Sat, Dec 20 2008 - Soccer Saturday - All Levels Welcome (View Original Event Details)
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2008 Finale!!!
Tonight was our final game of the year as 28 eager participants gathered for one more round of indoor soccer at the Calgary Soccer Centre. It was a quiet night at the facility allowing us to stretch our playing time from 90 minutes to 2 hours (something I always try to do when possible). It was also good to be playing in the main building after enduring very cool temperatures in the bubble last week.
Team Gold got off to a quick start jumping out to a 2-0 lead early in the first frame. They looked like a solid team especially with the addition of newcomers Aaron and Pat. Team Blue knew they would have to pull up their socks fast if they were going to stay in the game and that’s exactly what they did. Battling hard they fought back and headed into the first intermission tied 3-3.
The second frame saw several exciting plays at both ends of the field as the intensity level picked up on both sides. It was clear this was turning into one of the most exciting games of the season and every goal would be important. As time ran down in the 2nd Blue continued to hold Gold at bay giving up just 2 goals to their one. Teams headed off for the final intermission with Blue down 5-4.
In the 3rd and final frame Team Blue began to struggle somewhat giving up a handful of goals midway through the period. At the other end of the field Spencer was solid in net frustrating Team Blue who was desperately trying to get back into the game. Although Gold ended up winning 9-5 I thought Team Blue played very well and the score was not an accurate reflection of the exciting close play on the field. Despite the loss I found this to be one of the more enjoyable games of the season. Great work out there everyone!
Tonight's "Player of the Game" award was presented immediately following the game to Chris Strutzenberger (a.k.a Fluffy) who scored her very first COC goal tonight! Not only does Chris take most of the photos you find displayed in the Bobble Head Wall of Fame but she also volunteers to wash the game pinnies on a regular basis and is always willing to help out with various other tasks. She is a great girl who always plays hard, yet keeps the mood fun and friendly. She has been a big part of many of my events and continually offers her support and enthusiasm in all situations. She is well known to many of us and a big part of the club. Congratulations on your award Fluffy and thanks for all you do! Your friendship means a lot to me.
After the game the majority of us headed upstairs to the Soccer Centre pub where we enjoyed some Christmas cupcakes, nachos, wings and beer. It was a great time of fellowship as we reflected on so many good times over the past year. While we were busy visiting, Leslie presented me with the “Soccer Mom” award in recognition of all my efforts in organizing these events over the past year. Although it was a very nice gesture I wasn’t exactly prepared to put on the official “soccer mom” gear she had so thoughtfully picked out for me. I wont go into too many details other than to say a lot of the stuff she gave me was a little on the small side. I made the best of it however and put it on, performed a cheer and sang the soccer mom song as written by Leslie. They say a picture is worth a thousand words so feel free to check out the photo album for more on that story.
Finally, at the conclusion of the game tonight, I was truly caught off guard when I was approached by Fluffy and Franco who presented me with a special bobble head award in honour of my recent goal scoring streak and coordinating efforts. It was very thoughtful of them to make the time and effort to present this to me and I greatly appreciated it. The following is a brief commentary that Fluffy requested be included in conjunction with my award :
After several nights of fancy footwork, running and scoring, we awarded a surprise Player of the Game to a very special coordinator – Duane Verity. His endless energy, spirit and enthusiasm are brought to every game he plays. He is cheerful, slightly competitive and always brings his heart and soul to every game. Anything is possible, anything can happen as we have witnessed over the past months like when he scored that amazing header goal in overtime to win the game. He has also contributed with some great assists and shown excellent sportsmanship throughout. A great coordinator and player! Congratulations Duane – we look forward to more in 2009! ~ Fluffy~
TEAM GOLD: Melanie, Chris, Alex, John, Pat, Martha, Spencer, Michelle, Scott, Dimiter, Aaron, Marie and Kate
TEAM BLUE: Duane, Kevin, Marvin, Lorraine, Leslie, Fluffy, Franco, Gerard, Chirag, Gerardo, Amanda, Todd, Andres, Ivan
Please take a moment to check out some of the pictures in the attached photo album.
NEW FEATURE: Take a moment and check out the all new BOBBLEHEAD HALL OF FAME where you can browse through all the photos of previous bobble head winners! Enjoy!
Thanks for an incredibly rewarding year everyone. It has been a blast getting to know you all and I am looking forward to more great times with you in 2009!
Duane