Ratz Pester Shockers in Big Time Loss

Final Score
Ratz 12 - Shockers 2

In a game that was lopsided from the get-go, Ratz came out strong and gave a humiliating loss to the Shockers at Le Rinque last night. Although the Ratz displayed good passing and endless energy, their cockiness and disrespect for the game and opposing team made them a cocktail of disgust and immaturity.

The Shockers will have their work cut out for them next time these two teams face each other as they will need to pick up the pace and try keep up with the unrelentless attack from the Ratz forwards. The Ratz now overtake the Shockers in NABHL standings with last nights victory.

A noteworthy point of last nights game was Alain Godard's two goal performance which happen to be all of the Shockers offensive mustard. Backup goaltender Chuck Ghazarian, despite being grounded and pounded with shots held up pretty well against Ratz attackers. Ghazarian will return to the minors as Giancarlo Capaz will retake his starting spot after missing the last two games. Assistant captain and, now, local pinhead goon, Andrew Stevens, added to his total of penalties this season racking up two different penalties in one shift. Stevens, not really known for goonish antics, served hard time in the penalty box for roughing and holding. Godard does not plan to punish Stevens for his actions but was definitely not a fan.

Shockers will have some time to regroup as they get some much needed rest as they will take on first-seeded FW who has been making short work out of most teams getting in their way this season. Shockers will need to make due without Chris Diabo, Alain Godard, Ben Ducharme and Francois Hamelin out of the line-up...this should be interesting.

More pictures are available at http://picasaweb.google.com/andrewbacca
Thanks to Alex Michaud for the action shots.

Movin' On Up!

Final Score
Shocker 6 - Blazers 5

Le Rinque hosted a farm-burner of a game last night where the Shockers (2-1-1) took on the league favorite, Blazers (2-1-0), for the first and only time this season. Let's just say the Shockers pulled through but it was definitely a battle of the titans. The game started off rather harmless but emotions took over and the game turned into a heated affair really quickly. It seemed like every time someone went to the net they had to expect to be involved in a pushing and trash talking dual and if someone was going into the corner with the defenseman, they might just jump into the boards to try instigate penalties. The Shockers bench kept their cool and in the end, they walked away with the 'W'.

A positive note about the game is despite all the rough and toughness of the game, the fancy-footed forward, Nick Sullo, did not have to make a visit to the penalty box. He currently leads the team and is tied for second in the league for the most penalty minutes (6 mins).

Shockers showed that they could play a solid game with or without goaltending sensation, Giancarlo Capaz, as they brought in back-up ball-stopper, Chuck Ghazarian. Ghazarian made key saves on the upclose and personal one-on-one's to keep the Shockers ahead but he also saw some stealthy shots that found their way through and into the back of the net. "I was a bit nervous for my first game, I wish I could have a couple of those goals back," mentioned Ghazarian at the end of the game. Ghazarian may be called up for next weeks game against the Ratz as Capaz might still be out of action.

It is no doubt that one of the biggest surprises so far this season is none other than defensive enforcer, Jeff Jasmin, who has demonstrated excellent man-to-man coverage and defensive play, he showed that he can move up with the ball to help offensively and now he has something else to add to his resumé, goal scorer. That's right! Jasmin picked up his first goal of the season during the second period in last night's game.

Speaking of goal scoring, last night also extended the point streaks for both Diabo brothers. Steve picked up a goal, an assist and if trash-talking scored on a points system, he pocketed a bunch of those points too. Chris, the most recent acquisition for the Shockers who has been immediate success thus far added to his point total by netting two goals.

Next game is against the Ratz (3-1-0) and should be quite the challenge for the Shockers as they are a younger team that is quick and have excellent perimeter passing. If the ball is out of their possession though, the Shockers should be fine to bury their chances.

More pictures available at: http://teamshockers.blogspot.com

Where is the Rocket?

With already four games into their debut season, the Shockers have been dealing with some questions regarding the velvet-handed defenseman, Rod "the Rocket" Tremblay who has yet to make an appearance. Is he a secret weapon that the Shockers will look to bring out in the playoffs? Is he being held back by team doctors as he had been questionable in the pre-season after suffering a possible career ending ankle injury? We managed to catch up with some of the Shocker players to see where the Rocket is.

Jeff Jasmin: "Rod? There is another guy looking to take my spot on D?!"

Steve Diabo: "Who?"

Francois Hamelin: "I'm horny."

Andrew Stevens: "He's horny."

No one seemed to have known where Tremblay has been and what his status was until we sat down with team captain and celebrity panty-wetter, Alain Godard.

ShockerNews: So, first thing is first, congrats on the two wins thus far, you're in third place currently.

Godard: I know, f**kin' A! Thanks man, right on!

ShockerNews: Umm...okay, we'll need to keep the swearing to a minimum during the interview.

Godard: Shit, sorry dude, I f**ked up.

ShockerNews: Right...so here's the question that has been picking at everyone's brain, where is the Rocket?

Godard: The red rocket?

ShockerNews: Is that Rod?

Godard: Well, it's a type of rod...

ShockerNews: Oh no! I meant Rod Tremblay.

Godard: OH! Shit, sorry dude!

ShockerNews: Can we try keep the swearing down to a minimum?

Godard: Right on, right there. Rod-man, he's not going to be playing because we have some things that are here on the team and people like scoring but we try to shut it down and keep it off the boards.

ShockerNews: What?

Godard: Rod is not playing.

ShockerNews: Oh okay. Why?

Godard: I don't know but we have agreed to buy out his contract and #27 is back on the market.

ShockerNews: Is his change of heart due to his injury?

Godard: No, I think he just has his eyes on a different prize.

ShockerNews: So he does not feel the Shockers can compete for the cup?

Godard: No, because we're taking the cup!

So there it is, the Rocket seems to be grounded again and this time does not look like he will be suiting up anytime soon. The Shockers will take on the Blazers tonight at Le Rinque with or without Tremblay in the line-up but in all honesty, the team has been playing so well so far and seem to be getting stronger with each game. Maybe introducing another element into their game might not be a good idea. Why fix it if it ain't broken?

Shockers Extend Win Streak

Final Score
Shockers 9 - Mother Puckers 2

Shockers extend their winning streak to two games after taking out the hurting Mother Puckers last night at Le Rinque. Team captain and local do-gooder, Alain Godard, had an explosive night leading the team with 5 points (2G 3A) and running shoe enthusiast, Jonathan Sante, followed up with a 4 point night (2G 2A) to tie with Steve Diabo for the team's leading scorer title (10 points).

Sante played phenomenal hockey despite almost missing the game as he was busy finalizing the deal with Reebok to be his leading sponsor. The endorsement details were not disclosed but he did go on the record to say: "...well they said I don't have to worry about money anymore...and that's a good thing."

When asked about his new model of shoes that are soon to hit stores in early fall, he said he named them the only name he could think of and mentioned that it was the most beautiful name in the whole wide world, "Jenny." So look for the Reebook Jenny(s), Jonathan Sante's signature shoes in your local Foot Locker and Home Depot.

The game started off on the right foot when the Shockers jumped out with four goals including a Marc Boucher howitzer from the point to give him his first goal of the season as well as Andrew Stevens netting his first as well. Sante and charismatic centerman Nick Sullo would net the other two respectively. Mother Puckers would show some sign of life banging in a rebound passed goalie, Giancarlo Capaz. Shockers would reply in an instant and not look back for the rest of the game.

"We had a great game and [Mother Puckers] gave us a pretty good fight at some points but we have to be proud that our powerplay stepped in and [Capaz] was solid," remarked Godard.

Defensive mystery-man, Greg Emmanuel, was missing from the line-up again and adds to the recent rumors mentioned in last week's blog. New comer, Chris Diabo was also missing but Godard explained that it was to rest the young gun for Wednesday's game against the Blazers. Andrew Stevens played defense last night and was rumored that he played with an injury which details from team doctors has not been disclosed. He is expected to play but is currently listed as day-to-day and leaves Godard with a tough game time decision whether he will be scratched from the line-up.

Despite the Shockers recent success at finding the back of the net, the big test will be this coming Wednesday when the Shockers take on the Blazers. The Blazers are 2-1 in the season and are looking to bounce back after their loss to the Grinders last Wednesday. Shockers will find themselves in the hands of backup goaltender, Chuck Ghazarian, who gets the call-up to relieve Capaz of his duties for the next two games. Ghazarian, who spent a good number of years in the minors was surprised to get the call and told reporters this during a phone interview: "I'm happy to get the call. I know these will not be easy games but I'm up for the challenge!"

Godard later on added, "we're hoping he can do the job sans faux, it will be hard to replace [Capaz] but that means we'll need to play tighter defense."

In other news, the Shockers organization would like to congratulate Marc Boucher on his recent introduction to fatherhood. It's a boy! Marc-Olivier is the newest and youngest member of the Shocker family. Even though his son has a good number of years before he will be ready to take his father's place on the blue line, Boucher told reporters that we will not likely miss any games. We wish the best of luck and health to the Boucher camp!

More pictures of game 4 can be seen here: http://picasaweb.google.com/andrewbacca
Pictures are credited to Alexandra Michaud

Shockers Crush Green Giants

Final Score
Shockers 11 - Green Giants 1

The Shockers took on their third game of the season with a ton of confidence after coming off the over-time loss against the Ligers last week which gave them their first point in team history and not to mention the acquisition of their newest high flying member, Chris Diabo.

"We knew that it could only go up from here," stated Jeff Jasmin, "we lost, we tied and what do you think should come next? A WIN, B*****!"

The game started off a bit rocky for the Shockers as they found themselves down 1-0 but that would trigger a hurricane of goals by the Shockers and they would not look back from there finishing the game off early in the third period by mercy rule.

Kosta Kastrounis, Jon Sante and Chris Diabo would lead the pack with 5 points each. Kastrounis notably got a hat trick in the game. Chris Diabo scored the first goal for the Shockers in his first NABHL game and ended the night with one more goal and 3 assists. Steve Diabo accumulated 4 points (2G 2A) throughout the night. Giancarlo Capaz stood tall to make key saves but was generally it was a fairly quiet night for him.

"It was a good game for me and I'm pretty satisfied with my performance but the team also played great and we tried some things that we normally would not do," said Kastrounis in a post-game interview.

"No points for me!?!?! I'm losing wood!" exclaimed Francois Hamelin, who him and defensive soul mate, Marc Boucher, were the only Shockers to be denied an appearance on the score sheet.

Another Shocker who remained off the score sheet and the line-up sheet was none other than minuteman Greg Emmanuel who was a scratch and did not make an appearance to the game whatsoever. There has been recent rumors about Emmanuel's drinking problem has spiraled out of control and has been spotted in numerous Montreal nightclubs wasted out of his mind licking faces of teeny-bopper fans and any random person getting in his way for that matter. The team's management has refused to comment on the situation.

Shockers will hope to move on with the momentum of this win on Sunday where they take on the 0-3 Mother Puckers.

View more pictures, go to http://picasaweb.google.com/andrewbacca

A New Spark for the Shockers

The Shockers organization welcomed its the newest member to the roster, Chris Diabo, as their latest acquisition. Chris, younger brother of Steve Diabo, joined the team last night after he and his agent, J.P. Barry, were able to make a deal with Shocker's management to land him a one-year contract for the remainder of the season.

Diabo, who is known for his quick moves and energy brings a spark of youth as he is the youngest player in team history to join the team.

"We're excited to have him on the team, we've heard he's off the boards," said captain, Alain Godard.

"We see what his brother, Big Baller, can do out there, if he can provide more of the same stuff that would be sweet," added offensive slip 'n' slider, Jon Sante.

Diabo makes his debut tonight against the Green Giants and should be seen playing along side his big brother.

The Heart of a Liger

Final Score Shockers 4 - Ligers 5 (OT)

Le Rinque was once again living and breathing hockey as the second week of the NABHL season got under way. The Shockers looked to bounce back after a 5-1 loss to the Expos last week and set their sights on the Ligers. Ligers, who won their season opener against the Grinders 6-1, knew they had to step up their game against the newbie squad of hungry hockey sex-symbols. In the end, the Ligers would prove to be the victors and hand the Shockers their second straight loss of the season, coming in way of a shootout.

The Shockers showed a different side to how they can play last night. The defense played very well man-to-man and they made quick progress to correct what went wrong in the game against the Expos. The offense actually showed up as well, lighting the lamp four times throughout the game. The team in general had also started to make better passes and the chemistry is begining to flow as we have seen some nice passing plays begin to pan out.

The first period was a neck-and-neck battle where neither team seemed to be able to find the back of the net. Defense on both teams played extremely well and notably, the goalies, equally, made some big saves, especially orange-ball-man-handler, Giancarlo Capaz for the Shockers. The 0-0 deadlock would be broken with 1:27 left in the period when the Ligers would finally be able to beat Capaz with a swift swing of the stick by the opposing force.

The second period would start off shaky for the Shockers where a late line change that was not seen by the referee led to a second goal for the Ligers right off the face-off. It would not be more than three minutes later that the Shockers offense would come alive netting back to back goals, one from Ben Ducharme and one from Kosta Kastrounis respectively. The Ligers would answer back before the period's close, giving them a 3-2 lead going into the third.

The third started off quickly, when Shocker's big baller/shot caller, Steven Diabo himself would find net sneaking out from in back of the net to tie it up 3-3. Once again, the Ligers would answer back in a hurry to give themselves a 4-3 lead. No more than two minutes later, Ben Ducharme would net his second of the game to tie it up once again.

The third period would expire leaving both teams to select shooters for the shootout. In the end, after five shooters trying their hand at scoring the difference-maker, it would be the Ligers would would find the back of the net to take home the victory.

"Our guys played well, it was a huge improvement from game one, we should be proud of ourselves tonight!" exclaimed assistant captain, Andrew Stevens.

"Right on! We're happy with how the game went. Of course we would prefer to have the 'W' but a point is a point and that's what's going on right there, off the roof, P in the V," added captain, Alain Godard.

The game honors would have to go to Ben Ducharme who posted up two big goals and gave a valiant effort to keep his team afloat throughout the game. Ducharme who is know for his bright blue leg pads and his boyish good-looks is a heartthrob to all fans of the Shockers especially the two guys in the background of this picture cheering of the fan-favorite.


Other notables, Steven Diabo who had a three point night (1G, 2A), Jonathan Sante who displayed an unrelentless attack and almost had a game winning goal in shootouts by nearly putting himself and the ball in the net (see picture), Andrew Johnson for his helpers on two goals and last but not least, Greg Emmanuel for showing up.

Next game is Wednesday, July 6th @ 8:30pm vs. the Green Giants.

Shocked in Season Opener

Final Score
Expos 5 - Shockers 1

Last night kicked off the NABHL season at Le Rinque hosting five games and showcased what should be expected from the teams this summer. The Shockers finally got to make their mark after about three months in the making and several weeks of hype and controversy; but the party was cut short as they were downed by the high flying Expos 5-1.

The Shockers seemed to be holding up nicely in the first period playing solid defense and getting some huge help from goaltender, Giancarlo Capaz. Offense for both teams was relatively quiet with only one goal scored in the period by the Expo's, David Kruger.

Second period was more of the same, the Expos put on a lot of pressure and Shockers defense were forced to hold tight. Midway through the period the Expos would score the inevitable second goal to make it 2-0. However, that party would be soured less than two minutes later; Shocker's offense showed some sign of life when Nick Sullo centered a pass to captain Alain Godard and made it a 2-1 game.

The third period, however, would be all Expos netting three unanswered goals and keeping any Shocker attack out of their zone.

"We have to be proud of ourselves, it is our first game of the season, first game as the Shockers and first real game playing altogether so of course there will be things to improve and work on," assistant captain, Andrew Stevens said after the game.

"Capaz played great, our defense played well and now we have to get our forwards fired up to put the ball in the net," added Godard.

"We have to get used to the pace of the games, we were a big sluggish out there but that will work itself out with time. We can only get better from here on," said Marc Boucher, assistant captain and defensive powerhouse.

Some notables of the game were Jeff Jasmin, who was a very huge presence for the defense, Giancarlo Capaz, who had big saves throughout the game and Nick Sullo, who seemed to not lose a step when he was out on the floor.

Shockers will look to improve their season on Wednesday when they take on the Ligers @ 10:30pm.

Shockers Look to Impress

With the season debut just days away, the Shockers are getting geared up for their first ever season and expectations are running high. There has been a lot of hype surrounding the team since its conception with defensive gunslinger, Marc Boucher, threatening to leave to play in the Russian League; the offensive diamond-in-the-rough, Nick Sullo in trouble with the law for macking (what is macking anyways?) underage girls, the George Laraque of the NABHL, Jeff Jasmin, caught for picking up prostitutes, the charismatic crazy-person, Rod "the Rocket" Tremblay, questionable if he would make his return to hockey, and the list goes on and on, but with that behind them now they can now finally concentrate on playing hockey.

"I hope we don't let our fans and organization down. We really scouted and tried to put together a great team to build our dynasty on," said team captain, Alain Godard.

"It is going to be mad papillions point com when we step out onto the floor, on the spot...for true," added Godard.

On paper, the Shockers look like they will have a large offensive presence on both of their two lines and should play a tight defensive lock-down type game. There is no question that they will have one of the better of the netminders in the league between the pipes for them. Giancarlo Capaz, who has brought his former team, the Blues, to the finals in both of their NABHL seasons so why should the Shockers be any exception?

"I try to keep the ball out of the net, my game is pretty simple," boasted Capaz.

This coming Sunday, the Shockers will take on the Expos for the season opener and will probably be one of the biggest challenges for the Shockers as they show a fairly skilled team on paper as well. One of the biggest names is goaltender, Josh Naygeboren, who is probably one of the most active goalies in the league playing on teams both in division one and two as well as a team in the NABHL roller hockey division. Naygeboren also happens to be the commissioner of the NABHL and part owner of Le Rinque.

"We have to step in and play our game and we have to make sure that they don't get to play their game. If we keep them off the ball we'll be fine. Off the roof! Our defense will have their work cut-out for them as they seem to be a pretty fast team up front but then again, these are names on paper, we'll see how it goes on Sunday," Godard noted as he looked to the sky with a shimmer in his eye that was reminiscent of a scene from Braveheart.