SO, with our playoff loss a few weeks ago, My time with SubZero has come to its conclusion.   I’m starting the process of reversing, as best as possible, the effects the past 20 years of playing hockey has had on my body.  First up are my shoulders.  most of my other damage is minor or permanent (lol) and will either get better with time or has become something I just have to live with.  Regardless, I’m happy to have played hockey for all those years, and I’m happy to have been a part of SubZero for such a long time.

I want to thank everyone I’ve played with over the years.  The roster has undergone major changes a few times, but the team has always come back for another season.   This time is no different.

I’ve turned over the keys to the kingdom to Dave Wishner.  He’s been nice enough to take on the workload.  I wish him, and all of you who still play for the team, the best of luck.

I’m not sure if Dave, or anyone else on the team will take over this site.  So we’ll see what happens.

Take Care everyone,

Mike

Stay tuned for more information including several free agent signings which will be disclosed shortly, pending completion of team physicals and legal documentation.

To get to the finals, AbsoluteZero used a strong forecheck, solid team positioning, and excellent goaltending to upset the #2 seeded Ice Guys 4-2 on Sunday night.  The Tsunami defeated the overconfident and underperforming #1 seed Cheap Skates in overtime.

The season series between AbZero and Tsunami was split evenly, with each team winning two and losing two.

After winning a hard fought Championship at the DDD level in the Summer 2008 Season,  The league thought we we’re ready to move up a level.  22 games, and  a dreadful 4-13-5 record later, I think we know how well that worked out.

Now that SubZero is officially in its “off season”  the focus shifts to the future of the team.

More details will be posted soon, but it looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel, and SubZero is likely to come back for a 17th consecutive season.

As we head into these last two games, with a playoff spot just out of reach, we’ve got nothing left to play for other than the exercise and hopefully a little fun.

It’s also time to start loking forward to the 2009 summer season.  I’m sad to report that there is some question as to wether or not the team will come back for its 18th season this summer.   I’m working on the list of players and we’ll see what happens soon enough.  If the team comes back, I’m certain it will have a very different look than the past several seasons.   personally, My status is up in the air due to the possibility of requiring a season off for repairs.  I’ve put things off for a long time, but its no longer an issue of playing through some pain, its now starting to interfere with my daily life. If you know me at all, you know how much its killing me to possibly miss any amount of games, let alone a season.  I’m still hopeful (or maybe its just wishful thinking) that treatments and rehab will be enough.

I’m saddened that the end may be near for SubZero – It’s been a great team to play for, from those first few seasons with only the remote possibility for a win, to several championships, tournaments, and countless team parties.

if you’re one of the players on the team, and you are hoping to still play, let me know.  If you’re not returning, let me know that too!  Either way, I wish to thank everyone who’s ever played for SubZero…I’ve enjoyed skating with you all, and I hope to see you on the ice again soon.

-Mike

Look here for more information, as it becomes available!

Yes, It is true that two men playing in our recreational ice hockey league passed away while playing in games on Sunday night.

Brian Kobata, 38, played for the Mug Shots at the EE level, and Kelly Calabro, 41, played for Beer at the E level.

Several members of the Cisco Metros/SubZero/Absolute Zero family were playing for the teams involved in the games.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and teammates of Brian and Kelly.

SharksIce has said that more information regarding memorial services will be posted to the site as it becomes available.

http://www.mercurynews.com/topstories/ci_11770229

http://www.sharksiceatsanjose.com/

-mike

If Brown, 40, isn’t claimed by another club by noon ET on Wednesday, he can be sent down to SubZero’s Minor League affiliate in Tacoma.  But at his age, and diminished level of activity beyond sitting at home,  it remains unclear if the  Tacoma farm team will accept him.

One of the oldest players in the SIAHL, Brown has been a healthy scratch for most of the past 4 seasons.  In three games this season , “brownie”  has recorded no points, 12 penalty minutes and a minus-6 rating while logging and estimated average of  18:12 of ice time. To replace him on the roster, SubZero recalled right wing #9 Karen Siegle from Absolute Zero, the team’s San Jose based affiliate.

A return to coaching could be in Mr. Brown’s future. In his previous coaching stint for SubZero in the 2006 Arizona Hockey Classic, the team went undefeated on the way to a Tournament Championship.

Brownie played for the Cisco Metros and SubZero off and on for the past 7 years.

smiling photo of Defenseman Doug Harvey

SubZero announced the siging of free agent Defenseman Doug Harvey at 1am sunday morning after a lengthy  contractnegotiaion over beer, chicken wings, and fritos.  Harvey was signed in an attempt to help shore up the SubZero Blueline, ravaged by injuries and illness this season, and decimated by free agency in the offseason.

Harvey’s contract consists of 1 season with 8 additonal (individual) years as club options.  Keeping with team policy, the specifics of the contract are not disclosed, however,  rumors floating around Stanley’s Restaurant and Bar indicate that post game beer and periodic bonuses of imported Coffee Crisps are included.

Smiling picture of Forward Jon Rosburg

Rosburg, a founding member of the Cisco team and key component of the early  SubZero Championship teams, is returning to the ice for the first time in several seasons.  Rosburg is expected in the lineup Sunday night for SubZero’s final game of 2008.