silly Schellers--being prayed for by brother Jay

For as long as I've love hockey and my boys have been my boys, the Gladiatorshave always had Brad Schell. Schellers is an absulutely sweet canadian who wants everyone to know everyone and to get along!! Maybe he should go over to the thrashers! Sorry boys but if you fight each other- you will get made fun of! But back to Schelly, this guy is friendly but a little insane!

This goofy guy was born August 5, 1984 in Scott, Saskatchewan, Canada. He was drafted in the 6th round of the 2002 NHL draft by the Thrashers. Schellers went on to play parts of 5 seasons with the Spokane Cheifs in the WHL (stats not found) but then played with the gladiators in 2004. Brad was the 2006-2007 MVP for the ECHL. He also appeared in the 2007 all-star game where he scored 1 goal. Since 2006 (including post season 2008 and pre season 2009) he has scored 43 goals and 157 assist. Looks like some's good at setting people up!

On a more personal note Schellers loves golf and movies, his favorite actor is Will Farrell and his favorite movie is Dumb and Dumber. Shelly's favoriteteam growing up was the maple leafs, favorite food is steak and seafood and his favorite band is metellica. Keep up the good work schellers!

2nd star player-- Ilya Kovalchuk

Although I'm not so fond of Ilya, he's still talented and he's our tem captian! The reason why I picked Ilya is because this year Ilya reached a milestone in his career--his 300th goal. Not being satisfied with that Ilya (Ya-ya) continues to build on that. Last season he was named captian. I have not gotten to speak with Ilya, he's one of our shy boys. He always seems to be off in his own little world only signing stuff for a few fans. Either he's shy or just stuck up!! When I decided to honor Ya-ya, I started to read blogs to include since I didn't have a lot of experinces with Ilya. The one thing I learned is that you should never let his even temper during practice fool you, Ilya has a nasty temper When provoked. I also learned that Ya-ya has 2 bronze medals from the world championships. Yes ladies he is married with 2 kids, a little boy (Philip) and a little girl (Karolina)! This guy a;so runs a charity called Kovy's kids!!

I will post more about him in his bio blog!!

Nicknames....for everything

The boys have nick names and so does everything else! The goalie is considered "between the pipes" when in goal, the pipes of course being the goal pipes. Girl fans also have nicknames, puck bunny and hockey chick. There is a difference between Puck bunnies and hockey chicks.
puck bunny- a girl there just to look at and persue the players in a romantic way
Hockey chick- a girl who yells at other fans, players, refs, and anyone else. They get into the game and if they end up dating a player that's ok, but that's not their goal
There's also a nickname for the prospects and younger players, they're both considered "babies". Alot of fans consider people of my generation and younger babies. Skates are called blades or wheels. Players are considered a sniper when they are sneaky or fly under the radar until they get into a fight or score a goal.
We also have nicknames for stuff and people the rest of the world has like womanizer. The thrasher has one womanizer--at least. One of his former team mates sold him out when I mentioned that I liked his style- and him in general.The womanizer is Boris Valabik. I love Boris!In Boris' defense a lot of players are womanizers at some point.
We also have instagaters (spelling??) who want to start crap, booser losers and so on!!

My Bouncing baby boy bogi-being prayed for by me

I know I post a lot about this kid but let's learn a little about him. Zach "bogi" Bogosian was our #1 draft pick last season but played with the in the OHL and with the chicago wolves for a while. He also went over to Russia to play for team USA in the world Championship. If you think that's HUGE it is but if you think he has a big ego- you'd be wrong. He's such a a goofy little boy still! Zach is so precious to me, he smiles and I just start to laugh. I actually got mistaken for his sister at practice at least once!! My little boy--my little prince bogi! Oh Lord if he knew I called him "prince bogi"..........we'd be in trouble!! The interesting and kinda big question is what does a young guy like bogi spend his 1st year hockey cash on....a tricked out esclade and a home gym-duh!! AAAh to be young and crazy!! Love it!!

Get ready to feel old and short people!! This 6 foot 2 200 pound baby was born July 15, 1990 (that's right 1990) in Massenna New york. While playing with cushing academy in 2005-2006 he scored one goal and 16 assists. I believe he played at cushing all 4 years in high school but I could find stats for only 1 year. Bogi was so good and so advance in his skills he had to play with the older kids. Then after cushing it was on to the OHL where he played for the peterbough petes for 2 years. In those 2 years he scored 18 goals and 79 assists. Then he split his time between the AHL and NHL (Chicago wolves and atlanta thrashers) in the 2008-2009 season. At the thrashers (NHL) he scored 9 goals and 10 assists. So far this season he has scored 8 goals and 3 assists. This baby is a beast! He always gets sent to the "sin pin" for fighing!! I am so happy to have this young man with our team!! Love ya Bogi I wish you nothing but success!! Oh and keep smiling baby!!

1st devotional, 7 deadly sins of brother/sister hood

1) The sins are:
a) Jealousy-to be resentful or bitter
*envyy-to feel discontent or resentment for what somone else has
b) betrayal-to be disloyal or unfaithful or to decieve
c) judgement- to come to quick conculsion of others or to judge others
d) manipulation-to use others to gain something
e)gossip- to spread lies or negative things about people
f)competition- the act of rivalry
g)resentment-to fell anger about
2) a-f can cause resentment
3) you can be forgiven
*ask your "Sister" or "brother" to forgive you
*ask God to forgive you
4) God does not want us to be seperated by these sins so the devil will try very hard to throw these sins in our way

Playfulness runs a muck!!

Boys always act like big kids-always! I was sitting at practice one time and Bogi was doing a partner excerise. Bogi passed the puck to his partner, his partner scored and the goalie was left laying on his belly. Bogi's partner lifted his stick over his head and smacked the goalie on the butt as hard as humanly possible-ouch!!! I was laughing so hard, Bogi skates up and mouthes "you are sooo bad!!" I looked at him like "so??" He smiles-gaw!!!!- I love that boys smile! Another time at practice the boys were stretching and a puck goes sliding by, Slava Kozlov tries to grab it with his stick. You can see the picture--it was pretty funny! Also one time in a fit of weirdness, Zach pulled and pushed Jimmy Slater around to adjust his stance then tried to play with Jimmy's hair. Then a few minutes later he grabbed one of the coaches by the sleeve and was pulling him around in circles. I was just like "what the crap bogi??" It's not even just on the ice it's off too! I was talking to Drew Paris, one of the Gladiators, when all of a sudden I hear Schelly say something in a weird voice. I just looked at him "What the heck Schellers??" He never did explain what he said. Life is insane with the boys, you never know what they are going to do or say next!!

If everybody jumped off a bridge.....

Friday I went to see the crazies we call the thrashers. I looked around and most of them had facial hair. "What the crap??" I just died laughing, even baby bogi (not pictured) had facial hair. Some of the boys, including good ole slava, were staying clean cut!! It's like one boy did it so everyone does it too!! Didn't their mama's ask them "if everyone else jummped off a bridge would you do it too??" With a few of them it looke like all of those old school hockey players. Of course baby Evander was clean cut--thank God or else I would feel REALLY old!! Goofyness and machoness isn't the only thing that runs a muck!! I do have to say in my boys defense, they look REALLY good with their scruff/facial hair!! My boys- with facial hair- love it!! Another thing I noticed not just friday but during a lot of other practices, my baby boy smiles a lot! I love that sweet smile!! Having said that it's time for another revelation, Bogi's made of steal!! He was on his hands and knees stretching, being cute then all of a sudden he plops himselfs over and there's a HUGE thud!!! "Oh Lord!! He's hurt!!" He wasn't moving, then he moves his leg and looks over at me and smiles!! I was about in tears!!! God to be young and made of steal!! You know when Bogi gets older he will not be able to do what he did on friday!! Enjoy it now bogi!!

What's New with the ministry

Recently God led me to add the Chicago wolves and possibly the 2 other affiliate teams to the ministry! You say cool, I say scary and nerve racking!!! So I'm getting prayer partners for the wolves as we speak!! Joey Crabb has me as a prayer partner and Mr. Jon traded his Thrasher, TObias Enstrom, for Brett Sterling of the wolves. Brett use to be a thrasher!! In Gladiator news Michael Couch, Jon Horrell, and Chris Zarb have been released. So now Ms. Patty is praying for Tim Filangleri, Mary is with Cole Dye, and Kristen is with Scott Mifsud. I think very few people are with their original gladiators but more people are having more luck with their Thrashers!! 5 people are with their orignal Glads as where 17 are with their orignal Trahsers. SO out of 70 (a little over 40 being thrashers & Glads) 22 are with their orignal people!!
Also I'm looking for ministry ideas, I'm running out!! I emailed coach Pyle, the Glads coach, to complement him on his boys and to see if we could do anything for him or the boys. He just said "yeah they're good kids. thanks Christina." SO no ideas from coach! I think he gets rushed when checking email and can't think of anything!
On a more personal note.......................I GET TO GO TO MY 1ST THRASHER GAME IN JANUARY!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Finally! So excited!! Don't worry, I'll blog about it!! Who they're playing, I have no clue! I told my Aunt, who's giving me the tickets, a few teams I wanted to see and she's taking her own sweet time in figuring it out!! I would love to know now!! It maybe the sabers, rangers, capitals or one other team. Yeah I know with one of those teams we may get killed but I don't care! I'll be proudly looking on as baby Bogi skates in that game while I'm in my special ordered Bogosian jersey!! so excited!!

Hockey Chick has a birthday

I'm not going to sell her out on how old she is but I wana wish a special Happy birthday to Krystal Ostrowski!! Her birthday is November 18th!!

Happy birthday Krittle!! You are the most amazing person ever and I love you girly!!

My goals for the ministry

When I started the Ministry I had no goals, I just wanted to help my boys. Now I have some goals. I was sitting there one day thinking about my boys mainly just the thought "What do I want for them?" I want a lot for my boys. I want them to happy, healthy and successful. I also want them to find purpose and joy in something or someone, hopefully they'll find purpose and joy in Jesus as well as something here on earth!!




So my goals are:

1. to have all of the guys become comfortable with me and the idea of religion and prayer

1. 2. to have at least 4 players come to faith and be baptized



2. 3.to earn the trust of the coaches and the boys



3. 4. to have as many of the boys as possible be involved in some curch somewhere

So these are my goals for now. I'm not out to do the impossible just what is possible through Jesus which is everything!! So far I think I'm starting to earn the trust of at least coach Pyle of the Gladiators. I also think I'm starting to earn the trust of some of the boys. I have so much hope for the boys--I love them to death!! Have fun baby boys and BE SAFE!!

1st star player--Ondrej Pavelec

The term tough guy is ussually used to describe a bull rider, military guy, cop, fire fighter, and countless others but not a goalie!! In hockey you ussually talk about d-mans being tough not goalies, until Ondrej. Ondrej is a tough goalie--tough on himself and tough on players but sweet to fans! After any game where he wins you can hear Ondrej say "I did good but I did let some goals in I shouldn't have!!" One day he saved 50 pucks and only let 1 in!! Then in one of the next games someone on the other team knocks Ondrej's head into the pipe, Ondrej's helmet gets knocked off by the impact. Then Ondrej moves to the other side and gets smacked in the face by the puck!! After checking for blood or teeth he told the refs and everyone else he was fine, puts his helmet back on and kept playing on goal!! This is why I wanted to honor this young man! One day I went to practice and I pulled him aside. "Ondrej I just wanted to let you know My grandma is Czechosloviakian......." his eyes light up and he says "Really?!?!? I'm from Czech Republic!" He was so happy to have me there. I floated on a cloud for almost the rest to the day.

When I asked for other fans "Pavy memories" I only got one response, it was from a fan in Chicago. She said "My favorite thing about Pavy!!! When pavy threw his stick and then gloves when we won the (calder) cup his 1st season with the wolves. Whenever they show that for the opening fireworks, I get all giddy and pumped up, shivers run down my spine. Hope he can do the same for the thrashers!!" We share the same feelings for Pavy we both wanna see him win the Championship for the thrashers and we both love Pavy!! Ondrej is soooo sweet. I can't say that I've heard anyone have anything bad to say about him. The best headline I ever saw on a website said "Ondrej plays like a giant"! This young man has the stature beyond on his 22 years!! I love this guy!! Good luck during the rest of the season sweet bear, glad to have you in Georgia!!

Energetic Evander-Being prayed for by Elli

How many 18 year-olds can say that they play for the Thrashers? Not many but 18 year old Canadian Evander Kane can. Evander was one of the draft picks this year. This 6 foot 2 190 pound baby left winger was born on August 2, 1991 (I know I feel old too) in Vancouver British Columbia. This little punk kid came straight out of high school. During his high school career (or atleast the last 3 years of it) Evander scored 81 goals and had 75 assists!! Evander is amazing, so far the little booger has scored 3 goals and has 3 assists!!I know very little about this sweet little boy. What I do know is that Evander was named after boxing legend Evander Holyfield. His dad is a fan of Holyfield's and his mom just liked the name. So now he's the trasher's Evander Kane!! Kane got to meet Holyfield and Holyfield knows Kanes cousin through boxing, how crazy is that! Both Evanders seemed to get along well and like each other, even though there's a big age difference. I like this kid. He seems sweet and just in shock and awe over everything. If I was Evander I would probably be scared out of my mind!!! He is handeling everything so well. Bogi and Boris have taken the baby under their wings. There's even a cute picture of Evander and Boris at the season opener. It looks like Evander was scared and nervous and Boris was telling him it would be ok. The funniest thing is that 19 year old Bogi calls 18 year old Evander a kid!! Oh don't worry Bogi got a weird look for that one!! Boys are so funny!! Anyway good luck Evander! You'll be fine kid!!

To parents everywhere

There's a few really good reasons why I'm not a parent. The main reason is that I'm not ready to have my world be focused around a kid!! It's not that I'm selfish it's just that I'm young and have a lot more time to think about having kids!! I'm still trying to figure my own life out why would I want to bring a kid into that? The reason why I bring this idea of sacrific up is that I was thinking about the parents and families (including wives and kids), girlfriends, Fiances and friends of my boys. When they were young my boys' parents (and maybe occasional grandparent, aunt, uncle, and sibling) drove them to pracices and games and sat through these things. If I'm not mistaken there might have also been award nights as well.Big hats off to hockey (and sports parents) everywhere!!These boys must have had amazing parents because these young men (for the most part) have been so sweet and respectful to me.
Also to their friends, families, girlfriends, Fiances, wives and kids-y'alls sacrifices are awesome. Think about it they don't get to see these boys that much. For about 6 monthes they have to give up precious time with these boys even if the families relocate to be close to the boys. My boys are from Czech, Sloviakia, Russia, America, Canada and a few other place. I know their families miss them and love them I know that last season Bogi's parents have visited him and went over to Russia with him for the world Championship. Some of the boys go home for a little while for the holidays. These families are awesome, so are the boys!! Not only do they not get to spend a lot of time with them they have to see these guys get beaten up for a living so if there is anything the ministry can do for these families it would be well deserved and I would personally arrange it!!

I once in my crazy little head thought it would be cool to date a hockey player. If I found the right one it wouldn't be so bad!! But it takes a strong woman to be involved with a hockey player!!

So to all of my boys families--Thank you!! To any hockey family--y'all are awesome! To any young lady or woman involved with a hockey player--you are stronger and braver than I!!

Ya-Ya and Boo-Boo are back!!!

Let's say this together "Woooo-hooooo!!!" Happy happy Joy Joy!!!! YAY!!! Ya-Ya (Ilya Kovalchuck) offically came back to practice on November 10 as did Boo-boo (Boris Valabik). The difference between Ya-ya and boo-boo is that Ya-ya will be back in the games sooner. Also Ya-ya was just wearing something on his foot where the injury was, where as Boo-Boo had the red "do not touch" jersey on during pratice. When a player is hurt all the players who would normally wear a red jersey goes to another color and the injured boy will wear red to let the other players know not to hit him as hard. I feel worse for Boo-Boo. He was hurt after the 1st or 2nd game, was out for longer AND needed surgey!! If I see him at the next practice I go to I will hug the crap out of him. I am excited about the whole prayers working thing but I think the trashers could have learned a lot more had Ya-Ya stayed out for longer. They need to learn how to play with out Ya-ya because he will not be healthy forever. For some strange reason I do not like Ilya. I know- shocking!! On the other hand I LOVE Boo-boo! You kidding me?? A hot, possibly single 23 year-old Sloviak guy and I'm about to be 23 year old single sloviak girl!! I guess I'm just dreaming though. Anyway my boo- boo is back! So happy!! Can't Wait to see that sweet Sloviak smile! *SWOON* No word yet on Kari who had surgery over the off season. But no worries because have I mentioned I got my baby boy Boo-Boo back? All is right in the world!!

My sweet Matt Siddall- being prayed for by Crystal

My sweet sweet Canadian, he's pretty much perfect. I first saw this stud when we went after Christmas to a Gladiator game. He got into a fight but was a total teddy bear when I got to meet him. Matty is so gracious and sweet. We gained him in December of last year but then lost him for a few weeks in Feburaury. Then over the summer my sweet boy went to two training camps and then came back "home" to our Gladiators.

This 6 foot 2 210 pound teddy bear was born on September 26, 1984 in North Vancouver Bristish Columbia. Matty played at our Coach's Alma Mater, North Michigan University before coming to the Gladiators. Last season he scored 17 goals and 21 assists! I was even at the game when he scored his hat trick (three goals in game!!). So far there hasn't been any goals for the sweetie this season. I'm sooooo glad to have Matty back, he's so talented and sweet. Matty made me smile at practice the other day. They were skating around and all was quiet until I hear a loud "WOOOOOO!" It was Matty! I just smiled because he was just letting out all of his excitment and when the boys are excited, you're excited too. All I know is that I LOVED the enthusiasm and I'm pretty sure coach loves it too! On that day that Matty let out that little yell I walked in and I saw sulli getting ready so I stopped to talk to him I noticed that the boy dressing beside him was looking at me like he knew me I wasn't sure of who it was until I saw his BEAUTIFUL eyes!! I began to talk him like nothing had changed! After practice (like I mentioned in other blogs) I prayed with him. It was so awesome he kept saying "yeah" or "that's good" during the prayer. At the end he looks at me and starts messing with his hair and says (and I quote) "That was awesome!! Whenever we can talk to the big guy upstairs it's awesome and well needed!!" Sulli agreed with everything Matty was saying. I love Matty!! He has the pretty eyes, sweet smile, cute personality-- basically the whole package!! This boy is awesome go see him in action!!! Love you matty!! You're awesome and so precious!!

Star player to start sunday

I decided to reward the boys who are doing well by doing a star player blog about how they earned the title and some stories from fans who know or know of the star player.This will continue even in the off season to honor those who I couldn't get to during the season or honor the guys that do well during pre season games and camps. Each star player will be a star player for 2 weeks.

What is a star player? He is a guy who....
makes great plays
has diginity
improves
doesn't give coach problems
inspires the other players

So if you know of a great player fiiting any or all of these qualities or someone who would know let me know. Also if you know of something you wanna know about a star player let me know at Tina86@mail.com
The 1st star player will be honored sunday I'm currently working on his bio blog and his star player blog!! His name is Ondrej Pavelec!!

Krazy Krittle!!

Krystal and I have been friends since early this year. So here it goes here's what I learned about this hockey chick!

Krystal "Krittle" Ostrowski is from New orleans but now lives in Georgia with her 2 ill parents and her grandma. She has 3 half sisters, 2 step sisters, an adopted sister and a half brother. Krystal has 2 jobs, coach and skating instructor at the ice forum in Duluth (y'all may have seen her there when you go to ice skate)and she is also a model for croc fitness. She's a level 3 hockey coach and a senior level figure skater who's been skating since she was 2. Krystal also is a volunteer "ice person" (but I just call her an ice princess) with the Gwinnet Gladiators. Krittle and I work out at the same gym, lifetime fitness in Duluth. We're in good company at lifetime, Eric Boulton from the thrashers uses the gym in the off season which I didn't know until I talked with Krystal after I joined. Krystal also coaches the Boulton kids at the ice forum. She is by far one of the goofiest gorgeous girls I ever met in my life! I was at a hockey practice standing by Krittle when a hockey player (a thrasher I think) came walking by us in his street clothes. Krystal sees him and says "It's so weird seeing him in clothes!" I looked at her weird and said "what?!?!?" She then laughes and says "I heard it!! You know what I mean!!" I about fell on the floor laughing. I love this girl, I have never laughed so hard in my life then when I'm with her. I think that's why I like her so much. She is also Very very very very wickedly smart, she has a Bachelors in forensic sceince from AIU Dunwoody!! Oh flippin yeah! If she wanted to when I join NCIS I'll save her a civilian spot on my team! Besides being smart, gorgeous, funny and sweet (I swear if she wasn't funny or sweet I'd hate her!!) she is also very active! Enjoying golf, going to the park to throw the football around, going down town for fun stuff and dancing! She also loves movies including twilight and finding nemo!! Krystal also has a tea cup chihuahua and a miniture Dachsen. We do disagree about football, she likes the LSU Tigers and I like my UGA Bulldawgs!! That just proves what can happen in football can't happen in nature, a tiger can be friends with a bulldawg (just not on game day!!). I'll forgive her for being a LSU fan and I'll pray for her!!She has been told that she looks like Taylor Swift who is her favorite singer. I like Taylor too!! She's a complete dork who claims not to be graceful (Yeah flippin' right). We both also like Keith urban and think he and Matthew Macaunhey are hot!!If Krittle could be anybody for the day She would be David Beckham because "He's amazing." She gets great advice from her best friends. "They are always there to back me up and I don't think I would make it through many of many situations if I didn't have such amazing friends," says Krystal.She says her best features are her eyes, She thinks they're very pretty. I think her eyes are gorgeous!! Krittle wouldn't change how she looks but wishes she wasn't so judgemental of others! I think we could all afford to be a little less judgemental!! Just to show that a girl like Krittle isn't perfect I asked her about her most embarrassing moment to which she replied "It would have to be..... When I tripped over my toepick (on my skate) at the thrasher game when I was on the Blue crew 2 seasons ago."

I truely love Krystal!! I enjoyed doing this to honor the funny, Gorgeous, sweet, and all around precious girl Krittle is. So if you have any questions or coments either for me or Krittle please email me at tina86@mail.com. I would love to do another blog about her but had a complete brain fog of what to ask!!

Personality Mix: Me, Sulli and Bogi

There's a reason I love my boys, their personalities. Bogi has this goofy, young pesonality. If he wasn't so busy and had time I could see us hanging out as friends. I know he's 4 years younger with a girlfriend, that's why I said friend!! He'll do something silly during practice and I'll sometimes be the only one laughing. We're just 2 big dorky goof balls!!Bogi also has a sweet and serious side.He loves people, including kids!! I always smile and stand so proud of how he handles himself, so awesome.

As I told you in a previous blog I prayed with my Gladiator prayer partner Sulli. It was a very bonding moment. On the ice Sulli is a tough guy, off the ice he's by far one of the sweetest guys ever!! We kinda have a cool yet awkward friendship- which works for us!! It's pretty awesome. I think Sulli just loves people. He's sweet, funny, and just very easy to talk to.I can have adult conversations with Sulli, not that I can't have adult conversations with Bogi but it's just easier and I have more time with Sulli. We do have a few things in common , we both lost at least 30 pounds and we don't like scary movies!! Imagine that, a tough guy who doesn't like scary movies! I think that's kinda awesome!!I'm so excited about this partnership between me and Sulli. I'm also so glad he's becoming comfortable with me. I'm still sticking to the whole friendship thing since he's married. He's 6 years older than me so I wouldn't mind him thinking of me as a little sister. I would welcome that with open arms!!Actually to serve him better as a prayer partner he may need to be very comfortable sharing with me and I know there will be things he couldn't share or wouldn't want to share and I'm ok with that. Sulli is one of the coolest guys ever who loves people, including kids. He recently went bowling and to Grand Pre with a few fans and the rest of the team. The whole time he was playing with the kiddies!! Gotta love a big tough guy who loves kids and is sweet to a little southern chick!! SO I love my two boys they make me laugh!!!

Nicknames- Mr. Lee would be proud

Not all nicknames were picked by me if they were there will be a mark by the nickname

Thrashers:
Colby Armstrong= Strong arm, Army, Colbster*
Eric Boulton=bolts, Boultsie
Ilya Kovalchuck= Ya-ya*, Kovy
Byan Little= Chicken Little*
Mark Popovic=Poppy*
Rich Peverly= Pevy
Jim Slater=Jimmy
Nik Antropov=Antro, Povy*
Chris Thornburn=Thor
Todd White=great White*
Zach Bogosian= Bogo, Bogi, Zacheal, Squiral*, Mr. Wicked brow*, Rocky*, Skittles*
Tobias Enstrom= Toby
Maxim Afinegov= Max, fin*
Pavel Kubina=Kuby*
Boris Valabik= Bo-Bo, Boo-Boo*
Johan Hedberg= Moose, Jo-Jo, Sponge bob Moose pants
Ondrej Pavelec=Pavy
Evander Kane=Citizen Kane
Vyacheslav Kozlov=V, Slava

Ones with out= Christoph Schurberb, Kari Lehranen, Anssi Samela, Ron Hainsey

Gladiator:
Adam Berti= Brillo Pad*
Chad Denny= denny train, Redneck*, Moose boy*
Josh Johnson= Johnie, JJ
Scott Marchessi= Cheesi, Cheese, Marchi
Scott Mifsud= Elemor Fud*, Sudsy*
Brad Schell= Schellers, Schelly
Matt Siddall= Sids, Woooo
Tom Zanoski= Zani*, Strawberri, Mr. fancy pants
Daniel Sullivan=Sullibear*, Killer*

Ones without: Aaron Brocklehurst, Matt Caruana, Michael Couch, Matt Francis, Jamie Fritsch, Pat Galivan, Brian Kaufman, Drew Paris, Sam Roberts, Chris Zarb, Michael Forney

Meet Mike couch--being prayed for by Ms. Patty

Michael Couch would like to forget what happened in the arena last season. You see Mike played on the mississipi Sea wolves for 2 seasons (2007-2008, 2008-2009). He was a decent player ( scoring 4 goals 18 assists his whole time with Mississippi) until December 12, 2008 when he messed with the wrong Gladiator. Yes ladies and gentleman Mike messed with my old buddy Myles Stoesz!! Myles was a known fighter who got traded to the lowell devils last season. Mike and Myles got into a fight, all was fine until mike's foot got caught in the ice and he fell with Myles falling on top of him (OUCH!). Myles got up, Mike didn't. I peered over the balcony and felt so bad for Mike- he looked like he was in a lot of pain!! He had a lot of reason to look that way, he had shattered at least one of the bones in his leg. That is the day the ministry was born. I adopted Myles as my prayer partner since Myles and Mike inspired it. Mike spent a few monthes in a wheelchair after the fight. After the 2008-2009 season the sea wolves folded and the Gladiators picked Mike up!!

Now that you know how we got Mike, you should know a little bit about Mike. Michael Couch was born February 22, 1983 in Canada (Alberta I believe). The 6 foot 4 208 pound defensive man played with the junior hockey league and then 2 years at St. Thomas university where he majored in economics. He then made his pro debut in Torino Italy in 2006 (lucky guy). As I said earlier he spent 2 seasons with Mississippi. This tough guy and I have 3 things in common, we both like Jason Aldean, hitting the beach and hanging out with friends. We also like naps (nothing better than a sunday afternoon nap). Ok that statement about us both liking naps probably put the wrong idea in someones mind so I'll walk away from it!!I recently saw Michael at practice and he looks good--he has a HUGE, beautiful smile. I wish Michael all the luck in the world and hope he can stay off the injury list!! I also would love to see that smile more often!!

Having Sulli back is great but complicated

After pre season stuff Dan "Sullibear" Sullivan got released so his prayer partner started to pray for Jon Horrell. Dan came back but noone left so I kept him with my other prayer partner, Scott Mifsud. When Jon left I was kind of a pickle, who do I give to Jon's prayer partner? First I had to remember who Jon's prayer partner was. When I checked who was praying for Jon, I started to laugh-it was Kristen. Kristen was praying for Dan last season before he left. I was torn about what to do!! Do I give Kristen Sullibear or Mifsud?? With Mifsud I told him I was praying for him 1st but we haven't talked that much. With Dan I kept him as an extra but we had a bonding moment the other day- the day Jon got released. I think Sullibear was upset about Jon being released. After I was done praying with Matt I noticed that Dan was shaking Jon's hand wishing him luck. Then a little while later Sullibear went to this little area that attaches the rest of the iceforum to the breakaway grill and the thrasher's practice rink. On the way over to him I almost ran over Michael Couch, which probably would have resulted in a fight. When I did get to him, he was all by himself watching the thrashers' that were left at practice. I just went in there saying "Sulli? Umm...I'm about to leave... can I pray with you before I leave?" He said it would be cool. So I go over to the window he was standing at as he faced me. I was sooo nervous! This was only the second time I prayed with one of my boys but I put my hand on his shoulder as we bowed our heads and closed our eyes. When I started to pray it was awesome, he was silent and he was leaning over to hear me. It was awesome. Then something weird happened when Sullibear and I started to walk back to the rest of the boys. He was adjusting his hockey shorts when all of a sudden he has something in his hand.....his cup!!! I flipped out, I didn't know how to react to that. I turned my head away to compose myself thinking "Oh Lord!!! Where did I go wrong?!" I must have looked goofy because he just kinda looked at me weirdly. I couldn't help but at least smile and think "Well our relationship just got weird and awkward!! I'm glad that he is comfy with me." I really am happy that he's showing signs of being comfy with me being there. I love talking to him and he is so sweet. He is how ever a total boy=no discreation!! So who do I keep? I recently made up my mind because of the fact that Sulli is getting comfy with me I want to be him!!

Going back to the whole prayer thing as I mentioned before I also prayed with Matt siddall. Sids was interesting, after every sentence he said either "yeah" OR "that's good." It was odd, I'm so use to people being silent during prayer and sometimes saying something similiar to what Matty said but not after every sentence!!I do love Sids though!! Sids and sulli are two of the guys that I was excited that coach brought back!! You did good coach!! Please keep coach and his extra oridinary young men in your prayers!!

What I just realized about my little Zach

Yesterday I realized that next season we'll have a 20 year old baby bogi on our hands!! Then what's sadder is that in the 2011-2012 season there will be a 21 year old Bogi on our hands!! My little man is getting so old and you know what that means when he's getting old, I'm getting really old. If only I could be a fly on the wall when he goes out for his 21st birthday. He'll always be my little man, just wish he didn't have to grow up so fast!! I'm so proud of the young man he's becoming- so proud, diginified, thankful and respectful. Bogi is one of the guys who will stay until every fan is taken care of, even taking things for his teammates. He is also very cute with kids. One time I was at practice and so was a little girl who was about 2, she was up on the platform the bleachers were on right next to the boards. When Bogi came skating over to get in line he sees her and wiggles his fingers at her, the little girl starts to gigle and so does Bogi. When I saw this I was like "AWWW! Bogi!" the smile goes away as he looks away as if to say "I didn't just do something cute!!" It was by far one of the most precious moments ever! I've said it before and I'll keep saying it, I love that little boy!! I love him more than I've loved any other boy in the ministry and probably spent the most time and money on him. I also did a very bad thing--I gave him sugar!!! You don't give a 19 year old sugar!! You just don't!! Yes ladies and gentleman, I gave into the temptation to be cool and I gave Bogi his favorite candy, skittles! Everytime he smile I smile!! I love this boy!! If he gets traded I'll be sad!!

The joys of working with boys- fight edition

Boys and girls are different, we all know that, this is why we find each other complicated yet totally irresitable.I love watching my boys and talking to them. The little goobers are crazy but I love them. On each team we have fighters and snipers. Snipers are guys that you don't see coming until they fight, score a goal or run someone into the boards!! We have at least 2 snipers on the gladiators, Pat Galivan and Matt Siddall. I'm not too sure about the thrashers sniper situation. Snipers make games interesting. I was at a game last season and there was a new guy, Matt Siddall. Matt kinda blended into the rest of the team then all of a sudden he got into a fight-OOOh YEAH!!! I was instantly smitten. After the game I got to meet Matt (and Myles Stoesz). I love those boys. Matt is a very sweet guy, except for the whole fight thing. Matt is also very cute! The fighters are insane. As I learned recently fighters don't discrimenate, they'll attack anyone at anytime for any reason -it's up to the guy the fighter hits (or sometimes the fighter) to respond. My little man Zach Bogosian once hit a guy and then said "He had the puck, I wanted the puck so I hit him!!" You gotta love the logic. Guys are so Crazy!!I love my boys. As I mentioned in earlier blogs Eic Boulton is smaller (height wise-he's close to 5-3 with out his skates) but he's a fighter, he even got into a fight with Colby Armstrong during practice (which Ms. Janet said was just stupid because he should have just used his words!). Sometimes guys just push or shove but don't really cause a fight, case in point-Chad Denny the gladiator. I went to the season opener and I heard the loudest thud that I heard in a while. When I looked in the direction the thud came from and I saw # 3 of Denny skating away. I smiled and thought "we got Chad back!!" It's good having him back. Denny is good at derailing people that's why we call him the Denny train!! I think fighters, shovers, derailers and snipers will be in great supply!

The problem with Bolts and Army and fights explained

Wednesday I was up with my mom doing erands but in Duluth there was a problem brewing between Colby "army" Armstrong and Eric "bolts" Boulton at practice. I Only found out about it friday when I got my little tail up to practice.What happened was Army and Bolts got into a fight.When I heard about the fight I thought Something had happened to Bolts' family and someone said something at practice to push him over the edge. I later went to another blog (http://gettingpucksdeep.blogspot.com/2009_10_01_archive.html) and found out that Army tripped Bolts and obiviously said something to make Bolts drop glove. Then Bogi tried to stop it with a few of the other guys on the team. Things were pretty normal Friday you just didn't see Army and boults spend too much time together. OH the joys of working with and watching boys, you never know what you are going to get. I never been at a practice where there was a fight, only games. Sometimes it's scary. Just think about it this way, these boys have been playing with and against each other since pee wee and a lot of them went to college and minors to play, so something is bound to happen! So think about that the next time a hockey fight breaks out!!

The thrashers' prayer partner list with notes

The List:
Colby Armstrong=Lexi
Eric Boulton= Ms. Janet
Ilya Kovalchuck= Kerianne
Vyacheslav Kozlov= Ms. Stringer
Bryan Little= Hunter
Mark Popovic= Ms. Mellissa
Rich Peverly= Mr. Stringer
Marty Reasoner=Ms. Earles
Jim Slater= Mr. Jim
Nik Antropov= Taylor
Chris Thorburn= Mr. Clint
Todd White=Cody
Zach Bogosian=me
Tobias Enstrom= Mr. Jon
Maxim Afinegov=Ashton
Ron Hainsey=Ms. Candi
Pavel Kubina= Mr. Lee
Anssi Salmela= Ms. Kathy
Boris Valabik= Mary
Johan Hedberg= bro. jay
Kari Lehranen= Brittany
Ondrej Pavelec= Ms. Tony
Evander Kane= Elizabeth
Christoph Schubert= Ms. Valorie

Notes: With Ilya and boris being out, Krog came in I may adopt him since we just have a few weeks before the boys come back, Hopefully

Personality and height mix: Eric Boulton,Bryan Little, Vyacheslav "Slava" Kozlov, Rich Peverly, Jim slater, Tobias "Toby" Enstrom,and Evander are smaller. Eric and I are similair in height when he's not in his gear. On the other hand Boris "Boo-Boo" Valabik and Nik "Antro" Antropov are Massiv. Personalities are pretty crazy on the ice with people like Eric and Zach getting into fights. Off the ice all of the guys except for Ilya stay and sign all autographs and take all pictures. Ilya sign limited autographes. All boys except for Ilya are good with kids.I could totally see Ms. Janet and her family hanging out with Eric and his family. I could also see Zach, Colby, Slava, Bryan, Rich, Johan, Ondrej, and Evander hang out with their prayer partners. Life is good with the boys!!

The Gladiators' prayer partner list with notes

The list:
Adam Berti=Ms. Jennifer
Aaron Brocklehurst= Grace anna
Matt Caruana=Ms. Hope
Michael Couch=Ms. Patty
Chad Denny= Ms. Michelle
Matt Francis=Hunter
Jamie Fritsch= Mr. Gary
Pat Galivan=Ms. Angela
Jon Horrell=Kristen
Josh Johnson=Mr.Andy
Brian Kaufman= Lexi
Scott Marchessi= Ms. Stephanie
Scott Mifsud=Me
Drew Paris= Alan
Sam Roberts=Brittany
Brad Schell=Bro. Jay
Matt Siddall=Crystal
Danny Taylor=Morgan
Tom Zanoski=Taylor
Chris Zarb= Mary
Michael Forney=Ms.Cheryle

Notes:Matt Siddall has been seen at some events but his name is not on the online roster so Imagine what happened when Dan Sullivan came back-who will I put him with when no left the team? So for now I pray for 2 glads and a thrasher.

Personality and Height mix: The awesome thing about the teaming of the boys with their prayer partners is how the personalities mix. For example Ms. Patty (who I love) is the mama type while her Glad is the bad boy type. It's so cute, she calls him her boy. She asks about him at church. I could see some of the boys (like Scott Mifsud and Matt Siddall-among others) hanging out with their prayer partners. With some of the boys like the Scotts, Brad Schell and Tom Zanoski (among others) they're shorter so they can litterally look their prayer partner in the eye. It's pretty awesome

Thoughts on Ilya and Boris

Recently tough guy Boris Valabik and superstar Ilya Kovalchuck got hurt. Ilya (Ya-Ya) injured his foot during a game when a puck hit his foot. Poor guy will be out for at least 6 weeks. I think it's good for the boys to learn how to play with out Ya-Ya . Ya-Ya isn't the only player or the most important-even though everyone thinks he is. Fans are flippin' out, everyone is predicting failure but the great coaches and players of the ATL are not worried!!We were already suffering with the fact that Boris (BOO-BOO) was hurt. Boo-boo broke his ankle during practice after falling- unprovoked. A sweet thing happened after the fall- Toby Enstrom went over, put his hand on Boris' back and said, "Boris are you OK? What's wrong?" I love Toby, he's sweet but a little shy. Boo-boo will be out for at least 2 more weeks if not 4, if I'm not mistaken. With both boys of them out some boys stepped up- including Ondrej Pavelec. Pavy saved 50 pucks allowing only 1 goal in a recent game. So no worries about the whole injury thing- we'll be fine...I hope!

Bogi is amazing!!!

I have a thrasher and a Gladiator I pray for. The Glads are minor league so I'm on my third Gladiator at least! Since I started the Thrasher section of the ministry I only had one Thrasher, the amazing 19 year-old super star, Zach Bogi Bogosian. I fell in love with this little boy especially during the 2009 camp. I went a few days just to see him, not knowing what to expect. The first day I went up to him and gave him a little package filled with stuff like verses. He didn't say much just thanks. The next time I went I went up to Zach and asked him for a picture and I also asked him about the verses. He smiled that sweet little 19 year old smile and said "They were really nice thanks." I got all goofy and didn't know what to say, I think I said awesome but I haven't a clue. I know he's a kid who has a girlfriend but I'm smitten!! He's a dork, which has provided for some funny moments!! Like once I was waiting for him and Ondrej Pavelec to come off the ice and I hear the best laugh EVER!! I look and sure enough there's bogi about to fall backwards into the bench box. I was like "Squiral!! AWWW!" he looks, the smile disappears and he looks away like "I didn't just do something cute!" He later comes off the ice all serious signing some stuff for fans and grabs his note from me.

This boy can do no wrong!! I honestly don't know what I would do with out this little boy!! I want to keep him. I know he's growing up and I hate it!!! The only thing that frustrates me is that he's younger than me and has a tricked out car and he also has a message therapist at his beckon call!! I'm still driving my beat up old Taurus and I have to pay @ least $30 for a 30 minute message!!! How flippin' fair is that? I did hear someone say I should hide him some where and pose as him for a week or two but I think people would catch on when Bogi is about a foot shorter, has a higher voice and can't even stand on his skates. Oh yeah I'm a complete goober when it comes to grace!! I'm so ungraceful it's sad!! Life would be interesting as a hockey player!

I love this young man and I'll post more about him!!

the inspiration for my ministry and why I'm not giving up

I'm always asked three questions about my ministry:
1) What is it?
2) Why do you do it?
3) Why don't you just give up?

To answer one and two, I started the ministry "Hope in hockey" to help the thrashers and Gladiators. People were matched up with hockey players to pray for. After that we basically wait for them to need us. Some go to games and they're also able to go to practices. I just had this burden for the boys and I didn't know where to turn until this idea just hit me.I just want to do this for the boys to let them know not everyone want something from them, there's people there to look out for them.

To answer three, I didn't come all this way to just give up!! I feel like we may have a chance to help these guys either find purpose or find a "family" here in Georgia. Everyone needs a purpose and someone who cares. It hurts me to know that I have people questioning me. I just love these boys so much!! Please keep the ministry in your thoughts and prayers