"That's Bomber Hockey" will provide players past and present the opportunity to convey what exactly is this thing we call "Bomber Hockey" by relating their specific Bomber memories, experiences and personal anecdotes.
Every so often on the Bomber Hockey Club blog we will include a new installment to the series-with a new player telling their tale.
Our alternate captain Bob Calvano , has been charged with writing the first chronicle of what is sure to be a popular feature.
Take it away Bobbby . . . .
It's a phrase that has been uttered by many over the years. It can be heard on the ice, on the bench, in the locker room or parking lot, and is often heard in bars and backyards throughout New Jersey.
But what does it mean?
The phrase has no single meaning. It can be the moment you finally get a bounce to go your way on shitty ice. It can be the tape to tape pass you get, followed by a drop pass to no one. It can be three goals in one minute or Gary throwing the puck out of the rink in a playoff game. It can be 14 minutes in the penalty box for taking a punch or an unexpected game winning playoff goal by by one of the most unexpected goal scorers.
It's the latter that I'd like to focus on for a few minutes.
The Bomber squad has always been made up of players with varied skill sets. There are no true ringers and no players who should not be on the ice. Everyone gets equal ice time, no matter what (well, except for Gary sometimes). We've never stacked the team just to go out and win. When it's your shift you go on the ice. Which leads to this...
One of the most unforgettable goals came from one of the most unexpected players. It was a overtime in playoff game and a goal would advance the Bombers to their first Championship game. With a faceoff deep in the offensive zone the Bombers called a time out. When play resumed, everyone who was on the ice stayed on the ice. No line change, no skilled guys changed for the not so skilled guys. And that's when it happened.
In the offensive zone, the puck came up to the point and there was Carl. He stopped the puck (which wasn't a given), took a shot... and the fucking thing went in the net! Bomber glory! The bench went crazy, the guys on the ice mauled Carl and the Bombers went on to win the championship. In a phrase...
That's Bomber Hockey.
by Bob Calvano
