With the first week behind us, it’s time for teams to shake off the rust, find some rhythm, get back to the good ol’ fundamentals. Week 2 features a battle of contrasts in Game 1, with the minimally-defensive Dignowity Gentrification trying to redeem themselves against the low-scoring yet effective Legendary Stoners. Meanwhile, Game 2 sees the Southside Sicarios looking to build on their dominant debut while Waste Management is looking to score at least a field goal.
Game 1 – Dignowity Gentrification (0-1-0) vs. Legendary Stoners (1-0-0)
The Dignowity Gentrification learned the hard way last week that defense may be necessary to win some games—he knows who we’re talking about. With Captain Andrew Minerd leading the charge, expect a more structured approach in Week 2 (at least in theory). Kaleb Morley is expected to make his season debut after Micah Deary subbed in for him last game and took it upon himself to lead the team in goals. Meanwhile, Brandon Popham and Chris DeGroff were quiet in Week 1 despite having a few passes just off target, and they will be looking to make their presence felt. And, of course, there’s Fossy, who somehow avoided any blame for the loss last week—highly suspicious.
On the other side, the Legendary Stoners managed to win a game while only giving up two goals—a rare feat in the SARHL. Expect Captain Junior Yupanqui to continue the search to find the captain of his team. Rick Odom, fresh off a week of, as predcited, almost scoring and then falling down, will be looking to prove he’s still got some finishing ability. Ron Ylagan and Brian Swatske were barely mentioned in Week 1, likely due to them playing their roles so quietly that even their own teammates forgot they were on the ice. We’ll see if they make more noise this time around.
Key to Watch:
- Can Dignowity’s defense figure out where they’re supposed to be at any given moment?
- Will the Stoners be able to win another game while making everyone regret showing up?
Prediction: Chaos, mismanagement, and a close game that ends with Junior sighing in frustration regardless of the result.
Game 2 – Southside Sicarios (1-0-0) vs. Waste Management (0-1-0)
The Southside Sicarios enter Week 2 riding high after a 7-4 beatdown of Dignowity, led by Collin Iacarella’s four-goal flex. But let’s not forget Erik Hillskemper. Someone has to know who he is. The Sicarios will look to continue their strong start while keeping a leash on Adam Dixon, who is always one chirp away from spending half the game in the penalty box—right where the team wants him.
Then there’s Waste Management, a team that, much like its name suggests, was left picking up the scraps last week. Coach Penn was MIA, leaving the team in disarray. Kevin Shanahan and Ray Salvano were left without proper direction, and their zone coverage looked like an abstract art piece rather than an actual strategy. They’ll need to be sharper, especially with Jacob Hernandez and Micah Deary needing more space to operate. Meanwhile, Ricky Bobby has yet to make his mark, but as well all know, if you ain’t first, you’re last.
Key to Watch:
- Can Waste Management get organized, or will it be another night of chaotic neutral hockey?
- Will Jaiden make it two in a row?
- Does Collin attempt a Zegras-pass to himself for an easy goal?
Prediction: Either the Sicarios steamroll their way to another win, or Waste Management finds structure and makes things interesting.
Week 2 should give us a better idea of who’s for real and who’s just waiting for the season to end so they can complain about next season’s draft. Let’s see who rises and who falls at Fairchild Park.