Never missing an opportunity to play hockey, the Chicago Gay Hockey Association inaugurated their newest team, the Heartland Red Liners, against the Snatchers. With many new and novice players on the ice, the team also had the support from two bench coaches, Sobo and Mixy. Twank filled in goal while Rocket was still on injured reserve.
Upper management fielded twelve players for this first match up. Kodi and Evan were centers. Eric the Red and I-berg, Yaz and The Red Baron, Moto Jake and Franco were wing pairs. D was anchored by Mr. Powers and The Doctor, and Big Chris and Little Mike.
The scoring got off quickly with the Snatchers getting on board first within the first few minutes of the first period. The Liners had early trouble with breaking out of their own zone. Their opponents, however, would tally their second goal with five minutes left in the period.
For the second period, both teams remained scoreless as Twank make several diving saves to keep the score unchanged. The third period would start out with another Snatchers goal as the guys in red had trouble clearing a loose puck from near the Liners’ goal. I-berg would claim the team’s first goal off a lob from Mr. Power’s clearing attempt. I-berg skating his way alone and wristed the puck into the upper far corner of the Snatchers’ net. The opponents would get one more goal to seal the victory, 4-1.
The first game for a first-time team is always results in some chaos. But most come out of it with a smile and determination to work harder. The players on this team do not seem to be any different. Coach Sobo and Mixy along with their scouts in the stands, including Baby, have already identified several skills for the team to work on at their next practice (Sunday, 12/15 – 6pm at American Heartland) such as breakouts and positioning. Their next opponent is the Blades of Steel on 12/15 – 10:30pm at American Heartland.