Shop Pond Hockey League

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 SHOP POND HOCKEY LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, THE BARBADOS BANDITS!

Barbados Bandits 5, ManBearPigs 1

Recap as provided by BB GM Kevin Wolf:
“Hell of a season it always goes by so fast! Hats off to the pigs you guys always have the target on your back with all these Ws you've racked up, and make it fun coming to the rink every week. 5-1 final with an empty net to take home the rice street cup id give our player if the game to our goalie david who really made the difference. Big thanks to the Sam's yet again for keeping the tradition alive.
We were gentle on the trophy last night but beer sure did taste sweet out of it.”

Recap provided by MBP GM Randy Beuc:
“The pigs were ultimately outmatched. Just couldn't get much going and never really could find the accelerator pedal. Congrats to the Bandits on a great season and to all the fellas for making it another fun one!”

Thank you to everyone who came out, Drake Ice Arena, and for sponsoring us and hosting us after the games to make our 10th season our best season yet!

In case you didn’t know because the operator of this account has been slacking the last couple weeks, the SPHL playoffs are here!

Quarterfinals were completed on Tuesday with the Rice Street Cup Championship tonight!

Find scores and recaps from the opening round below and swipe through to see the Championship matchup.

Game 1 - ManBearPigs 6, Sammy’s Sloptarts 4

Recap as provided by SS GM Sam Paitich:
“The early game featured two evenly matched teams, regardless of what the seeds might indicate. The Sloptarts were poised through 2 periods, and even had a 3-goal lead just until the end of the 2nd. Alas, the ManBearPigs did what they do and turned it up in the 3rd and created chaos in front of our net. The lead vanished Midway through the 3rd and the game winner was insured by an empty netter at the end. 6-4 Pigs. Tough loss, but a great battle nonetheless.”

MNP GM Randy Beuc:
“Couldn't have said it better. I don't know why but you guys usually have our number. We were lucky to get a few greasy net front pucks in the goal.”

Game 2 - Barbados Bandits 5, Great Gatsby’s 1

Recap as provided by BB GM Kevin Wolf:
“Bandits vs gatsbys for the semi final matchup was hard fought battle. Both sides played hard and the game felt a lot closer than a 5-1 finish, bandits just seem to capitalize on their opportunities. One more to go!”

Recap as provided by GG GM Sam Wilczyk:
“Would love to get one bad shift back that inexplicably resulted in a 3-goal deficit, but the Bandits buried the chances they got. Our goalie Okie kept the game close as he does every week and gave us a chance to come back. Unfortunately, you’re not gonna win many games scoring one goal and having other goals called back by refs from s**t angles, but I digress!”

Good luck to the ManBearPigs and Barbados Bandits tonight! Come on down and watch at Drake Arena at 7 pm and stop by for celebratory beers with the boys!

Week 5 Scores and Recaps

Game 1 - Barbados Bandits 5, Great Gatsby’s 2

Recap as provided by BB GM Kevin Wolf:
“A very back and forth game that was fun to watch with unreal goaltending on both sides. Game was tied 2-2 after 2 periods, first shift in the third period saw 3(?) sneak past oakie and that all but sealed it for the scoring. David Nicholson had to work his nuts off to keep the score that way but he managed to and the bandits skated away victorious 5-2 final.”

Recap as provider by GG GM Sam Wilczyk:

“The final score does not tell the whole story. Gatsby’s were able to keep pace the a hell of a Bandits team for 48 minutes with a brief explosion of goals in one shift being the difference maker. Looking forward to the second half of this season for the Gatsby’s!”

Game 2 - ManBearPigs 10, Sammy’s Sloptarts 2

Recap as provided by MBP GM Randy Beuc:
“Sometimes things are just working. We've all had those days and we've all had the opposite. But the Pigs were flying and the bounces were fortuitous. If post shots counted this game could have been pretty interesting in the first have because the Slops hit about 6 of them. But ultimately it was all Pigs in a 10-1 victory.”

Recap as provided by SS GM Sammy Paitich:
“Slops played one to forget. A 1-0 start was fruitless after the next 10 went to MBPs. Onto the next one.. “

Week 4 Scores and Recaps

Game 1 - Barbados Bandits 8, Sammy’s Sloptarts 5

Recap as provided by BB GM Kevin Wolf:
Bandits ended up on top with a cushion after what was a tight back and forth game. Slops took the early lead and back and forth we went all night until halfway into the third. Bandits snuck a couple in to widen the lead. 8-5(?) final bandits.”

Recap as provided by SS Player Don Bzdok:
“Sloptarts started strong getting early lead but settled into back and forth affair going into third down one, couldn't get equalizer early in third and bled away a couple goals to advantageous bandits who pulled away winning 8-5. Bittersweet end to Slops F Kevin Lohry's time in SPHL as he will be moving out of state, hoping he can make visit back for playoffs in August! “

Game 2 - ManBearPigs 7, Great Gatsby’s 4

Recap as provided by MBP GM Randy Beuc:
“Back and forth game in a feisty one between the Pigs and Gatsby's. Both goaltenders were putting on a show most of the game until finally a few began to sneak in after halfway through the game. Highlight reel goal for Morgan Sanchez almost made us wonder if he's got any eligibility years left. Pigs win 7-4.”

Recap as provided by GG GM Sam Wilczyk:
“What started out as another close battle like our first match up, got blown up by some dropping of the gloves resulting in some short benches for both sides and a bit of a runaway ending. Looking forward to a week off and bringing it back with fresh legs to get back in the Win column.”

Week 3 Scores and Recaps

Game 1 - Sammy’s Sloptarts 11, Great Gatsby’s 6

Recap as provided by SS GM Sammy Paitich:
“The Sloptarts took the unconventional approach of getting down 2 early vs. getting up 2 early, but hey, what did a 2-goal lead ever do for us in the past? It was heard on the bench that we better get to Okie (Gatsby's goalie) quick or he'd stand on his head. We eventually got to him later in the first - and it did not stop there. The Slops proceeded to get 5 total before the first sounded and ended up with 11 total on the night - 4 for long-timer Joe Haehn! We're off the schneid!”

Recap as provided by GG GM Sam Wilczyk:
“Had a great start, but the Slops were on one tonight! I was fortunate enough to get some advice from the winning GM after the game who said ‘you just gotta keep gelling!’ And that’s what we’ll do - Only week 3, baby!

Game 2 - Barbados Bandits 8, ManBearPigs 4

Recap as provided by MBP GM Randy Beuc:
“The Pigs had a tough night. It started by catching wind of roster difficulties potentially causing the Bandits to forfeit, followed by finding out it was just going to be a local all-star team. There were times when the game felt close but ultimately the fellas just didn't have quite enough to keep up. In the words of Mr. Kirkendall, "they don't etch the cup after week 3." On to the next. Pigs lose 4-8.”

Recap as provided by BB GM Kevin Wolf:

“Bandits and Pigs had a fast back and fourth start but the Bandits d core was able to get the boys out of the d zone and the forwards were hot and ready to get on the forecheck consistently through all 3 periods giving the Bandits a [8-4] victory over the PIGS.
-From player coach aj rupp”

Week 2 Scores and Recaps

Game 1 - ManBearPigs 6, Sammy’s Sloptarts 3

Recap as provided by MBP GM Randy Beuc:
“Early game seemed to lack pace at times but the Pigs found their groove with some nice playmaking and ridiculous goaltending. Slops made a late charge but not quite enough, horn sounded with Pigs up 6-3.”

Recap as provided by SS GM Sammy Paitich:
“The Slops were offensively challenged through the first and by the time we popped our first one, we were in a 3-hole deficit. We rallied for 3 in the 3rd, but the potent 'Pigs brought too much firepower to this one.”

Game 2 - Great Gatsby’s 7, Barbados Bandits 6

Recap as provided by BB GM Kevin Wolf:
“Great battle between the gatsbys and bandits. Gatsbys scoring power was too much to keep up with in the end but a late game come back kept it exciting. 7-6 finish for the gatsbys who mean business.”

Recap as provided by GG GM Sam Wilczyk:
“Holy cow was that a nailbiter until the end! Gatsby’s thought they were in the clear multiple times until the Bandits started buzzing in the last couple minutes of each period. Thanks to some stellar goaltending by Okie, Gatsby’s were able to stop a late comeback and seal the deal for our first W of the season!”

Week 1 Scores and Recaps

7:45 - ManBearPigs 3, Great Gatsby’s 1

Recap as provided by MBP GM Randy Beuc:
“The first game back and boy was it a battle. Gatsby's came out controlling play and drew first blood. Lots of back and forth close play and tight defense and goaltending. Finally the pigs found a couple ugly ones and finished with an empty netter to win 3-1.”

Recap as provided by GG GM Sam Wilczyk:
“Not the outcome we wanted, but a great start to the season with some new players in Gatsby black. Looking forward to this rematch in a few weeks and see if we can hold the lead for longer than 2 periods.”

9:00 pm - Barbados Bandits 9, Sammy’s Sloptarts 8

Recap as provided by BB GM Kevin Wolf:
“Back like we never left! A high scoring affair between Sammy's slops and my bandits with a few lead changes and a fun back and forth game. 9-8 final for the bandits win but add a half minute to that game and it probably would've been a different ending. See you next Tuesday !!”

Recap as provided by SS GM Sammy Paitich:
“Year 10 for the Slops!

It was a back-and-forth affair against the new-look Bandits(?). Carried by Kevin Lohry's scoring touch, the veteran-laden Slops hung in until the very end before losing by one. 9-8 Bandits this time. See you in game 2.”

YEAR 10

This year is a milestone year for the Shop Pond Hockey League as we celebrate our 10th year.

While we have seen our league’s number of teams grow, new scenery in where we call home, our mission has always been to provide an elevated competitive playing experience while maintaining a safe and responsible environment for our players.

We appreciate everyone who has been a part of the journey throughout the years and look forward to making Year 10 the best year yet!

See tonight’s matchups below:
7:45 pm - ManBearPigs vs The Great Gatsby’s
9:00 pm - Bandits vs Sammy’s Sloptarts

We’ll see you there for the game and afterwards at

Rice Street Cup Championship Score and Recaps

F/OT - ManBearPigs 5, Barbados Bandits 4

Recap as provided by MBP GM Randy Beuc: “It was everything you could have wanted in a championship game. Feistiness, parity, and drama. The Bandits stocked up on talent for the playoffs and they were flying. The Pigs were locked in their own zone for huge portions of the game but made the most of some opportunities and got ahead 4-1. But it was only a matter of time before the Bandits returned fire and tied it up. During the five minute overtime period, a two on one break took shape and Luke Mezzenga buried a feed from Davis Kirkendall to give the Pigs the W and their second Rice Street Cup. Congrats to all the teams on another awesome season. Bittersweet - happy to win but sad it's over for now.”

Recap as provided by Bandits’ GM Kevin Wolf: “Couldn't have said it any better! A game full of drama and back and forth action, ultimately the pigs experience paid off and they edged us out with a great 2 on 1 play in overtime. Both teams battled hard and showed compete, already looking forward to seeing everyone again next year.”

Congratulations to the ManBearPigs, our 2022 SPHL Rice Street Cup Champions!

Thank you to the refs, everyone at Drake Arena and for helping make our season a success!

See you next summer!

Playoffs Round 1 Scores and Recaps

#1 Seed ManBearPigs 6, #4 Seed Great Gatsby’s 2

Recap as provided by MBP GM Randy Beuc: “Quite a bit of tension in the early game as the Gatsbys kept it tight through 2. Finally the Pigs found some more scoring in the 3rd to close it out and move on. MBP wins 5-2.”

Recap as provided by Gatsby GM Sam Wilczyk: “With only 9 guys for the Gatsby’s last night, I was proud of each and every single one of them for giving the Pigs a run for their money. Kept it close until the very end, but Pigs got some firepower!”

#2 Seed Sammy’s Sloptarts 4, #3 Seed Barbados Bandits 7

Recap as provided by Slops’ GM Sammy Paitich: “Slops kept it close through 2 periods, but didn't have a strong enough defensive showing to hold off the youthful Gauchos and ultimately fall 7-4(?) Good season fellas!”

Congrats to both ManBearPigs and the Bandits on advancing to the championship game tomorrow night at Drake Arena at 7 pm with celebrations following at Plum’s!

Final Week Scores and Playoff Seeding

Game 1 - ManBearPigs 9, Barbados Bandits 2

Game 2 - Sammy’s Sloptarts 10, Great Gatsby’s 5

Congratulations to all teams on a great season, but congratulations to the Regular Season Champions: The ManBearPigs!

Playoffs start next week with the schedule and seeding as follows:

Game 1 - #1 ManBearPigs vs #4 Great Gatsby’s

Game 2 - #2 Sammy’s Sloptarts V #3 Barbados Bandits

Best of luck to both teams next Tuesday and a reminder the championship will be Thursday, August 18.

Ahead of this week’s scores and recaps, the SPHL family would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Paitich family, who lost a brother/son/nephew/friend in Max Paitich last week.

Max was an original GM of the league with the Gauchos/Barbados Bandits and truly a one of a kind individual that anyone would be lucky enough to get to know.

These “MJP” stickers made by MBP GM Randy Beuc will be made available for anyone who wishes to honor his memory next week.

Week 8 Scores and Recaps

Game 1 - Great Gatsby’s 4, Barbados Bandits 6

Recap as provided by Bandit GM Kevin Wolf: “Early game was a tight one, gatsbys had a short bench but battled hard. I thought the bandits were going to be short handed as well but the guys showed up, it was great having Tommy baker back and Tyler rose for the night they made the difference. It was 4-3 gatsbys going into the third, 6-4 final with an empty net for the bandits.

We all played with heavy hearts last night, Gauchos/ bandits forever!”

Game 2 - ManBearPigs 11, Sammy’s Sloptarts 5

Recap as provided by MBP GM Randy Beuc: “The late game was sort of a throwaway game with the Slops carrying a short bench. It was interesting through two but ultimately the Pigs ran away with it 11-5.”