off with the annual running of the Terry Fox Foundation fundraiser 5k and 10k run/walk in September, 2007. The team managed to have five runners and three walkers. A great showing with the Tokyo Canadians donating 270,000 yen to the Terry Fox Foundation. The weather made the run a supurb day with President Slaton and part-time Canadian Kody legging out great 10k times and Stu Kimoto coming in at a brisk 21 mins for the 5k group.
In February, 2008 the team hosted its biannual Dance Party fund raiser at Flower in Roppongi. These events go a long way to help support the team and its various charities both here in Tokyo and overseas. See Charity Support for more details about the charities supported by the Tokyo Canadians Hockey Club and Annual Dance for more details about the next party.
As for the actual hockey season, this past year was more about rebuilding as the TCHC dropped their ranking in the international standings. After claiming two tournament victories in the pervious year, 2007-08 saw the club only play in two tournaments. The first was in Bangkok, where the Canadians failed to reach the playoffs and the second was in Singapore where team lost out of the medal round. Singapore almost turned out to be a bigger disaster than originally thought, not just missing the finals, as there was a scare when Mark Didcott temporarily lost his hearing after taking a puck to his melon.
The TCHC went to another tournament in the Himalayas but it was cancelled due to too much snow on the runways in the mountains of India. Although there were no games, the boys (and girl) had fun seeing the sites of New Delhi and cleaning monkey poo off their shoes.
Off Ice
On December 15th, 2007, Stu and Angie Kimoto were married in Okinawa, on May 5th, 2008, Jimmer and Naomi Heather were hitched in a traditional Japanese ceremony and on May 31st the McCaskies wowed everyone with their soiree at the New Sanno Hotel and at the seductive pole dancing venue.
Koby slyly offered his hand in marriage to long time girl Ume. Does anyone have any side bets on who is next? Mikey T? Anto? Chuck? How about Ogi?
Let's look who has lit the lamp in the past year. Arron Bulldog Dobrescu and his wife Maki welcomed their baby girl, Acaisha, in mid-December, 2007, Kevin and Yumiko Meehan welcomed daughter Chiyono on December 30, 2007. Stu and Angelina Kimoto flew off to Colombia to have Isabella on April 29, 2008.
Not to be outdone, Scotty and Kanako McCaskie will become parents in October, Smaaly and Yo in November, President Slaton and 1st lady Ramala as well as Patrick and Miki Morris in December, 2008. Congratulations and good luck!
Some other notable news:
President Slaton finished his 1st marathon.
The team accepted new sponsorship from Walton Group International.
Lek, the Tokyo Canadians adopted daughter in Bangkok, continues to be supported by the club (e.g., housing and school tuition).
Jason Young organized the Seeing is Believing fund raising poker tournament.
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December 10, 2006 - Tokyo, Japan
10-4 Good Buddy!
As a Monday morning quarterback can attest, it is much easier
to analyze the game the day after the fact. Before separating the two teams
based on who the defencemen were, maybe a better situation might have been
dividing up teams based on who was at the all-you-can-eat bonenkai the night
before. As the team met in Omotesando the night before for a feasting on
red meat and all-you-can-drink, the lasting effects could have and may have
been the deciding factor before the game even started. Nine out of the eleven
members of Red feasted the night before, whereas, only six of the twelve
for White took part in the annual feed. Still, the final Red-White game
for 2006 was full of thrills and spills...but mostly spills.
An offensive attack by White lit up the back of the Red net like a Christmas
tree as White downed Red by a score of 10-4.
With trade talks coming to an end at the opening face-off.jpg)
White came out skating and put pressure on the solid D line up of Young,
Heather, Takagi and Horsman. Veterans May and Didcott passed the puck nicely
in the White zone and it wasn’t long before Didcott fired his first
of many past a cold and shaky Warbinek early in the contest. Didler looked
to be back in pre-Bangkok form as scored his first hat-trick since the Reagan
administration. White continued their assault popping in three more before
Lindsay tallied for Red, on a smooth feed from Knox.
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Brian May was set up by Harrison and Vincent for his first of two and to
force goaltenders to switch ends in hope of a more balanced game. This proved
to be the case as Red continued to rally when Meehan and Kobayashi started
to hit their stride. Within a few minutes of the goalie swap, White saw
its lead dwindle to 7-4.
Thirty minutes into the game, Warbinek finally warmed up and stopped a barrage
of shots from Red and brought the White bench to their feet when he made
a great save by placing the blocker in front of a Horsman shot from the
slot and sending the puck into the corner. Warbinek also stopped Knox .jpg)
and
Baxter on separate breakaways. But with failed attempts by Red, White’s
defense of Antonelli, Holt, Carlson and Smaal were able to clear the puck
out of their zone and then send in many odd man rushes against White tiring
defense. At the other end, Wonderkid Tastumoto was injured mid way through
the 2nd, going down awkward and twisting his knee, but in true hockey form
(back in the 80s and 90s) stayed in the game. Stay tuned for more information
on what they are calling a lower body injury.
.jpg)
Already
down by several goals, a dejected Team Red could only watch in disbelief
as even veteran D-man Rob Smaal made his way into the crease and popped
in a goal. Red fought back several times, only to see Didcott score on just
about everything that he directed within meters of the net, and May hammering
home everything that Diddler missed.
Guy Roberge continued his point streak to 6 games and blueliner
Brent Carlson added one with beautiful tic-tac-toe passing along with May
and Kimoto. Frank Harrison, called up from the minors earlier in the year
and playing along side Chuck Vincent (who recently had a wooden leg replacement),
added one each.
Game notes:
Dave Lindsay accounted for 50% of Red's scoring production, with 2 goals.
Tatusmoto was feeling the Christmas spirit giving White gift after gift
of openings for easy scoring chances. Later Wonderkid was reported to have
a strained knee. Dennis Waecther, also suffering from various injuries and
the TCHC goalie manager will have to keep an eye on Tatsu’s status.
Mike Slaton has missed every game of the 2006-2007 season so far. Slaton
was seen at the rink two weeks ago but did not skate in the game. A lower
equipment problem has hindered this sniper since October.
Scott MCackie will visit a specialist in Vancouver this month to determine
if he is fit to return to the TCHC lineup. When McCaskie is healthy he has
known to have a scoring touch so stay tuned for more word on this journeyman
center.
Arron Dobrescu was a last minute scratch due to an illness.
Game Stars:
1st Star – Mark Didcott – 3 goals and 2 assists
2nd Star – Brian May – 2 goals and 3 assists
3rd star – Guy Roberge – 2 goals 2 assists
Warbinek and Antonelli Stun Red
April 9, 2006, Tokyo
Before the puck was dropped Sunday night for the TCHC’s monthly scrimmage, it appeared White was finished before the game started. That is only if the game was to be played on paper. However, this game was played at Jingu Arena that saw a team of blue collared hockey players in White out playing the larger, more skilled men in Red.
In net for White, Lyle Warbinek, who got his 2nd start in 3 weeks and tending goal for Red, Dennis Waechter. Waechter coming off a victory Friday night versus the Monsters faced a borage of shots in the opening minutes as White’s forwards fore-checked Red’s defence, causing a few errant passes to picked off in the high slot, but Waechter was up to the challenge in the early going.
At the other end of the ice, Warbinek’s flopping, kicking and sometimes guessing playing style seemed to be working as he stopped a blast from Chuck Vincent from the right hash marks. Brian May, Vincent and Michael Baxter had many scoring chances but Warbinek was up the task making miraculous save after save. The stellar play of White’s D-men, Carlson, Yama and rookie Anthony made many clearing plays giving Warbinek time to get up and be in position for the next barrage of shots. Warbinek carded his first ever shut out, playing 45 minutes and blocking 34 shots.
Chris Antonelli (AKA The Cat), ex-goalie now turned power forward, must have taken a page out of Slaton’s playbook, as he pounced on a rebound, labeling the top corner over Waechter glove side. Antonelli’s wingmen, Kimoto and Chawanya were able to force turnovers that allowed the Cat to capture his first career 4 goal game. Chawanya (49 years of age) netted his 759th career goal and Kimoto added 2 of his own.
The French Connection of JO Caron and Guy Roberge, along with red-hot Ogiso tallied 4 goals as well, 2 from Ogi and 1 a piece from Caron and Roberge.
It wasn’t until the 5 minute mark in the 3rd period when Red finally got on the board. A good play by Chuck Vincent, and a lucky bounce saw him pick up his own rebound and score on the netminder “Sauve”. After a remark on the age of two skilled veterans from Antonelli, Brian May carried the puck into the White zone and found a wide open Vincent you rippled the mesh for his second of the night. The final score White 11 Red 2.
With only a few weeks before the TCHC departs for the World Hockey 5’s in Kuala Lumpur, Ogiso and Anotnelli look to be in top form. Ogiso has had 4 goals and 9 points in the last 2 games and Antonelli had 7 points last night.
3 Stars (picked by Stutercane Productions)
1st Star – Lyle Warbinek –0 goals on 34 shots. (1st career shut out)
2nd Star – Chris Antonelli – 4 goals and 3 assists
3rd Star – Ogiso – 2 goals and 2 assists
Game notes:
A combined total of 28 shots missed the net for Red.
Rotoworld Update:
Mike Slaton, who has been MIA for the past 2 games was seen at JO Caron’s fashion show, trying to pick up on the latest styles in funky wear.
Mike Treytiak missed the game to due to an undisclosed hair problem.
Rob Smaal has missed 3 games to other commitments, but it has been reported he might be retiring from hockey and trying to organize a bowling team. Stay tuned for more information on this.
Cam Knox, preparing for the World Hockey 5’s in KL, went back to his roots and where it all began and has been seen lacing up the skates in the Comox Valley.
Hiratsuka Celebrates With Chung and Ogiso
April 7, 2006, Tokyo
Joji Hiratsuka, one of the Tokyo Canadians founding members, and a stand out for the Monsters squad celebrated his 44th birthday Friday night scoring his 50th career hat-trick against Dennis Waechter and the Tokyo Canadians. Hiratsuka’s first goal came as he emulated his favorite Russian rookie, Alexander Ovechkin, cutting out in front of the net from the right side of the net, unscathed from defender Jamie Heather, and beating the sprawling Waechter. Monsters held onto the lead until Stu Kimoto’s coast to coast rush late in the first period, evening the score at one a piece.
After Heather’s gift to Hiratsuka in the first, big Jimmer hammered home to consecutive blasts from the point giving the Canadians a two goal cushion. But it would be Hiratsuka who could only score on Waechter and keeping the Monsters in the game with two more goals.
Ogiso, the smooth skating Japanese player and also a recent acquisition for the KL tournament, notched his 7th career hat-trick and also adding 2 helpers. Bobby Chung, playing his off wing on the left side, tallied 3 consecutive goals for his 3rd hat-trick in a Tokyo Canadian uniform.
The Canadians won the game 12-3. Also scoring for the Canadians, Satoshi Chawanya, Dave Lindsay and Kevin Meehan.
3 Stars (picked by Stutercane Productions)
1st Star – Joji Hirastuka 3 goals
2nd Star – Ogiso 3 goals 2 assists
3rd Star – Bobby Chung 3 goals 2 assists
Stuterworld Update:
Dave Lindsay, playing 44 minutes, had 78 shots on net, notching only 1 goal. This ageless wonder is surely to get back into scoring form soon.
Scott McCaskie has now surpassed his record of missed games with games played. Until the Tokyo Canadians get a female water girl, it is safe to say, Scott will continue to miss games.
Patrick Morris, a recent graduate from Kellogg Univeristy in Hong Kong missed the game due to his graduation ceremony. “I wish I could be there playing but I am in Hong Kong right now. We need to get a team road trip to Macau in the new future”, Morris stated via before the puck was dropped.
Satoshi Kobayashi missed last night’s game with an upper body injury.
Red, White, and More Red
March 19, 2006, Tokyo
The Tokyo Canadians took to the ice Sunday night for their monthly Red -
White game. The boys were in good spirits, and had for the most part shaken
the effects of St. Patty's Day. While most Canadians turned up as expected,
veterans Scott McCaskie and Jason Young were nowhere to be found.
As the puck was dropped, right winger Mike Larose skated into the Red zone and banged a low slapshot by Dennis Waechter. As if to say, "It's going to be a high scoring game," White answered back on the next shift with a tic-tac-toe goal converted by the line of Cam Knox, Kevin Meehan, and Chuck. Several players turned in top performances, including Cam Knox (2 goals), Mike Larose (3 goals, 1 assist), and Brian May (2 goals, 2 assists).
The game was of secondary importance, however, after two consecutive incidents involving the combination of Mike Doris (White) and Mike Slaton (Red). Thirty minutes into the game, Slaton attempted to complete a backdoor pass to a streaking May, however, the puck deflected off Doris' stick and connected on his right cheek. The small pressure wound was nothing compared to the incident that followed. Upon intercepting a pass in the offensive zone a few shifts later, Slaton wound up for a shot that again hit Doris' stick and careemed up into his face. This time, however, there were several large gashes around Doris' eye area, and plenty of blood on the ice. Both teams rushed to Doris' aid, with Satoshi Kobayashi, a veteran of late night emergency trips himself, volunteering to transport his injured teammate to the hospital.
After the blood had been scraped off the ice, the teams managed to resume the game, though the intensity was at a much lower level. The teams traded goals in the waning minutes, with Waechter turning away a last second shot by Larose to preserve a 7-7 tie.
Three Stars:
1. Mike Doris - 6 stitches, a bloody cornea, 2 blocked
shots with his face, 2 blocked shots with his ankles, and the quote of the
night, "I guess it's time I start wearing a visor."
2. Satoshi Kobayashi - Volunteered to give up 30 minutes
of ice, drive Doris to the hospital, translated for 4 hours, tried to help
Doris hit on the "hot eye doctor," and got pulled over on the
way to drop Doris off at his house
3. Mike Larose - 3 goals, 1 assist
Canadians Crush Monsters
February 10, 2006, Tokyo
The Tokyo Canadians took the ice Friday night in a friendly game against Joji Hiratsuka's Monsters. The Canadians displayed plenty of emotion after the return of veteran Dave Lindsay, who had been hiding out in the desert much of the past three months.
The Canadians had plenty of legs with three full lines, and skated to a quick 3-0 advantage on goals by Mike Slaton, Cam Knox, and Brian May. With the outcome all but decided within 15 minutes of the opening faceoff, two dramas surfaced: which line would score the most goals, and could Dennis Waechter stand strong enough to earn his first career shutout?
The scoring battle was tight, with the line of Knox (2), Lindsay (2), and Kevin Meehan(1)/Stu Kimoto (1) outscoring Slaton (3), May (1), and Satoshi Kobayashi 6-4. Defenseman Mike Doris (1), visitor Yakumo Sugiyama (1), and Stu's buddy from Canada (1) also tallied for the Canadians.
The shutout bid for Waechter also provided for plenty of suspense, as Waechter made several key saves through the first two periods. As the third wound down, the Canadians seemed to forget about defense, leaving Waechter to fend for himself on three breakaways and several second and third-chance opportunities. With six minutes remaining, a penalty shot was awarded to the Monsters' Hiratsuka. Waechter remained unfazed in turning away Hirasuka's five-hole attempt. WIth under two minutes remaining, the Monsters' finally broke the Waechter Wall by popping in two tallies to end the shutout bid.
Notable plays deserving mention include a no-look backhand pass by Kimoto that sprung Slaton for a breakaway goal, and a (slow motion) crushing bodycheck by Meehan on an unsuspecting Hiratsuka.
Final Score:
Canadians 13 - Monsters 2
Three Stars:
1. Dave Lindsay - 2 goals, 3 assists, emotional return from Middle East
2. Cam Knox - 2 goals, 3 assists
3. Dennis Waechter - 37 saves on 39 shots
Meanwhile, power forward Mike "Rubes" Rublack extended his absence from the ice to 218 days, 6 hours, and 30 minutes.
Rubes could not be reached at home, but when tracked down at Mully's (the first place we had to look), his only comment was "There is no truth to the rumors, I have never placed a bet on behalf of Janet Jones!"
Tokyo Canadians Tame the Beast
January 28, 2006, Tokyo
A week before the All Star selections are going to be announced, the Tokyo Canadians took to the ice Friday night to face their long time foes, the Monsters. The Monsters, who were without two of their star players (Hiratsuka and Roberge) gave a valiant effort against a full Canadian squad, but came up short, as the Canadians went to a 13-5 victory.
The line shuffling of May (2), Knox (2) and Kimoto(3) proved to be a winning formula as the three notched 7 goals in the win. Mike LaRose also netted a pair receiving passes from Kobayashi and McCaskie. But it was veteran blueliners Rob Smaal and Jason Young, both celebrating birthdays this week that kept the Canadians in the game. Smaal buried a shot passed the Monsters’ keeper early in the 2nd frame and Young recorded his 7th career hat-trick for the Canadians a few days past his 31st birthday.
JO Caron, a gritty power forward for the Monsters was in top form, scoring a pair of his own in a losing cause.
Dennis Waechter with the win, leaving him with a record of 7-3-0 for the 05/06 season.
Game notes:
J. Hiratsuka, M. Slaton, M. Doris, S. Chawanya, C. Antonelli reached the
finals in the Mongolia International Tournament on Saturday. Smoke signals
are still making their way across the sky to announce the winner.
1st Star - Jason Young – (3 G, 3 A)
2nd Star - Brian May – (2G, 4 A)
3rd Star - JO Caron – (2G, 2 A)
White Holds Off Red Comeback
January 22, 2006
The Tokyo Canadians returned to the ice on Sunday, Jan 22. With a draw of
the cards, the boys split into two teams -- Red and White. Both teams had
full benches and lots of energy, as the long holiday vacations are finally
behind us.
The first shift was an indication that it was going to be business as usual, as veteran centerman Cam Knox made his 2006 Red/White debut by creating several immediate scoring chances, and dishing out several of his patented hooks to the midsection.
Both teams ran each of the three lines through scoreless first shifts, but White took advantage of it's second runthrough as Mike Slaton capitalized on a Satoshi Kobayashi rebound. As if to say one was not enough, White quickly built upon its lead, extending the margin to 3-0 on two Stu Kimoto tallies - both on Kobayashi assists. Following Chris Antonelli's top corner rocket, White sat pretty at 4-0.
But Knox was determined not to let his return be ruined by a quick White start, and answered back by out-muscling defenseman Kevin Holt and buring the puck top corner over Lance Leeder, who had been stellar in net to through the first 30 minutes. Red rode Knox's powerful stride to another quick goal, this time cutting the lead to 4-2 on a Scotty McCaskie rebound conversion.
At 4-2, the game turned into a seesaw battle that saw goals by veterans Jason Young (White) and Mike Larose (Red), newcomers Brian May (Red) and Mike (White), and a tic-tac-toe tally by Mike Treytiak (White).
WIth the game winding down and White leading 6-5, Red mounted one last stand with goaltender Hiroki Narushima on the bench in favor of an extra attacker. The line of Knox, McCaskie, Larose, Killer Carlson, James Heather, and Steve Chianese generated constant pressure, and finally capitalized on a Larose tally to tie the game.
This iteration of Red/White seemed destined to end in a tie until, with less than 30 seconds to play, White forward Mike took one last desperation slapper that beat Narushima low to the glove side. Final score: White 7 - Red 6.
Three Stars:
1) Mike - 2 goals (incl GW), 1 assist
2) Satoshi Kobayashi - 3 assists
3) Cam Knox - 2 goals, 2 assists
Notables:
Canadians Show They Mean Business in 2006
January (Friday the 13th), 2006
To ring in the new year, the Canadians took to the ice in a friendly game against the Monsters. Facing jetlag, lack of exercise, and two regular teammates dressed in the opposing team's uniform, the Canadians came out flying. Two minutes into the game, Stu Kimoto took a pass from long-absent Scott McCaskie, and buried a wrister over the glove-side shoulder of the plastic blue goalie. The following shift, Kimoto was on the giving end, feeding Mike Slaton with a breakaway pass that Slaton converted over the same shoulder as Kimoto's goal. With the first period winding down, Chris Antonelli grabbed a loose puck off of an Aaron Dobrescu forecheck and buried it high over the goalie's other shoulder.
Following a brief intermission that saw the teams trade goalies, the Canadians picked up where they left off. Shortly after the period started, Slaton fed Kimoto with a long breakaway pass that Kimoto converted behind a live goalie for his second goal of the new year. In the face of intense Monsters forechecking, the blue plastic goalie stood strong, allowing the Canadians to continue the barrage. To the delight of the six fans on-hand, Scott McCaskie showed the grit that made him one of the leagues fiercest forecheckers in years-past. Controlling play in the Monsters corner, McCaskie and Kimoto ran a cycle the likes of which hadn't been seem by Canadians faithful in years. McCaskie eventually delivered the puck to veteran defenseman Killer Carlson, who fired it at the net. The shot was deflected by Slaton for a 5-0 Canadians lead.
The lone Monsters bright spot in the period occurred when veteran defenseman Rob Smaal rifled a long wrister over the blocker shoulder of the blue plastic goalie to cut the deficit to 5-1. Asked where the sharpshooting came from, Smaaly replied, "It's this new diet she's got me on; I've lost four kilos since the new year." The momentum was short-lived, however, as Killer Carlson buried a slapshot off a faceoff on the very next shift.
The rest of the game was a seesaw battle that saw the teams trade three goals each. The line of Slaton-Kimoto-McCaskie continued their production, as Slaton converted two goals, and McCaskie was rewarded for showing up with his first goal of the year.
Final Score:
TCHC - 9
Monsters - 4
Three Stars:
1) Kimoto - 2 goals, 4 assists
2) Slaton - 4 goals, 2 assists
3) McCaskie - 1 goal, 4 assists
Noteworthy -
West’s Whites Whip Past Enduring East
December, 2005
The return of Lanny “the Black Lion” Cooney highlighted the match-up of the Tokyo Canadians' final game of the year. Cooney, after a seven-month hiatus, faced fifty-two shots leading the West to a 11-5 victory.
The East opened the scoring with a great passing play from Brian May, to Chris Antonelli who touched it over to Dave “the French guy from the English speaking area of Quebec” who re-directed the pass past a sprawling Lanny Cooney. Dave scored twice for the East.
West answered when Mike LaRose fired a shot from the right hash marks beating Narushima on the short side. West tallied another when Joji Hiratsuka notched his first of two for the night. East again was quick to answer when James Heather brought the puck over the blue line, moved right in, with all defenders scattering out of the way, wound up and blasted a shot through Cooney.
New Brunswick native Michael Baxter allowed East to go ahead once more with his goal that saw Cooney save the first three shots but was unable to stop the fourth. Hiratsuka’s hustle paid off when he out skated Narushima to a loose puck just inside the East’s blueline, deeking the Japanese netminder to go in unscathed and tie the game at 3 a piece, his second of the evening.
Kimoto, just back from the Kyoto temple tour, helped West’s cause when he fired a shot through the five-hole giving the West the lead 4-3. Kobayashi’s feed to LaRose allowed Mike to score his 2nd of the night and now West was starting to open up the game.
A scary moment in the game happened when Bobby Chung let a howitzer shot go deflecting off veteran d-man Rob Smaal’s ankle. A loud scream was heard throughout the sold out arena at what looked like a shattered bone. Smaal, did finish the game.
Brent Carlson, recalled to the West after spending the past 2 months in a Thai jungle, returned to the defensive line adding some offensive arsenal as well. Carlson netted 2 goals in the Red’s victory. A goal worthy of an honorable mention was Yamamoto’s 1st goal of the year from another nice pass from the fast skating Kobayashi. Koby assisted on 4 goals for the night.
3 Stars (picked by HeatJam Productions)
#1 Lanny Cooney – 52 shots (5 goals)
#2 Mike LaRose – 3 goals 2 assists
#3 Joji Hiratsuka – 2 goals 2 assists
Rotoworld:
Brian May continued his point a game streak with a nice, individual effort in a losing cause for the East.
Satoshi Chawanya, the oldest player on the Tokyo Canadians, fired a goal past Narushima, showing that his the ageless wonder.
Satoshi Kobayashi playing alongside ex-Vanguard teammate Larose, assisted on 4 goals and was a threat in the offensive zone all night.
Stu Kimoto added to his goal totals by scoring twice and adding a couple of assists. When Knox returns to action, you can be sure Kimoto will continue adding points.
Mike LaRose carded a hat-trick last night giving him the 1st star honours.
Joji Hiratsuka, who has been in a scoring slump as of late, scored twice and added an assist and is definitely worthy of having in your fantasy pool. If you don’t have him, activate him now.
Cam Knox missed last night’s game with the stomach flu. Consider him day-to-day.
Scott McCaskie is still bothered by his bad knee. Doctors advised him to stay off that knee and if he insists on proposing again, to go down on the other one.
Furious Red Comeback Sets Stage for Thai
October 2005
With only ninety minutes of hockey remaining before hitting the road, the skaters of Team Red came out flat on Sunday night, prompting concern from both Thai-bound players and their counterparts in White. From the initial face-off, White pressured Red, sending several scoring opportunities at goaltender Hiroki Narushima. Newcomers Chuck and Brian May applied a heavy forecheck, resulting in several defensive zone turnovers by Red. Despite Narushima's acrobatics in repelling White's barrage, White jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on goals by Brian May and Jason Young.
After a quick team huddle, to regroup, veteran Mike Larose madeWhite take notice of his return from the Injured Reserve List. Playing with one good eye, and another that felt like a bad contact lens was in it, Larose single-handedly turned the momentum back into Red's favor. Taking a pass from longtime linemate Scott McCaskie, a surprising presence in the lineup after Friday's absence, Larose walked in alone and picked the top corner over Dennis Waechter's glove. A few moments later, Larose showed Waechter that his blocker side could also be beaten, rippling the top corner with another picturesque blast. Of greater significance than Larose's second goal of the night was an injury suffered by McCaskie. After spending a year rehabbing a knee injury suffered while digging for a loose puck in the 2004 Thai Tourney, McCaskie tweaked his knee on the scoring play and was relegated to coaching duties.
What ensued was a see-saw battle that saw both teams throwing their full arsenals at Narushima and Waechter. The goaltenders were equal to the task, turning away one scoring opportunity after another. Red was the first to capitalize on a defensive zone breakdown, as Cam Knox and Stu Kimoto cycled the puck down low. Knox eventually spotted Mike Slaton sneaking into the slot, and Slaton buried over Waechter's glove, for a 3-2 Red lead. White was quick to answer, with goals by the French Canadian Connection J.O. Caron and Dennis for a 4-3 lead. Joji Hiratsuka answered for Red, tying the game after sneaking a puck past the helpless Waechter.
All the while, goaltender Narushima was solid, using his glove, blocker, both feet, and even his head to turn away White's shots. To support Narushima, a cast of solid D-men: veterans Killer Carlson, James Heather, Ken Takagi, and rookie Mike Doris fought to keep White off the scoreboard. Carlson, Heather, and Doris sacrificed their bodies for the good of the team, diving or stepping up to block numerous shots, and clearing the physical White forwards from the front of the net. Takagi was solid on the breakout, quickly transitioning rebounds and loose pucks into odd-man rushes the other way.
Despite Red's defensive efforts, White managed to recapture the lead as Chuck buried a rebound for a 5-4 lead. Red was quick to tie the game, as Slaton again capitalized by banging home a rebound off pressure created by Knox and Kimoto.
With the score tied at 5, Red would get the boost it needed as McCaskie returned to action, possibly motivated by the game at hand, possibly wanting to impress the pink-clad woman in the second row. In either case, McCaskie showed the resolve that made him one of the top players in the league when healthy by scooping up a loose puck and burying it past Waechter. Jason Young was quick to respond, burying the tying goal with only 13 minutes remaining on the clock, and notching his first hat-trick since coming off the South Beach Diet. Despite the setback and the tie game, Red continued to chip away at the White defense. After generating numerous shots on goal, the puck finally found itself on James Heather's stick with only one man in front of him. Heather ripped a quick snapshot that beat Waechter, but hit the cross bar and settled in the crease. Standing alone beside the net, Slaton tapped it home for the game winner.
Final score: Red 7 - White 6.
Three Stars:
3 - Larose (2 goals, 2 assists, while injured)
2 - Young (3 goals, 2 assists)
1 - Narushima (47 saves)
The Tokyo Canadians fight off the NHL
With the NHL lock-out over, and the constant threat of Tokyo Canadian players signing pro contracts, the club is happy to announce that they now have (under the table) deals with every player from last year’s roster, plus have added two new players.
Joining the elite squad are rookies Brian May and Chris Antonelli. May is a solid centerman from Toronto, and could prove to be the best two-way player on the team. Antonelli already has proven that he can play a big game as either a forward or a defenseman, and will be assigned the task of giving Ogi a Boston accent. Welcome aboard boys.
The
Tokyo Canadians also have re-signed the missing Hanson Brother, and last
year’s rookie sensation, Mike Slaton. Although a
goalie for most of his hockey career, Slates was a goal scoring machine
in the December 2004 Tokyo Charity Tournament, and took home MVP honors,
along with several stitches and wired front teeth.
Other rookies that are back for a second season with the Tokyo Canadians are:
Mike Rublack, who has come off of the injured reserve list after recovering from a (1982) knee injury. Rubes is back in fine form, but will definitely challenge teammate Mark Didcott for leading the team in the consumption of ice-packs and Tiger Balm this year.
Jean Olivier Caron, who has added both youth and speed to the Tokyo Canadian offense, not to mention French. Although J.O.’s tendency to back-check doesn’t resemble the team’s normal style of play, we are confident that this will change as the Tokyo Canadian matures (i.e. gets old and lazy like the rest of us). Hanging with the team surely also provides J.O. with far more artificial intelligence than he is mastering at Tokyo University.
Soybean entrepreneur Mike Treytiak, already a veteran of several Tokyo Canadian road trips, who joined the team last season after taking a few years off from hockey in order to give himself more time to test-drive various hair products through the Tokyo nightclub district.
Austrian play-maker, Dieter Haberl, who claims that playing for the Tokyo Canadians fills The Gap that his day job doesn’t fulfill.
Newlywed Patrick Morris, who hasn’t let married life slow him down, or fatten him up ….. yet.
Time for another Tokyo Canadians hockey season, it should be great year!
Red and White Action
You Gotta have Wa (echter)
On the same evening Oji Paper won the All Japans in Nagano, the Tokyo Canadians
took to the ice for their February match-up at Jingu Ice Arena. With all
the
hype and emotion of the professional league, but without the spectators.
Tokyo Canadian Red held on to a 8-5 victory that had referee Jason Young
stating, “It was a pretty good game actually.”
Donning
the original classic jerseys of the 1990s, Dave “I’m back”
Hilson and Dennis “Don’t call me Bubbles” Waechter combined
for 5 goals with Hilson notching his first hat-trick after returning from
retirement on an empty netter late in the game. Waechter demonstrated great
patience, as he circled just outside the crease and waited for a momentary
pause in goalie Lyle Warbinek's flopping and twisting before rifling home
his first goal of the evening.
A scary moment in the first period happened when a centering pass from the corner boards was deflected by goalkeeper Lance Leader. The puck deflected from Leader’s goal stick and smack dab into James Heather’s snoz. Big Jimmer went down to the ice like Akebono in a K-1 match, bleeding profusely from the bridge of his nose. Getting up on his own, he skated off the ice and then taken by ambulance to a hospital for a few stitches.
At the halfway point of the game, the ritual of switching goalies was preformed but not before Red had a 5 to 1 lead. In the latter portion of the game, with White hungry to tie it up, Warbinek made some key saves to keep Red in it. With three minutes left in regulation and White pulling their goalie for the extra attacker, Joji Hiratsuka’s pass to a wide open Mike LaRose could have tied it at six a piece. LaRose’s shot went wide and into the corner allowing for Hilson to pick up a pass at the centerline and go in all alone to the empty net.
3 Stars (picked by Stutorcane Productions)
1st star – Dave Hilson 3 goals 2 assists
2nd star – Dennis Waechter 2 goals 2 assists
3rd star – Lance Leader allowing 2 goals on 45 shots
Unofficial games notes
Dober: 1 blocked shot
Chuck the picture hanger: 2 goals 1 assist
Caged center: 1 goal 2 assists
Dave Lindsay: 1 goal
Satoshi Kobayashi: 1 goal
Brent Carlson: 1 goal
Mike Larose: 1 goal
Stu Kimoto: 1 goal
Mike Slaton – missed game due to flu
Ken Takagi – missed game due to flu
Kevin Meehan –sent to farm team in South Africa
Scott McCaskie – knee injury
Jason Young – knee injury
Mark Didcott – undisclosed reasons
January 2005
The
Tokyo Canadians Hockey Club have
raised 300,000 yen for a Tsunami Disaster Fund which has been donated to
the Red Cross
Thailand in support of their tsunami relief efforts. Thank you to all
of the players, and friends of the team, that were kind enough to make donations.
The Tokyo Canadians are proud to add this donation to the contributions raised by the Bangkok Flying Farangs Hockey Club, through their charity fundraising "Canada vs. The World Hockey Match" held on January 16. For more about the charity hockey match, see the articles on the NHL's website (www.nhl.com).
Gold in Nagano
July 19, 2004 – Nagano, Japan
The Tokyo Canadians braved holiday weekend traffic in order
to participate in a 3-day mini-tournament in Nagano. This was the second year
in a row that the Tokyo Canadians have sent a team to participate in the summer
outing. The weekend included a couple of ice times each day, a barbeque each
evening, log cabin lodging next to rink, lots of fresh air, plus time to explore
the neighboring parks and athletic facilities that were originally constructed
for the 1998 Nagano Olympics. The boys made an easy time of it on the ice,
but found that the bobsled run and the miniature golf course offered some
real challenges.
Defenseman Rob “Smaaly” Smaal demonstrated
his “only women and girly-boys use the brake” approach to bobsledding,
while attempting to set a new land-speed record in Nagano. Amazingly, Smaaly
managed to stay on the 4-wheeled cart and keep it upright for the entire run
down the aluminum trough, although his cap, legs, and arms were all seen flying
in different directions. A hush came over the spectators as Smaaly banked
around the final suicide bend on only two wheels. This was the same banked
turn that flipped Eddie Takaya last year, for a spectacular crash and burn
ending to his run down the course.
The team’s athletic talents were further challenged in Nagano, as the boys proceeded down the hill to play miniature golf. The natural grass course, picturesquely nestled amongst beautiful wooded hills, offered true tranquility. Well, …tranquil until about a dozen Canadian boys from Tokyo showed up. Smaaly offered a challenge to teammate, and roommate, Mark “Diddler” Didcott, and quickly “The Odd Couple” entered into their world of trash-talk, name-calling, and one-upmanship, much to the entertainment of the rest of the team. No one is really too sure as to what the numerous elderly Japanese couples, in their bonnets and plaid-panted golf attire, thought about the verbal display.
The boys ignored the local course rules with regard to going out-of-bounds, and proceeded to attempt to launch the ball across just about every potential short-cut imaginable.
The turning point in the round was on the tricky par-4 third
hole, with an extremely difficult pin placement at the crest of a hill. It
is still being debated today as to whether Smaaly ran his ball up, and then
back down, the hill 2-times or 3-times, before finally sinking a putt. With
several hundred yen on the line, Smaaly somehow managed to negotiate a score
of 6 for the hole, however the debate still goes on.
Local Boys Take the President Fishing
August 2005
The call came at 9am, “We are at the golf course at Ukelelee,” was the comment made by Tokyo Canadian president Jason Young. Confused on his exact location, Knox confirmed their whereabouts and they would be arriving in 20 minutes. After a quick tour of master fisherman Bob’s new 3500 sq. foot house, nestled among the first growth rain forest of Vancouver Island, we made our way to the boat moored at Weigh West in Tofino.
Enroute to the marina, Cam and Jason, looking like the locals on Welfare Wednesday, waited patiently for the liquor store to open. “I know they can see us out here!” commented Cam as he wanted to get to the boat and out on the water.
As they were buying the necessities, Mike Bebault and I gathered up the survival suits, packed the cooler with ice and waited for Bob to give us the thumbs up to go. “We will have the gear in the water in about an hour boys!” Bob instructed. “We are going about nine (nautical) miles offshore, to a place called C & B.” Apparently C & B is named after the ledges of rock on the ocean floor that represent the male genitalia.
Once out to the shaft of the C, we dropped our lines and right away there was a double header with Jay getting first dibs on the rod. “Keep the tip up…if it wants to go…let it go!” Bob instructed. “Its like sex…its all about feel!”, one of Bob’s favorite ways to describe reeling in a salmon. Like a seasoned veteran, Jay brought the fish to the boat only to have to let it go because it was a wild Coho. A nice fish too, maybe 12lbs but according to Canadian Fisheries laws, only hatchery Coho can be caught in the open waters off of Vancouver Island.
The day was a little foggy and an 8 foot swell kept Cam a little worried about nausea. Mike, a local to the area and an avid surfer, was stoked on the swell, well….until his birthday buzz wore off and he ended up feeding the fish with his own chum. But the sun did come out and the fish were biting, especially after Bob changed up the gear to get more ‘Mojo’ onboard.
Bob’s technique worked and soon Cam landed a 22 lb Spring salmon. 
The
rule on the boat was everyone was given a turn in rotation so if you lost
the battle with your fish, or if you catch a wild Coho, then that was your
turn. Everyone on board was able a few turns on the rod and the overall catch
was seven salmon (6 Spring averaged 20 lbs and 1 14 lb Coho) the biggest was
33 lbs brought in by Bob.
We fished for about 5 hours long and we headed back to port at about 5 o’clock.
The
fish were weighed and cleaned, the boat scrubbed and then it was off to the
Long Beach Golf Course for 9 holes on a very difficult track, especially when
your legs are still rocking to the rhythm of the ocean swell.
Anyone interested in fishing with Bob please feel free to contact him at
bobbykimoto@hotmail.com or
call Weigh West in Tofino (250) 725-3277.
2005
Red and White Classic 
January 2005 - Yoyogi National Arena
Stars lined up for Hiratsuka
The annual Red and White Classic was held Thursday night at Yoyogi’s National Arena, seeing the White team skate to victory. As always, with some controversy. With no time on the game clock and the end boards open for the Zamboni, Mike LaRose went behind netminder Lyle Warbinek and stuffed the puck into the net with a nifty wrap around. “It looked like the game was over and the goalie made no attempt to stop the puck,” a spectator commented after the game. “Everyone thought the game had ended!”
The game itself was an offensive battle, with a combined goal count of 27. If Denton “the Milkman” Venable was in the stands (he showed up with 20 minutes left in the 3rd frame), he would have definitely been shouting obscenities to the goalies for their defensive mental breakdowns. Waechter for his five-hole as big as Texas, and Warbinek for his frantic flopping style.
The game opened up with James Heather firing a slapshot through Waechter, allowing Red the first goal. It is not clear as to how Joji Hiratsuka got ‘up’ for the game, but he was definitely the player to keep an eye on, as he had "control" he has not seen since his thirties. Hiratsuka’s crafty moves enabled him to almost get the double hat-trick, leaving him a career high of 5 goals and 3 assists during a TCHC outing.
3 STARS (picked by Stutercane Productions):
Joji Hiratsuka 5 goals and 3 assists
Mike LaRose 3 goals and 3 assists
J.O. Caron 2 goals and 2 assists
Un-official Box Score:
Hiratsuka (R) 5 goals 3 assists
Larose (W) 3 goals 3 assists
Kobayashi (R) 2 goals 3 assists
Lindsay (W) 2 goals 3 assists
Knox (R) 1 goal 4 assists
Kimoto (R) 2 goals 2 assists
Meehan (W) 2 goals 2 assists
May (W) 2 goals 2 assists
Caron (W) 2 goals 2 assists
Heather (R) 1 goal 2 assists
Morris (R) 2 goals 2 assists
Takagi (W) 1 goal 2 assists
Chawanya (W) 1 goal 2 assists
Young (W) 1 goal 2 assists
Injury and attendance update:
Mike Slaton – inflamed throat (day-to-day)
Scott McCaskie – undisclosed lower body injury (day-to-day)
Arron Dobrescu – lost freedom (till death do they part)
Dave Lotocki – unavailable
Mike Rublack – Flu (day-to-day)
Ogi – MIA
Brent Carlson – work
Dave Hilson - he always says he will be there – so no one really knows
for sure
Mark Didcott – knee, shoulder, big toe, elbow, skin rash
May 8, 2004 – Propaganda, Tokyo
Founding member and
speedy Tokyo Canadian, Eddie Takaya bids farewell and moves back east
It has been almost 9 years since Hidekazu "Eddie" Takaya first donned his Tokyo Canadians Jersey for the Inaugural Tournament in Ikaho.
A
founding member of the team, Eddie has been a force on and off the ice for
all of those 9 years. His play exemplifies the postition "Power Forward"
with a booming shot, a touch around the net, streaking speed, matched with
a mean streak that kept the opposition honest. Off the ice in his various
executive roles, he helped build the team to what it is today. As a teammate
he was always quick to laugh, an easy going all around fun guy.
Unfortunately for the team, good things come to an end and after 9 years with the club, Eddie, his wife Yuko and daughter Erin are heading back to Canada to live in Cambridge, Ontario.
Best of luck to Eddie, our teammate and our friend. You'll be back!
Canadians
Contain Seamen in Rubber
January 24, 2004 - Tokyo Japan
With
Canada winning the gold against the U.S. at the Olympics in Salt Lake City,
and the U.S. recently defeating Canada at the World Juniors in Helsinki, many
believed the contest between the Tokyo Canadians and the U.S. Navy team from
Atsugi to be the decisive rubber match between the two nations.
The big game attracted the Tokyo Canadians’ largest crowd of the year, with the VIP section of the Yoyogi National Stadium stands packed with enthusiastic fans.
Due to heavy traffic in the Tokyo area, the U.S. goaltender missed the pre-game warm-up. Instead, Tokyo Canadian goalie Todd Bengert started in the net for the Yokohama U.S. Navy Seahawks, while Hiroki Narushima was in net for the Canadians. Bengert felt first hand what it was like to be shelled, facing 16 shots in the opening minutes, before a centering pass out of the corner from Dave Lindsay caromed off his goalie stick and between his legs to open up the scoring. During the action, a rare on-the-fly goalie substitution saw Bengert go back to his Canadians’ bench to allow the American netminder to begin his tour of duty. Little did he know, he would soon feel like he was on Iraqi soil, facing a barrage of incoming.
Fifteen minutes into the game, New York Islander Legend and NHL Hall of Famer, Mike Bossy, left his coaching duties behind the U.S. squad’s bench and came over to the Canadian bench saying "I'm going over to visit my homies!" When Bulldog, a.k.a. 'Loco', mentioned he was from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Mike Bossy told a story about Clark Gilles (who also hailed from Moose Jaw). "When I first met Clarky, I asked him where the hell is Moose Jaw? Then Clarky answers back, "about 3 feet from the Moose's ass!" "
Inspired by Bossy's stories, Stu Kimoto went on to score a
double hat trick. Dave Lindsay also netted his second for the night, and had
6 assists. Arron 'Bulldog' Dobrescu had 9 assists (who was counting?) to gain
the game’s 1st star selection. Mark Didcott, suffering with a sore back,
and an enflamed ankle, kept up his scoring prowess with 4 goals and 3 assists,
with linemates Cam Knox and Scott McCaskie each netting a pair.
Meanwhile, linemates Dennis Waechter and 'Koby' Kobayashi helped Bobby 'On
the Spot' Chung keep his goal-a-game streak alive at 17. Plus D-men James
Heather and Dave Low Talkin' Lotocki both fired scuds past the American keeper.
Even with big saves being made at both ends of the ice, the final tally came
in at 19-8. Most of the action remained in the American defensive zone, but
the freewheeling Americans made several 3-on-1 charges down that ice. Nonetheless,
the steady defense of Rob Smaal, Brent 'Killer' Carlson, Dave Lotocki, and
Jason 'The Vulture' Young, stymied the Seahawks and allowed the Canadians
to defend their dominance in Canada’s national sport.
The outstanding player for the Navy team was their speedy centerman, Drew, who scored a hat trick in his losing cause. After the game, the Canadians met up along Omatesando Dori (Tokyo’s Champs d’Elysees) for much needed liquid refreshments, the consumption of several hundred chicken wings, and to mingle with their fans.
3 Stars picked by Stutercane Productions:
1st star: The Bulldog
2nd star: Mark Didcott
3rd star: Mike Bossy
Warbinek
stymies Chung to stop streak in Game 4
February 16, 2004 - Yoyogi
The finale in the classic Red and White match up at Yoyogi's National Stadium was not the great game it was hyped up to be. With a final score of 13 - 6 in favor of the boys in Red, hot tempers seemed to boil over, in what should have been a friendly match up of buddies lacing them up for bragging rights. In one particular case, Brent “Killer” Carlson whipped his stick at Bobby Chung, who appeared to be going in for a break away. In Carlson’s defense, he was simply trying to stop play as a result of James Heather's slow return to his feet, following a hard check by Austrian star, Dieter. A separate incident saw Stu Kimoto retaliate a high sticking crosscheck to the head from friend Rob Smaal, who blankly stated "Don't stand in front of the net!". All knowing how to play the game, and understanding the standard rule of thumb, "What goes on the ice, stays on the ice", both teams exchanged pleasantries, and beers, at the local tavern in Harajuku after the game ended.
Meanwhile, back on the ice, Bobby Chung had his 16 game goal-a-game streak snapped by the floundering saves of Lyle Warbinek. Warbinek stepped up (actually layed down and flapped his legs and arms around) in the dying minutes of the game, to rob Chung’s most aggressive scoring chances. Although Warbinek stopped Chung, he was not up to the task when Jason Young swooped in on him for a hat-trick, as well as Dave Lindsay who added a hat-trick of his own. A late draft selection, Shane Carlson, called up from the Vancouver farm team, notch his own three goals in the losing cause for White team. Sean Hopkins, Stu Kimoto, and Arron Dobrescu all added 2 each for the Red team. Joji Hiratsuka tallied a goal for Red, and Ned 'Koto' Negative and Cam Knox slid goals past Red's goalkeeper Hiroki Narushima.
Games 3 stars selected by R.L. Stutercane Productions:
1st star: Jason Young - 3 goals, 4 assists
2nd star: Dave Lindsay - 3 goals, 3 assists
3rd star: Hiroki Narushima - 27 saves
After four games of Red and White match ups: Red 3 - White 1.
White-out in Game 3
February 4, 2004 - Yoyogi
In a game of controversy, Rob Smaal opened up the scoring in what some thought was an offside. But since there was no whistle, play continued and Smaaly tallied the first goal for Team White. Deiter, who came to the White team in waivers, made a huge impact scoring three times on goalie Dennis Waechter. High flying McCaskie was on top of his game finding the net five times and Chawanya also added a pair for the winning team. Mark "Mr. Band-aid" Didcott was held scoreless in this matchup.
Red Team's veteran winger Joji Hiratsuka scored his 53rd career hat trick in a losing cause. Dave Lindsay, Sean Hopkins and Satoshi Kobayashi all scored twice on rookie goaltender Straka. Final score: White 10 Red 9.
Rotoworld update:
Red Team:
Dennis Waechter: Waechter has reported to the team doctor siting soreness in his groin and knees. You can take what ever you want out of that. De-activate him for the coming weekend.
Arron Dobrescu: After tallying 9 assists in his last game, expect the Bulldog to come out flying in game 4. "We're not servin' it!"
Stu Kimoto: Toronto Star reports Kimoto will be in the lineup for Saturday's matchup against the White Team. Activate him now!
Hiroki Narushima: The Red team has confirmed he will be starting in net.
Joji Hiratsuka: After scoring his 53rd career hat trick, look for more great things from the Jif!!
Dave Lindsay: Team doctor reports Lindsay has been feeling sick since his trip up north. Stay tuned for more news regarding the hard working right winger.
White Team:
Cam Knox: Suffering from the flu this past week but has confirmed his status for the weekend. If you don't have him in your fantasy pool...get him!
Mark Didcott: Time will tell if the Didler will be suited up for action for Saturday. His knee, back, elbow or shoulder could keep the 40+ year old from making a difference in the game. Stay tuned for another updated injury report.
Shane Carlson: Called up from the Powell River farm team to replace Low Talkin' Lotocki. He is a big player with good moves and soft hands.
Scott McCaskie: #1 in your hearts...enough said.
Lyle Warbinek: Lyle plans to bring his A game in the final match.
Jason Young: After a relaxing week, feeling healthy, Young will be ready to play Saturday.
Red
continues dominance over White
January 17, 2004
- Yoyogi
Rob "Coach Piquono" Smaal was busy before the game trying to match
up lines that finally saw Jason Young being traded to the white team in hopes
of some solid defense and his vulture like ability to make his way into the
offensive zone, and Bobby "On the Spot" Chung to fill in for some
scoring touch around the net for the boys in Red.
After much criticism from Game 1, Team White's Mark “Didler” Didcott, Cam Knox, and Scott McCaskie knew they had to perform to give their squad a chance at tying up the series. And they did just that, combining for an astonishing 9 goals – with 5 for Didler, and 2 a piece for the Hammer and #127 in your hearts, Mr. Chickenman McCaskie.
Earlier in the game, down by 2 goals, it was Chunger who pounced on a loose puck to keep his points per game streak alive at 16. Then it was Chunger's line mate Waechter who scored his first of 3 on a deflection from James Heather's slapshot to tie up the game 2-2. Team White's J-connection of Ogi and Chawanya-san also combined for a goal apiece.
The end-to-end action excited the fans and they also got into the hockey spirit by performing the wave in the crowded VIP section. With the camera focused on the cheering ladies, Dober one-timed a laser beam over the shoulder of keeper Warbinek, to net his first of 2. Team Red also had a pair of goals by Lindsay, Kimoto, and Hiratsuka. Jifi's heads up coaching late in the 3rd period, decided to settle back on D, to help the exhausted pointmen. More brilliant coaching came from “Killer” Carlson, who reminded everyone on the bench that “the boards are our friends”. This all proved superb as the mighty Red team slowed the steam train of Didler, Hammer, and McCaskie.
In the dying minutes, Dober showed why the cameras were focused on him all night, making nifty moves in the corner, and feeding a wide open Kimoto, who in typical Grim Reaper fashion, scored the game winner to give Red a 2 game lead in the best of four series. Team White has a lot of work to do and can only tie up the series. Warbinek, in a losing cause stopped 27 shots, including 3 breakaways, and Narushima inked the victory stopping 22 shots.
In an off ice interview, Satoshi Kobayashi stated, " It is great to play with the Canadian boys...I love it!"
3 stars picked by Stootercane Inc.
1. Mark Didcott - 5 goals 0 assists
2. Dennis Waechter - 3 goals 1 assist
3. Scott McCaskie - 2 goals and 4 assists
Red takes all important Game
1 !!!
January 10, 2004 - Yoyogi
The Red and White Classic at Yoyogi on Jan.10th ended in a lop-sided 11-5 victory for the boys in Red. The game opened up in front of a stellar crowd of 6 people, with Ogi beating Warbinek early in the 1st period. The White team had many scoring chances, but Dennis 'just got lucky' Waechter was up the task as he kept Knox and Didcott off the score sheet. With the score 8-3 for the Red team, the goalies switched ends for the 2nd half.
Takaya was able to slide one past a misplay by Waechter to tie the game 1-1 early in the 1st. Team Red's second goal was a rebound pounced on by Kimoto to go up 2-1. Hopkins and Lindsay both added a pair, a Kimoto completed the hat trick late in the game. Kobayashi showed off some nifty moves has he dangled his way into a goal. Hiratsuka, not to left out of the scoring action, added his own from a great pass from Ogi. James 'coast to coast' Heather, back from his tour of the DMZ, and a stint in the Korean organization 'The Geckos', scored on a nice feed from Hopkins.
The man who is number 10 in your program, but number 1 in your heart, Scott McCaskie also rippled the netting twice is a losing cause, and both his wingers, Chung and Hill both added a goal each.
Game 2 is slated for January 17th, at Yoyogi, 8:30 game time. The second of the four game series, will have a different look as the newly energized Jason "I'm training for a triathlon" Young returns back from Hawaii. The Bulldog will also be in fine form, ready for his Global TV debut. You can also count on “Low Talkin' “ Lotocki to help out in the defensive zone for the White team.
Canadians make
it official "We got him"
December 23, 2003
The Tokyo Canadian hockey club made it official over the weekend by announcing the discovery of Kevin Meehan, the former Tokyo Canadian standout that has not been seen on metro area ice in nearly a year.
News of the discovery caused celebrations from Kansai to Canada as finding the elusive ‘Lean Meehan Machine’ was a top priority for the Tokyo club and marks a possible turning point in the team’s success.
Meehan was found by Tokyo Canadian members in the wee hours of Saturday, December 13th slumped over in the fetal position in front of an undisclosed night spot on the outskirts of Tokyo’s Roppongi District. Looking somewhat disheveled, unshaven and seriously disoriented, the Montreal native at first refused to cooperate under light questioning. However, after several hours of romen-induced interrogation, began rambling endlessly about Boeing airplanes, Dublin pubs, the Quebec International Pee Wee Ice Hockey Tournament and the bathroom habits of Guy Carbonneau.
Walking with an obvious limp and said to be carrying a large
amount of cash, Meehan was diagnosed with a ‘bout of the gout’
following a light checkup. The injury could force him out of the lineup for
the time being but team officials insist he will be ready in time for the
team’s Red & White Series at Yoyogi Arena in January.Several
witnesses reported seeing Meehan earlier in the evening with a wild haired,
tall Caucasian strongly resembling the profile of former Tokyo Canadian Dave
Hilson. The Owen Sound, Ontario native and one-time strong man for the
Canadians hasn’t been seen on blades since 2001. A half-ass search of
the area turned
up nothing. Hilson remains at large.
The Canadians added some new firepower to their lineup for the 2003-04 season with the additions of Ken ‘One Chug’ Takagi, Scott ‘Jay’ Lackey, Kazunori (No nickname at press time) Yamamoto, and Aaron ‘Bulldog’ Dobrescu.
Both Lackey and Dobrescu made their Canadian debuts in the unforgettable Kimchee Cup in Seoul, Korea in July of 2003. Lackey recorded some key goals and assists on the wing and blue line while ‘The Bulldog’ registered some serious laughs both on and off the ice. Dobrescu, who hails from - if I can read the card here - Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, brings a level of comedy to the team not seen since the departure of Canadian d-man Gavin ‘Second Degree’ Burns.
In what will go down as one of the saddest days in team history, Tokyo Canadians legendary defenseman Gavin Burns bid farewell to his friends and eammates at a private going-away dinner in late October.
The 28-year old native of Cambridge, Ontario patrolled the Canadians blueline for five seasons with stops in Hong Kong, Bangkok and the legendary run to Chiang Mai in 2001. He also played in the Kanagawa League with the Yokohama-based All Nippon Airways team (or A.N. eh?).
While often mistaken for a Newfie, the linguistically challenged Burns amazingly secured five years of employment teaching English as a Second Language, leaving behind a trail of dazed and confused students in his wake.
"His classes were a thing of beauty," said student Daizo Takahashi, "especially when he brought donuts and two-fours to class, eh? Solid!"
While he usually left his teammates in stitches off the ice, he always provided solid defensive work on the ice leaving the remaining Canadians worried about the void.
"Here we lose a young and versatile defenseman in Burnsie," said alternate captain Joji Hiratsuka, "and replace him with.......Moody."
At the going-away dinner in Tokyo's Roppongi district, a dry-eyed Burns prepared a speech but was unable to read it due to the abundance of free beer. It read;
"Just wanted to say thanks for four years with the TCHC. I had a great time at the parties and tournaments (not necessarily in that order), and will miss the friendly scrimmages in Tokyo. However, I won't miss lugging my hockey bag home on the Yamanote line during rush hour. Made a few friends there, I tell ya!
Good luck in Chiang Mai this year...at the tournament and on that crazy firecracker bridge. I can honestly say I've been to war after making it across in one piece!
If you are ever in the Toronto area, Cambridge is just up the road, so drop in for a couple coldies, eh.
Take it easy."
When asked about future plans, Burns said he and his young bride will return to Cambridge and "live with the oldies, eh" until a more permanent residence can be established.
August
9, 2002
Canadians
Cream Seamen
by
Denton Venable, l'officier de communication
Crewmen from the HMCS Ottawa took a much deserved break from the War on Terror last weekend by spending a few days of R&R at Yokosuka Naval Base, taking in the sites of Japan, and topping it off with a friendly scrimmage against the Tokyo Canadians. Perhaps they wish they had kept on sailing past Japan.
The Tokyo Canadians, taking a break from their hectic, summer vacations, completely crushed the naval boys 9-0 at the infamous Hamabowl in beautiful Yokohama, Japan. But in all fairness to the seamen, most agreed this was the best outing by the Tokyo squad all season.
Behind solid defensive play from D-men Dave Lotocki, Jason "MVP" Young, Joji Hiratsuka, and Gavin Burns, goalie Hiroki Narushima earned his first shutout since the three he picked up at the 2000 Bangkok games.
Hiratsuka, Lotocki, Scott McCaskie, Sean Hopkins, Dave Lindsay, Cam Knox, Bruce Hill, and even Gavin "Second Degree" Burns found the back of the net for Tokyo.
On a positive note for Ottawa, goaltender Chris Koblun earned everyone's respect with some spectacular saves keeping the game from getting even worse than the score indicated. The scorekeeper simply stopped counting but the shot tally was believed to be around 70.
The loss for Ottawa comes after a recent 11-1 spanking at the hands of the Dubai Mighty Camels.
For more information on the HMCS Ottawa, please check out their webpage at HMCS Ottawa
Cox's claim to fame is having played the 1984-85 season with the Moose Jaw Warriors skating along side hockey greats Mike Keane, Theo Fluery, Kelly Buchberger and, last, but not least, Bob "How's it goin, eh?" MacKenzie. He also had the privilege of playing under controversial coach Graham James.
The Tokyo Canadians, only six weeks shy of the Kuala Lumpur Tournament, made it a perfect 10 wins in a row with a 6-2 victory over cross-town rival Tokyo Monsters at Jingu Arena on Friday night. Despite skating without Joji Hiratsuka, Jason Young and Dave Lindsay, all participating in the Dubai Games, and the recently relocated John Richmond, the Canadians were able to manhandle the hard-hitting Monsters for the fourth time this season.
After a slow start, rookie sensation Bobby Chung got things rolling with a one-timer off a Dale Stadnichuk pass. Stadnichuk, the 5"5" Curt Giles look alike - complete with green trousers - was a pleasant surprise appearing in his first game in over a year.
Satoshi Kobayashi quickly added a pair of nice goals followed by singles from Cam Knox, Gary Cox, and James Heather.
Rob "it ain't that" Smaal even got in on the action by deflecting an opponents pass past his own keeper Lance Leeder to give the Monsters their second goal of the night.
The grueling two games a month grind is beginning to take it's toll on the ageing Canadians' roster as the IR continues to grow.
Solid, two-way center Eddie Takaya remains sidelined as he recovers from knee surgery. He's expected back on the ice in May.
Less than solid, one-way winger Denton Venable is listed as day-to-day with sore ribs following an extremely uncalled for hit by Monsters' forward Dennis Waechter.
Winger Kevin Meehan continues to nurse an ever-expanding gut and is expected to miss more ice time. Team doctors insist he'll play again once the swelling goes down. He's listed as month-to-month.
And finally, Mike "Rosey" LaRose remains on his one-year maternity leave. No word as to when his wife will give him the go ahead to return to his customary right wing or his appointed position of Team President.
It was business as usual for the Tokyo Canadians as they continued their amazing dominance of Tokyo based teams with a pair of victories over the Mitsubishi Express. Despite great efforts from the speedy corporate club, Mitsubishi couldn't break the Canucks winning streak which stretches back to almost four months. The Canadians have not lost a game since dropping a 5-2 decision to Team USA in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The January 18th contest at Yoyogi Arena featured stellar goaltending from veteran Lyle Warbinek who kept Mitsubishi at bay until the boys could finally put the game away with an 11-2 win. Dave "Cool Pad" Lindsay led the way with a four goal night. Stu Kimoto, Bobby Chung, Cam Knox, Scott McCaskie, Jason "MVP" Young and Satoshi Kobayashi rounded out the scoring.
The second game of the home-and-home series took place at the less spacious Higashi-Fushimi Arena. Once again, Warbinek stood on his shiny head limiting Mitsubishi to only a handful of goals as Tokyo cruised 10-3. Stu "the Reaper" Kimoto matched his opponents efforts with a hat trick. He was followed up by goals from Young, Lindsay, McCaskie and Brent Carlson. The goal of the night - and what could be his last as a Canadian - was a nifty backhand from the legend John Richmond.
Several Tokyo Canadians will be adding some stamps to their passports when they compete in various tournaments abroad this spring.
Lyle Warbinek is expected to join former Canadian teammate Chris Parsons at the 10th Annual Hockey North America games in Holland next month. This is the third straight trip to Europe for Warbinek.
Later in the month, Joji Hiratsuka, Dave Lindsay and Jason Young will join Team Budweiser for the Dubai Tournament in the United Arab Emirates. The team is made of players from around the Middle East.
The Tokyo Canadians made a few adjustments with the roster recently by adding forwards Cam Knox and Satoshi Kobayashi. Both players play regularly for the Tokyo Thunderbirds, and bring lots of experience and speed to the club.
Cam Knox brings perhaps the best resume to the team having toiled with the Dayton Bombers (ECHL) and the Central Texas Stampede (WPHL) before finally realizing his lifetime dream of becoming an English Teacher in Japan. He's now moved to a cushy banking job courtesy his Canuck teammates.
And finally, Tuesday, March 19th has been chosen as a rare promotional night for the club when they pay tribute to the forty-something-year-old legend of Japanese hockey, John Richmond, by playing the Tokyo Vanguards at Takadanobaba's apply named "Senior" Citizens Center at 9:45pm. This will be the last game for the team's captain as he returns to Canada next month after 12 years in Japan. The first twenty....ah, never mind...ANYONE who shows up to the game can have their picture taken with the fiery number 13 so be sure and bring your camera.
The Tokyo Canadians extended their tremendous winning streak to five games on Thursday night by defeating the Pirates of Takadanobaba at Yoyogi Arena. The exact score was not known but it was believed to be somewhere around 15-8.
All Tokyo Canadians figured onto the scorers sheet in one way or another by the end of the evening. Dave Lindsay lead the way with a hat trick while Joji Hiratsuka, Bobby Chung, and Cam Knox each added pairs.
The Canadians will try and keep their winning ways going this Friday night when they play Mitsubishi at Yoyogi Arena.
The Tokyo Canadians started out the new year in style on Sunday night with an 8-3 thrashing of the Tokyo Monsters inside the cozy confines of Yoyogi National Stadium in Harajuku. This was the first ever game for the Canadians at Yoyogi Arena, home of the 1964 Olympics and several NHL games in 1997 and 1998. Unfortunately, the building was about as quiet as an Ogiso press conference as 99% of the 10,000 seat arena sat empty.
The "Silent But Deadly" Koichi "Ogi" Ogiso quickly got things rolling when he registered two straight goals off assists from Brent Carlson. Soon after, Carlson and Joji Hiratsuka signed their names to the scorer's sheet giving the Canadians a strong lead.
Satoshi Kobayashi netted another pair of pucks at the midway mark. Peterborough native Sean Hopkins scored a nice goal in his Canadians debut while Stu "The Reaper" Kimoto rounded out the scoring on a breakaway off a Dennis Waechter feed.
The only thing the Monsters could manage successfully was shutting down scoring threat of Dave Lindsay and ending his scoring streak at four games. Lindsay was unable to score all evening mainly because he was vacationing in Arizona. He is expected to be suited up on Thursday night when the Canadians play the Pirates at Yoyogi Arena. Face off is 10:15pm. Plenty of seats still remain.
Number two star went to the Monsters' Dennis Waechter. Not only did "The Diesel" score a nice one for the Blueshirts, he also mistakenly assisted on Kimoto's goal when his blind pass was intercepted and returned for a goal. "He also got hacked all night and didn't complain a bit," added assistant captain Joji Hiratsuka.
Number three star went to Kevin Meehan because, according to Hiratsuka, "for being able to lug all that weight around and still being able to skate."
Brent and wife Ikuyo (Kate) Carlson completed the team trifecta on December 21st when the couple had a son, Leon.
All conceptions were unassisted.
While many consider December 7th, 1941 as a day of infamy, so will December 7th, 2001 to many Japanese hockey fans.
The Tokyo Canadians Hockey Club and women across Kanto were stunned today at the sudden retirement of long-time Canadians' defenseman Neil Moody. The 44 year-old native of North Vancouver, British Columbia had been hoping to make a comeback since suffering a mysterious back injury which occurred sometime during the 2000 Chevron Cup Tournament in Bangkok.
"The way my back is, I can hardly walk let along skate", said Moody, having to fight back tears most likely brought on by an allergic reaction to Jason Young's "Armani" Cologne.
One of the few remaining members of the founding 1996 team, Moody had been sidelined on a number of occasions by a string of injuries over the past three seasons. In addition to an injured back, he had also suffered from bad ankles, a torn rotator cuff, a degenerative hip, a splintered stick, mildewed equipment, occasional feelings of inadequacy, a large rash, poor decision skills, as well as seriosis and tetur.
Moody's ability to stick handle through the most dangerous of situations, both on and off the ice, will be sorely missed by the team. Retirement, however, doesn't mean it will end of the founding member's association with the Canadians. "We'll most likely keep him on as an official team advisor", said John Richmond, "being that he seems to know something about everything."
"This is a real surprise to some of us", said a teammate who asked to remain anonymous, "especially those of us who didn't even realize he was still in Japan."
There was no mention of retiring his number.
After a victory against the Monsters last week, the Canadians were back in action against the same squad; this time both teams had a full compliment of players for the rematch.
Although the Canadians carried the play in the first period the score remained 0-0 at the end of twenty minutes. The unlikely icebreaker was perennial party boy, Rob "it ain't that" Smaal, who scored a pair (and allegedly did the same in Roppongi last week too). Once the dam broke and the floodgates opened the Canucks went on to score a 9-2 victory. Other goal scorers were Mike La Rose also with pair and singles came from Joji Hiratsuka and rookies Bobby Chung, Bruce Hill, Dave Lindsay and Stu Kimoto.
The Tokyo Canadians got back on the winning track on Thursday night with an 8-2 thrashing of the US Navy team from Atsugi Naval Base. The scrimmage marked the first game for the rag-tag military group from western Tokyo and the Canadians took full advantage to make up for their disastrous performance in Thailand.
The game at Jingu Ice Centre featured a number of new faces scoring for Tokyo. Justin Ault, playing in his penultimate game, started things off with a nice goal which gave the Canadians a 1-0 lead. Moments later, Bobby Chung scored the first of his two goals on the night. Before the evening was over, Etienne Menard, Bruce Hill, Satoshi Kobayashi, and possibly Eddie Takaya (details are sketchy) figured in the scoring.
Afterwards the generous Navy boys treated the Canucks to plenty of complimentary Budweiser Beer which the boys greatly appreciated, especially goaltender Lyle Warbinek whose feet had grown quite cold throughout the game.
As mentioned before, the November 15th game against Navy marked the last game for forward/defenseman/rover Justin Ault who will return to Vancouver to open a Japanese style restaurant. Better visit soon because if he keeps his restaurant as clean as his hockey bag, the public health department will undoubtedly close him down soon.
The Canadians have added wingers Bruce Hill and Bobby Chung to the roster.
The first game of the tournament for the Canadians was the long awaited match-up against the Seoul Gecko's Glaciers. This self-described "Drinking Team with a Hockey Problem" lulled the Canadians into a feeling of over-confidence as they watched the Glaciers skate around the extremely hot rink in what appeared to be heavy black, wool sweaters reminiscent of something the Bruins might have worn in an outdoor game in 1925.
The Glaciers struck in the first minute of play with a dandy wrap around past goalie Hiroki Narushima. Unfazed, the Canadians came back with a nice goal by a healthy Scott McCaskie. Jason Young set up the second Tokyo goal with a centering pass to Dave Lindsay who fired home a one-timer. McCaskie scored again moments later to give Tokyo a commanding 3-1 lead.
But that would be all for the Canadians. The heat in the building became simply too much in the second half as Tokyo's defensive play broke down allowing numerous scoring opportunities. Temperatures inside the rink seemed to hover around 100 degrees Fahrenheit (or about 40 degrees Canadian). With exhausted legs, Tokyo gave up three goals in the final ten minutes of play and lost the game 4-3.
"I thought I was gonna puke out there, eh?" said an exhausted Gavin Burns.
Post Game Entertainment
One tremendous highlight of this years tournament was the chance to experience the huge Chiang Mai's Yee Peng Loy Krathong Festival held every year on the banks of the Ping River. The festival features parades, musical entertainment, fireworks shows and the release of Krathongs which are decorative floral candle arrangements that are lighted and sent floating down the river to, as far as we could tell, show gratitude to the Buddha.
But most impressive was the fireworks show which consisted of several hundred kids throwing firecrackers, bottle rockets and blackcats at one another as well as passing motorists.
In an effort to boost team morale, Captain John Richmond marched his Canadian troops across the Nawarat Bridge despite a constant bombardment from all sides. In a scene straight out of "Apocalypse Now," the Canadians made it across the bridge and back again with only minor injuries and hangovers. Joji Hiratsuka had an ordinance explode in his hand, Denton Venable was run over by a motorcycle and Dave Lindsay broke out into a bad case of the giggles but the effort worked in building a sense of unity and confidence for day two of the tournament.
"I didn't think we were gonna make
it across that bridge, eh?" said a shell-shocked Gavin Burns.
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Bangkok Flying Farangs 3, Tokyo
Canadians 3
The second game for the Canadians featured their old rivals from Bangkok, the Flying Farangs. Kevin Hall and company brought a very good team to the tournament, a team that would eventually make it to the semi-finals before dropping to the unbeatable Team USA. With a few minor adjustments to the line-up and a new face in the net, the Canadians were looking to get back on the winning track.
The game was a back and forth affair featuring nice goaltending on both sides. Dave Lindsay really stuck out as the player of the game for Tokyo scoring two goals including one on a breakaway that was set up on a beautiful pass from Koichi Ogiso deep in his own zone. McCaskie scored his third goal of the tournament off a deflection from a Jason Young shot.
But Bangkok equaled every time including
two goals on tough circumstances leaving goaltender Troy MacPhee, possibly
the only man in Japan with a map of PEI tattooed on his chest, shaking his
head. One such goal deflected off of a Farangs chest and into the net while
another was a miscommunication with Hiratsuka leaving the puck rolling into
the net.
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Team USA 5, Team Japanada 2
The final game for the Canadians might go down as one of the most eventful in team history. Tokyo was a tremendous underdog going into the game against the powerful Americans featuring non-other than former Lake Placid Gold Medal Olympian Neal Broten. But the former NHLer, who didn't seem very "up" for the games, was not the only impressive player on the ice for the extremely talented squad. One dangerous player for the US was Lake Superior State product Mitch Lane who scored several goals in each game. USA, loaded with solid talent, crushed Taiwan and Kuala Lumpur in the preliminary rounds by lopsided scores.
Troy MacPhee was awesome in goal making some big saves and getting lots of attention from the capacity crowd which actually broke into the wave at one point and shouted "To-key-yo, To-key-yo" on several occasions.
USA scored first but Satoshi Chawanya was able to get the Canadians on the board in the first period. The Canadians played back-n-forth hockey against the Amerks but still allowed three straight goals including one head-scratcher by Broten.
Jason Young scored the goal of the tournament late in the game on a nice Bobby Orr style shot making it 4-2. The Americans would later score an empty-netter to win 5-2.
In the finals, Team USA defeated the
Seoul Gecko's Glaciers 7-0.
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Canuck pastime takes root in Japan
By HARVEY SAHKER Special to The Mirror
North York native Jason Young has found a little piece of home in the Land of the Rising Sun.
After moving to Tokyo in January, the 26-year-old financial planner is playing hockey for the Tokyo Canadians.
Not long after his arrival in the Japanese capital, he decided to play with a local Tier II club which ultimately led him to the Canadians.
"The hockey scene in Tokyo is pretty small, so once you play on one team you soon find out about the Canadians," Young said in a telephone interview.
The Canadians are a team made up of ex-patriot Canucks, based in Tokyo, who originally hail from B.C. to Quebec and points in between.
"A lot of Japanese teams like to play exhibition games against us. We're looked at as a select team, one of the higher-calibre teams in Tokyo."
The Canadians play a couple of games per month from October to April. They also participate in the annual Thai tournament.
"It's a competition to raise money for orphans (Human Development Center) in Bangkok," Young said.
Young says playing with his countrymen is much different than playing with his Japanese teammates in the Tier II league.
"A lot of the Canadians play for a Japanese team in a league as well," he said, adding he is the only foreigner on the team. "Communication is tough because my Japanese isn't great. There's a lot of broken Japanese from me and broken English from my team mates."
Amateur hockey in Japan has impressed Young.
"It's quite competitive, probably as good as a high calibre industrial league back home."
The game is played at other levels, too. "University hockey here isn't bad, and there's a six-team professional league."
Though hockey facilities in Tokyo are few and far between, Young said they compensate for this in quality.
"The arenas are quite good, probably the best in Asia. Teams take whatever ice time they can get. The rinks accommodate university teams, women's teams, men's teams, even some high school teams. We might play any time from 6 a.m. to midnight. It really varies."
Irregular face-off times notwithstanding, Young is happy as a member of the Tokyo Canadians.
"They're a great bunch of guys.
It's good times, on and off the ice."
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Canadians Victorious In Season Debut
By Denton Venable, l'officier de communication
The Tokyo Canadians started off the 2001-02 season with an impressive 6-2 victory over the Pirates from Takadanobaba at the Citizens Plaza Rink Saturday morning. Despite having only a handful of sober players available for the unusually early morning matchup, the Canadians were able to win rather easily over the outmatched Pirates squad.
Starting goaltender Hiroki Narushima played a solid game while backup Lyle Warbinek looked on patiently from the bench through fog covered glasses. Pirates' forwards had a difficult time throughout the game penetrating the Canadians defense led by veteran D-man Rob "it ain't that" Smaal.
While such notable players as Brent
"Killer" Carlson, Dennis Waechter, Scott "Loose Bowels"
McCaskie, and Graham Stuart were obvious no-shows, Canadians' old-timers and
founders John Richmond, Joji Hiratsuka and Mike "Rosey" LaRose were
there plugging away leading the team to the first 'W' of the season.
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Direct From The Desert
Saturday morning also marked the successful debut of newly acquired forward David Lindsay. The Toronto native and international journeyman has logged so much time in beer leagues across the world, he could practically open his own brewery.
Dave spent the past several seasons
toiling for the Bahrain Buds and various other teams in the Middle East s
UAE League, and also played collegiantly at Western Michigan University. The
Canadians are happy to have him join the club not only for his playmaking
skills but also for the simple fact he is one of only two players that excepted
invitations to join the team after a particularly high exodus of players over
the summer.
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Tango in Thailand
The time is almost here, sports fans, for the Canadians annual trip to Thailand. By requests from Bangkok city officials, public health authorities, and food stall vendors, tournament officials have elected to move the 2001 Chevron Cup to the northern city of Chiang Mai. The tournament will be held October 31st to November 3rd.
While the 2001 Tokyo squad might not be as "potent" as last years team, the Canadians hope the present group is formidable enough to make another run at the Cup.
Thailand veterans Satoshi Chawayna, Koichi Ogiso, John Richmond, Gavin Burns, Scott "Squirts" McCaskie, Jason Young, Denton Venable and, of course, Joji Hiratsuka will again make the trip to the Kingdom. Trilingual defenseman Rob Voisine is expected to join the team along with Canadian alum Dave Murphy from LA. Splitting time in the crease with Narushima will be Osaka Kansai Kanucks keeper Troy MacPhee.
As the tournament approaches, many questions remain about this years squad.
For starters, can 'Squirts' McCaskie spend more time this year on the ICE rather than on the can?
Will we see another clean and spirited match between Hiratsuka and his old buddy Greg Smyth from Hong Kong?
Could this be, as some have speculated, the last "tango in Thailand" for fiery legend John Richmond?
Will Gavin Burns once again pay for a queen size bed only to later opt to sleep in the tub?
And finally, should the Canadians just plan on putting four skaters on the ice rather than the customary five in the event they make it the finals? (Officials, are you listening??)
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July 10, 2001
Canadians Gain Two Monstrous Wins
By Denton Venable, l'officier de communication
The Tokyo Canadians closed out the 2000-01 season with a pair of victories
over local men's league team, the Tokyo Monsters, snapping a 5-game losing
streak. The June 29th battle at Jingu Ice Centre featured some of the hardest
hitting action the team has seen all season.
The Canadians, having recently lost goal-scoring sniper, and OK Cup MVP, Graeme Kishiuchi are very excited about the recent acquisition of local sharp-shooter Mamuro Konno, otherwise known as "Jimmy the Jet." The 5'7" speedster tore apart the Monsters' defense with a 3-goal performance while leading the Canadians to a 10-5 victory. The Jet, playing on the right side of the experimental "International Date Line," featuring Konno (Japan), Scott McCaskie (Canada) and Denton Venable (USA). With an additional goal by McCaskie, the "IDL" registered four goals and created havoc around the net - both nets - throughout the night. Despite the success, the line will most likely be disassembled when more players start showing up for games.
The game also featured a shocking 2-goal night from stalwart, stay-at-home defenseman Rob Smaal. The 39-year old veteran had to overcome blistering, third-degree sunburns and ferocious forecheckers all evening, but still managed to match his season goal average. Canadian enforcers Joji Hiratsuka and Stu "The Reaper" Kimoto each added a pair of goals to round out the scoring.
Goaltender Hiroki Narushima had a good evening as well turning aside some big shots including a penalty shot in the second period, which was the result of an unfortunate "spear-chucking" incident as described by Hiratsuka. Newly acquired defenseman Justin Ault , having played a solid game all night, let a Monster slip by him - resulting in a breakaway. Looking like a modern-day Jim Thorpe, Ault resorted to the old-time hockey technique of throwing his stick - javelin style - at the Monsters' forward closing in on the Canadians' net. The referee, sidelined with a broken toe, immediately called a penalty shot from the scorer's table. Narushima turned aside the attempt but, unfortunately, allowed a rather harmless looking shot by him just seconds after play resumed.
The "spear-chucking" incident only added to the list of cheap shots and glove pointing that occurred throughout the contest, perhaps a carryover from the earlier game on May 20th at Higashi-Fushimi Arena. In that game, the Canadians won by a lop-sided score, which featured a hat-trick by Dave Lotocki.
Line Changes
More changes are in store for next years Tokyo Canadians squad as more players
have decided to call it quits in Japan in the summer of 2001. The June 29th
game marked the last skate for Montreal native Dean Turner as he packs up
his sticks and hand-cuffs for a new, assignment as a Canadian Forces MP trainer
in Ontario. Wayne Daly is returning to Ottawa with his wife and daughter at
the end of July and defenseman JIm Engleson (and family) will transfer to
Santa Clara, CA to work at Palm Computing's head office. He will join former
Tokyo Canadian David Lotoki on a team of ex-pat Canucks living in the Bay
Area.
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June 9, 2001
The Tokyo Canadians have a New Website Location
by the Web Master
The Tokyo Canadians would like to announce that they have a new home for their web site. The address is here at www.tokyocanadians.com and it's being hosted by Infoasis. Please update your bookmarks/favourites and links to this site.
Click here if you are using AvantGo
software on your mobile/PDA device to automatically setup/subscribe-to a custom
channel for The Tokyo Canadians' mobile edition. If you don't have AvantGo's
reader software yet, go to AvantGo and install it on your Mac or PC.
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April 21, 2001
T-Birds Beat Canandians 4-1
by Denton Venable, Communications Guy
An unannounced crowd of three braved the beautiful weather Friday evening for Dan Moscoe Night at Takadanobaba Citizen Plaza. In true storybook fashion, Moscoe scored a natural hat-trick - one for each fan in attendance - including the game-winner, to lead the Tokyo Men's Division 1 League Champion Thunderbirds over the Tokyo Canadians 4-1.
The Thunderbirds - having gutted most of the Canadians roster with the likes of Joji Hiratsuka, Koichi Ogiso, James Heather, Stu Kimoto, Brent Carlson and Graham Stuart to name a few - were a true force to be reckoned with against the undermanned Canadians squad.
Play was fairly even in the first period with both squads getting ample opportunities. Lyle Warbinek was stellar in goal for the Canadians making several big saves including an acrobatic, glove save on a Carlson blast from 30 feet out. Carlson finally got one by Warbinek late in the first period with a wrister to the top shelf giving the T-Birds a 1-0 lead.
Scott McCaskie, having finally fully recovered from the Tony Romas rib sandwich in Bangkok, answered for the Canadians with a diving goal past the downed 'Birds goaltender Lance Leeder.
From there, it was all Moscoe. His first two goals were nice one-timers in front, one of which was set up beautifully by Carlson. No one remembers his third goal however it was probably a nice one as well.
Miraculously, the Canadians went the entire game without a single power-play in large part to the questionable officiating by "Canadian" John Richmond. Let's hope his wrist heals up soon.
The Canadians would like to add another
player to the list of recently departed. Chris Parsons - believed to be the
only player to actually have his parents attend a Canadians game overseas
- has left the team and is now working in London, England. Good Luck, Chris.
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April 16, 2001
Chatting with former NHLer Doug Bodger
by Brent Carlson
Today's sports pages read more like the crime page - drug and alcohol abuse, spousal abuse and divorce, car crashes, sexually assaults on babysitters, and even murder! Considering that the Dennis Rodmans, Deion Sanders' and Ryan Leafs of the sporting world get an unfair share of the press coverage I suppose it's no surprise that athletes seem to be in the news more for off-court/field/ice incidents than for what they're paid to do.
It's great to know, however, that there are still athletes who go full circle without getting screwed up. For example, the small town boy who makes it to the "big time," but doesn't get caught up in the racket, has a successful career and eventually goes home after retiring to a comfortable life with his family in his home town. The media, in my opinion, should focus more on these people and their stories.
click here to continue reading...Doug
Bodger
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March 25, 2001
Canadians moving on
by Denton Venable, Communications Guy
As is often the case for foreign expats in Asia, the time comes for teammates, co-workers, and friends to say good-bye, and this year was no exception with several Tokyo Canadians electing to move on to bigger and, hopefully, better things in other parts of the world.
For starters, long-time Tokyo Canadian, Dan Moscoe, has decided to return to Canada at the end of April. The Japan Times sports writer/editor played for the 1998 team that won the OK Cup in Bangkok and the Torontonian could always be counted on for his unbiased expertise on Leafs hockey and unabashed attacks on Les Habitants.
After only one year Greame Kishiuchi and girlfriend, Kelly Hughes, have also elected to return to Canada. The Canadians hate to see them go after such a short stay, but we're sure several teams across Asia are without a doubt happy to see the Bangkok Chevron Cup MVP and his little, green helmet leave the region.
Add "DJ" Dale McClare and
sharpshooter Mark Didcott to the list recently departed Canucks. Dale and
his wife accepted a teaching position in Brunei in January while Mark has
returned to Canada to seek his next forture.
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February 2, 2001
Mitsubishi Blasts Canadians
The Tokyo Canadians lost 6-2, but according to Communications Guy, Denton Venable, the team "played well." Although the shots on goal were fairly even the Mitsubishi squad had an incredible goalie. The Canadians couldn't buy a goal even with quite a few quality shots.
Lyle Warbinek started in goal and played really well. At the mid-point, the Canadians were down only 2-0. Hiroki Narushima came in and struggled at times, let in a quick goal, but picked up his play after that. Mitsubishi eventually took a 6-0 lead but the Canadians were able to add two late goals with a few minutes to go. "Mike LaRose and Dennis Waechter were our top two players," said Venable, "and David Lotocki was a great addition at the point."
Tokyo Goals:
1. Venable (Ogiso, Lotocki)
2. Heather (Moody, ?)
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November 21, 2000
Hockey Party Another Big Hit
The Tokyo Canadians Hockey Club's 4th annual dance party proved yet again to be a tremendous success with well over 400 people in attendance.
Held as always at the beautiful Canadian Embassy, party revellers were treated to the cool sounds of "DJ" Dale McClare and to the cool taste of Canadian beers and wines. Special guests for the fund-raiser were Shin Yahata of the Japan Hockey League's Kokudo Bunnies and the entire Kishiuchi family of Edmonton, Alberta.
Lucky winners of this year's prize raffle were: Ayato Yako who took home passes to Tokyo Disneyland courtesy of The Disney Stores; Fusae Kobayashi winner of a Palm Pilot courtesy of Palm Computing, Japan; and the grand prize winner, Junko Anabuki, winner of two round-trip tickets to Los Angeles courtesy of NimNak travel.
Thanks to the annual dance party, the Canadians are able to raise funds for various charities in Asia, one being Father Joe Maier's Human Development Center in Bangkok, Thailand. In early November at the Chevron Cup 2000 tournament in Bangkok, the Canadians donated 100,000 yen, topping donations made by the club in the past.
This marked the 4th year in a row the Tokyo
Canadians hockey team has hosted the party fresh from tournament action in
Thailand. This season saw possibly the best team ever sent to the Chevron
Cup tourney featuring lopsided victories over Taiwan, New Delhi, Singapore
and Riyadh. Unfortunately, things fell apart in the end with a 4-3 OT loss
to the Hong Kong Selects in the tournament championship. The Canadians didn't
go away completely empty-handed when center Graeme Kishiuchi beat out Roman
Lebedev of Dubai for tournament MVP. This was also the fourth straight year
for Tokyo and Hong Kong to meet in the final.
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