Feb. 15, 2003

DOM-LAND, Middle-earth—Caribou goalie Gandalf posted his first shutout of the season, and Pippin scored the team's first hattrick against the Fighting Uruk Hai. The final score was 0-5.

The arena went quite mad when Pippin scored his third goal early in the third period. Honoring the age-old hockey tradition, they threw hats (and assorted helmets) onto the ice. There was a 30-minute delay while the zamboni resurfaced the ice where the helmets had left huge dents.

"Yippee!" exclaimed an extremely excited Pippin. "What do we do now?"

Merry assisted on all three goals. He attributed their success to their height.

"They kind of can't see us," he said. "They also can't tell us apart. Then again, they all look the same to me too."

Gandalf attributed his shutout to the three gallons of gel he put in his beard in an attempt to avoid delay of game penalties. As a result, the beard became so stiff, it acted as another blocker, making saves all on its own.

"It's like having another goalie stick!" said Gandalf. The league is looking into how legal this is.

This was an especially important game for Gandalf whose rivalry with Uruk-Hai head coach Saruman is legendary.

"I got him good," said Gandalf.

Gimli and Sam scored the other two 'Bou goals in the surprisingly tame match considering the history between these two teams. Only three penalties were called all night.

Head coach Elrond praised his team for their focus and intensity.

"No one snuck off for pints," Elrond said. "But they definitely earned them tonight."

The celebration lasted long into the night.

But Perhaps the 'Bou celebrated too hard as they were beaten in spectacular fashion 7-3 by the Rangers of the Ithilien.

"I guess we were a little off," said Legolas whose hair seemed a bit mussed. "We really should've taken naps before the game instead of that keg party."

Elrond chastised his team for lack of intensity, but had to back off when the hobbits started to cry. Head trainer Bubbles gave them strawberry icees and some kleenex.

Gandalf started again in goal even though it was a back-to-back situation. However, he was not able to put gel in his beard as he had used it all up in the game against the Uruk-Hai.

"We haven't got a backup goalie," said Sam. "I guess it must be hard for Mr. Gandalf being a million years old and everything."

"I heard that!" said Gandalf.

Although it was an awkward family reunion, Boromir didn't seem bothered by being beaten by his brother's team.

"Who?" he said. "Oh. Him. Yeah. I'm glad he's doing something positive with his life. Mum'll be pleased."

When asked who was tougher to face his brother or his sister-in-law Eowyn, who plays for the Rohan Riders, Boromir was amused.

"Eowyn. Duh," he said. "Faramir's my little brother. I've been using him for target practice since I was five."

Ranger captain Faramir had two goals, including one power- play goal, and an assist. He didn't seem bothered by his brother's challenge.

"He should talk about target practice," he said.

Nonetheless, Boromir, holes and all, scored one of the three 'Bou goals. Aragorn and Legolas also scored for the Caribou.

Elrond said the 'Bou will do better next time.

This was the last home game for the 'Bou who start a four-game roadtrip next week. They play the Rohan Riders at the Rohan Rodeo, the Moria Orcs at the Mosh-Pit of Moria, the Rangers at Madison Square Gondor and the Ringwraiths at The One Rink where Sam has promised to take out the Witch King's knees.

Pippin gets grimy after smashing into an Uruk-Hai.

Ranger forward Faramir hustles toward the net.

Original Faramir head from ninecompanions.net

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