July 19, 2000

TEAM

PVS

RECORD

[NSHL.com] SAYS

1. Traders

1.

59-14-7

Another spectacular season by Ft. Saskatchewan. First overall and the favourite going into the Neely Cup playoffs. Do the Traders still have the fire burning inside them to go all the way? If not, a fresh hot cup of coffee will surely do the trick.

2. Thieves

12.

53-20-7

Last season's bridesmaids have set themselves up again for a run at the Neely Cup. Their only hope may be the legendary curse of the Neely Cup. Of course, they could always just cheat. Unless there is honour among thieves.

3. Infantry

3.

51-23-6

We think every one is just plain fed up with all the army puns. Of course, we've been wrong before. And we'll be wrong again. Sometimes we just can't get anything right at all. Why do we even bother?

4. Muffs

6.

49-23-8

What can keep you busy for 60 minutes and still leave you all hot, bothered, sweaty and smelling like fish? Well, this Charleswood squad is a close second. While there's no guarantee that they'll meet the Traders en route to the Neely Cup finals, odds are that they will. Or die trying. Or at least smell like they died.

5. Crunch

11.

49-25-6

These former Neely Cup champions know that playoff seeding doesn't mean too much once the post-season starts. The question is, have they finished low enough this season to take it all home again? A strong offense and an average defense should land this chocolate covered team into the second round.

6. Foomanchu

7.

44-25-11

Fusster's Foo fought too many one goal games in the regular season, but this strategy won't work in the post-season. Confucious probably said something profound about a situation like this, but we accidentially ate that little slip of paper with the cookie.

7. Thistles

2.

45-29-6

Nurtured and as strong as last season, the Rabbit Lake skaters may be looking too far ahead to the third round for a rematch against the Sherwood Forest Thieves. Their plate will be fuller than an assorted Party Pak if they don't pay attention to what first round fodder has been handed to them on the proverbial silver platter.

8. Eagles

5.

44-30-6

The Eagles are in the playoffs. They probably won't see any games against the Spirit this post-season. Humph, no fair.

9. Lizards

10.

38-31-11

There'll be a Riot if the Lizards make it to the second round sidestepping the Scorpions. Defense and goaltending should tell this tale, but somebody's gotta take it in the end. *smile*

10. Psychosis

21.

40-35-5

You'd have to be crazy to count out the Left Coast. Incredible player development late in the season has created a truly wild card factor. Some Jung talent may be just what's needed to make the opposition a little more a Freud. Why is a hockey stick shaped like that anyway?

11. Stompers

4.

35-36-9

Saskatoon has their work cut out for them. Some say 500 teams probably shouldn't even be allowed into the playoffs.

12. Scorpions

13.

33-34-13

Their first round match up against the Lizards may be just too close to call. The Scorps have been more consistent during the regular season comparatively speaking, but this is the playoffs, so all bets are off.

13. Ice Terrors

8.

34-36-10

Voted best team and rink acronyms in the NSHL. You can take the S.H.I.T. out of the D.U.M.P. but you can't take the D.U.M.P. out of the S.H.I.T. It really brings a tear to your eye. Really.

14. Loudmouths

15.

32-39-9

"Is it in yet?" Westwood management will be hearing that one as much in the off season as they did in the run up to the play-offs. Also a popular phrase heard by Wendell on numerous occasions. We won't even say what we're thinking if they manage to make it to the 2nd round.

15. Spirit

17.

32-40-8

Remember the good old days in White River? Nope, we don't either. Made it to the playoffs on the last game of the season thanks to the old HLS2 jinx. We believe a thank you card has been sent to the Blades.

16. Stranglers

14.

30-41-9

Boston managed to squeeze themselves into the playoff picture even with only the 18th best record. Just like a tall glass of fresh Florida orange juice. SPECIAL MENTION: These Boston Cream Puffs are the only bottom 8 finisher to make the playoffs. See: Useless Twits.

DNQ. Useless Twits

9.

32-40-8

Living up to their name these Twits are off buying new gumboots at the flea market instead of even working on their golf swing. SPECIAL MENTION: Only top 16 finisher not to make the playoffs. See: Stranglers.

DNQ. Blades

22.

31-40-9

Oakville had a late season push, but in the end, it was too little, too late. But, oh, so close!

DNQ. Icerays

24.

26-48-6

Ok, so what if they won't admit that they named the team after the guy who drives the Zamboni?

DNQ. Clash

18.

23-48-9

Lorette's back but it's not as cosy as it used to be. Maybe divisional realignment isn't such a great idea after all.

DNQ. Beagles

16.

24-51-5

It looks like Ft. Collins flamed out early. Sorry, we meant to say crapped out.

DNQ. Blazers

19.

22-51-7

Vancouver. Yup. Maybe one day we'll get to use that "blaze of glory" line, but it won't be this season.

DNQ. SunDogs

20.

23-53-4

The SunDogs have improved if only slightly in the overall rankings. Next season they'll need to work less on the donuts and more on the holes.

DNQ. Buzzards

23.

19-56-5

Transcona's record speaks for itself and that's not saying much. Their problem may lie in communication. Unfortunately they've been using that speaker from the drive-thru.