|
May 1, 2005
Toronto, ON - The Detroit Chaos won their third Hockey
North America Toronto Tournament this weekend with an exciting 4-3 win
over the Detroit Firecats. After winning back to back titles in 2000
and 2001 the Chaos had struggled through subsequent years to regain
their championship form. Four years later the Chaos rekindled the
dynasty debate. The critics can begin the debate with the fact that
the Chaos have won three championships in six Hockey North America (HNA)
Toronto Tournament appearances.
To understand the full impact of this weekends
championship requires a look back at the history of this proud
franchise. The Detroit Chaos was the brainchild of Captain Steve
Benninger and General Manager Brian Kappler in 2000. Born out of
frustration from many losing trips to the Toronto tournament on the
now defunct Detroit Bombers, Benninger and Kappler decided they would
form their own team. In their first ever HNA Toronto Tournament in
2000 the Chaos took home the Division 5 title. In 2001 they repeated
by defeating the Detroit Bombers. The franchise looked like a dynasty
in the making. But looks can be deceiving.
Greatness in sports can't simply be declared. It must
be earned on the field of play. The Chaos stumbled through the 2002,
2003, and 2004 Toronto campaign. They had 2 second place trophies to
show for their effort. The core of the roster had stayed intact since
the beginning. Names that will go down in Chaos history like McDonald,
Belding, the "Cousins Line", and JOEY had been there since the
championship days. But the fans were growing restless and some were
even calling for roster shakeups. Toronto 2005 offered the chance to
reclaim the glory days. But if the Chaos were to win they would have
to play their finest hockey. To win the championship they would have
to play 5 games in 40 hours. It would prove to be their most grueling
championship run.
The tournament opened with a rematch of last years
Toronto Tournament Final. The Dayton Frickers had used questionable
tactics to win the Division 3 title over the Chaos in 2004. HNA
tournament officials could not be reached to comment on whether the
scheduling had been intentional, but the Chaos were ready for the
early test. Captain Chaos led the way with a hat trick and Detroit was
never threatened winning in convincing fashion, 4-0.
Saturday in Toronto separates the pretenders from the
contenders. After a Friday night strategy session sponsored by The
Glenlivet and the emotional return of star forward Jason Totzke from
China, Captain Benninger and goalie, Joey Krizek, seemed properly
motivated. With a late start on Saturday the rest of the team would
also rise to the occasion. The Chaos beat a quick skating Detroit
Wings team 6-1 in their first game of the day. The second game of the
day pitted the Chaos against the Detroit Lightning. This was a chippy
affair, but again the Chaos answered the bell. The Lightning were
disposed of by a score of 4-1. The Chaos were all but assured a spot
in the finals. All that was left was a matchup with the Detroit
Firecats. It would be the beginning of their biggest test.
Regardless of the outcome of game 4 on Sunday morning
the Chaos were guaranteed of a spot in the final later that day. On
the other hand, the Firecats needed a win or a tie to play in the
championship. The Chaos looked sluggish early and the Firecats
controlled play for most of the game. The first gut check moment of
the tournament occurred in the third period with the Chaos down 3-1.
Lesser teams would've packed it up and saved their energy for the
championship. But, this is the Chaos. They fought back for the tie and
sent a message in the process. Buckle up for the Final.
All the planning, traveling, duty free shopping,
over/under point wagering, hospitality suite "strategizing", luggage
cart ferrying, and parking lot vandalism came down to one play in the
final. One play defined the trip. One play defined all the hard work
this "vacation" called the Toronto Tournament can be. With the score
tied at 3-3 and less than ten seconds left the Cousins line had one
last rush left in them. Terry Fidler put a perfect pass on Totzke's
stick with less than 8 seconds on the clock. And Totzke shot the puck
past the shocked Firecat's goalie. The scoreboard read 4-3 with 7.4
seconds left in the game. And just like that it was over. Mission
Accomplished.
The curtain call on this championship run is a lengthy
one, but it would be a crime if it didn't start with the defense. Brad
Lipskie, Eric Sandstrom, Peter Kinlin, and newcomer Ryan Thorne put
the lockdown on opposing forwards. And JOEY put on his usual goalie
clinic. Best Defense Award. Best Goalie Award. That says it all.
Everyone on the roster came through. Not bad for a bunch of guys that
only play together once a year playing against teams that play
together year round.
So, for one cold spring weekend in Toronto the game
was on. No lockouts or strikes. No replacement players. Just back to
basics hockey. Pass the puck. Shoot the puck. Stop the puck from going
in your net. And it was back to basics for the Chaos. The basics of
championships. |
