TORONTO - Members of the Humiliation and the Parkdale Lads observed the 10th anniversary of their respective hockey clubs this past Saturday evening. Though short on pageantry, the game represented a renewal of the (mostly) friendly rivalry that has defined both teams over the coarse of the past decade. The game also saw the return to the ice of veteran Humiliation forward Luke Moretti.
Just two minutes into the 1st period, the Humiliation appeared to have the game well in hand, having scored on the first and second shifts. Fast-footed forward Paul Morris opened the scoring with an unassisted tally less than a minute after the opening face-off. The Orange Tide doubled its lead just over a minute later when Stephen Cribbin (one of several Humiliation players donning a vintage team sweater for the occasion) and Duncan Bunclark set up Joe Cook while the Lads scrambled to get organized.
But it was the Humiliation who proved unable to organize any other goals, as the Parkdale puck posse clawed its way back into the game, initially with a late 1st period goal from sniper Kyle Welwood, then with a 2nd-frame equalizer from a determined David Egli. Lads Stu Muirhead (who, along with team mate and brother-in-law Tommy Gough, was celebrating his 40th birthday weekend) picked up an assist and was named the game's 3rd Star. Welwood and Tony Nappo collected the other two helpers on the Lads' side of the gamesheet.
The 2-2 final meant both teams finished their season series with a record of 1-1-1. Following the game, numerous Humiliation and Lads members (along with a handful of players from other UUHA and GTHLA teams) gathered at the Magpie Tavern to drink, eat and engage in boistrous revelry, and to celebrate the launch of the Humiliation's handsome new Tenth Anniversary Collector's Edition Program.
In other league action, the Wheatfield Souldiers eked a victory over the Gas Station Islanders by the narowest of margins (1-0). Diminutive Souldiers forward Shayne Stephens picked up the game's lone goal (Eric Toth and Brad Sveistrup collected assists) while goaltender Jordan Stewart registered his first shutout of the season. The Golden Boys outshot GSI 17-12 with Isles goaltender Sean Markle making a handful of highlight-reel saves.
UUHA action continues this coming Saturday with the Humiliation taking on the Gas Station Islanders at 7:00 pm, while the undefeated Jokers attempt to remain that way as they go up against the Bellwoods Blackhawks at 8:00 pm. Both games are, of course, scheduled to take place at UCC.