Week 2: It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything

Week two is complete, stats have been updated, and we are looking at an upset to the status quo ladies and gentlemen. Perennial Icebucket contenders the San Jose Soviet Bears and the Denver Demon Donkeys continue to stumble with both teams dropping games this week.  The Las Vegas Balla’s bounced back this week along with the Milwaukee Monarchs. Reigning Icebucket Champs, the Washington Winter Warriors, extended their winning streak to two; as did the Boston Benders and Harpswell Mayors.

Soviet Bears vs Mayors

The Soviet Bears looked tired and listless during their matchup with the Harpswell Mayors last week. The Bears, who barely eked out a win last week against the Monarchs, fell prey to sloppy defense and string of injuries that saw several key players go out on IR. The Mayors by contrast continued their strong debut in the IHHL under the stewardship of Jason Hawthorne Petty and Head Coach Rob Ford. The Mayors were able to capitalize on key turnovers and controlled the flow of the matchup all week. Final Score: Bears - 110.6 (1-1-0) to Mayors - 128.3 (2-0-0).

Monarchs vs Wolves

The Milwaukee Monarchs started the week off slowly against the Seattle Wolves, dropping the first three matchups of the week before rallying on Thursday. Bolstered by the top line of Ladd (LW), Okposo (RW), and Flippula (C,LW), the Monarchs owned the last four games of the week. The Wolves, who are off to their best start in years, were unable to hold the surging Monarchs back despite outstanding performances from Towes (C) and Iginla. Final Score: Monarchs - 132.25 (1-1-0) to Wolves 111 (1-1-0).

Sasquatches vs Boston Benders

Despite strong play this week, the Saskatoon Sasquatches were simply outgunned by the Boston Benders. The matchup was competitive all week, with each team trading off wins nightly, until Saturday. On Saturday, the Benders racked up nearly 60 points, effectively burying Sasquatches and winning the week. Final Score: Sasquatches - 137.7 (0-2-0) to Benders 182.9 (2-0-0).

Winter Warriors vs Blackjacks

The Washington Winter Warriors seemed to be sleepwalking through this weeks matchup against the Cleveland Blackjacks. Despite a lackluster performance from the Warriors, at least the team showed up to the game. The Blackjacks seemed to be phoning in their game this week; a weak showing from defense, combined with failure to capitalize on scoring chances doomed the Blackjacks from the outset. Final Score: Warriors - 139.4 (2-0-0) to Blackjacks 90.3 (0-2-0).

Balla’s vs Demon Donkeys

Still stinging from last weeks loss, the Las Vegas Balla’s came out strong in their home opener against the Denver Demon Donkeys. The Donkeys dropped their second straight game, falling to an unprecedented eighth place in the league. With the Donkey’s worse start to a season in over a decade, many fans are calling for Team Owner Cody Wright to step down as coach. While it is still early in the season, the poor showing combined with last seasons exit from the Icebucket playoffs means that Wright needs to turn things around fast. Coach/Owner Wright approaching things in his typical zen style, said “It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything”. Final Score: Balla’s 157.35 (1-1-0) to Donkeys 120.2 (0-2-0).

Gif of the Week

This weeks gif of the week showcases Denver Demon Donkeys Owner, Cody Wright’s reaction to his team performance this week.

“It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything”

IHHL Week 1 - Whoa, we're half way there

Welcome back to the Fifth Season IHHL fans! It has been a long summer, but the lads of Winter are back and ready to play.

Over the off season, IHHL management was busy tweaking rules and getting new owners lined up, all in hopes of delivering another high impact fun-to-watch season. With the first week of games halfway done, things look very promising. Old grudges have been renewed and new blood is being split.

The first week of the season is spanning 11 days in total, from Wednesday, October 8, to Sunday, October 19, as the teams ease into the new season.

San Jose Soviet Bears  vs Milwaukee Monarchs
The Soviet Bears, formerly the Barrel Riders of Buffalo, and the Monarchs have resumed their division rivalry in grand fashion. The Bears lead the Monarchs by a scant 20 points, but the two teams continue to trade blows and position on a nightly basis. Word from league sources is that the on-ice antics are spilling over to off-ice bravado and heated exchanges between the team owners. Current standing: Soviet Bears 121.7 to Monarchs 100.6

Saskatoon Sasquatches vs Seattle Wolves
The Sasquatches host the Wolves for their season opener and jumped out to an early lead on opening night. The Wolves fought back throughout the weekend though and now have a 30 point lead over the hometown favorites. With seven days to go, this matchup is far from over. Current standing: Sasquatches 76.05 to Wolves 106.

Harpswell Mayors vs Cleveland Blackjacks
New IHHL Owner Jason Hawthorne Petty spent most of the off season getting his team settled into their new home after moving the team from Richmond, VA this summer. The move seemed to energize the team that went all last season without a win. The Mayors jumped out to an early lead opening night, as they hosted the Blackjacks, but miscues over the weekend saw that lead evaporate as the Blakjacks rallied back. Many wonder if hiring former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford as the team coach may have been a mistake. Current standing: Mayors 99.95 to 115.85.

Washington Winter Warriors vs Las Vegas Balla’s
IHHL 2014 IceBucket Champions, the Washington Winter Warriors are hosting new owner Dan Hall and the Las Vega Balla’s this week. The Warriors were sluggish opening night, allowing the Balla’s to jump out to an early lead. That night, Owner Mac Cannon had a closed door meeting with the team that seems to have put a fire back under the reigning champs. Coming out the weekend, the Warriors hold a commanding 50+ point lead over the Balla’s. The week is far from over, but the Balla’s have their work cut out for them. Current standing: Warriors 150.50 to Balla’s 92.8.

Boston Benders vs Denver Demon Donkeys
The benders are opening up their season by playing host their bitter division rivals the Denver Demon Donkeys. The Benders, still stinging from their exit in the IHHL finals, came out strong and have the put the Donkeys’ on their heels from the start. Current standing: Benders 128 vs Donkeys 92.05.