Army to Play in Ice Box tonight

The Red Army puts its 2 game winning streak on the line tonight against Kelly's. Game time is 7:45 at the EGF Blue Line Arena. "We are not happy about playing a big game like this in the smallest arena. Our Legion of fans can''t get enough tickets," said Perry Marto. Todd Palmiscno chimed in, "Look at the size of us. We don't fit in the locker room. Baron needs to have his head examined." Luckily for Baron, Steve Olson is still on rehab assignment. But Olson was able to make comment via conference call. "Baron is lucky I'm not there. I would take care of him like I took care of the league when I played in Portage. You don't think I got this pretty face from wearing a mask." The biggest question for the Army is will there defensmen play well. "Our defensemen have dominated the last 2 games. Lance Norman has been incredible. If these guys lead us again. We can beat Kelly's," said a confident coach Paukert. Though Steve Palmiscno added, "Remember we have Gilby, so the Pauk can throw that theory out." The game is sold out tonight. Scalpers are selling tickets for $.25, hopefully you can hook up with some!

Schumacher's 5 points propels Army

Todd Schumacher's 5 point night lifted the Army to a 5-2 win over Caulfields. Schumacher ended the game with 2 goals and 3 assist. Albeit, one of the goals was for the other team. Again the "D" pairings were the key. Lance Norman and Todd Palmiscno was solid defensively in holding Caulfield's top line to one goal. Shawn McMillan (1G, 2A) and Schumacher then were able to show off their offense prowess. "Our defenseman are doing the job. If they keep playing like this, we could rattle off a few more wins," said Coach Terry Paukert. "Who knew that Schumacher could play like this. 1 goal and 5 assist in the last 2 games, that usually takes him 2 years to get that many points," said Perry Marto. Speaking of Marto, his toughness of face-offs weren't overlooked. "Marto must have won every draw. We were always in possession of the puck," said McMillan. "Just because Marto said he won the draw, doesn't mean he is correct," said Steve Palmiscno. "Lance Norman has found a position. He was tough. He made play after play to stop Caulfield's, said Bill Knipe. Even the call up of Mike Mannassa for Caulfield's couldn't help. Mannassa said, "No one told me how good the Army was. Schumacher and McMillan were the best players on the ice." The win brings the Army record to 4-7-2. Oh by the way, Josh Gilbertson finished with 6 saves.

Looking for a streak

The Red Army is coming off its first victory since before the Christmas break. Has the Huff-n-Puff league awoke the Big Bear. "With them getting a victory, I think every team in the league is scared," said Buschwacker Paul Endres. Watching the Army last week was like being in a time machine to the late 90's. The Army was dominate in both ends of the rink. "I think it came down to we were confident in our goalie. Backup Jake Suedel had a great game," said Lance Norman. Norman continued,"Coach Paukert has a tough decision tonight. Start Gilby or Suedel. I know "The Pauk"will make the right decision." "The hell he will!" chimed Steve Palmiscno. The real decision is will Paukert keep his defensive pairings the same as last week. The pairings of Lance Norman and Todd Palmiscno and Shawn McMillan and Tood Schumacher were stellar. "It was like those guys had played together for years," sad Len Boucher. The Game tonight is against a tough Caulfield's team. The Gambucci Arena is almost sold out for the 8:15 Tilt. Call 1-800-REDARMY for the best available seats.

Army Wins

Army wins 4-3 over the Broken Drum. Bill Knipe lead the way with 2 goals. Shawn McMillan and Todd Schumacher each chipped in 2 assist each. The biggest move by coach Paukdert was to bench Goaltender Josh Gilbertson and put Jake the backup in. "It was the Billy of old. He dominated from the drop of the puck to the final buzzer," said Paukert. Also the combination of McMillan and Schumacher was amazing on defense. "It was like those 2 played together forever. These 2 created so much, Schu-sanity was alive and well tonight!" Said Steve Palmiscno. Lance Norman agreed. "Keep those two together, I can play with Todd Palmiscno. And when Oly gets back, he is getting moved to forward so his talents aren't wasted." On another positive note the Army played well again without Perry Marto. "We don't need him. I hope he stays in the minor's," quipped Bill Knipe.

Tie last week, Win tonight?

The Red Army halted their 4 game losing streak last week by salvaging a tie against the GFAFB Warriors. Tonight the Army faces off against the Broken Drum at 8:00 at the Eagles Arena. Tonight's prime time game is being televised on the NBCSPORTS Network. "there were a lot of positive from last weeks game," said Todd Palmiscno. "I think we can snap off a few in a row here and get us back into contention for a shot at the league title." Len Boucher added, "We had a great week of practice. Even Marto worked hard. Now we just have to put everything together." Steve Palmiscno was quick to add, "Did you guys forget that we still have Gilby in the net. We need to average 6 goals a game to have a shot at winning." Josh Gilbertson replied, "For the first time in my life, I think Steve is right." Coach Terry Paukert had another take on tonight's game. "I think the key is Tood Schumacher. He had an incredible week of practice. I wouldn't be surprised if he took over the game tonight. Schu-sanity has a great ring to it." Shawn McMillan added, "Is Pauk on drugs." Plenty of tickets remain for tonight's game. Call 1-800-REDARMY for yours.

Sister Kisser

Same story last night as the Army let a third period lead slip away. After playing two close to perfect periods of hockey, the shorthanded team ran out of gas and let the base salvage
a point. Key note from last night was the defensive pairing of Lance Norman and Todd Palmiscno were plus 2 and only gave up one goal. When asked about playing with Norman, Pamiscno only had accolades for Norman. “It’s about time someone can keep up with
me. Schumacher needs to sit down and study this game footage and learn how to play defense. The Team was again lead by the second line of Comeau, Boucher and S. Knipe. This line
continues to make consistent plays that result in goals. "Its just been a lot of fun not having to play with Anderson and the results of our line speak for themselves." Again the weakness of this team is shown in the Goaltending. Week in and week out if this team had a net minder that could make that ONE or TWO saves to give this club a chance we very possibly could be talking League Title.
Note:
Matt Palmiscno was immediately sent down after scoring a goal last
night. When asked about the move Kevin Kyle only said: “This team only has enough
room for 2 Palmos!”

Sister Kisser

Army ties GFAFB 4-4. Losing streak is over. More to come!

Can the Army stop the bleeding

The Red Army has lost 4 in a row and their sights on winning another are looking dim. Tonight's game is against the GFAFB Warriors at 7:15 at the Grand Forks Blue Line Arena. Any hope of salvaging the season comes down to winning tonight. "I think we have a good chance, because we won't have Anderson or Schumacher in the line-up," said Steve Knipe. Anderson is nursing a season ending taser injury and Schumacher is out with a mysterious illness. GM Kevin Kyle states, "Anderson was trying to shoot Comeau with the taser and accidentally shot himself. Glad to know he is protecting the East Side and not the west side. Schumacher has been to many specialist and they can't figure out what is wrong. All I know is he isn't sick from being overworked!" Steve Olson is still on assignment with Red Army Fargo farm team. "Oly is the only defenseman that can create. I don't know why Kyle still has him in Fargo. He is the only reason we can win a game," said a anonymous Army player. Kyle fired back, "He may be able to create, but with Gilby in the net he has to work harder in the D-zone. He is in Fargo working on that part of his game." "We could have 5 defenseman out their all standing in front of the nest blocking shot and everyone that got through would end up in the net. Remember we have Gilby," said Steve Palmiscno. Plenty of tickets remain for tonight's game. All tickets are 50% off. Call 1-800-REDARMY for the best available seat.

Feb. 8

7:15 at GF Blue Line vs Warriors

Army Forgets There are 3 Periods to Play

The Red Army totally fell apart in the 3rd period of last nights game against Acme. The Army was only trailing 4-3 after 2 periods and had all the momentum, but gave up 4 3rd period goals to get throttled 8-3. The only bright spot on the Army was Kurt Comeau. Comeau had 2 goals and an assist. Including a goal on a penalty shot. Comeau now has a 6.6% score rate on the free shot. Coach Terry Paukert was visibly upset after the game. Paukert commented, "what was with Steve Palmiscno. I move him back to defense to create and he ends up -5 on the night. He was a worse turnover machine than Schumacher." Paukert tirade continued, "And what about the Knipes. You would think since they work together, grew up together that they could be on the same line. Well they can't. There is going to be a big shake up for next week. No one is safe!" Again the Army couldn't get a save. Josh Gilbertson was late getting to the game. He was at a pilate's class that ran late. the Army picked up a goalie for most of the first period. The Army was only down 2-0 when Gilbertson return. The stand-in goalie made 16 saves in the first. Gilby had 5 for his 2 periods of play. GM Kevin Kyle wasn't happy with the officiating. "If you look at the Huff-n-Puff bylaws, back checking is illegal after the first period. Acme broke the rule and the officials ignored this." Kyle added, "The league sent out a memo last week explaining the no back check rule. I guess we should have read the memo to the refs. Obviously they can't read." The Army has filed an official protest and has sent a copy of the game film to the league office. The loss drops the Army to 3-7-1. Will the Army ever win again this year??

No Norman may produce a win!

The Red Army will be without Lance Norman tonight as they take on the Acme at 8:00 at the Eagles Arena. Norman has taken the blame for the current losing streak. "I haven't given 100% the last month. I'm trying to watch my son play and imitate him. I realize that I have to play my game. I have to tripod much harder. so sitting myself down and working in the weight room will help," said Norman. "He just sucks. Why the excuse," quipped Len Boucher. The Army could still be without Mike Anderson. Anderson injured himself while "Trying" to play goalie. "We will all be safer out there if Mike is still on the shelf," said Kurt Comeau. If the Army is going to make a push for a their first league title since 1999, they need to start a streak now. Coach Terry Paukert said, "We had a great week of practice. I have never seen the two Todd's (Palmiscno and Schuamcher) work so hard. I actually think the completed 10% of their passes hit the correct sticks." Palmiscno answered, "I'm so ready for tonight. I think an assist is possible. I think Schmacher will be the best player on the ice." Shawn McMillan added, "For what team. Most of the time Schumacher is our worst enemy." Plenty of tickets are still available at 1-800 REDARMY.