Garth McQueen 11/12/2004 08:50 AM On this day of national rememberance, we must always remember, that our greatest fear and greatest pressure will always be Peer Pressure. Mark your arrival last night had a profound effect on the team. Everyone wanted to impress you with their greatness and to demonstrate why as C flight champions we were undefeated. Well, I am sure it didn't take you long to realize that the source of our success was not in our skill but rather, the lack of skill on the other side. You have peeked through the cloud of secrecy and once again have obtained the truth. Even knowing what you knew, Mike and I were glad that you passed on some complimentary beverages as you left. Actually your leaving, changed the whole nature of the game.... of which I must relate now....... Game stats: CTFS 9 Jaft 7 Ends: CTFS 5 Jaft 3 Lead 100% Second 100% Third 99% Skip 97% In what is turning out to be a bit of a ritual, our pre game meeting at the club found Mike feeling very Western as he thought about our opponents. As Mauro pointed out , "We don't play well against this type of team so early in the season" and with Bronco Billy all lathered up, I thought he might be right. The game started out much like our first game of the year. By the end of the 4th we were half way across the scoreboard all tied up at 6 each. Luckily the front end was steady and kept us in the game (nothing out of the ordinary but always noteable) and when Mauro called for a buttong freeze from Mike and he delivered as asked (well, it was pretty close) the team was charged. We went on to take the next three ends and were comfortably up 9 -6 going into the 8th. Perh aps I exaggerate about the comfortable part because as you know, unless we are up by 9 going into the final, nothing is for sure. As luck would have it Mauro was masterful with his placements wishing to demonstrate his skip like skills and they could only gather in a single point in the 8th. Oh, did I forget to tell you that there was a change in the helm. Like a willow in the wind, Bruce bent with the pressure of leadership and handed the reigns over to Mauro. Mike and I noticed the change immediately. That Italian style leadership came to the forefront pretty quick...gone were Bruce's encouraging "nice shot", now replaced with Mauro's insensitive " that shot sucks". isions of Roger danced in our head. More than once, I heard Mauro say....you guys are killing me. Overall Mark, our play was solid and as was discussed later, even when we suck and are way behind.... we know our opponents can always suck more. Thank you CAA... we will forever be optimistic in our darkest moment. PS: Even Shannon couldn't let her night pass without getting our recognition (and I am sure acceptance) Mark Pioli 11/12/2004 04:53 PM With the NHL locked out I had to find somewhere to fill my sports appetite, I figured that curling night in Welland was still alive and well so I headed down to watch the boys play. After watching a couple of ends and a couple of great shots by Bruce I left the arena for what felt like 1- 1/2 hours. I got into my car and it was 5:18. I arrived home at 5:55 and had calm the family down as they figured a burgler was entering the house. Glad to see the team is on such a great winning streak my Dec 9th return may not happen as I sensed the bonding of the new team is strong. I am worried , just as all the greats of have been replaced, I am wondering if my number has come up. If I see a yellow bus pull up on December 9th to bring me to the rink, I will know. Bruce Clark 11/15/2004 08:15 AM Mark: I am but a solitary figure,riding the waves of life. I scan the horizon,hope running rampant. I pray that the Angel of death will wrap her arms around me and relieve me of this pain. But alas,hope does not prevail. I continue to be tormented by the realities of life. Glug Glug,I'am sunk. Have a nice day!! Garth McQueen 11/15/2004 08:19 AM I believe LSD has re entered the market.