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10-Stelle 99-Conway 18-Manchester
13-Johnson 16-O'neal 26-Meyer
17-Satterberg 25-Gaustad 77-Nichols
(23-Gustafson) 87-Currigan
44-Tuominen 19-Alati
22-Conyard 88-Borgomainerio
0-Rurak
Conway Line:
10 Stelle-Aaron Stelly has shown the depth and resilience of FBHC this season with his clutch tying goal in the first round of the playoffs and subsequent Facebook movement to attract 100 fans to support Free Beers quest for the cup! Keys to Stellys game are his consistent tireless work ethic and grittiness in the corners and in front of the net. Pound for pound, Stelly is easily one of the toughest customers in the league.
99 Conway-Jumbo Joe is one of the main reasons why Free Beer is such a tight team. One of the original Beers, Jumbo is highly respected by all of his teammates for his attitude, compete level, and take no prisoners playing style. Jumbo has been battling a back injury this season and has really stepped up to play in the Sherwood Cup Playoffs, this man bleeds Golden Foamy.
18 Manchester-Nicknamed Hammer, Brad creates big problems for the opposing D Mans when he comes down the off wing reminiscent of a locomotive who's destination is the net. Brads size and skill are a huge asset to the Beers and complements his linemates toughness with the finesse of his hockey idols, Jaromir Jagr and former winterhawk Marian Hossa.
O'neal Line:
13 Johnson-BJ let's his shot speak for itself. If there was an award for most vocal person on the team, BJ would not be nominated. If there were an award for most underrated or most dangerous or most sneaky, BJ would probably take all three. Brians escapabiliity has netted him and the Beers a ton of goals this season and when he's left alone in the slot, Gustafson would bet his bottom dollar that BJ will score in two seconds or less if given the opportunity to unleash the heavy lazer.
16 O'neal-Never in the history of Free Beer Hockey Club has one player made his teammates scratch their heads as much as Jake the Snake. Whether it's a breakaway out of nowhere followed by a shot that the other teams goalie doesn't even see coming, an incredible pass to Johnson or Meyer, winning a battle on the boards, or being the most slippery player in the league, Jake brings it for the Beers and is a huge asset to the team and has performed exceptionally well with his linemates this season. A key piece to the Beers championship puzzle this season.
26 Meyer-Cal is an agitator, pest, grinder, sniper, and battles Nichols for the smelliest bag on the team. Cal drives opponents crazy with his physical play, full bearded grin, and mouth that produces comebacks such as 'you've got daddy issues' the the Lagers Chris Rowland, not to mention he is big, can skate, is good on stickhandling and has a cannon of a wrist shot. Another stellar pick up for FBHC.
Gaustad line:
17 Satterberg-despite being one of the smaller players on the team, Johnny Rocker makes up for it with speed, long stick, and, if he can get it off, a big shot. Once a young gun, this self proclaimed Grocery Stick now focuses less on scoring and more on winning battles in the corners, backchecking, and getting open for his linemates on the PP for the one-T.
25 Gaustad-Rob is so good that he is the only player on the team allowed to show up after a few whiskeys at Malones after a long work day making sure that his customers are Insured. But that's not all, Rob provides insurance to FBHC as well by adding bottomless depth to an already talent laden roster. Robs snap shot, playmaking ability and other intangibles are valued highly by the Beers. He also keeps the mood light and relaxed in the locker room and on the bench as he can often be seen smiling and laughing, even in the middle of a play at the pace of the Gold League.
77 Nichols-Filling in for Gustafson, Mattys wheels are unmatched. The fastest player for the Beers, Matty decimates defenseman on the turn, gets to all the pucks first, and then wheels through a couple guys for a quality shot. He plays way bigger than his size, and is a Jack of all trades for the Beers playing both forward and defense on a regular basis. When Matts not mixing it up for the Beers, he can, 9 times out if 10, be found at the Gypsy on NW 21st, or moving to a different part of town.
23 Gustafson-Nicknamed Grease, Kyles playmaking ability is second to none. The most dangerous passer in the league, Grease knows what's going to happen before the play knows it's going to happen and this ability makes him and his teammates that much better. Grease is also looked to for his incredible insight regarding the game of hockey and assumes the role of player/coach in tight games. Grease will be missed tonight and the Beers welcome him back to the roster for the Championship game with open arms.
Defense:
87 Currigan-Curry is a forward turned Defenseman who makes the transition look easy. A gifted athlete, Curry understands the little aspects of the game that most people overlook. On the reg, Curry is the anchor of the transition game for the beers, moving the puck up quick, chipping it off the glass, or taking advantage of dumping it in from the blue line several times per game. On the offensive side, Curry is efficient in the sense that when he shoots from the blueline, he shoots for stickblades and skates, and his vision on the PP makes him a dangerous man.
44 Tuominen-Nicknamed Tonto, Juha simply loves playing hockey. Coming off of another terrific season, Juhas offensive abilities led him to score a beautiful goal on the backhand ala Teemu Selanne that sparked a steady comeback in a game that found his D partner playing goalie earlier in the season. Juha has a big shot from the point and is always paying attention as to when to make himself available offensively for the Beers. His patience and quick hands help him outmaneuver forecheckers in the neutral zone regularly, and his dedication to FBHC is bar none. Juha is loved by his teammates and he, along with a handful of others, is an original Beer.
22 Conyard-Choeys hockey roots run deep in Portland and he and his family have given so much in order for Portland Hockey to still exist and we express much gratitude for that. Choeys wisdom helped spark a huge comeback for the Beers in round one of the playoffs and the Beers look to him for veteran leadership in these playoffs. One thing about Choeys game is that he very difficult to play against, whether it's as a forward or defenseman, Choey is in the opponents face all night creating a claustrophobic type atmosphere that suffocated opponents to the point of insanity, often resulting in a PP for the Beers. Bothered by a knee/groin/undisclosed lower body injury for the second half of the season, Choey knows what it takes to win in this league and he keeps coming back for more.
88 Borgomainerio-Tony B is one of the most feared players in the league and creates a safe environment for his teammates to play to their skill level. The Zdeno Chara of Sherwood Hockey, Tony B is a one man brick wall on the one on one and moves the puck up well on the breakout for the Beers. He also chips in offensively from time to time, scoring a big goal for the Beers in game 1 of the playoffs. Aside from on ice ability, Tony B has bonded well with the Beers in the dressing room. Look for him to sign a long term deal with the Beers in this coming off season.
0 Rurak-Newly Acquired and splitting time this season, Deano has been a solid backstop with his great saves and his ability to play the puck up to his teammates. Deano also plays with an edge for a goalie, mixing it up with several players this season, Deano has claimed his turf in goal for the Beers and is a great locker room guy as well, supplying copious amounts of beves after games, perfect for team building. Look for Deano to take it to the next level starting tonight.
19 Alati-El Capitan, the Godfather, the Italian Stallion, Mr T, if it weren't for T's efforts we would not be able to call the Beers OUR TEAM! T's tireless dedication to FBHC deserves recognition and our thanks as players for being able to participate in such an awesome hockey experience. Yes it's just men's league, buy yes we want to win, yes we want to be the best, yes we are the best, and yes, T makes it happen for us year after year. Coming off a Cleanse, T has shed 20-25 lbs and is in the best shape of his life for these playoffs. T's positioning, neutral zone passing, and +/- make him a solid veteran defenseman for the Beers. Not to mention his negotiating ability with referees and league directors to get the best for his teammates, Free Beer is T's baby, and baby needs another Sherwood Cup!
Let's go Beers!
See you tonight, ready for battle!
Respectfully submitted,
Johnny Rocker #17
FREE BEER HOCKEY CLUB
Portland, OR, USA
