15th FNHC Season Ends Without Playoffs

By Iron Orr on 4/22/2010

Dearborn, MI - The feeling was like finishing the last drop of an ice cold beer. It was like the last puff on a fine Cuban cigar. An empty, hollow feeling surrounded by a warm sense of satisfaction and comfort knowing that there are more FNHC memories to come.

An eventful season it was with ToolTime opting for elective surgery to repair a damaged shoulder so he could play another day. Frey fractured his leg in a freakish play that ended his season too, but he showed up at the rink two weeks later on crutches vowing his return for the 2010-2011 season. "I'll be back," said Frey.

Injuries were not the only factor impacting the ranks of the FNHC in 2009-2010. We also bid farewell to long time FNHC player Pops who retired from the FNHC at age 80 to pursue a Gold Medal in speed skating in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Pops will always be remembered as a beacon of hope for any 20-30-40+ hockey wannabe who thinks they're too old to lace 'em up. Thanks for the hockey inspiration you gave us Pops, and for the shining example of the greatness of the human spirit you were to us all.

This year also marked the emergence of a new face for the future of the FNHC. Wolverine burst on the scene with flashy skating, deft stick handling and dead-eye shooting touch. "We used to refer to him as Package Jr. when he started out," reminisced Slava the Ho, "and considering his all-around ability, it was a fitting moniker, but this year Wolverine made a name for himself and he represents a bright future for the ongoing mission of the FNHC."

Wolverine definitely made his mark on the league this year, but it was a bittersweet end of the season for him. "My game was just coming together," said the up and coming young star, "it was all gelling for the playoffs, then, BOOM!, season's over. So it was great to show what I can do during the regular season, but I was planning to take it to a whole new level for playoffs. I guess the old man couldn't bare to watch me establish myself as the best all-around player in the FNHC."

The decision to cancel the FNHC playoffs was made by league offices due to a lack of interest and the inability to find a suitable venue for the extra games. "We had to abandon the Ice Box this year due to poor facilities maintenance and the potential health threats it posed to FNHC players," the FNHC Commissioner stated in his press release, "the Lincoln Park rink was an improvement, but it closed down a little early so we couldn't do the playoffs there. The DISC looked to be a good alternative option, but we just couldn't get enough players to commit to the playoffs mainly due to retirements and injuries. Mark my words, we'll reinstate the playoff schedule next season!"

And so, the 15th FNHC season came to an unceremonious end, leaving the LiteSide reigning FNHC Champions for another Summer. "We may not possess the Slava Cup," smiled Iron Orr, "but we're Champs again for another year!"

See you in September boyos!