DEVILS EAST/WEST START CUP WITH WIN OVER NORTH

Gerry's Cup Match 10-02-2025 Lee Valley: DEVILS E/W 6 - DEVILS NORTH 3

A New Era, A Familiar Chaos

For years, the Bodean’s Cup was a staple of our hockey lives, a cherished tradition. But with the generosity of our new backer, the first-ever Gerry’s Cup was upon us.

What does this mean? A new chapter. A new legacy. And, if finances allow, a new trophy that may or may not just have ‘Bodean’s’ scratched out of the old one.

The whispers of a new tradition were already swirling—perhaps the victor will celebrate by indulging in a poutine-filled cup. But before any fries, cheese curds, or gravy could be poured into a possibly repurposed trophy, there was a game to be played.

The matchup was East/West (EW) vs. North—but before a single shift was played, tensions were already running high.

The away team EW waltzed into the home team dressing room, setting up camp like they owned the place.

North, outnumbered at first, bided their time. When reinforcements arrived, they did what had to be done—evicting EW and reclaiming their rightful space. Unfortunately, this left EW without a room. After an emergency search party was dispatched, they eventually found a home—by evicting some innocent figure skaters.

Whether this was handled with diplomacy, grace, and professionalism, or just sheer force, is a matter of historical debate.

Meanwhile, the pre-season drama had already played out weeks before in the backroom dealings that made the NHL trade deadline look like minor paperwork.

As debates raged (over Gerry’s legendary subs, of course), South threw all their toys out of the pram and eventually got their way. EW Captain Chebator just wanted to play hockey, while North, predictably, didn’t argue for anything—they always show up with a full squad anyway.

First Period

North, having been privy to a Herb Brooks-like speech from James Laing, took to the ice brimming with energy and confidence.

EW, under the stern, watchful eye of Captain Chebator and Old-Timer Gary Reid—whose clock hasn’t turned back in years—were ready to weather the storm.

The game kicked off at a ferocious pace, with North striking first—a jammed-in goal from Quinby Duble, setting the tone for what seemed to be a solid start.

EW didn’t let that lead breathe for a second. On the very next shift, Theo Abban, fresh from an existential crisis with his own equipment, pounced on a rebound off a Chebator chance and buried it.

That was goal one of four unanswered first period goals for EW.

North’s defensive discipline promptly evaporated, as forwards and D-men alike charged forward like they were in a U9 game chasing the puck. This lead to costly turnovers, and Sam Bailey took full advantage—grabbing a loose puck in the slot and sniping home his first of the season.

Then came Theo’s second, courtesy of some fine work from Adam “Diggo” Diggens. Kevin Bender capped the onslaught, pulling the puck to his backhand and beating Matt B for a commanding 4-1 lead.

Second Period:

Determined not to roll over, North came out flying in the second, peppering Nikolai with shots. Finally, Pep Malacarne sniped a beauty, bar down, to make it 4-2.

Momentum was firmly shifting in North’s favour. They spent an eternity in the offensive zone, finally playing proper team defense (read: D-men stayed back, and forwards actually backchecked).

Meanwhile, Matti and Harry had an on-ice standoff, one hooking, the other holding, both clearly just trying to get an autograph, or maybe a number for a late-night rendezvous.

"WHAT THE F HARRY???"* came the immediate response from Matti, providing the soundtrack to the exchange.

Then came the TSN Turning Point™️.

With under two minutes left, Jon Foster attempted a clearing pass, only to have it gloved down by Mulligan, who broke in 1-on-1 against Sarge.

Sarge, ever the reliable stay-at-home d-man, disrupted the shot, but Mulligan still got it off. It beat Nikolai… BUT NOT THE POST.

The “CLANG” echoed through the rink, a heartbreaking sound that sent the puck bouncing the other way.

EW quickly capitalized. In a lightning-fast counterattack, Jeremy found a wide-open Chebator, who rifled it home.

5-2.

EW jubilant, North dejected.

Third Period:

North got an early third-period lifeline courtesy of Dan Maze, whose rush-snipe combo brought it to 5-3.

However, the scoresheet listed him under #0—because he forgot his jersey.

Then came the officiating drama.

A dubious offside call, based on a rule changed only two years ago (but apparently still not updated in the ref’s mind).

Missed penalties that left North fuming.

A Too Many Men penalty, called despite Harry Grant’s blink-and-you-miss-it change.

In a last-ditch effort, North pulled their goalie.

Quinby won the draw, Pep loaded up—AND BLOOP, the puck hopped over his stick.

Theo took it the other way and buried it into the empty net to complete his hat trick. a 6-3 EW Win.

Post-Game:

Abban celebrated his hat trick alone, still in his own personal locker room, until someone noticed he was missing.

Jeremy aggressively lobbied the ref for phantom assists.

Stu and Kevin, like Maze, sat in their own separate changing rooms.

Half the team drank non-alcoholic beer.

Chebator, victorious but completely spent, could only huff and puff between post-game interviews.

EW jubilant, North dejected.

As the rain fell and beers were shared outside, there was only one question left:

Would House and his new bevvy of riches down South have what it takes to compete this year, or did we just witness a preview of the possible final?

- J. Mulligan

Next Gerry's Cup Match: South plays E/W on February 24th.

Devils East/West: Scoring

Theo Abban (B. Chebator)
Sam Bailey (M. Konsala, B. Chebator)
Theo Abban (A. Diggens)
Kevin Bender (A. Cohen)
Bob Chebator (J. Robert, A. Thomas)
Theo Abban (unassisted) EN

Devils East/West: Penalties

None

Devils North: Scoring

Quinby Duble (unassisted)
Giuseppe Malacarne (S. Wroe)
Dan Maze (unassisted)

Devils North: Penalties

Bench (too many men)

BENDER SCORES FOUR AS DEVILS DEFEAT FOXES

Challenge Match 11-11-2024 Lee Valley: London Devils 9 - London Foxes 7

Kevin Bender scored four and added two helpers for an incredible six point night to lead the Devils to a win over the London Foxes at Lee Valley.

London Devils: Scoring

Kevin Bender (unassisted)
Kevin Bender (J. Mulligan, Q. Duble)
Kevin Bender (J. Mulligan, P. Holbrook)
Jeremy Robert (unassisted)
Quinby Duble (K. Bender)
Jonathan Foster (H. Grant)
Kevin Bender (S. Bailey, J. Mulligan)
Marc Corbiel (S. Bailey)
James Mulligan (K. Bender)

London Devils: Penalties

none

DEVILS COME OUT ON TOP IN FIRST MEETING WITH FOXES

Challenge Match 07-07-2024 Alexandra Palace: London Devils 11 - London Foxes 6

The Devils stormed out to an 8-0 lead before the Foxes pulled back into the game. Fortunately for the Devils, Corbiel had his shooting boots on and netted four to lead the Devils to victory.

London Devils: Scoring

Sam Bailey (P. Holbrook, K. Greenberg)
James Laing (T. Elbaz, M. Konsala)
James Laing (S. Bailey, S. Zdatny)
Tal Elbaz (L. Gryzbon, J. Robert)
Marc Corbiel (S. Zdatny, S. Bailey)
Lukasz Gryzbon (A. Thomas)
Sam Bailey (T. Wong, M. Konsala)
Tal Elbaz (unassisted)
Marc Corbiel (S. Bailey, A. Thomas)
Marc Corbiel (P. Holbrook)
Marc Corbiel (S. Bailey)

London Devils: Penalties

T. Wong (hook)