End of Season Summary from Coach Kevin

Thank you parents for the support you have given us this season, without it we would have nothing.  Unfortunately it didn't end the way we planned but it was a great ride.  Special thank yous go out to our team manager Ilona Bisenieks, our team accountant Cindy Van Heuven, our team photographer Kenny Funk, our official blogger and play by play guy from the ice Bill Michelle (Heidi Androl's got nothing on you) and my fellow coaches Peter, Chris and EB.  It was a blessing to have you guys on the ice and on the bench.

    From barely having a team a week before pre-season to having a truly gifted group of players come together and giving every team in SCAHA a run for their money . . . we were definitely the threat no one saw coming.  The boys worked extremely hard this season and I'm proud of everyone of them for their dedication to the team and commitment to work.  I'm sure it wasn't easy with all the dry land, the early morning video reviews and extra clinics.  It was a honor to have shared the ice with such fantastic young men.  They're hard work showed in games and to watch that final game was a reward in it of itself.  The boys played a tremendous game and after giving everything they had, I couldn't have asked for anything more.  We are all students of the game and each year I learn more and more.  I am humbled being surrounded by great players, parents and coaches.  Thank you everyone for the experience and let's come back with vengeance. 

Coach Kevin

Pasadena PW Leafs show Playoff Pride and Prowess

....but it was one game too late. The illness riddled boys, bolstered by some solid net play by both goalies could manage just an OT win in game one, an uncharacteristically listless game versus the Riptide, and then a dominant game against the Ducks, one worthy of a championship setting. Sunday afternoon saw Andrew come back with a big bang, but the Ducks battled from 2-1 down in the third to rob us of the chance to move on.

Heads should be high, as we showed them they are so lucky they will not have to deal with us in the championship rounds, as we pushed them around, and but for some great saves, we were not able to advance.

A magical ride, though it ended on less than preferred terms, we stood tall in the biggest game of the year, righting our efforts from games 1 and 2, and delivering a game worthy of a victory.

Thanks to all the players, parents and coaches--we had something special, and anyone who saw us play knew it, that when we were at our best, we were, simply, the best. Hurts a bit, but felt great to go out with a fight.

Any comments I can surely post with your names if you like and we can use this as a final thoughts for the season. Video highlights from games one (some kid scored a goal as I recall..) and three will follow shortly!!

Highlights vs Ontario ..watch 86 go to the net!

Leafs best Eagles 5-3 in Ontario to finish regular season

In a hard fought battle, the Maple Leafs got back on the winning track 5-3 over the Ontario Eagles at the stinky mini rink we all can't stand. Playoff ready indeed, a strong road game under the guidance of Coach Kevin and Coach E.B, as Jonathan turned aside a penalty shot chance and the Eagles could not hold off the surging Leafs.

Period One Thrills and Chills

Second Period Anyone??


And finally, last but not least..an encore presentation of the third period great plays. Chris and Taylor salt away the victory, Jonathan stands tall in net..See you in Harbor City!

Last Reg Season action..

Express ambush Leafs 5-4 in Valencia

The Valencia Express took advantage of a rare flat performance by the Maple Leafs and came away with a 5-4 victory. Toma netted a goal early, and things seem to be going our way, but Valencia kept coming and got stronger, as we lacked our usual energy for the most part.

Port Moody too much for the Leafs to handle 4-1 in finals

The streak of four wins came to an end, as we could not mount the energy to give the Panthers of Port Moody (Vancouver, Canada) our best, and the Leafs fell 4-1.

In the final analysis, short two experienced player, the young, undermanned Leafs had a fine showing, and were clearly the top PW B team at the tournament, and even beat a local PW A team.

Final numbers looked like this:

Pasadena Maple Leafs PeeWee B 26, Rest of the World 8    Plus 18 in Arizona
Shots on Leafs Goal    74,    Saves by Leafs Goalie   66
Top three Leafs scorers   47 points,   Top Three scorers for Panthers   24 points
Miles driven to Arizona and back including rink trips and all   About 1000 miles!

Did we bring home the banner? No, but we proved we were right there, and just couldn't quite finish the job. We should all be proud of the way the boys played, a perfect tuneup as we ready for the playoffs.

Congratulations Maple Leafs, and thanks for letting us come along for the ride.

Leafs blast OC Hockey 9-3 to reach finals

A close game after 1 period, and the Leafs pulled away with four goals in the second and the third. Four goals for Chris, three for Steven, and tallies from David and Kevin Kroo and the finals were in reach for the hard working Maple Leafs. Hayden was solid in goal, turning aside 28 of 31 shots.

After one, shots were 7-4 OC, game was tied at 1, highlighted by Chris throwing the old knuckle-puck through a screen right over the goalie's shoulder and into the net!

Scoring plays in first period

A bit more scoring in the second, as the Leafs took over physically and on the scoreboard.

Period 2 action

Period 3 action

Wow--that was a delightful thrashing! 

Jr Eagles can't keep up with Leafs-- 6-0 victory

The Pasadena Maple Leafs secured the top spot in the standings with a hard fought win 6-0 over the Jr Eagles from Arizona. The Leafs took the opening faceoff and held the puck down low with pressure for about 75 seconds, and although we did not score, this 640am tilt was a one sided affair. Shots were in favor of the Leafs about 36-16 (not sure), as Hayden played the first, and Jonathan took the final two periods for a combined shutout.

Looks like a meeting with our OC Hockey pals this afternoon.

Game recap

It's Official! Leafs prefer (mo)Hawks and Chicken (Hats) to DUCKS!!

What does a team from Pasadena do in a night on the town in Arizona?

You guessed it--we passed the hat! Thanks to Kevin Kroo and his sporty new doo, and Aaron and his fancy chapeau, the theme for the night was about fun and Armenians in funny hats! Everybody, do the chicken hat dance!!!!

Seein' is believin'!

And so the evening begins--seemingly innocently enough

Jack's chicken at half mast

Look--a chicken atop an Armenian--Chris, straighten that thing

Hey guys--watch me turn a coach into a chicken!! Voila--crap it worked!

Half of EB, no Peter..

EB is in, one lost Armenian coach, and the chicken seems to have eaten Alex V!

Kevin--where is my hat?? This is no not my hat..move your legs and find it! NOW!!

Alex is back, turns out Aaron stole Peter's hat as collateral until his own fine hat was returned!

Leafs take Game 2 in AZ 4-1 vs Jaguars of Hyland Hills

Another solid outing, the Leafs way, with solid defense, good goaltending, and nice puck control in the offensive zone, and the Jaguars out of Colorado could not keep up. Shots were 21-13, in a 4-1 victory.

Andrew, Steven, Chris and Danny each scored, and a second straight victory was in the bag! Crack of dawn game in the morning--be ready boys!

Game Recap

Off to well earned lunch..

Teddy post game spin..

Million dollar smile for the victor!

Alex mixes it up

Aaron calm and cool

Teddy set up in front--BURY IT!

He shoots--and yes, he scores!

Jack smiles after the win

Maybe those other two should do the bottles next game!

PW Leafs shutout Phoenix Polar Bears 6-0 Game 1 Peoria

Jackson (86) digs the puck out from behind the net and Sean (44) scores 1st goal of the game

I love you Johnathan--I love you Kevin..I love you both!

Alex B and Andrew T share the box..

Jack works his magic from his knees

The coaches head for work--one shift at a time!

The Pasadena Maple Leafs took control and blew past the Phoenix Polar Bear 6-0. The game featured a perfect performance by Jonathan in net, and a natural hat trick by Steven #21. Sean scored the first goal of the game (pictured above) after Jack fed it out front, and the Leafs never looked back.

The shots ended up 20-10 in favor of the Leafs.

Game recap..

 

Coach Peter has asked for tunes, so the camera guy is now setting up ipod operations (above)

Leafs enjoy visit to San Diego, trample Jr Gulls 5-2

A lovely ride on a lovely day, ended the right way, as the Jr Gulls goalie could not stay hot all game, and the relentless pressure from the Pasadena Maple Leafs added up to victory once again. For the surging Leafs, that makes 10 straight wins, going back to the first weekend in November since they've tasted defeat in a SCAHA game. Hayden allowed nothing to speak of after the 1st period, and the boys strolled out of town with a 5-2 win.

The first period was almost all in front of their goalie, as we pelted him with shots. Sean set Jack up on a 2-on-1 and Jack's one-timer was turned aside, robbing him of his first of the season. An exciting first period, nice PK sequence, and the Leafs took over.

First Period Action

Quick start to the second, Andrew to Chris, followed by a great rush by Andrew and a rebound by Steven and a 5-2 lead. Hayden very focused, solid in net.

Second Period

No scoring in the third, most of the action in front of me and the Jr Gulls netminder, as Danny, Steven, Chris and Andrew had chances, and Kevin, Noah, Taylor and Jack moved the puck trying to find an open man in the slot. No goals, but good puck control and unselfish play--that's winning hockey my friends!

Third period

Jack's back! Leafs claw their way to 4-2 victory over Jaguars

After a little over four long weeks with an arm fracture, Jack Michelle, 86 for the Pee Wee Maple Leafs, returned to the lineup Sunday at Paramount. First shift, he did his best Danny imitation with a solid hit on the young lady on defense, much to the delight of the bench and the crowd!

Here he is as he gets her lined up, and then he skates by as she wonders what happened! Welcome back Jackson!

Jack meets the Jags

A solid team from La Jolla, although they only mustered six total shots, 2 per period, they worked hard and played us tough. Chris got us on the board first, but  mishandle in front of the net, and all three forwards on the puck behind the net lead to a 1-1 tie after the first period.

Period one 1-1 tie

Second period featured a rebound goal for Noah, Danny doing the stick hat trick, three on one shift, some nice saves, some big hits, and a lead for the Leafs going to the third.

Second Period..

Third period saw some rare footage or Toma time spent in the box, but David was especially strong on the PK. Odd shorthanded goal from faceoff at center ice, otherwise a pretty strong period, as the Leafs held off the Jaguars and kept pressure on in their end so the kids from La Jolla were not able to mount much offense.

The third and final period

LA Hockey falls to Leafs at Paramount 11-2

In a penalty filled game, the Leafs used a bunch of penalties to full advantage, turning them into short-handed goals! Most all of the forwards took a penalty, and the LA Hockey team did not capitalize except in one instance. The LA Hockey club was a able to get on the board first, with an early shorthander that stunned the home crowd, and made the visitor parents think they could actually challenge us! Not the case, as we righted the ship and in a physical battle, full of power plays and hits galore, cruised to an 11-2 win. Noah(2 goals in his fresh new Leafs uniform!) and Sean(awesome hat trick 44!) combined for five goals, as balanced scoring was the order of the day. Danny also banged in three, so efficiently I thought he had just the two in the 2nd period--my apologies and congrats young man!

(Editor's Note: My cool new camera is in the shop--so had to go the backup! Should be back and working for next game..apologies!)

First Period Action

Surprised by an early shorthanded goal, the Leafs took command with three first period goals. LA Hockey got just one other goal,  a power play marker when we had a chance to clear and could not..you'll see it shortly..

Second period recap

Four goals from the PW Leafs, including late ones by Chris and Sean, and two from Danny on exquisite setup passes from Steven--watch and behold the glorious skill on display! Gotta clear that puck on the PK when we get a chance--eventually we will face some tougher opponents...be ready!

 Third Period Mayhem

Just another third period, two hat trick goals, too many penalties, and some comments from the peanut gallery! 

PW Leafs bury Riptide in Rink by Ghost Town

This was an interesting experience, playing at the rink by the lovely defunct town of Wagon Wheel (now a small community by us in South OC..FYI!), as Hayden and the Maple Leafs cruised to a second straight shutout. I was given the tip by the Zamboni dude that there was a fine little wooden platform behind one of the goals, and I could film from there. Wow, I figured I would be styling, on the brink of doing my finest film job ever, making the coaches, parents and boys oh so proud and impressed.

Not so much....

The ledge was suspended about 4 feet up, with no steps. After attempting to sort of scale it, I found a small rickety ladder. Hoisted the gear up, and then got in position. Could work, except the glass looked like it was washed with dirty pond water and left to dry. Perhaps not since the days of the covered wagon was any sort of maintenance done on the glass. The first couple goals were fortunately scored just in front of my lofty, hallowed perch, but between the two foot wide ledge and the glass from hell, I moved quickly to my more typical side of the goal-line spot. Enough about me -- the Leafs played a solid road game, capitalizing on opportunities, and stifling the chances and making it possible for Hayden to control anything that came his way.

Here are some game highlights--enjoy!

Riptide Rolled by Leafs

Meteoric Rise of young Leafs--A Closer Look

Think of going to see a band you have loved for years. Maybe you have seen them four or five times. You settle in and the opening act comes one, a yodeling woman who plays the sitar with her feet, she does her four songs and she is done. Then, the second act, not the headliner comes on. First song, okay, but the guitar is too loud, can't tell if the singer can even carry a tune. After each song, polite clapping and screaming from girlfriends/boyfriends/parents. Then, out of nowhere, a song that suits them, very catchy, singer sounds good, drummer right on time, and guitar comes through just right. WOW--who are these guys? Next couple songs, a couple clunker notes, and just not anything special.

A year later, they come to town again, and this time, a new album, a nice review, and people are talking--there is a BUZZ about them. Still playing smaller concert halls, no arenas, but you can see they are ready for the big time. THAT IS THIS LEAFS TEAM! Everywhere we go, people comment on the way the team is coached, how efficiently they move the puck, keep pressuring, hustling. And now, we are seeing a team in control, ready for bigger challenges, like the tournament, like the playoffs. Gone are the bad penalties, checking from behind, almost never a 2-on-1 or breakaway, and if some poor kid comes into our zone, at least three kids smother him, clobber him and take the puck away and turn up ice. We play with class, too, not needing to show anyone up, just drop the puck, play our style, and shake hands and get ready for the next one.

For me, it is like a rock show every time we take the ice. Who will give the biggest WOW? A great save by Hayden or Johnathan, Andrew going end to end when he sees the opening, Danny delivering the big hit, much improved Aaron holding the puck in at the point, and finding a way to get a shot through, Kevin becoming a force to deal with, driving the net, Chris leaving kids mercilessly in his wake with his skillful moves, oh so steady Steven on the forecheck, forcing turnovers--and on and on!

Look at the latest standings, and note how short of the Lady Reign and and the Jr Ducks(2), we have given up just 1 goal or less! In the last nine games, just 8 goals allowed, under one per game. After the Lady Reign outing, just two goals in the last four games--

My friends, it is truly good to be a Pee Wee Pasadena Maple Leafs fan, parent, player or coach. This is a team on the rise, a joy to be a part of it! Sit back, hang on, and enjoy the ride!

10/31/10	4:15p	2032	Jr. Ducks(1)	1	Maple Leafs	1	Paramount Iceland	Reg
11/07/10	4:15p	2035	Jr. Ducks(2)	2	Maple Leafs	1	Paramount Iceland	Reg
11/14/10	7:15a	2048	Maple Leafs	8	Bears	1	Pickwick	Reg
12/05/10	6:00p	2058	Jr. Reign	0	Maple Leafs	6	Paramount Iceland	Reg
12/12/10	4:15p	2072	Lady Reign	2	Maple Leafs	10	Paramount Iceland	Exh
12/19/10	9:15a	2077	Maple Leafs	4	OC Hockey	1	Aliso Viejo Ice Palace	Reg
01/09/11	4:15p	2088	Mariners	1	Maple Leafs	6	Paramount Iceland	Reg
01/16/11	7:00a	2093	Maple Leafs	9	Lightning	0	KHS	Reg
01/23/11	11:00a	2103	Maple Leafs	4	Riptide	0	Channel Islands	Reg

Funk, Kroo and Leafs bring the thunder to defeat Lightning

In a Sunday morning battle at KHS Ice Arena in Anaheim, the PW Leafs road into town and shutout the Beach City Lightning team. The home goalie was strong, or it could have been well into double digits. Here are some telling photos from the festivities! Everyone was all smiles after this one, as the boys were solid wire to wire.

Hayden Funk was flawless in goal, turning aside all that came his way!

Kroo was tough all game, including this sweet goal!

Shutout in hand, Hayden grabbed the puck!

Coach Peter shows his appreciation for the effort

In usual Teddy style, he celebrated the win with a post-game cross country ski lap--until the ref asked him to get off the ice before he got run over by the zamboni!

Here are some video highlights of the action. 


I counted 6 shots in the first period alone--yet the scoresheet showed less than that for the whole game! The shutout gets better by the minute! Nice hit on the ref--when the coaches say body, you're to avoid the big ones in stripes!


Period 1 in review

Period two saw just one shot on goal against Hayden, and it came from center ice..according to my unofficial eye, as I was on the far end. We saw a nice one timer by Danny, Noah picking the puck out of the air above the net, Kevin driving the net and crowding the netminder in the crease, and scoring on a nice backhander. Toma scored on a rocket and also an end to end rush as he does seemingly every game. Chris won puck battles with hits and body positioning as well, as about 95% of the period was spent in our offensive end passing and shooting at will.


Second period pressure

Just one more shot on Hayden in the 3rd, total of 8 in my book, and all were turned aside. Solid defense, puck control, few turnovers, maybe one or two penalties, and the Leafs had a shutout victory. At the end, the Hayden cam was on, showing the moment he began to celebrate with his team. Also, the debut of the Teddy-cam, as we isolated on him during a shift in the 3rd. Thank you Anaheim--and farewell!


Goalie cam, Teddy-cam, and .....

Leafs give Mariners unfriendly welcome at Paramount

The Pee Wee Leafs took the Mariners 6-1, and moved firmly into 3rd place in the standings. Notice below that in our Reg season games, the Eagles game saw us give up half of our 18 goals allowed in our nine games. Throwing out the exhibition game with the girls, we have given up 2 goals or less in all of our games, including a shutout of the Jr Reign, with only the first place Jr Ducks (2) and the Express back in mid October getting more than 1! That wins games!

10/10/10	11:00a	2004	Maple Leafs	8	Jr. Gulls	1	Iceoplex Escondido	Reg
10/17/10	4:15p	2016	Express	2	Maple Leafs	6	Paramount Iceland	Reg
10/24/10	11:00a	2021	Maple Leafs	7	Eagles	9	Ontario Ice Center	Reg
10/31/10	4:15p	2032	Jr. Ducks(1)	1	Maple Leafs	1	Paramount Iceland	Reg
11/07/10	4:15p	2035	Jr. Ducks(2)	2	Maple Leafs	1	Paramount Iceland	Reg
11/14/10	7:15a	2048	Maple Leafs	8	Bears	1	Pickwick	Reg
12/05/10	6:00p	2058	Jr. Reign	0	Maple Leafs	6	Paramount Iceland	Reg
12/12/10	4:15p	2072	Lady Reign	2	Maple Leafs	10	Paramount Iceland	Exh
12/19/10	9:15a	2077	Maple Leafs	4	OC Hockey	1	Aliso Viejo Ice Palace	Reg
01/09/11	4:15p	2088	Mariners	1	Maple Leafs	6	Paramount Iceland	Reg

With Jack and Noah out of the lineup, and no Hayden to back up Johnathan, it was more ice time for the forwards, but the Mariners did not have the guns to take us on! I can't decide if my favorite moment from the 1st period was the great back-checking by Danny and Sean, or the big finish Kevin put on their big boy!

Hits, Hustle, and Hard Work in the 1st

Second period..magic and stuff!

Third period action

Tough Break to start 2011 for Jackson

Young Jack Michelle has been diagnosed initially with a proximal radius fracture or some such thing, and is in a soft cast until we can get referred to an orthopedic specialist. Then Jack will likely get a hard cast, and we will have a timeline for recovery. Jack missed baseball tryouts today in Mission Viejo, and we are pretty bummed at the timing as Jack was really starting to figure how to play with the big boys, and was looking forward to the upcoming games with the Mariners and Lightning.

As soon as we have some new status to pass along, we sure will. Jack will still bring his dad to all the games, and yes, Kenny, we will try and bring the camera as well!

Here's hoping the 2011 part of the schedule makes the PW Leafs even stronger as they head to tournament and playoffs in Feb and March.

New Technology Update - Trailers for DVD's

David's Father Vince asked me to crank out a DVD of the game against the Wildcats. Over the holidays, we updated the Mac with a new operating system and some new software. One of the new capabilities in the software is the ability to create a trailer as like a preview--this is just a quick one..imagine the possibilities when time permits??

Check it out..
Preview of DVD of Leafs vs Cats from Westminster Ice