Team Chaos Takes the Ice!
Team Chaos held their first organized pre-season team scrimmage this morning, giving everyone the chance to demonstrate how much progress they have made with their off-season training programs. 16 skaters attended the mandatory practice session, including a couple of new recruits, hoping to make a good impression and win a spot on the team roster.
After several hours of intense skating, it was clear that most players are already in mid-season form, while a few others are still shaking the rust from their skates.
Goalie Pat Avery took the ice with a new set of pads and did his best Patrick Roy imitation, blocking shot after shot. In one amazing sequence, Pat took a wicked Joey Kemp slap shot off his facemask, and without missing a beat, smoothly snatched the puck out of the air on the rebound and sent his team on the offensive. Clearly, Pat’s training program – which includes having everyone in the office throw pucks at him at random intervals during the day – is already paying big dividends.
Other returning players who showed up in peak condition included Scott Richter, Steve Richter, Steve Kilberg, Jamie Stephenson, Sara D’Onofrio, Bobby D’Onofrio, Joey Kemp, Tony Bebber, Jason Venters, Rusty Powers, and player/coach George Avery (who is coming back from last year’s season ending knee injury).
While the vast majority of players brought their A game to the ice, there were a few current skaters who may need to adjust their conditioning programs. Lou Difulvio and Daniel Dye appeared to need a bit more time to work themselves into game shape. However, world-class athletes have a way of turning it on once the season starts. In fact, Daniel has promised to stop smoking cigarettes on the bench, as soon the games start to count.
In addition to the many returning players, the scrimmage was also a tryout for a number of key prospects. Jon Ringhofer impressed the team with strong all-around play and looks like a lock to make the roster. However, Joe Lochi may need a bit more seasoning before he is ready to skate for the Chaos. While Joe brought incredible enthusiasm to the rink today, he forgot to bring any equipment other than his skates. Still hoping to make an impression on management, Joe borrowed a helmet and prepared to take the ice. Fortunately, assistant coach Robert Avery pointed out that Joe had actually put the helmet on backwards and suggested that he might want to get in a few more practice sessions before joining a scrimmage.
Although it may have been a pre-season scrimmage, the Team Chaos fan club was out in full force, with several hundred autograph seekers awaiting the skaters outside the locker room. The team and their fans are looking forward to an incredible season as the Chaos look to win yet another championship.
See Team Chaos in action below and stay tuned to www.HockeySkate.net for continued coverage of Team Chaos in the off-season and their quest for the three-peat!
