ANN ARBOR– Through the valiant efforts of referee Tapu Silvenoinen, Black Ops was able to overcome a 0-3 first period that saw Hopslam’s Andrew Thompson score a natural hat trick to win 11-3 Saturday night. “‘Zat was close one, ya,” said a visibly relieved Silvennoinen.
Sivenoinen napping early in the third period as Hopslam loses 3-11 to Black Ops Saturday
Silvenoinen admitted feeling concern for the C-league team, but was able to help even things out when Matt Schaefer decided to “check” Cory Musko (who outweighs Schaefer by at least 100 lbs) by looking at and trying to receive the pass. “Is not easy vhen English as second language, but ve make it due, yes wit bad call, bad eye-sight, bad judgment, ya,” he said.
Black Ops’ Kyle Meyer parlayed that opportunity into a two goal, four assist night. Musko later knocked Chris Sutton (yet, another player Musko outweighs by a considerable amount) off the puck in front of Hopslam goalie Rob McDougall, popping it in for a goal.
“I swallow my whistle this time,” said Silvenoinen. “Now team almost even.”
From there, his work was largely done, as the overall skill of several key players from Balck Ops coupled with sheer fatigue from Hopslam settled in. By the late third period, Black Ops scored three short-handed goals as a proud Silvenoinen looked on. “Ve did it!” he exulted.
When asked how such a ref manages to remain in the league, director Abe Colwell admitted that he really just enjoys saying Silvenoinen’s first name. “Tapu. Tapu. Tapu. Fun to say!” he beamed.