The Canadian National Fantasy Hockey League

The Surrey Czechmates GM was suprised to see the playoff matchups today, with NO, recovery for injured players. Considering 2 star players were due to be back in a week, they still sit sidelined after about 6 game days of action without them. Star RW'r, J.Krakofsky was also sidelined the last game of the season with a week long injury and two games later...... NO change in his status, still sitting with the same IN rating after two games played by the Mates. So, the Mates will be without 3 of there most influential players starting the playoffs. How can this be?

Despite winning the last two games of the season without these players, a series against the Ice club will require scoring, grit and talent. The team has lost atleast 75% of that with the injuries. So what does this mean for the playoffs..... a game to game headache for the GM.

GM Lada" When your #1 goal scorer gets taken out with 1 minute left in the third period by the lowest team in the conference, there's got to be a review. The Blizzard player received a five game suspension for the hit, but I believe a review should be made a additional suspension time should be added to next season. This guy clearly went out to hurt our player. We haven't thrown in the towel, but the guys will have to dig deep if they have any remote chance of making it passed round one."

Xavier Labelle, will be tested.... and tested.... and tested again as the Ice bring forth a group of high scoring players. The Ice's depth isn't to strong and goaltending is a little weaker, but the name of the game is putting the puck in the net, and without 3 top players, including the teams #1 scorer, the Ice look good to take the Mates down in four if a miracle happens and all three return before the series ends. So what do the Mates have to look forward to...... LW'r A.Matilainen had a good season and will be asked to 'PUT THE PUCK ON NET' every chance he has, while the defensive core MUST hold back the high flying forwards of the Ice.

Xavier Labelle"It's definetely going to be a tough go for us in the first round, but we've battled injuries all season and held our ground, so don't count us out yet.

The Mates will be calling up LW'r Kelly Lynch, who has seen limited pro ice this season to fill any holes, and the defense will be bolstered to ensure we atleast can stand our ground in the defensive zone. But will it be enough? By Sports Action rating the Ice are favoured to take this series in four even if the Mates TOP 3 see any of the playoffs. How depressing for the fans to see there club on top of the league for half the season, then to be bumped to 7th in the conference after being plagued with injuries, and then see there top 3 go down just before the playoffs.

I'm Rusty Nailes, and I'll be reporting game to game on the Czechmates battle in round one..... until then, back to your regular scheduled programming........ Kramer, what happened to your face? ..... Whaaaaaaat....... it's all discolored and leathery....... look away Jerrry.... I'm hideous.