Good morning SSBHL!

Some Great games last Sunday, was  really nice to get back to a normal schedule with 3 games. Great weather which is such a nice change, hope that keeps up!

Couple things to keep mind, the award votes will be send out after Sundays game this week! Please participate and vote! Will be the same awards as the last season. MVP, Best defensive player, Best Goalie, Sportsmanship award, 6^th man award, Selke Award.

This is a nice way to recognize either your teammates play, or an opposing players play throughout the season who you  think impacted games in a positive way. Don’t not vote, Please do it, it takes 5 seconds to do it and its very very easy to do, really no excuse not to vote.

And with that, lets get into some numbers!

High performance Forwards

1)     Player of the Week: Jeff Beattie

This week’s standout performance goes to none other than Jeff Beattie — a relentless force who made his presence felt on every inch of the court. While the stat sheet only shows two assists, Jeff’s impact went far beyond the numbers.

In a tightly contested 4-2 win, Jeff was the heartbeat of his team’s forecheck, constantly applying pressure and disrupting the opposing offense. Whether it was chasing down loose balls, breaking up rushes, or forcing turnovers deep in enemy territory, Jeff's work rate was unmatched. He sprinted tirelessly from start to finish, refusing to give opponents a moment’s peace.

Defensively, he was a wall. Every possession the opposition tried to build was met with Beattie's tenacity, forcing mistakes and frustrating their game plan. His energy set the tone, and his leadership echoed throughout the bench — offering words of encouragement and keeping the team focused in a tight, low-scoring battle.

Both of Jeff’s assists came at crucial moments, helping swing momentum and secure a hard-fought victory. A true all-around effort, Jeff Beattie earns this week’s honors not just for what he did with the ball, but for everything he did without it.

2)     Matt Swan Leads Smokey Joes to Victory

In a thrilling, high-octane matchup, the Smokey Joes emerged victorious with a 9–7 win, thanks in large part to an electric performance from their captain and offensive powerhouse, Matt Swan.

Swan put on an absolute clinic, racking up 4 goals and 2 assists, showcasing why he's one of the most dangerous forwards in the league. From the opening whistle, Matty was dialed in—chasing down loose balls, battling for rebounds, and never shying away from the gritty areas of the rink.

Time and time again, Swan found himself in the right place at the right time, capitalizing on second chances and turning broken plays into scoring opportunities. His relentless work ethic and nose for the net gave the opposition defense fits all night long.

Whether it was crashing the crease or leading the charge in transition, Swan’s presence was felt in every shift. His leadership and hustle set the tone for the Smokey Joes, who fed off his energy to outgun their opponents in a true offensive battle.

With the game on the line, Swan helped seal the deal, proving once again why he wears the “C” on his jersey. It was a captain’s performance through and through—and a huge win for the Smokey Joes.

3)     Aidan Lovett Shines Despite Tough Loss for the Stone Hands

In a high-paced showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Aidan Lovett once again proved why he's one of the most dangerous playmakers in ball hockey. Despite the Stone Hands falling just short in a 7–9 battle, Lovett was nothing short of electric, finishing the game with a remarkable 6-point performance — netting 2 goals and adding 4 assists.

From the opening whistle, Aidan’s presence was felt. Whether he was setting up teammates with precision passes or taking the shot himself, he was the engine behind nearly every offensive spark. His relentless effort and hockey IQ kept the Stone Hands within striking distance throughout the game.

“Aidan was a force out there,” said team captain Steve Wilde. “He gives us a chance to win every time he’s on the rink. Today was no different.”

Although the final score didn’t go in their favor, the Stone Hands walked away with confidence in their offensive game — especially with Lovett leading the charge.

The team will regroup and refocus as they prepare to take on the Beavers next Sunday, eager to bounce back and put another strong performance on the board. With Lovett in top form, don’t count the Stone Hands out just yet.

Defining Defense

1)     Derek Goguen Shines in Must-Win Defensive Battle for Spiders

In a high-stakes matchup that the Spiders had to win, Derek Goguen delivered a standout performance that anchored the team’s 4-2 victory. With the season hanging in the balance, Goguen rose to the occasion, showcasing his defensive prowess and clutch playmaking when it mattered most.

From the opening whistle, Goguen was a force on the backline, shutting down key offensive threats and bringing composure to the defensive unit. His positioning, physicality, and ability to read the game helped the Spiders weather intense pressure from their opponents in a game that remained close until the final minutes.

Goguen’s impact wasn’t limited to defense—he also made a key offensive contribution, notching an assist on the Spiders’ second goal. His well-timed pass set up the go-ahead score, a pivotal moment that shifted momentum in the Spiders' favor and helped turn the tide in a fiercely contested battle.

The 4-2 win keeps the Spiders in contention, and much of the credit belongs to Goguen’s all-around performance. In a must-win scenario, he proved to be the backbone of the team, delivering under pressure and setting the tone for victory.

2)     Big Ed Makes Big Impact in Beavers' 7-3 Victory

The Beavers' newest addition, Eddie "Big Ed" Long, wasted no time making his presence felt in Sunday’s 7-3 win. Known for his imposing frame and strong defensive instincts, Big Ed delivered a standout performance that helped lock down the opposing offense.

Anchoring the back line, Ed shut down multiple scoring opportunities with his impressive wingspan, using his long reach to disrupt passes and poke pucks away from danger. He was a wall in the shooting lanes, sacrificing his body to block several shots before they could test the goalie.

Big Ed didn’t just dominate on defense — he also chipped in offensively with a key assist, setting up one of the Beavers’ seven goals in the team’s commanding win.

It was a strong debut from Long, who looks poised to become a major asset for the Beavers as the season continues. If Sunday was any indication, opponents will have a tough time getting around Big Ed any time soon.

3)     Gately Shines on Defense Despite Loss to Smokey Joes

In a hard-fought contest against the high-powered Smokey Joes, Dan Gately delivered a standout defensive performance that nearly tipped the balance for his team. While the scoreboard didn’t favor Gately’s side, his individual effort on defense was nothing short of exceptional.

Tasked with containing the Joes’ top scorer Matt Swan, Gately rose to the challenge, consistently stifling attacking runs and disrupting offensive rhythm. Time and again, he thwarted scoring chances, showcasing not just physicality but poise under pressure.

One moment, in particular, had the crowd and his teammates buzzing. Early in the match, Swan broke free on what looked like a surefire goal opportunity. Gately, seemingly shot out of a cannon, caught him from behind and cleanly halted the play without drawing a penalty.

“Gately had arguably the defensive play of the year,” said team captain Steve Wilde. “He shot out of a cannon early in the match to stop Swan from behind. I was sure he was going to take a penalty, but he controlled his body to not really hit him—it was magnificent.”

Though the result wasn’t what Gately and his teammates hoped for, his defensive display was a masterclass in timing, control, and grit—proof that even in defeat, brilliance can shine.

Master Class Goaltending

1)     Brad Wall Delivers Career Performance in Spiders' Statement Win

In what can only be described as a goaltending masterclass, Brad Wall of the Spiders turned in a career-defining performance in a 4–2 victory over one of the most potent offensive teams in the league. Wall was nothing short of spectacular, stopping 37 of 39 shots and finishing the night with an eye-popping .949 save percentage.

From the opening faceoff, Wall looked poised, confident, and completely dialed in. His positioning was textbook, his ball-tracking elite, and his composure unshakable. Despite constant pressure and a relentless barrage of shots, Wall anchored the Spiders' defense and gave his team the backbone they needed to secure the win.

League Commissioner Dan Harding was quick to praise the standout netminder:

“In my years of watching Brad play, I’ve seen him play good games, but this wasn’t a good game. This was his BEST game. He tracked the ball perfectly and kept sound positioning all game long — 10/10 performance.”

In a game that demanded excellence, Brad Wall delivered exactly that — and then some. For the Spiders, it was more than a win; it was a message to the league, and Brad Wall was the one who delivered it loud and clear.

2)     Harding Stands Tall in Beavers' Big Win Over Pitbulls

Dan Harding reminded everyone why he's still a backbone for the Beavers with a standout performance in net during their 7–3 win over the Pitbulls. Despite a challenging season filled with inconsistency, Harding turned in what was easily his best game of the year.

Facing a barrage of offense, Harding stopped 42 of 45 shots, finishing the night with an impressive .933 save percentage. His sharp reflexes, poised positioning, and timely saves helped the Beavers weather an early push from the Pitbulls and swing momentum in their favor.

While the Beavers' offense came alive to put seven on the board, it was Harding’s clutch goaltending that provided the foundation for the win. This game could mark a turning point for the veteran netminder, whose resilience under pressure proved key in snapping a slump and securing a much-needed victory for the team.

If Harding can build on this performance, the Beavers may have just found their spark heading into the playoffs if they can secure their spot.

3)     Panda Stands Tall Despite Tough Loss Against Spiders

In a hard-fought matchup between the Spiders and their rivals, it was goaltender Paul Mendonca—known to teammates and fans alike as “Panda”—who stole the spotlight with a standout performance between the pipes.

Facing a relentless offensive onslaught, Panda was tested early and often, turning aside 36 of the 40 shots he faced. With quick reflexes, sharp positioning, and unshakable composure, he managed to post a solid .900 save percentage—a testament to his consistency and determination in the crease.

From breakaway stops to traffic-heavy scrambles in front of the net, Panda gave his team every chance to stay in the game. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, the team fell just short in a 2-4 loss to the Spiders.

Though the scoreboard didn’t tilt in their favor, Panda’s performance was a clear bright spot—and one that proves he remains a cornerstone of his squad’s defensive strength. If he keeps this level of play up, it won’t be long before the wins start piling up.

Playoff Picture and Standings…

1)       Beavers: 5-2-1 / 11 Points / 53 GF / 48 GA / +5 GD (1^st seed) (Holding)

2)       Smokey Joes: 5-3-0 / 10 Points / 51 GF / 41 GA / +10 GD (2^nd seed) (Holding)

3)       Hooligans: 5-3-0 / 10 Points / 53 GF / 43 GA / +10 GD (3^rd seed) (Holding)

4)       Stone Hands: 5-3-0 / 10 Points / 56 GF / 49 GA / +7 GD (4^th seed) (Holding)

5)       Spiders: 4-3-1 / 9 Points / 40 GF / 39 GA / +1 GD (1 point out)

6)       Pitbulls: 0-7-1 / 1 Point / 27 GF / 60 GA / -33 GD (Eliminated)

Sundays games this week…

5/25/25: Beavers At Stone Hands (9:00am) Key Matchup: Nick P Vs Aidan L

5/25/25: Smokey Joes At Spiders (10:30am) Key Matchup: Thomas S Vs B Merrick

5/25/25: Pitbulls At Hooligans (12:00pm) Key Matchup: Pedro Vs C-Mac

🏆 Playoff Bracket as of 5/20/25…

Semifinals

1. Beavers (1st Seed)
   vs.
   Stone Hands (4th Seed)
2. Smokey Joes (2nd Seed)
   vs.
   Hooligans (3rd Seed)

This Could change! This isn’t set in Stone by any means! The Spiders are only 1 point behind the Joes, Hooligans, and Stone hands, and only 2 points behind Beavers. With 2 games left for each team, it’s really anyone’s game! It’s going to be an extremely tight race to the finish with no room for error now. Time to lay it all on the line and give everything you got! Good luck to the end everyone, should be fun to see how it shakes out!

-Dan H