Army vs Wackers, Bigger than Sioux vs Gophers

Tonight is the night that people have waited for 364 days. The Thanksgiving Eve showdown between the Red Army and the El Roco Buschwackers. The game is an official sellout with less than 100 SRO seats left. The Eagles Arena will be rocking when the puck drops at 7:00. Both teams locked out the media and refused to talk to the media. Neither team wanted bulletin board material. The Army still isn't sure if Perry Marto will play tonight. Every Army fan is hoping he is still hurt. The other question surrounding the Army is, will Lance Norman show up. After scoring in his first game back, Norman was absent from last weeks game. No one knew where he was. This reporter has learned that Norman was suspended for one game by the Huff-n-Puff league for streaking down DeMers ave on November 22. More on this later. The Buschwackers say they will have 45 guys dress for tonight's game. It may take that many to defeat the Army. Call 1-800-REDARMY for tickets.

Game of the Century Tomorrow Night

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the newest tradition renews it rivalry tomorrow night. The El Roco Buschwackers take on the Red Army in Huff-n-Puff action. Game time is 7:00 at the Eagles Arena. Standing room only tickets remain for the game. With the Army 1-1 so far this year, there is actually interest in the game. Most years the Army is Zero and whatever entering the game. "As long as we can keep Marto off the ice we have a chance," said Steve Olson. Wacker forward Keith Anderson said, "We found the best knee specialist in the country to work on Marto. So we think he will play. That will help us tremendously. He is definitely the Army's worse player now." More on the game tomorrow in the Red Army News.

Teams need a score reporter

Teams in the Puff division, you can email me the scores so I can keep up the standing on the web site. tschumacher@egf.k12.mn.us

Army loses 4-1 to Base

Kurt Comeau scored the only goal for the Army and Steve Knipe scored on his own net. That pretty much summarizes the game. The new reporter sent to the game had a severe anxiety attack and died. So the write up today isn't very good.

Red Army looks to go 2-0

The Army takes on the GFAFB tonight at 6:00 at the Blue Line Arena. If the Army wins tonight it would be the first time in 15 years they started 2-0. The Army will be with out Perry Marto, mystery injury, and Todd Schumacher, League discipline. Marto still claims that he has a knee injury. Owner Darrell Boucher states, "It looks like Marto is trying to be like Manny Ramirez. His refusal to play may get him suspended for the year." Steve Olson quipped, "Hell, I haven't wanted to play the last 3 years. Maybe I should refuse to play." Schumacher is another story. After last weeks game, Schumacher may defaming remarks about the poor officiating of Matt Palmiscno. Thus is suspended for the game. "I was only restating what his Dad said, and I'm the one suspended. Where is my union rep!" Plenty of tickets remain for tonight's game. Call 1-800-REDARMY.

Norman Scores in Debut

Lance Norman didn't disappoint the home crowd last night as he notched his first goal in more than 3 years on his Re-debut with the Army. The Army defeated Gerrell's 7-4 in the Huff-n-Puff opener. Norman's goal came in the first period on a picture perfect pass from Shawn McMillan. "I was able to bury the puck. It felt good to get the monkey of my back early," said a jubilant Norman. McMillan added, "If it wasn't for putting the puck directly on Norman's stick, he wouldn't have scored." The Army was solid again on its first shift of the game. In the 2 preseason games and last nights game, the Army hasn't given up a goal in the first shift. Asked why, Bill Knipe stated, "No Marto!" Knipe didn't need to elaborate further. Though Steve Palmiscno added, "We are looking into giving Marto his unconditional release. Management is working with his agent." Marto didn't play again last night due to an undisclosed injury. All this reporter knows is it has something to do with a desk, stapler and a roll of masking tape.

Season Lid Lifter

The Red Army opens the 2008-09 campaign tonight as they face off with Gerrell's at 8:30. A capacity crowd is expected for tonight's game in the Blue Line Arena. Fans have been lining up since yesterday to capture the few remaining standing room only seats. The anticipation is for the return of Lance Norman to the Army lineup. Norman has been sidelined with injuries the past few years. He thinks he is healthy enough to play. Army player/manager Perry Marto disagrees, "He will most likely play about 3 games this year before injuring himself. Most likely running into Mike Anderson or the boards behind the net." Norman answered, " I have worked on my agility, so I can keep away from Mike. But I haven't worked on stopping, so the boards behind the net could be tricky." The only other question is what game will Todd Schumacher score to keep his scoring streak in tact. He has scored in every year he has put on the Army sweater. Steve Olson remarked, "He can't score in a cathouse with a fist full of hundreds." We will see.

First Game is Scheduled

Red Army fans through out the world rejoice. The Army opens the season tomorrow at 8:30 at the Blue Line Arena. Their first victim is Gerrell's. More on this season lid lifter tomorrow.