A season of change - freelance writer Mike Montgro

Got a fairly sexist friend you wanna mess with a bit? When they tell you women can't play hockey with men, here's what you do:

1. Take your friend to a Keane Fire game.
2. Point out Sunny Johnston.
3. Say "you sure?"
4. Accept friend's apology.

Sunny turned heads and impressed a lot of league veterans last week during the Fire's game, picking up two points including the game winner. However, what most impressed was her willingness to go to the net, heads up play, and the former soccer player's logging roughly thirty five minutes of floor time. The league has men who don't do that!

Did We Learn NOTHING From Making The Cut?

After a hard fought 4-4 draw against the Slayers, Lynx Captain Richard Wanamaker and goaltender Martin Kane could be heard in a fierce argument pertaining to officiating in the league. Lynx Management had planned to deny friction between the two, but then it was pointed out they were heard by the Slayers, fans, officials and customers at the Royal Bank a block away. So instead, Lynx Management has come up with what they're calling "Plan R." What does R stand for, you ask? R as in, "Reality Television."

Yes, always looking for an angle to make a buck, management has contacted Reality TV Guru Mark Burnett about putting the odd couple in a "Simple Life" style reality show. Initial plans revolved around placing the pair into an actual spin-off of the Simple Life, however those plans were quickly axed when it turned out neither Wanamaker nor Kane were willing to say "That's Hot" on television. Ever. For any amount of money.

Other titles rumoured have included "Wanamaker Knows Best," "My Fair Marty," "Survivor: ADC Lynx," "Pimp My Goalie" and "My Big Fat Obnoxious Captain." When that last title was suggested, Wanamaker could be heard to shout "But I'm not fat!!"

It's A Full Moon! It's Gotta Be!

He's one of the best defensive defencemen in the league, he's the third highest scoring full time defenceman on the ADC Lynx (With Tony Warnell and Dale Wright alternating between forward and defence, they haven't been counted), he's ahead of such stars as Adam Pettigrew, Matt Monk, Jason Roland and Kenzie Royal in league scoring, and just for good measure is riding a three game scoring streak with a goal and three assists. He's Lynx defenceman Mike Montgomery. Yes, you read that right. Mike Montgomery, the man who couldn't buy a point until the final two games of the regular season is suddenly on pace for his best season since 2004A and has his first goal since 2005B. When asked about his recent performance, Montgomery simply shrugged and said "Hey, that goal's a good example of why I believe in karma."

What, 22-1 Wasn't High Enough?

Next week the ADCFHL starts the second half of the 2006B season by introducing new nets. These nets are said to be much larger and lighter than those currently used by the league and apparently nobody understands the reasoning behind their introduction. Even completely ignoring the fact that changing the size of the nets at the halfway mark makes absolutely no sense, rumours are circulating that much of the demand for the bigger nets has come from many of the league's goalies themselves. A notable example is Lite-Sabres goalie Brent Rhynold whose name has been linked to the desire for bigger nets. The Lite-Sabres were brutalized 22-1 to open the season and the man wants bigger nets. Oooookay...

Meanwhile, reaction around the rest of the league has been very mixed though there's been a lot of headscratching. Slayer's goalie Frank Dufour took a look at the new nets and he *still* hasn't been able to get his jaw off the floor. Lynx goaltender Martin Kane...well, if you want to get his reaction, bring a chair and some popcorn. You'll be there awhile.

The fact remains though, with scoring reaching Needham Gym levels despite the smaller nets, one has to question the sanity of anyone who'd want to bring in bigger nets. At the midpoint of the season. When a team's fortunes may ride on the size of the space between the pipes. When contacted for his thoughts on the recent decision, league alumni John Price was said to have immediately booked himself on a plane back to Halifax so he could return to the league and ensure his scoring records were kept intact. All bets are SO off.

Update from the League's head office

As always, I'd like to thank those who unselfishly contribute to the running of the league. The Captains: Harv, Gian, Neil, Brent, and Peter all do a tremendous job of the reffing and stats collecting. We are looking to have a 'Hug your Captain' night to show appreciation, but rumours abound that certain folks ( er, Amy ) may get carried away.

This season, as in the past, Mike Montgomery has written some pure gold as those who read his postings last season can attest. Thanks M&M. Big thanks go to Adam Pettigrew for coming in last Tuesday to lace the nets. It was a pain to do and I am truly grateful for his efforts

Now for the nets. Please let it be known that they were not brought in to increase scoring or lowering goalie's stats. Since we moved to Bloomfield, we ( the captains ) have been looking for regular-sized nets at an affordable cost. We managed to get a good deal on them from Sportwheels and though they don't weigh 100 pounds apiece as the little ones do, league brass feels that they will do just fine.

The reason we are bringing the nets in mid-season? We have them, that's all. Pure and simple, we got them last week and it was agreed by the management of the league that we'll go forward with them for the rest of the season and playoffs.