Top Row:  James Kurtz, Foti Vassilyadi, John Zafiriou, Jim N. Sourges, George Orfanos, Peter Komporis
Bottom Row:  Fergus Groundwater, Jimmy Georgitsos ©, Carlo Buffone, Tony Georgiou, Jim P. Sourges

The Final series was one worthy of watching as both teams battled valiantly trying to  capture the coveted GHL Cup.  For those who have never been to the final, it is a two hour long game that tests the physical and mental capabilities of the teams involved, and these were truly two teams that were up to the task. 

Although the scores were 4-1 and 4-2, the games were much closer with Lixar outshooting Astro in both games.  Both teams had players who stepped up their roles like Tate McLeod who quietly seems to consistently find the back of the net.  How about Peter Komporis who capped off a memorable season by coming second in playoff points and playing a major role in his teams effort in hoisting the cup. Fergus, two years in a row, do I detect a trend here?  Kouretas and Burton, the core of the Lixar wall of “D”.

 As runners-up, my hat goes off to Lixar who as I have said in the past proved that playing good defence is the best offence.  I did not pick them to get to the finals, and was surprised to they came together to beat some very good teams on their road to the cup.  Emmanuel proved he is a great leader, as well as a great player in our league.  His team truly followed his lead and put up a valiant effort on their road to the finals.  Kudos Boys, you are a great team.

Top Row:  George Valsamis, Emmanuel Florakas ©, Steve Kouretas, Tate McLeod, Shane Laking, Greg Haidopoulos
Bottom Row:  Kirk Monroe, Jim Sarlis, Louis Avialotes, Bill Katsoulis, Peter Burton
Absent: Jim Charos

When it was said and done, Jim N. Sourges proved why his name is on so many of our GHL trophies, and is consistently drafted 1st overall.  With 16 points in the play-offs, and a hat trick in the final, Jim is this year’s play-off MVP.  Jim has become a living legend in this league and taking the trophy from his grasp has become a daunting task - congratulations Jim.

Gentlemen,

Check out the commissioner's new blog site at  http://ottawaghl.blogspot.com/

GHL 2006/07 Award winners

League MVP - Jason Spartalis Tofcon

Playoff MVP - Jason Spartalis and Fergus Groundwater

- (originally given to Jason but after looking at the playoff stats, no question Fergus deserves it too with record setting playoff)

Norris Trophy - Emmanuel Florakas Lixar

Rookie of the Year - David Macdonald Spectrum

Vezina Trophy - Louis Avialotis Lixar

Defensive Forward of the Year - Lance Laking Spectrum

Captain of the Year - George Karadakis Tofcon

1st team all-stars

F Jason Spartalis - Tofcon

F Marc-Andre Parisen - Local Heroes

F Fiori Guido - Astro Design

D Emmanuel Florakas - Lixar

D Jim Sourges - Astro Design

G Louis Avialotis – Lixar

2nd Team All-stars

Chris Theodossiou  - Spectrum

David McDonald - Spectrum

John Meireles - Local Heroes

Matt Armstrong Spectrum

Bill Syrros - Lixar

Justin Moon - Electrical and Plumbing Store

Check out the latest on Dimitris Kalyvas and the Greek national Hockey Team!

www.nhl.com/features/pond/greece092806.html

Thanks to Dino Pezoulas for the link.

Recreational hockey leagues have now adopted the zero tolerance rules when it comes to various stick and interference infractions on the ice.  Our referee association has asked us to do the same.  I have consulted with your OHAA executive and they support adopting these rules.  They will be enforced this Sunday. 

To view the new rules, please see the link below...

[Pat Frost]  http://www.odharefs.com/Video/ref_video.html

I have asked the refs to remind the teams before your games this Sunday. I suspect we will go through some growing pains with trips to the penalty box but hopefully the rules will catch on quickly.

Rob

Over the summer, 23 league members were invited to provide feedback on how the league was being run. The rule changes are being flagged as the Laz Accord to thank Constantine Lazaridis for spearheading the executive to get a collective view on league matters.

NOTE IMPORTANT: Rule changes re: player registration (view entire document for a complete understanding of the rule changes)

• Returning league veterans: Best efforts will be made to reserve spots for them provided that payment is received by August 31st.
• Those players with poor attendance records will only be considered after the August 31st deadline.
• A player is not registered until payment is received and the draft will be delayed until we have 88 paid players. Players out of town must make arrangements to get payment in.

Special thanks to the following members for their input in this matter.