At the end of last week, several members of the LFA played friendly games against a team coming directly from Switzerland to face the best adult hockey league in the Montreal area. It was at the Bell Sports Center in Brossard that the two organizations met in a festive and yet serious atmosphere, both teams wanting to make a good impression.

The first game played on Friday September 15 ended with a tight 5-3 win for the LFA, the last goal having been scored in an empty net. Both teams played rather offensive hockey, neglecting the defensive somewhat at the beginning of the game, then regrouping and playing an intense and entertaining game. Unfortunately, as it happen too often, the goalkeeper of the Swiss team did not receive his equipment which was lost in Europe, and it is a substitute goalie, Jean-François Gemme of the LFA, who held the fort for the visitors.

The second game, played in the afternoon the next day, was finally less tightly played, with a final score of 8-3. The LFA's team was able to count on hungry forwards in Bill Carroll and Pierre-Luc Aspirot to name but these, who scored several goals each in addition to causing several turnovers along with their trio linemates. After a period, the score was 4-3 in favor of the locals, but the fatigue, the well-watered evenings and a more passive style of play will have been the reasons for the fall down of the visiting team in the second half of the game.

These friendly games are a reflection of the LFA's prestige on the adult hockey scene in the Greater Montreal area as it is the visitors who are approaching the league in order to set up these games.

On another note, the league is still in recruiting for its morning division, the LFA 7AM Buzz. You will have the chance to play on one of the three most beautiful ice of the region; at the Bell Sports Center in Brossard, at the Pierrefonds Sportplexe or at the Bell Place in Laval. By choosing one of these sub-divisions, you will start the day on the right foot! LFA members registering in more than one division (like the Central Division and LFA 7AM Buzz Division) will receive a discount on the total cost. Do not miss your chance, the places are limited!

Finally, we are all looking forward to the next game of the Central Division after a forced break of one week. After one exhibition game, all the teams seem to be fairly balanced and have the necessary tools in hand to achieve success. As always, it is the involvement of all players within their team and the league that will ensure a successful season.

Have a nice one!

Jacob Poliquin