Sponge Hockey USA
Home of the Valley City Sponge Hockey League
SPONGE-AHOLICS WIN CHAMPIONSHIP
Valley City, ND
By Sidney Yzerman
In one of the greatest games in sponge hockey history, the Sponge-aholics showed that age is just a number. After falling behind 3-1 to the heavily favored Puckers early in the game, the Sponge-aholics roared back to score the next four goals and hold on for a 5-4 win, leaving the “fan” ecstatic.
The “Viagara” generation stood strong. When it looked like they would be down and out for the night, they sprung to life and pumped some big shots past the Puckers goalie, Tyler Kosse.
Kosse, who has been a self-proclaimed legend for years, played well but in the end could not hold up to the offensive pressure. The Sponge-aholics were led by 5th year player Cory Arnason. Arnason who is rumored to be deported this summer, scored two big goals in the final period to put the Sponge-aholics up 5-3. “This is how I wanted to go out,” Arnason said, “A champion… getting to play with Leroux and Kalbrener… it just doesn’t get better than that…”
Sponge-aholic goalie Kirk Olson, who was reportedly traded earlier this year, made the save of the night sprawling across the net to stop a chance by Pucker sniper Pat Langeau. “I’ve worked on that move on my couch every night and to be honest a lot of afternoons and mornings. I knew that it would pay off for me one day.” Olson stated.
“We worked hard, and that hard work persevered.” Said second year player Casey Olney. “We had a pretty inspirational moment during that last timeout.” Olney was part of a great defensive effort, led by first year player Rob Hunt. Hunt who was pretty emotional after the game, exclaimed “This is the greatest sporting achievement of my life, hands down.”
Women's League:
Scrimmage Sunday, Mar. 14, 2010 @ 8pm.
Men's Standings: (Regular Season)
| Team | Wins | Losses |
| Puckers | 14 | 2 |
| Sponge-aholics | 11 | 5 |
| John Deere | 10 | 6 |
| VC Broozers | 4 | 12 |
| Fargo Maroons | 1 | 15 |
| Name | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
| Mark Kerkowich | John Deere | 1 | 8 | 9 |
| Ryan Leroux | Sponge-aholics | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| Cory Arnason | Sponge-aholics | 6 | 2 | 8 |
| Tanner Bombenger | John Deere | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| Pat Langhow | Puckers | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| Matt Borgford | John Deere | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| Justin Connell | Sponge-aholics | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| Jordan Fyling | Puckers | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Nick Nielson | Puckers | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Shane Kalbrener | Sponge-aholics | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Goalie Leaders:
Name
Team
GAA
Puckers
1.00
Kirk Olson
Sponge-aholics
4.00
Marshall Senf
VC Broozers
5.00
Jason Lindgren
John Deere
9.00
Fargo Maroons