First things first...Snakes get the most difficult of the three wins. Only because it's the third-in-three and came after two disheartening losses. Great job coming back, guys!!
Now ya'all know I missed the game, an excused absence since I attended the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Here are the highlights:
Sit down, one and all. The PP was 3 for 3 and PK 0 for 6. How do you spell 'perfection'? WOW. Remain seated: the Snakes are now the proud owners of the SPHL's best PP AND PK. Lots of hard work went into improving the power play. Congrats, one and all.
As of this moment...39 games played and 17 remaining...the Snakes are alone in second place, with first in their sights. They have the league's 2 best goalies and top special teams. If they can survive Sam Bowles' absence, this team is going places...:)
A pair of PPG put the Snakes up 2-0 in the first. One by Brett Hammond and the other by Greg Beller, only 2:28 apart.
Segal trims the lead to one...Tom Maldonado answers less than a minute later. Van Vliet scores with just under five minutes left in the second, with the extra attacker on a delayed penalty call. 3-2. One period to play. Gut check time, boys...
A second PPG by Greg and a 4-2 final!! YAY.
I don't usually look at the stars of the game on the road because it only aggravates me, but they did a good job this time. Tom got the first star (one goal, one assist) and Greg the second star (a pair of goals).
A case could be made for Ian Vigier, but in a two-goal game it makes sense to honor players from both teams. For the record, Segal got the third star.
Great comeback after a disappointing loss for Ian. The guys do a really good job of putting bad games or bad moments behind them and moving on. They pretty much have to...haha.
Now for the induction ceremonies. What an amazing array of talent in that room tonight!! This was my first HOF ceremony but sure won't be my last. I've been associated with sports in Columbus since 1977 and it was such fun to visit with so many friends I haven't seen in a while. Coaches I worked with more years ago than I care to remember...haha.
My friend Kevin Mills wondered what the over/under was on Jerome crying at the ceremony. He said he wanted two minutes. I asked him if he was crazy...I was taking 15 seconds. I won. I always do...:) haha
He didn't even get through the introductory video!! Great job, by the way, by my old pal Phil Scoggins who did the voice overs for the video and probably put them together as well. Go, Phil!
First major sniffles came when Jerome gave kudos to his mom and dad for hauling all over Canada to practice and play. More tears when paying tribute to his three girls...wife Rhonda and daughters Alex and Kylie. He talked about Charlie and Martha Morrow, Phil and Mary Roberto and Bruce and Janice Garber and their support and influence.
He thanked Wanda and Shelby Amos for their mutual commitment not only to the team but for the organization's devotion to charity and making a difference in the lives of others in our community.
Jerome spoke from his heart, which he wears on his sleeve. I've known him for 14 years and he's never turned down anyone in need. If he or his players can make a difference in someone's life, they're going to do it.
Gearing up for Legends Weekend and Military Appreciation Night...at the same time!! Two of my favorite events rolled into one. :) Working on a couple of stories I think you'll like!
Stay tuned.
