Making The Cut, Episode 5: Play Hard or Go Home

Paris Cosby is still on the bench, so super-scrub Brian Towers stays on the ice to provide you with a recap of another night’s action!

The show opens with a brief recap of last week. Well I did that for you here, so I’ll just remind you that the Black Helmets were separated from the Elite players, who were divided into Blue and Gold teams. These teams played a game, won 5-3 by team Gold. Two players (#26 Moher, #65 Zajamkala) were cut.

Day 6 begins at 8:37 with both teams going to practice. #34 Groberty tells us he’s been plagued by strange dreams and is suffering from a lack of proper sleep. We are reminded that these are 11-hour days with practice time, lots of fitness training, plus the games. Many of the players are nursing injuries, aches, and pains. We see that the training staff has their hands full!

For today’s game, #57 Jefkins is too sick to get out of bed, #62 Mamane has a bad ankle, #27 Harkins has a muscle strain/tear, and #45 MacGilliveray has a concussion. None will play today. Also, decisions are delayed for #50 Kahler (torn cartilage and internal lacerations) and #59 Power (quad contusion). And I’ve got a paper cut!

Profile: #59 Ryan Power. Ryan is from St. John’s, NL, but now lives in P.E.I. and works as a mussel-diver. His girlfriend Penny tells us he was very down, tired and frustrated until he was diagnosed with Clinical Depression. His friend Jeremy has helped him in his battle against it. Ryan really perked up when he found out he was going to be on Making The Cut, and is happiest when he’s on the ice. For now, he’s on the Gold Team, though, as noted above, fighting an injury.

Time to check in on the Black Aces practice. #28 Tessier has taken to wearing an Ace of Spades on his helmet. That’s gotta be an illegal uniform modification, dude, but the levity does help.

We learn at this time that players cut after the first week get to continue to practice with the Elite teams, they are not sent to be with the Black Aces. This makes sense, as some minimum number of bodies is necessary to have proper games; one can’t just continuously shrink the size of the teams until there isn’t enough for a line change. However, those snazzy black helmets really stand out, since all the others are wearing shiny white ones.

We’re back to the War Room for an “Emergency Meeting.” This time, the coaches need to identify four Black Aces to be promoted to fill in for the injured players. The fortunate ones are: defenceman #13 Clark and wingers #36 Whyte, #28 Tessier and #64 Mizzi. When Mizzi is told, he asks if he can go skate some more. Dude, weren’t you listening – this is your big break! You should be running to the dressing room, just to get out of that crappy gray uniform!

Coach Jack Birch wants the players told they are just coming for the day to help out, but the truth is, this is their chance to play their way back on to the Elite team. However, should that occur, someone else would be cut in their stead. Why coach Birch would say that I don’t know, but when the four players are told, the whole scenario is properly spelled out for them. Namely, you got a break here, don’t blow it this time!

To give them time to get to the other rink, CBC thoughtfully runs a lengthy series of commercials at this point. And when they get there, the coaches are busy instructing on checking patterns and other deep secrets. The word “aggressive” is prominent. General Manager Mike Keenan comments that most of these guys have never had exposure to top-level coaching or top training, and that may be why some are showing such rapid development.

Profile: #39 Derrell Levy. We learn that Derrell’s young brother Cayle has been a huge positive influence for him, and why not? When he was one, Cayle had a rare disease that led to a series of major physical problems that left him brain damaged. The little guy is a fighter though, and the way he “strived to live” inspires Derrell when he’s feeling down. Additionally, Derrell has been running a hockey camp (on a shoestring) since he was 17 (he’s 20 now). It’s going to be hard not to root for Derrell!

Once again, it’s “Hockey Night In Vernon!” It’s just killing the injured players to watch. All had commented earlier that they think they are healthy enough to play. I guess they know who Wally Pipp is? Fortunately, the trainers know better, none of the four injured players could really give their best effort.

Finally, game time! First goal is a nice tip in for Team Blue, as #34 Groberty tucks one under the crossbar. Team Gold’s #16 Little gets nailed on the boards by his own player and is slow to get up. So much air in the arena, yet none in his lungs! However, next shift he converts a nice feed from #47 Choiniere to tie it up. Team Blue regains the lead as #38 Lauzon breaks down the left wing and picks the corner.