Matthew K. Marin Foundation
 

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The Matthew K. Marin Foundation, is a non-profit organization that was established in 2010 in memory of Matthew.  The mission of the Matthew K. Marin Foundation is to assist families and individuals in the Western New York area who are experiencing financial and/or personal hardship brought about by unforeseen crises or tragedy. 

Playoff Preview for Old Man Hockey in the Falls

 The 2011 – 2012 Finals tonight

 6:30 – Grinders (+1.5) v. Judy’s II (ovr  7.5)

Grinders 5 – Judy’s II 4 (If its physical)

Grinders 4 – Judy’s II 6 (If its finesse) 

 What a Final!   

During this year one of these teams circled near the top while the other circled near the bottom – then the playoffs started and all hell broke loose.  Grinders won each game handily cruising into the semi-finals where it won a tight 5-4 decision.  Judy’s II was expected to run away with its division especially after taking the first 5 points in game one of the opening round but ran into a wall when facing Grinders and National having to advance into the semi’s on Jim Berrigans last second tying goal and then Steve Scalise’s overtime heroics last week.  What remains to be seen is if Judy’s II has something left in the tank after two narrow escapes or if it will bring its mid season A game, or if Grinders can keep up this incredible run or if its time has come.   

We’re hoping that O.D. will work his way to the broadcast booth and that our Verizon associates might get this game broadcast on streaming video.  However, OD was overheard saying that he would be glad to do it “but not fer nuthin.” 

Let’s line up these teams nose to nose and see what shakes out 

First lines for each team balance up this way and in many ways mirror in talent… 

1. Urban centers Gall and Conte vs. Scalise centering Burleigh and McCullough

Not much more needs to be said about Bucky’s talent and he and his line mates Steve and Tim have obviously gelled well and led the league in scoring; but they run up into a hard nosed talented center in Joe Urban and two others who equally play a skate hard, give up nothing and score as you can attitude in Randy and Brett.  If the whistles are held back a bit this match up might only yield a goal advantage to Judy’s II. 

2. Zahner centers McMullen and Clark v. Dibble centering Berrigan and Wozniak

Here the tables may turn.  John, Steve and Dave work the puck well over all 200 feet of ice and particularly deep in the opponents zone often forcing turnovers and each of these three are particularly dangerous when receiving the one timer from behind the net.  On the other hand; Mastermind Dibble allows Jim to play the wing and frees’ him up for potential breaks and counts on himself and Jeff to hold the fort and gain the neutral zone while trying to exploit Berrigans solo talents.  It paid off over the last few weeks.  With concerted effort, the odds may favor a stronger team attack of Grinders 2^nd line and gain Grinders back the goal advantage the Judy’s II’ first line stole. 

3. Rechin centers Amato and Willis v. veteran McLeod who centers King and Marin

If these lines oppose each other look for a classic battle of short passes and attempts to work the puck to the net.  A misstep here may greatly favor the other so we’ll have to watch the third lines closely and see if a goal, which could be the winning goal, comes from one of these 6 skaters.  Coaching and hockey knowledge prevail here and it’s likely we’ll see a draw from these lines. 

4. Irving and Kuryak v. Saph and Zimmerman 

Now it gets interesting.  Don and Greg “have been the foundation our offense is built upon” quotes Captain Dibble; “An end to end stud and a stalwart and dependable as a Swiss watch, having those two back there allow us to just go for it.”  But what about Paul and Jim, both able to be A rated puck carriers, scorers and defensemen and both figure to be in on the final scoring sheet.  It’s extremely probable that the winning difference comes from one or more of these four players.   

5. Carrier and Shiavi v. Saunders and Davis

Looking for potential heroes???  …then look no further.  Either Brian or Bill or Howie can stop a rush, throw a lead pass or even carry the mail and more likely jump into a rush and bang home the winning goal.  Each of these four supports their forward lines by giving them the confidence to advance 3 players out of the zone and not worry even if they give up the odd man rush against.  No way to pick a goal advantage or disadvantage here. 

6. Hetrick v. Allsop

 Last years finalists meet again.  If you ask Mel, he’s “facing the best offense he’s seen in years” and if you ask Joe, he’s “never beaten Mel in a big game.”  If you ask me their both full of shit and each is 100% confident that they’ll win.  That’s the best part about these two is their confidence.  Give me a goalie who thinks he’s the league best and can carry his team anytime and especially in a Championship final.  Maybe an edge to Mel here if Grinders crowds Joe’s crease and that hard work and physicality might make the difference in this game.

Coach Irving was interviewed this week and while he had nothing but respect for what Captain Dibble has done each year with Judy’s II he was full of praise for his team.  He spoke in glowing terms of his players’ actions as follows…

Coach Dibble was a late arrival to the press room but did add his thoughts.  He wished to congratulate Captain Paul on his fantastic playoff run but wanted to note that he mentioned to Irv in January that he expected his team to go on a hot roll.  Dale also had a few words of appreciation for his players…

Both coaches were smart enough not to go too far in praising their goalies and left them alone like place kickers.  Either way, there’s plenty of excitement for tonight, lets hope that a great year has a great end.