OKC Adventure

Hey Hockey Fans!

I just got back from Oklahoma City and WOW...what an incredible game! Its always wonderful to see the Scorps win...an entirely different feeling to be the only three Scorpions fans in a massive arena...and have your team shut-out the home team, with their goalie from last season in our net!! (I think we made a little more noise than all of the Blazers fans!)

First Star of the Game, Jason Wolfe did an fantastic job in net...better than I have seen him all season. This did not make any new fans of his former teammates or the OKC crowd!

Certainly, I expected some jabs from the Blazers fans...I got a few, but none were hostile in any manner, but just competative fans voicing displeasure with being beaten in their own barn. I have to say, by the end of the game, even those few fans came to me and admitted the Scorps had played an outstanding game.

I have to say, every one of the Blazers' fans we met at the Ford Center were some of the friendliest I have had the pleasure of meeting. Even before the game started, I got to speak with several of the OKC fans outside the doors, each offering directions to our seats, where to get the best food, and where some of the promotions tables were located. The food was great, but that was to be expected, considering they have an NBA team housed in the arena also.

It was Lance Armstrong Foundation night at the game, and they had several promotions going on...I did pick up a framed and matted Jimmy Buffett autograph and lithograph, at their silent auction, which offered two of each available item, one for the first bidder (how I got my prize) and the highest bidder...I really did want the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. Olympic Hockey Jersey, autographed by the entire 1980 Olympic Hockey Team....but that started at $1800.00. I also considered attending the "yellow hockey stick" auction, after the game, but decided the shut-out was hard enough for the fans to bear...having me bid and win one of their team's hockey sticks might be a little too much....so I opted to leave and celebrate privately.

The adventure was great, I arrived in OKC with my wife and a friend, on Friday, and on Saturday we traveled around, going to a mall to shop and spending about an hour walking around the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum (it got late so I did not go into the museum this trip)...if you get an opportunity to get to OKC...please vist the memorial, it is beautiful and powerful.

I am looking forward to my next trip to OKC...and to another game in the Scorpions' "Den"...the SASC...REMEMBER...bring your TEDDY BEARS on Friday evening...or get one at the game from the Rio Rancho Exchange Club....I have been told the club will be selling them again this year.

Game ON!!

Tully

Energy Wasted

Sorry its taken a bit for me to post this blog...I have been busy in my last week of classes doing research projects...finally, a week off!!

This blog is not to argue a point or to slam anyone too hard, but maybe redirect some negative energy...

We all loved having Konrad Reeder play for us...most of the fans I know personally would have gotten down and smooched his white Canadian butt if he asked them to...

I had the pleasure to become familiar and friendly with his family, and have continued to get messages from them while they traveled to Europe. and back to the U.S....

Now, when the Scorps played the Eagles, I was a little annoyed by the behavior of our fans....its one thing to heckle an opposing team, and still another to boo and heckle a player who is a poor sportsman [Solan]...but its an entirely different thing to boo a player every time they take the puck, simply because those fans think the player should have come running back to New Mexico, like he has some duty to be here...

True, Konrad had a great run here and cut his blades on our ice....but remeber, no matter how many times fans want to refer to the players as "Our boys"...they are not boys, and they are not family...in the end...they are all men doing a job for their pay...

I have heard grumblings about Reeder dupping the Scorps into thinking he was not coming back to the U.S., that it was said that Reeder would not be playing in the U.S. this season, and that he went to Colorado for more money...

Let me tell you the exact quote that was spoken, from a reliable source, concerning the possibility of Reeder's return to hockey here..."Reeder will not be playing hockey in New Mexico this season"...and that was stated during the summer...about the time Reeder left for Denmark....so there was obviously already talk about his return to New Mexico...and I do not have any actual knowledge, as to Reeder's pay, but I do know the cost of living, in Colorado, is much greater than in Rio Rancho, and he is not making more money...so it was definitely not money...so what could it be???

I am not at liberty to say much...but...sometimes a person has to consider their family's wishes when deciding where they will go for work...and just like any other working person...hockey players listen to their families concerning their wishes and concerns, when deciding what team they will play with and where they will go...

So, next time you want to boo and heckle Reeder...remember...maybe it wasn't his turning his back on the Scorps, or money...maybe it was his wish to care for his family and play for a team that also wanted him...

If our fans thought about that...and used as much energy cheering on our Scorpions players, as they expended booing and heckling Reeder...maybe our guys would be playing more consistant at home?

I Want Gary Glitter Back!!! ~ UPDATE 11/19

Okay...I was not the quintessential Glam Rock lover...but who else thinks the song they are playing after every Scorpions' goal SUCKS???

Whatever song they are playing after the goals has nothing to excite and unite the fans...no rythym, no heart....NO HOCKEY SOUL!!!

I will propose at the StingerZ meeting on Tuesday evening, we start a petition of sorts to have the song returned to Rock n Roll - Part 2, by Gary Glitter...AKA: The Hey Song!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMCyJadl9iQ

(if MySpace does not post the rare video clip of Gary Glitter performing Rock n Roll - Part 2, copy and paste to your web browser)

I call on all Scorpions Fans...voice your opinion...let our voice be heard...I Want Gary Glitter Back!!!

...and look for me at Section 207-208...if we start the petition, the StingerZ will have it at the games on Wed., Fri., and Sat.

ROCK ON...HEY!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Okay...so I spoke at the StingerZ meeting last night and it was believed the petition was not within our organizational goals, so the StingerZ will not be doing a petition...though I may go at it as an individual...

However, I did find out...the song they are playing has been written and performed by a local band...HEY!...and the band plays the song at every one of their gigs...it has something to do with "feel the sting"....HEY!!...but to tell the truth...you cannot tell what it is saying when we score a goal....and it STILL has no rythym the fans can come together with.......HEY!!!

The StingerZ suggestion, to the Scorpions' liaison, was for them to play the song at the introduction, where the entire song could be herad....and not just a quick sound bite, as with the goal....or better yet....play the song when the players come out to center ice at the end of the game....and especially as Jamie Harrington skates around the rink and shows his appreciation for the fans!

Then, we might have a chance to get Gary Glitter back...we will see what the liaison might get accomplished...

Game On....see ya tonight!

I Want Gary Glitter Back!!! ~ UPDATE 11/19

Okay...I was not the quintessential Glam Rock lover...but who else thinks the song they are playing after every Scorpions' goal SUCKS???

Whatever song they are playing after the goals has nothing to excite and unite the fans...no rythym, no heart....NO HOCKEY SOUL!!!

I will propose at the StingerZ meeting on Tuesday evening, we start a petition of sorts to have the song returned to Rock n Roll - Part 2, by Gary Glitter...AKA: The Hey Song!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMCyJadl9iQ

(if MySpace does not post the rare video clip of Gary Glitter performing Rock n Roll - Part 2, copy and paste to your web browser)

I call on all Scorpions Fans...voice your opinion...let our voice be heard...I Want Gary Glitter Back!!!

...and look for me at Section 207-208...if we start the petition, the StingerZ will have it at the games on Wed., Fri., and Sat.

ROCK ON...HEY!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Okay...so I spoke at the StingerZ meeting last night and it was believed the petition was not within our organizational goals, so the StingerZ will not be doing a petition...though I may go at it as an individual...

However, I did find out...the song they are playing has been written and performed by a local band...HEY!...and the band plays the song at every one of their gigs...it has something to do with "feel the sting"....HEY!!...but to tell the truth...you cannot tell what it is saying when we score a goal....and it STILL has no rythym the fans can come together with.......HEY!!!

The StingerZ suggestion, to the Scorpions' liaison, was for them to play the song at the introduction, where the entire song could be herad....and not just a quick sound bite, as with the goal....or better yet....play the song when the players come out to center ice at the end of the game....and especially as Jamie Harrington skates around the rink and shows his appreciation for the fans!

Then, we might have a chance to get Gary Glitter back...we will see what the liaison might get accomplished...

Game On....see ya tonight!

Season Opener

Yaaaaa Hooooo! Hockey has finally started back up in Rio Rancho!

Tonight (Friday, Oct. 17) was the Season Opener for the New Mexico Scorpions, against the Amarillo Gorillas. Now, ya gaotta understand...the Gorillas played the Scorpions in the two preseason exhibition games and won both..so they felt the needed to glout a little, at the after event.

However, tonight, the Scorpions came out strong and stayed strong throughout the entire three periods, finishing the game with an empty net goal in the last minute, to end the game with a 6-3 victory.

It was wonderful to have MacInnis in the captain's position, Smale looked super back on the ice, and Mitch "The Fury" Stephens, was incredible, scoring two goals! Additionally, rookie Torren Delforte was incredible on the ice, displaying his ability to handle the puck through the crowd of opponents!

Gorillas Goaltender, Jonsson (BTW...to the fans who sit behind me...he is from Sweden...and his name is pronounced Yōn...son....not Johnson...if you are gonna yell insults about his playing...yell the correct name please!) had a hard time tonight....and we did not make it any easier...to anyone who saw our sign, displayed for Jonsson after we made each goal...it read..."Tack så myket för den mål", which is "Thank you for the goal" in Swedish.

Finally, The StingerZ want to wish the young man in Section 207, who took the puck to the mouth, all the best. I received word from the staff that he did not loose any teeth (at the time of the report) as he was wearing braces, but he was having to have his gums removed from the braces...because of the impact. A big "Atta boy" shout out to the three Amarillo players who were pretty upset and trying to get the attention of and stop those they believed were trying to take that puck for their own...it is my understanding, the people getting that puck were getting it for the young man who got hit.

A great game, a great way to start the season, and looking forward to much more!!! We are traveling to Amarillo for tomorrow's game...hope to see our friends there too! Be safe...

GAME ON!!!

Guinn correction...

My sincere apologies to everyone, Rob's wife and family...

It was very early in the AM when I got the news, and just prior to writing the previous blog, I had a conversation about Rob and Konrad Reeder having a joking conversation about keeping their impending daughter and son separated from each other...hense, my slip calling Rob's wife "Katie"...Rob's wife is Brooke

I also apologize for the mis-spell of Rob's name....I am not an accomplished typist...

...Again, my sincere apologies.

~ Greg

The Passing of Rob Guinn

It is with a heavy hearty I report the passing of Former Scorpions Team Captain, Rob Guinn. I received the following in an email last evening and checked as many sources as possible for accuracy before posting this email.

 

Former Komets Rob Guinn dies

Rob Guinn, a defenseman with the Fort Wayne Komets from 2004 to 2006, has died according to sources.

Guinn, 32, died in a car accident, confirmed Kevin St. Pierre, whowas a teammate of Guinn's for two seasons in Fort Wayne and last seasonwith Tulsa of the Central Hockey League.

The circumstances of the accident, including where it happened, were unknown.
Guinn's internet page at Facebook.com included a message from hiswife, Brooke, reading: 'It is with great sadness that I let you know that Robert James Guinn passed away Saturday. He was a wonderful husband, father and friend and will truly be missed.

Guinn tallied 15 goals and 68 points in 156 games with Fort Wayne.He finished last season with Bloomington of the International HockeyLeague.
He was selected in the eighth round of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, by the Edmonton Oilers.

 

 

The Des Moines Register < http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage > had a brief statement on Sunday and stated the paper would have more information on Monday.

 

Rob was a wonderful person on and off the ice, and I have one of his helemets, which is the center-piece of my collection...he will be greatly missed by a vast number of people he has touched.

 

May our thoughts and prayers go out to Rob's wife, Katie, 5-month old daughter Olivia , and the rest of his family.

TAILGATE!!!!

Hey Friends:

This weekend, on Saturday, July 12, 2008, from 10a-3p, at the Santa Ana Star Center, the StingerZ will be holding a tailgate event, outside the center, while the SASC Open House/ Scorpions Select-a-Seat event is going on...

There will be food , music, fun, and skating on the ice....come on out, meet some of the StingerZ, bring some friends and see about finding a good seat for the entire 2008-2009 Scorpiopns Hockey Season....

Season tickets (32 home games) can be purchased for as low as $256 for the entire season!...

and the best part...a 100% satisfaction guarentee...if you are not satisfied with your purchase, within the first three games, you can  be refunded the full price of your season ticket purchase.

Also, there are great flex-plans, for as few as six home games...

and even better, a small downpayment secures your tickets...and there are payment plans to fit anyone's budget!

Come on out...join the FUN... and find your perfect seat for all the excitement of another fantastic Scorpions Hockey Season!!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Game ON!!!!

~Tully

McCain Headed to Europe

Hey Scorps Fans...

It looks to be shaping up to a rather young and emerging new Scorpions team, come the 2008-09 season! I heard from Scorps sources last night (Sat. 6/21) Ross McCain has signed with a European team.

In what is a somewhat noteworthy situation...the New Mexico Scorpions have now "graduated" three veteran players to European leagues for the upcoming saeson, which, in the hockey world, is tantamount to elevation to a higher level of play...which certainly has potential for return to a AA league or the NHL, here in the U.S.

Now for the better news...the European leagues' seasons end before the CHL season and at least two of the veterans have familiar ties to the Albuquerque/ Rio Rancho area, so there is always the outside possibility we could get one or more of the veterans back for the end of the CHL 2008-09 season!

Good Luck to Ross, Konrad, and Vladie...we will be watching your progress in Europe and wishing you great success, with hopes we will see you back in New Mexico some time in the future...for play or a visit!

Tully (and the StingerZ)

Ice Is Nice!

Hey Scorp's Fans:

This past week, on Tuesday, the ice was removed and the lines pulled up and the paint washed off the base at the SASC (The Den). This of course signals the true end of the 2007-08 Scorpion's Hockey Season. I was there just after the ice was removed and got to see the Center's crew "sweeping" the water and paint off the arena floor...using two Bobcat tractors, the tow motor, and a section of what looked like fire hose. I was informed the turf, for the New Mexico Wildcats indoor football was being delivered today (Thurs.) and being installed for this weekend's first home game. I would like to see the Wildcats "make a go of it" as it seems the other franchises have a fairly decent following...but, it also seems the ownership has not given their full support of their team, to help get it off the ground (their web site is the worst in the league...not being completed)...I truely hope the fans will do some of that, for the players.

Back to the ice...alright...this may seem a bit odd...but my mission on Tuesday was to pickup a few pieces of this season's ice...so that when they lay the ice next season...we can melt down this years ice and add it to the new ice....in hopes of carrying on some of the best parts of this year's team...I get visions of the Olympic Torch when i talk about it...and as weird as this may be, I also got a small section of one of the blue line's tape, that is laid below the ice.

I also had an opportunity to talk with a few of the Scorp's ticket reps, and say hello to Adam Minnick...who all seem to be doing well and staying busy, for next season. Though I did not find out about the transitions in the front office, until the next day...with everyone else who got the news release...I did see new Scorpions President and GM, Gary Gelinas, in his office and walking through the front office...I'm pretty good at noticing persons who are not usually seen in a specific place. I hope Gary has a smooth transition and his placement will make some positive changes to the organization. GOOD LUCK  Gary!!

The StingerZ will be working to try to organize a family type event soon...maybe a cook-out sort of meeting...more informal than usual...to gather together on a day when most families can get together...maybe at a metro park...where the kiddos can have some fun too...when we do this we will also try to invite the Scorpions Staff and whatever player they have decided to maintain on the staff during the off-season.

Hope everyone is doing well and getting over the end of the season...at least we still have the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs (go Wings!!!, sorry...just my choice to win!)!

Take care, be well, be safe...and have (n)ice dreams!!

Game On...

"Tully"

The Final Horn...What a Great Season!

WOW!!!

What a GREAT season of hockey we have had...

I wish the season could have ended with more playoff victories...the guys and the entire team worked their hardest on the ice, for their teammates and us fans!

As we have seen in the past, and it continues to be seen...the CHL officiating is severely lacking in ethical behavior...and even words to Wayne Bonney, CHL Supervisor of officiating, is met with lip service and uncaring platitudes (I know this from personal experience). The last 3-4 games were no exception to the CHL’s biased officiating (it has to be...no one could catch 3-4x as many penalties for one team and "not see" all the blatant penalties committed by the other team...at least not without "looking the other way").

Okay, so the season has come to an end, but the StingerZ are still going strong...and over the next six months, we want to get together a few times to talk about what is going on in the CHL, with the Scorpions, and discuss some ideas for next season’s activities! I hope we will get some more members, we really want to get a strong presence and share in the fun we have.

To our Scorpions...THANK YOU...each and every one of you, for a tremendous season of hockey! I know we hope we will get every one of you back next season, as we have come to know and love you...as players and individuals...I know several of the players have developed friendships with some fans, and we hope those friendships are carried with the players in the off-season...and where ever the players go from here.

To Jay, Dylan and any of the other players attending school....good luck with your stuidies...I know the stress and craziness of the schedule, as I am going through the very same thing...I am always here if y’all need another ear to bend when it gets tiring!

To all the players, I hope your off-season is a great rest from the gruelling schedule of home games and road trips. I hope you each get a nice break, get back to family, friends, and loved ones, and some good ole home cook’in....and eating chocolate, without fear that Woodie will find it and confiscate it first! Ray...I say you should be a spokesman for "Snick-a’s"! Craig...you go with Red Bull! Jay and Dom...go with Sunkist, and Minnick...you hit up every company that makes a peantbutter flavored product!!!...I think you got them all this season!

Coach Murphy and Coach Soltyz...Thank You...you had a phenominal first season...and you made it a pleasure and exciting to come out to every game and catch the away games at the other barns or on CHL-TV (Flying Star will never be the same after that first game of the playoffs!!...hahaha!).

I want to thank a very special group...Louise and Brian Moore, Nancy, Johnny, Amber, and John Jr. Calvert, Haley Mehus, and Stephanie Meyer, who along with me were the 9 founding memebers of the StingerZ. It has been a rough first season, but the organization survived and we have several additional members, all of whom have dedicated themselves to helping the StingerZ, the Scorpions, and the other New Mexico Hockey Assocoations. Also, I would like to give a special thanks to all the folks who ran for officers positions and the committee chairs and members...and special thanks to Jen Dobbs, for getting our newsletter designed and off the ground....good luck in your new job and home...we will miss ya girl...you better come back and see us! Brian, a special thank you  for making the association with MESA reprographics (5901 Lomas Blvd. NE, ABQ, 505-252-2046) who printed our newsletters for us. To Mike Corrigan and Adam Minnick, our Scorpions’ Liaisons...a big thanks...I hope we see you this summer!...

And to ALL the fans...THANK YOU...every one of you make New Mexico Scorpions Hockey possible...

I hope I get to see all of you through the summer and as the 2008-2009 season approaches...PLEASE feel free to email me at Prez.StingerZ@gmail.com ...to ask any questions or just to say hello..

Gadinkie-dah... and Game ON!!!...