Playoff Preview
Team Chaos matched up against the Raid last night in a likely championship game preview. With the two best records in the league, the teams have developed a healthy respect for each other over the course of the season. The Raid handed Team Chaos their first loss in over 20 games earlier this year in what is widely considered to be one of the most incredible games in the annals of hockey history.
Having already locked up the top two seeds for the playoffs, each team looked at last night’s game as a chance to gauge the competition one last time in the regular season. The Chaos took an early lead, but couldn’t pull away as both teams played stellar defense, keeping the game close into the third period. With Team Chaos holding a slim one-goal lead, the Raid put everything they had into a final offensive surge to close out the game. As the Raid offense came to life, All-Star Goalie Pat Avery took his game to another level, turning aside shot after shot in the final minutes to ensure a 6-5 Chaos victory.
The team’s diversified offensive scheme was on display again, with 4 players getting into the scoring column. Scott Richter (2), Joey Kemp (1), Bob Nelson (1), and also 2 goals from an unheralded rookie call up from the Florida independent league who simply goes by the name Jurgen.
While the coaching staff was clearly happy with the win, there are still several questions that need to be answered during the last 3 games of the regular season. Head Coach George Avery addressed some of his chief concerns during his post game news conference.
“Since training camp, I have said the biggest challenge this season would be keeping the guys focused on playing each game and not getting caught up in our success over the past few seasons,” said Coach Avery via satellite feed from his remote coaching location. “But, here we are heading into the playoffs and I have players dating celebrities, buying fancy new cars, jetting off to Vegas every other weekend, filming commercials, and generally letting their egos get out of hand. I’m definitely going to hold a team meeting if I have time after I get back from my vacation next week.
Reporters attempted get several players to respond to Coach Avery’s concerns. However, Jon “Ringo” Ringhofer was heading to an autograph session, Joe Lochi had a date with Paris Hilton, and Tony Bebber was filming a commercial for Campbell’s Soup.
Media representative did catch up with Forward Jason Venters following the game. “Jason Venters isn’t distracted,” said Venters. “Jason Venters is focused on what’s important. Jason Venters may have a sweet new ride, but he hasn’t even put spinners on it yet. So, Jason Venters doesn’t see what the problem is.”
The playoffs are only a few weeks away! Stay tuned to your weekly Affiliate Newsletter and www.HockeySkate.net for the latest news as Team Chaos continues on their road to the Championship.
