Rick Makarowski scored a hat-trick including the overtime winner.

Ironmen Win Playoff Thriller In Overtime
April 8, 2004

By Luc LaRouche
BURNABY, British Columbia (CP) ------ The playoffs began on Thursday evening and the Ironmen looked to take the positive play they displayed to end the regular season into the post season. The opening game of the playoffs had the Ironmen playing the regular season's first place team the Titans.

The Ironmen faced a tough challenge in this contest, not only did they have to take on the top team in the division, but they had to do it without the services of Evan Johnston, Jim Defer and their leading scorer Craig Granter.

The Ironmen came out like a team on a mission and immediately took control of the game. They set the tone early out working and out battling a Titans team that seemed to underestimate the Ironmen. The scoring started when Brent Kelly forced a Titan player to turnover the puck in his own zone allowing Rick Makarowski to pick up the puck and fire it past the Titans goaltender. One minute and 26 seconds later Peter Farkas would unleash a shot from the point that would deflect off of Todd Fraser's skate into the Titans net to give the Ironmen a 2-0 lead. The Titans responded getting a late goal with only 26 seconds left in the period.

The Ironmen regained their two-goal lead five minutes and 49 seconds into period two. Dave Walden burst down the left wing and fired a sharp angle shot that found it's way to the back of the net. Walden's first career Ironmen goal was unassisted but much credit must be given to his Ironmen teammate that was charging hard to the net to supply some distraction. The Titans refused to fold and again took away the Ironmen's two-goal cushion scoring just 29 seconds after the Walden goal. The Ironmen then got an opportunity to test their power play when a Titan player was assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. The Ironmen power play looked shaky for the first 39 seconds of the man advantage. Then the Titans would go down two players when they were nailed for body checking. The Ironmen made the Titans pay scoring twice during the two-man advantage. The first power play goal came when Ironmen Defensemen, Craig Ahlstrom gained the blue line and dropped the puck back to Brent Kelly. Ahlstrom then wisely heading toward the Titans net as Kelly let go an Ed Jovanovski like shot from the point that Ahlstrom tipped in. Rick Makarowski picked up the second assist. The second Ironmen power play goal came only twenty seconds later when Todd Fraser scored his second of the game. Gary Floyd and Craig Petterson assisted Fraser's goal. The Titans refused to die and scored twenty seconds after the Fraser goal to close the gap back to two goals. The Ironmen took a 5-3 lead into the final frame.

The first six minutes and 33 seconds of the third period was scoreless until Rick Makarowski scored his second of the game on another Ironmen power play. Todd Fraser and Steve Meadows picked up the assists. The Titans however received equal time on the power play and it began when Gary Floyd was nailed for tripping at the 6:57 mark. Then only 15 seconds later Henry Fowlds was called for holding the stick to give the Titans a five on three power play. The Titans took full advantage of this opportunity to get back into the game and did so by scoring twice during this power play. Their first goal on the power play was scored 26 seconds into the two-man advantage and they added the second 46 seconds later. The Ironmen desperately attempted to hold on to their one goal lead the rest of the way. Then the unthinkable happened. The Titans pulled their goaltender with less then a minute on the clock and it was that extra man that could not be contained that would provide the Titans a dramatic goal to tie the game with 32 seconds left on the clock. The Ironmen were visibly shaken and struggled to escape regulation time with a tie.

The Ironmen showed what they were made of and refused to let their best effort of the season go to waste. The hockey gods also had a role in this one as a Titan player foolishly roughed up Todd Fraser deep in the Ironmen zone, leading to an Ironmen power play in overtime. The Ironmen did not let this opportunity pass them by and just 27 seconds into the power play and 55 seconds into the overtime Rick Makarowski fired the game winner past a stunned Titans goaltender. Makarowski was promptly mobbed by his teammates after scoring one of the biggest goals in Ironmen history. The goal was Makarowski's third of the game, it was also the forth Ironmen power play goal on the night. Craig Ahlstrom and Todd Fraser were given the assists on the game winner.

In my two years of covering Ironmen hockey games this was arguably the best overall team effort from the men of metal. Each Ironmen player made a significant contribution in this victory. All the Ironmen players were committed to strong fore-checking and back checking, they also provided each other with excellent puck support. What an exciting game and what a thrilling and well deserved finish for the men of metal. The Ironmen name was surely fitting in this contest.

The Ironmen have to be confident that they have what it takes to go very deep in these playoffs. The Ironmen play their second game of the 2004 playoffs on Friday, April 16th versus the Bolts at 8:00 pm on the Red 'A' rink.

David Toyoda recorded his first shut-out of the season.

Ironmen Guns Loaded, While Cowboys Shoot Blanks To End Regular Season
April 4, 2004

By Luc LaRouche
BURNABY, British Columbia (CP) ------ Sunday was the final day of the regular season and the Ironmen hoped to end it on a winning note heading into the post season. The Ironmen were back on the ice Sunday afternoon to take on the Cowboys less then 24 hours after a disappointing loss to the Bulldogs on Saturday. The Cowboys were coming off a 3-3 tie to the Bulldogs on Friday night.

It didn't take the Ironmen long to get things started when Rick Makarowski scored his 14th goal of the season only 19 seconds into the game. Craig Granter and Steve Meadows assisted on the goal. Three minutes and 30 seconds later Evan Johnston scored an unassisted goal to put the Ironmen up by two. The turning point in the game happened late in the period. The Ironmen players that were on the ice decided not to wait for the period ending buzzer and stopped playing with 15 seconds still left on the clock. The result was a clear cut Cowboy breakaway, in spite of this Ironmen Goaltender; David Toyoda was up to the task. Toyoda not only foiled the Cowboy player breaking in on him with a brilliant momentum building save, he was just as sharp shutting down the trailer that picked up the rebound.

The second period has been the worst period of hockey for the Ironmen all season long. However this afternoon it was their strongest. The early moments of the period saw no scoring and the referees were letting the teams play. In fact there were no penalties called against either team during the entire middle frame. The Ironmen offence went back to work scoring their third goal of the game when Todd Fraser buried an unassisted goal at the 5:03 mark. Two minutes and 24 seconds later Defensemen, Steve Meadows found himself in the Cowboys slot and shoveled in his 7th goal of the season. Gary Floyd and Dave Walden assisted on the play. The Ironmen took a commanding five-goal lead when Gary Floyd scored his 5th goal of the season with two seconds left on the clock. Craig Granter and Todd Fraser picked up the assists.

The third period is when the referees determined they needed to leave their mark on the game. The first infraction of the period was a holding call against Ironmen Defensemen, Steve Meadows. The Ironmen penalty killers didn't even have a chance to get warmed up before the Cowboys did something I saw the 'old' Ironmen team do all season long. The Cowboys took themselves off the power play with a foolish roughing penalty. The Ironmen started to slip into some of their old bad habits and again gave the Cowboys a power play and a chance to get on the board. This time the Ironmen penalty killers went to work and successfully killed off the infraction. It was now time for the Ironmen to go back on the power play when the Cowboys were again nailed for roughing. The next call was off setting penalties that sent a player from each team to the box. Todd Fraser gave the Ironmen their sixth unanswered goal of the game when he potted his second of the game and his 15th of the season at the 8:20 mark. Gary Floyd got the lone assist. Two minutes and 34 seconds later another foolish Ironmen penalty again put the Cowboys on the power play and gave them an excellent opportunity to get on the score sheet. The Ironmen penalty killers had other things in mind and between their hard work and Goaltender, David Toyoda shutting the door for the metal men the Cowboys again came up empty. Steve Meadows and the opposing number 27 picked up coincidental roughing penalties to bring the total penalties for the period to nine. Peter Farkas capped off the Ironmen scoring at seven goals late in the game with Evan Johnston assisting. Two more penalties were called with another off setting call to bring the final number of penalties called in the third period to eleven. Five of these calls had one team or the other on the power play. Incidentally all five Cowboy penalties in the third period were roughing infractions. That clearly indicates an undisciplined team and demonstrates how a team can take themselves out of a game with foolish penalties. This is a lesson the Ironmen have learned the hard way.

Although the Ironmen faced a weak team and a very shaky netminder in this contest, they played a very good game. David Toyoda did not have a lot of work in the Ironmen nets, still when he was tested he had to be sharp and was certainly the games first star. This was an excellent way to end the season and the Ironmen can enter the playoffs with renewed confidence. They are in control of their own destiny and if they work hard, play as a team and stay away from taking undisciplined penalties they can be a legitimate threat in the playoffs. Good luck boys!

The Ironmen play the first place Titans to open the playoffs on Thursday, April 8th at 7:45 pm on the Gold 'A' rink.

Craig Granter scored his 28th goal of the season.

Ghosts From The Past Come Back To Haunt Ironmen
April 3, 2004

By Luc LaRouche
BURNABY, British Columbia (CP) ------ The Ironmen took to the ice for the second of three games this week on Saturday afternoon versus a hardworking Bulldogs team. This was also the second straight Saturday afternoon that the Ironmen faced the Bulldogs.

The first period was a gritty one for the Ironmen who seemed to have learned something about hard work from the Bulldogs last week. The Ironmen were skating hard and held the edge in play throughout the opening frame. The first period came to a close as many recent first periods have for the Ironmen, with both teams scoreless after one.

The Bulldogs bit into the Ironmen scoring the games first goal 4:28 into the second period. Another ghost from the past would comeback to haunt the Ironmen four minutes and 8 seconds later when former Ironmen player Robin Jones scored on the power play with Peter Farkas in the penalty box for body checking. The Ironmen didn't want their gritty effort to go to waste and got back into the game when Craig Petterson scored his 10th off the season on a breakaway. Todd Fraser assisted on the goal. The Bulldogs led 2-1 after two periods.

The game was ultimately decided early in the final frame. The Ironmen's inept power play not only failed to produce any goals or legitimate scoring chances it did not even provide a shot on goal. The backbreaking goal came off the stick of another ex Ironmen player when Marc Gilberg scored the third Bulldog goal that proved to be the eventual game winner. The final moments of the game saw both teams combine for a three-goal outburst in a span of two minutes and 45 seconds. Craig Granter scored the Ironmen's goal with Craig Ahlstrom and Gary Floyd getting the assists.

The Ironmen are back in action in less then 24 hours, when they close the regular season against the Cowboys on Sunday, April 4th at 3:30 pm on the Red 'A' rink.

Rick Makarowski had a three point night despite playing only half the game.

Icemen Put The Freeze On Ironmen
December 6, 2003

By Luc LaRouche
BURNABY, British Columbia (CP) ------ The Ironmen once again fell victim to isolated errors and unfortunate penalties in yet another tough loss as the Icemen skated off with a 5-3 victory on Saturday afternoon. Penalties again played the biggest role in the loss as they gave up 3 powerplay goals and a shorthanded goal. Without the special teams goals, this game could have gone the other way.

It was a tight scoreless game until a late first period powerplay goal by the Icemen, with Evan Johnston in the box for a 4 minute slashing penalty. The Ironmen stuck with it however, and would tie the game just 45 seconds into the middle frame. Defenseman Steve (don't call me Audrey) Meadows would make a huge stop on a 3 on 1 and turn the puck up the ice to Craig Granter who slid it over to a charging Rick Makarowski. Rick Mak went hard to the net and finished the play to tie the score. A great goal all around.

Granter and Makarowski would combine again to give the Ironmen their first and only lead of the game at 8:42 of the second. Makarowski feathered a great pass from the corner to a waiting Granter who slammed it in from close range. The Ironmen were able to savour this great turn of events for a total of 57 seconds before the Icemen charged right back to tie the score. Late in the second the zebras decided to make a call that could have been made countless times against Ironmen opponents in the past. As Rick Makarowski was driving hard to the net for a rebound he got tangled up with an Icemen defenceman and was forced to leap over the goaltender to avoid a collision. In doing so, his stick caught the D-man above the eye and drew blood. He also drew a 5 minute major and a game ejection. Now, I've just looked in the rule book and sure enough, it looks like the ref made the right call. My beef is why the hell don't we see that call made all the time? It's this inconsistancy in the officiating that drives me nuts and obviously didn't sit well with the Ironmen either as they were forced to play the rest of the game without Makarowski, who had been having a great game up to that point.

The Icemen took advantage and scored two goals during the 5 minute advantage, the second one coming just 16 seconds into the 3rd period. With the Ironmen pretty much deflated by this point, Craig Ahlstrom threw one of his pattented up the gut passes to a waiting Iceman player who fired home their 5th goal at 3:44. The pass up the gut was bad enough but it was also shorthanded goal to boot. The Ironmen got one goal back to make it 5-3 on a Todd Fraser goal at 6:59 but couldn't get any closer. Fraser's goal, according to the game sheet, was assisted by Craig Granter and the ejected Rick Makarowski, who by this time was standing behind the glass at the other end of the rink. That must have been a hell of a pass!

The Ironmen were outshot 38-18 and were only saved from a blowout by several nice saves from Dave Toyoda. It's becoming quite obvious after the umpteenth loss in a row that something's gotta give here. The men of metal have to start playing with some mettle. Too often, Ironmen players are losing their checks and quitting on the play rather than staying with it until the puck is turned over. I thought Craig Petterson and Gary Floyd, who were roundly criticized by yours truly last week, came up with much better efforts but this kind of slump goes way beyond just a couple of players. This has to be a team buy-in thing where everyone's accountable. It looks at times like everyone is trying hard but they're not trying hard TOGETHER. Guys are drifting into other guy's areas and leaving their men open. On offence, more pucks have to be put on net and more guys have to drive to the net with reckless abandon to get loose pucks. The forecheck needs to be much more effective as well. Too often an Ironman will be on his own with the puck and have no pass to make because no one's there for him. So he just whiffs one at the net or is stripped of the puck and the other team starts away with it. The D-men have been doing a better job of late at getting open in the offensive zone and keeping the puck in with smart pinches. They need more of that. All in all, the game today could have been an Ironmen win with some decent penalty killing. Even with the powerplay goals against them, they still managed to keep the score fairly close which is something positive to build on although of little consolation, I'm sure. They'll try their luck next against the Cowboys on Friday, Dec 12th at 7 pm.

Jim Defer showed hustle at both ends of the ice.

Ironmen Lose Battle Against Titans
November 27, 2003

By Luc LaRouche
BURNABY, British Columbia (CP) ------ The Ironmen returned to action after another lengthy layoff courtesy of the brilliant schedule makers at Burnaby 8-Rinks. The men of metal last played ten days ago and have already endured 12 and 14 day gaps between contests over their first twelve scheduled games this season. Tonight they faced the NS Titans for the first time.

The first period would see each of the teams getting some good scoring chances but both netminders would shut the door to keep the game scoreless after one period.

The Ironmen would strike first 3:20 into period two, when Peter Farkas would throw the puck across the slot where it would find the skate of Craig Petterson before getting behind the Titans goalie. The Ironmen lead would be short-lived with the Titans answering back just 14 seconds later. The remainder of the period would see the teams exchange chances and powerplay opportunities with neither team being able to capitalize. The second period would see the teams deadlocked in a 1-1 tie.

The final frame would see the Titans getting their first lead of the game scoring 4:49 into period three. As has been the case all too often this season the Ironmen again would surrender another back-to-back goal in this contest. This one coming just 1:08 after the second Titans goal. In typical Ironmen fashion the boys would go down swinging, they would close the gap by one with 3:49 left on the clock when Petterson would get his second of the game. Gary Floyd and newcomer Dave Walden would get the assists. For the third game in a row the Ironmen would be trailing by one in the games final two minutes. They would once again pull Goaltender David Toyoda for the extra attacker. However, the result would once again see the Ironmen falling a goal short.

There are a few players that I feel need to be singled out for their strong play in recent games. I have been impressed with the improved play of Right Wing, Jim Defer over the last two games. Defer has shown a lot of hustle at both ends of the ice and has managed to stay out of the penalty box. Defensemen, Peter Farkas who is basically playing on one knee, continues to be a model for making the smart plays. As long as Farkas has a defense partner that has the wheels to get back and cover up for him on those rare occasions he is unable to hold the line, the Ironmen defense will continue to improve. Goaltender, David Toyoda continues to play strong in the Ironmen nets. If there was ever a guy the team should go out and get a win for, it is their goaltender. Toyoda's solid play gives his team a chance to win each and every game. Left Wing, Craig Granter who is known for his scoring must be commended for his newfound ability to walk away from altercations or potential altercations. Granter, who in the past was often an easy target for opposing teams to take the bait with retaliation penalties, has time and time again this season turned the other cheek. In fact Granter who only has 6 minutes in penalties (and did not deserve 4 of those 6 minutes) is a legitimate candidate for the team's Lady Byng Award.

I also feel that it is necessary to point out the players that need to pick up their games. Although the scoresheet may indicate he should have been the games first star, in actual fact the play of Left Wing, Craig Petterson over the last few games has been uninspiring to say the least. Petterson, who early in the season I figured would be one of the teams top players, started the season with hustle and demonstrated that he was an effective checker. Some how he is still managing to get the goals, however he can often be spotted floating and seems to be uninterested in playing a two-way game. If Petterson could get back to being the effective checker that he displayed earlier in the season, he does have the tools to be one the teams' best two-way players. As it is now he just looks lazy. Right Wing, Todd Fraser who was red hot offensively for most of the season has cooled over the last few games. Fraser who like Petterson is very capable of playing two-way hockey but does not do so on a consistent basis. This becomes even more evident when Fraser is not scoring. Fraser also does not utilize his linemates enough. Perhaps with having two shooters on one line there is not enough puck to go around on the top line. Maybe a move to a different line would not only provide Fraser an environment he could thrive in, but it could also give the Ironmen another line that is a legitimate scoring threat. Left Wing, Gary Floyd who on many nights has been one of my favorites for his hustle and his strong ability to keep his feet moving, tonight finds his feet moving directly to my doghouse. Floyd took a foolish four-minute slashing penalty late in this evenings contest. This occurred when his team needed a goal to tie the game. I have also not been impressed that he feels the need to discuss at length his penalties with the officials. Just go to the box 'Pretty Boy'! I will give Floyd the benefit of the doubt and chalk it up to an off night. The jump and hustle and good positional play that is normally his strength was just not there on this night.

Although the Ironmen have dropped three in a row for the first time this season, they continue to show improvement to their team game. However, they are still having costly mental breakdowns that ultimately result in losses. The improved effort and hustle of many of players that were previously just going through the motions has made a big difference. More players are now working harder and helping their teammates as opposed to watching them do the dirty work. The overall work ethic of the club has greatly improved over the last four games. The team continues to take baby steps in an effort to improve their team game. The overall effort has definitely been there, now the Ironmen need to concentrate on eliminating the costly mental mistakes. Communication is key! The team must start to do a few simple things that will enable them to turn games they are now losing into wins. Things such as setting up the breakout, providing puck support, utilizing the points, cycling the puck, taking out the man (especially in front of their own net. Everyone must take a man!), taking the time to make the right play as opposed to panicking. Most important each player must play their own position and do their own job! Many times this season half the players are trying to do too much while the other half are not doing enough. The players must do their own job and if a teammate isn't pulling his weight he needs to be told he has to pick it up! The Ironmen are heading in the right direction. If the team continues to work hard like they have been over the last four games and they start to apply these basic but necessary components to their game, the second half of the season could be a very rewarding one for men of metal.

The Ironmen are once again idle for more then a week, they'll be back on the ice on Saturday, December 6th when they take on the Icemen at 2:00 pm on the Red 'A' rink.

Craig Granter recorded his second hat-trick of the season in the loss.

Ironmen Screw Themselves Against Bolts
November 17, 2003

By Luc LaRouche
BURNABY, British Columbia (CP) ------ The Ironmen returned to the ice tonight on the heels of two solid outings that saw them outscore their opposition 6-5. Tonight they faced the Bolts.

Ironmen Left Wing, Gary Floyd would open the scoring with just 37 seconds left on the clock in period one. Francois Godbout would pick up the only assist.

The Bolts did not wait long to answer back, responding just 52 seconds into the middle frame. That goal would be the first of a four-goal outburst by the teams that would see four goals netted within a span of two minutes and 33 seconds. Craig Granter would answer back 30 seconds later to restore the lead for the Ironmen. Craig Petterson and netminder David Toyoda would draw the assists. The Ironmen would only enjoy the led for 42 seconds before the Bolts would again pull even. Things would settle down for the next minute and 21 seconds before the Bolts would get their first lead of the game. The Bolts would take a 3-2 lead into the final frame.

The third period would be scoreless for the first seven minutes and four seconds, until Ironmen sniper Craig Granter would bring his club back even. Todd Fraser and Rick Makarowski would pick up the assists on the goal. The Bolts would answer back with two quick goals. The first would be scored 2:29 after Granter's goal and the second and eventual game winner would follow 28 seconds later. Both goals were the result of odd man rushes. Although they dug a hole for themselves, the Ironmen showed what they were made of refusing to quit. Craig Granter would pull the Ironmen back within one recording his second hat trick of the season. The goal was a powerplay goal and again Todd Fraser and Rick Makarowski would pick up the assists on this goal. The Ironmen did have some good chances to even the score late in the game and would even get a powerplay with 27 seconds left on the clock. In the end, it was the same story for the second consecutive game, the Ironmen ran out of time and waited too long to put the pedal to the metal.

In this game the selfish play of a couple Ironmen players spoiled a very decent effort by the majority of the team and ultimately cost the Ironmen the game. Hockey is a team game and with three forward lines and five defensemen, there is absolutely no excuse to join an offensive rush when you have nothing left in the tank. Especially when your linemates left the ice 45 seconds earlier. Plain and simple it is selfish! It was that selfishness that led to horrible line changes and odd men rushes that killed the men of metal on this night. That kind of selfish play is not normally seen in the Ironmen line-up. However, odd man rushes have been the back breaker for the metal men all season long. That and combined with the lingering bad habit of surrendering untimely back to back goals, only minutes apart, continues to take the Ironmen out of games that they often dominate.

The Ironmen have displayed a much better effort as a team over the last three games. However, it seems just when they start getting the effort from everyone, they shoot themselves in the foot with poor decision-making. The Ironmen have to eliminate these mental mistakes and stop beating themselves!

The Ironmen get the next ten days to dwell on the mental aspects of their game, as they won't return to the ice until November 27th when they take on the NS Titans on the Gold 'B' at 10:15 pm.

Steve Meadows had another strong game at both ends of the ice.

A Game To Remember, Officiating To Forget
November 11, 2003

By Luc LaRouche
BURNABY, British Columbia (CP) ------ The Ironmen returned to action on this Remembrance Day evening as they faced the first place Mountain Shadow Alers.

The opening period saw both teams playing good hockey. Both teams showed hustle and grit in the first period. This game had all the ingredients to be one of the most entertaining games of the season. The Alers would strike first with 49 seconds left in the first period. The Alers capitalized on a four-minute powerplay opportunity with Ironmen Right Wing, Jim Defer in the box for slashing. The Alers would lead 1-0 after one.

The second period would see both teams continuing to battle hard. It was a shame that the officials started to get whistle happy and interrupt the flow of a good game. The officials would also make no attempt to hide the blatant one-sided calls against the Ironmen. The Ironmen would however see some powerplay time when Brent Kelly would take an Alers high stick to the face. That would result in a four-minute Ironmen powerplay. Thirteen seconds later the Alers would take an interference penalty to give the metal men a two-man advantage to take with them into the final frame. There would be no goals scored in the middle frame and a total of 24 penalty minutes were accessed. The Ironmen were assessed 14 minutes in penalties and the Alers were assessed 10 minutes in penalties during the second period.

The Ironmen would make the Alers pay when Steve Meadows scored a powerplay goal just 17 seconds into the final frame to tie the game. Craig Petterson and Jim Defer would get the assists. The parade to the penalty box would continue into the third period. The teams would each be assessed two coincidental penalties before Brent Kelly's roughing penalty would give the Alers another powerplay. The Alers would make Kelly and the Ironmen pay scoring 50 seconds into the man advantage. A heated goalmouth scramble would follow the goal, which would result in both Ironmen defensemen Craig Ahlstrom and Shaun Brown getting roughing penalties along with their Aler counterparts. The Alers would then go up by two, with 5:54 left in the game. Ironmen defensemen Shaun Brown would take the puck in deep in the Alers zone, Right Wing, Todd Fraser was in good position to cover for Brown but failed to make the effort. That provided the Aler player a clear path to goaltender David Toyoda. The Alers would convert the breakaway. Toyoda did get a piece of it but the puck managed to trickle in. However, the Ironmen refused to quit! Craig Granter would bring the Ironmen back within one when he converted a Steve Meadows pass and roofed it by a stunned Alers netminder. A minute and 13 seconds later in a game that had everything, there would also be a fight. Ironmen defensemen Shaun Brown would be jumped by an Alers player whose only purpose seemed to be to go after Brown. The officials of course did not see the Aler player instigate the fight and therefore there would be no instigator suspension issued against the Aler player. The Ironmen would have a couple of good scoring chances late in the game, with goaltender David Toyoda on the bench for the extra attacker. The best chance would see Ironmen Right Wing, Francois Godbout with a wide open net, but he was unable to get a handle on it and shot the puck wide.

This was a solid effort by the men of metal and although poor officiating threatened to ruin the game by constantly interrupting its flow, it still ended up being a very entertaining contest. The Ironmen continue to improve their team play and seem to have really picked up the effort over the last couple of games. Defensemen, Steve Meadows had another strong game at both ends of the ice. He scored the first Ironmen goal and assisted on the other. Goaltender David Toyoda was solid in his return to the Ironmen nets after a two game absence. Centre, Rick Makarowski looked like a two-time Selke winner in this contest. Makarowski's solid defensive play was evident; he was often bailing out his linemates who were frequently out of position or nowhere to be found in the defensive zone.

The Ironmen will continue to build on their recent strong play, when the take on the Bolts on Monday, November 17th at 9:00 pm on the Blue 'A' rink.

Todd Fraser scored a pair in the win over Becks.

Blue Collar Effort Pushes Ironmen Past Becks
November 3, 2003

By Luc LaRouche
BURNABY, British Columbia (CP) ------ The Ironmen returned to the ice Monday night to face Becks. The Ironmen were looking for a better performance from everyone in this contest. The metal men were eager to erase the lack luster effort they displayed on Friday.

The Ironmen would come out of the gate like they really came to play. The first period provided some good scoring chances, but it was Becks that would strike first 4:55 into the game. Three Ironmen attackers went to the puck carrier and abandoned their checks. That would leave a clear shooting lane for the Becks player to put one past goaltender Jamie Barnes. Barnes returned to the Ironmen nets for the first time since September 8th. Becks would take a 1-0 lead into period two.

The Ironmen would continue to play solid hockey in the second period, but fell behind, as Becks would go up by two. The remainder of the period would go back and forth until Craig Granter would bring the Ironmen back within one. Granter, who most often scores much prettier goals, rolled up his sleeves and got dirty on this one. He was digging tenaciously for a loose puck in a goalmouth scramble, before shoveling it past the Becks netminder. Craig Ahlstrom and Rick Makarowski would draw the assists and were instrumental in the scramble. The Ironmen would pull even when defensemen Steve Meadows blasted one past a stunned Becks goaltender. The goal was the first of the season for Meadows, who had to feel good about that one, as he had been squeezing the stick up to that point. Francois Godbout would get the only assist. The game would be deadlocked at two after two.

Period three continued to have good flow, but the Ironmen would continue to turn up the heat and outwork Becks. They would be rewarded with a shorthanded goal, when at the end of a very long penalty killing shift, Todd Fraser would pick off a Becks pass and go in alone to give the Ironmen their first lead of the game. The Ironmen would continue their hardworking ways, which was good because Ironmen enforcer Jim Defer decided to make his teammates work a little harder. Defer would take a foolish roughing penalty. Fortunately for the I-men Becks would only have the powerplay for a minute. The strong penalty killing of Gary Floyd would lead to Becks taking an interference penalty. Floyd's hard work and his ability to keep his feet moving resulted in extinguishing the Becks man advantage. The Ironmen would get the insurance marker late in the game when Todd Fraser would pot his second of the game and his 7th of the season. Makarowski and Granter would get the assists.

This was a complete team effort. Many Ironmen players put together a solid game. Goaltender Jamie Barnes was sharp in the Ironmen net and he had plenty of help on this night. Defensemen Steve Meadows had his best game of the season and was very involved at both ends of the ice. Newcomer Peter Farkas had a strong game and did a great job on the blueline. He often kept the puck in the Becks zone and made great passes all night. The forwards also looked very good. The MFG Line of Rick Makarowski, Todd Fraser and Craig Granter continue to manufacture the offense for the Ironmen collecting six points. The Gangster Line of Gary 'Pretty Boy' Floyd, Francois 'Le Traiteur' Godbout and Brent 'Machine Gun' Kelly were arguable the hardest working line in this contest and had many good chances as well.

The Ironmen looked like a different team tonight, compared to the team that just phoned it in on Friday. The ironclad crew played classic heart and soul, hardworking, blue collar, Ironmen hockey! I guess the zombies that showed up on Halloween were just disguised as heartless hockey players. Whatever it was, it was a pleasure to see the real Ironmen squad tonight.

The Ironmen can savor this one for the next week, as they won't return to the ice until Remembrance Day when the take on the first place Mountain Shadow Alers at 8:15 pm on the Green 'A' rink. Please remember to purchase a poppy and support our veterans.

Todd Fraser recorded a goal and an assist in the loss to the Blades.

Blades Slash Apart Scary Ironmen
October 31, 2003

By Luc LaRouche
BURNABY, British Columbia (CP) ------ The Ironmen finally returned to the ice on Halloween for the first time in two weeks as they faced the second place Blades. The Ironmen last played on October 17th.

This was a game that I was thankful for the game line-up feature on the team website. I needed a program for all the new faces in the Ironmen line-up in this contest. The metal men would need this new blood with David Toyoda, Craig Ahlstrom, Jim Defer and Edward Kouwenhoven all out of the line-up.

The first period was fairly even with the Ironmen applying some early pressure, but they failed to convert on a couple of good scoring chances. At the other end, Goaltender John Prendergast was being tested in the Ironmen nets and he looked sharp. Prendergast not only made the initial saves but also had to make the second and third saves as a result of rebounds his teammates failed to clear. The period would end scoreless after one.

The Blades wasted little time in the middle frame; they would draw first blood just one minute and 5 seconds into period two. The Ironmen would respond exactly 1:05 later on a Todd Fraser goal. The score would remain that way until Rick Makarowski would give the Ironmen the lead at 6:48. Craig Granter and Todd Fraser picked up the assists. All three Ironmen forwards were in alone on the Blades netminder and the Ironmen almost didn't get the shot off before Makarowski was able to let one go from a sharp angle. Less than two minutes later the Blades would pull even. Then at 10:28 the Blades would take the lead. They would add a powerplay goal with 1:38 left on the clock and would take a 4-2 lead into the final frame.

It was very fitting that this game took place on Halloween, as the Ironmen played the majority of the final frame like zombies. They were only down by two goals but played as if they were already dead. The Blades would score three unanswered goals before Craig Petterson would get a late powerplay goal for the Ironmen. The goal was assisted by Evan Johnston. The Blades would add one more, putting a final nail in the Ironmen coffin and closing the scoring at 13:40.

The Ironmen do have the excuse of being affected by the long layoff, however that does not explain the countless odd man rushes they had against them. It also does not justify how Ironmen goaltender John Prendergast would make save after save with no support. Many of the Ironmen players showed up in body on this Halloween evening, however like any ghost they lacked heart.

The Ironmen are back in action on Monday, November 3rd at 10:15 pm on the Gold B rink when they take on Becks.

Brent Kelly had a solid effort in his 300th career Ironmen game.

Icemen Goalie Puts The Freeze On Ironmen
October 17, 2003

By Luc LaRouche
BURNABY, British Columbia (CP) ------ The Ironmen returned to the ice Friday night after coming off an impressive victory last week over the Silverbacks. Tonight the metal men would take on another I-Man squad as they faced the Icemen in a battle for fifth place.

The Ironmen looked a little sluggish to start things off, but seemed to control the play and were clearly the better team. However, the Icemen would strike first with just under two minutes remaining in the opening frame.

The Ironmen would continue to out chance the Icemen in the second period, but it was the Icemen that were getting the bounces. They capitalized on one of those bounces at 7:27 netting goal number two. The Ironmen would crack the scoresheet answering back a minute and 15 seconds later. Brent Kelly won a draw deep in Icemen territory, getting the puck to Right Wing, Jim Defer who blasted a sharp angle shot past the Icemen netminder. Things were looking up for the Ironmen who seemed to be building momentum. Then they ran into penalty trouble! First Brent Kelly was tagged with a questionable interference call at 11:47. It is interesting that Referee In Chief, Scott Sisett (who Kelly had a letter writing war with over the Craig Helm incident) would not only make this questionable call, but he would also leave Kelly off the scoresheet on the Defer goal. To think Sisett claims he and his referees don't hold grudges, hmmmm, I wonder? Anyway the club would successfully kill off Kelly's penalty. Then a minute and 10 seconds later, the club would take a foolish too many men on the ice penalty with just 24 second left in the middle frame.

Period three would start with the Icemen going right to work on the powerplay. They would waste little time scoring just 50 seconds after the call was first made. This goal seemed to be the turning point and took the wind out of the Ironmen sails. At 7:23 Ironmen center Rick Makarowski would be called for hooking. That would lead to another Icemen powerplay that would earn them goal number four. The Ironmen would continue to have more quality scoring chances, but would be turned away time and again by Icemen goaltender Mike Vecchio. Vecchio, who was by no means flashy, put together some solid goaltending and his strong positional play resulted in many Ironmen shots hitting him square on the logo.

This is the type of game that the Ironmen must win. They were the better team and could have won. However, at times they lacked the hardwork and determination that is required to win. All to often Ironmen players could be spotted flat-footed and waiting for someone else to do the job. Many players looked listless and lazy with little or no jump. The Ironmen were without two thirds of the their top line with Todd Fraser and Craig Granter both missing from the line-up. However, that is not an excuse! The Ironmen proved last week that all three of their lines are a legitimate scoring threat. All that is needed is an honest effort from everyone. In addition, the Ironmen have to get back to setting up their breakout. Tonight the Icemen gave them tons of time to set it up, but instead the Ironmen often hurried the puck up ice which resulted in turnovers and the puck coming back.

The Ironmen have eleven days to forget about this one, as they won't be back on the ice until October 28th, when they face the Cowboys at 10:00 pm on the Green B rink.

Craig Granter scored four of the nine Ironmen goals.

Silverbacks Pounded By Sudden Iron Attack
October 11, 2003

By Luc LaRouche
BURNABY, British Columbia (CP) ------ The Ironmen were back on the ice on Saturday night after an eleven-day layoff. It seemed to help as they finally found some scoring and their first win of the season, in a 9-1 cakewalk against a listless and pathetic looking Silverback squad that is surely heading to division 9. In fact, that may not be enough of a drop for a team that was thoroughly outplayed by a previously winless Ironmen crew.

The goals came early and often as the men of metal poured 9 pucks past the helpless Silverback goalie. Meanwhile, David Toyoda's shutout bid at the other end was spoiled by an unfortunate defensive lapse with just seconds left in the game.

Brent Kelly opened the scoring for the Ironmen in his first shift of the game backhanding a rebound from a Craig Ahlstrom shot from the point.

Craig Granter who returned to the line-up after a one game conditioning stint in China, was the big benefactor of some hopeless defensive play from the Silverbacks. Granter would go on to pot four goals on the night. Three of Granter's four goals were the result juicy rebounds that were left like Christmas presents in the slot to which he pounced on.

Craig Petterson, Todd Fraser, Rick Makarowski and Gary Floyd rounded out the Ironmen scoring.

The new line of Gary Floyd, Francois Godbout and Brent Kelly impressed in their first outing as a unit. The Ironmen had three solid lines tonight and the defense also looked very strong. The addition of Shaun Brown on defense added some grit and toughness to the Ironmen blueline. Edward Kouwenhoven continues to improve and impress on the back end and was the best of a very good blueline in this contest.

While not diminishing the improved team play of the Ironmen, one has to wonder how they would have fared had they had an opponent on the ice with them. There's no denying, though, that the Ironmen got a complete effort from the entire line-up in the victory. They got lots of shots through from the point, which was a big key on several goals. Toyoda was solid in the net when he was tested and the defense had little trouble moving the puck out of trouble.

The Ironmen are back on the ice on Friday, October 17th vs. the Icemen at 9:30 pm on the Red A Rink.