SLAPSHOT

For those of you reading this in the arena…check-out the new WEBHL website.

The 2004 ball hockey season in the WEBHL has all the ingredients for some top quality entertainment. The five teams in the league this year have strong line-ups. With the defending champions (WEBHL and North American champs) CMC Blues holding a free pass to the North American Ball Hockey Championships, the other teams will battle for the second spot. They must reach the finals against the Blues or should the Blues not reach the finals….win the WEBHL Championship Series. Let the games begin!

CMC Blues: The Blues will be trying for their 5^{th straight WEBHL Championship. They have a similar line-up to last year. Some changes to their third line and a key addition of Travis Duhaime up front. Contrary to some of the chatter on the leagues website discussion board…goaltending is strong with Pierre Laroche and a host of able back-ups. The experimental cross-over games should be good tests for this talent.}

Thundering Herd: Some tinkering to a decent roster. The Herd will be stronger than last year. Goaltending, always a problem with this team, has been revamped with a new starter. This is a veteran team that knows the game. A little faster this year too. Last year the Herd lost in the finals to the Blues and lost in a semi-final shoot-out at the North Americans. Always the WEBHL bridesmaid, this team is hungry for success.

Invaders: Quite a few changes to the roster this year. Rumour has is that at least half the team is new. Andre Bond is known to be a good judge of talent so this team is one to watch early on. Strong goaltending and strong team play is their strength. Look for this team to give the Herd a run for their money again this year for that coveted trip to the North Americans (in Burlington, Ontario this year…August 20-22).

Rebels: This squad gave the Blues the most trouble last year. They have speed and a creative offence. Goalie Herb Beagan is a star in the net and he can steal games. If they score 3 goals in a game they should win their share of games. Fun team to watch when they are on their game.

Young Guns: Not much is known about this team. There are some quality names on the roster however. We will have to see how they fair over the first few games. This could be a pleasant surprise for the league if this is a strong team. No easy games this season for anyone!