VEGAS DIARY: CELEBRATE Mike Brewster Diary: Can you say REPEAT? March 26, 2006- Even though we knew that there was a championship to be played; even though we knew that we should have rested up. Even though the game was at 10AM... my room and nearly every player on the team decided to hit the town once again Saturday night. After all, it IS VEGAS. But after a few hours sleep, it was nervous time on how we would match up against Omaha after their first beating 2 days before.

Photo Credit: Alvin Burk Right- Time to pop open the champaine and celebrate! 2006 Champs! Moments after Dave Fields goal. - As the team checked out of the Aladdin Hotel and drag themselves with their equipment through the Desert Shops for the final time, hockey wasn't really on the guy's mind-- it was more like, SLEEP. Yet once we got into the rink and sat in the lockerroom, the reality set that it was game time. Myself, I was anxious to get on the ice. After going through the groin pull from Game 1 and sitting out most of Game 2 and Game 3, I wanted to play. Then 10AM came, and it was time to hit the ice. Not really sure what to expect.. after all, Omaha really gave us a brusing in the first match-up. But this time, we were going to go out, aggressive, get that lead and stick it to them.

This championship game had a little bit of everything going on as far as the scoring goes. Production from guys that have been there all tournament long, to the hard working guys to some suprizes to the future of Kings hockey all wrapped up in this game. But anything, it was a game full of power. 4 power play goals for the Kings as we would go 4-4. Four goals in the first, all King goals. Jared Anderson continued his rampage. Jared was asked to shoot more, and boy did he take full advantage of that. Ripping 5 goals and 10 points in the four games to snatch that tournament MVP trophy. Way to go Jared! Then Crazy Dave had enough of Omaha.. this time he puts it to them in a way of a goal. And when he scored, he celebrated and you can tell that it felt good. Really good. He picked up 2 goals in that final game. Dave Field also went on a rampage. 2 goals from the guy that was told to play big, and he did. Driving to the net has done Field well as of late, and putting 2 in, including a back hander that is seen from a goal scorer caps a tournament well done from him. Both Daves end up with 2 goals and 2 assits.

Then everyone got a glimpse of the future of Kings hockey. Mike Goodey continued to play with hot hands, going back to the last 10 games of the season. His 9 points including 4 goals was just 1 shy of the team lead. Kevin 'Kovy' Costello also put up 2 goals and 2 assists, showing power and glimpes of dominance with the puck. Jay Goods skated his butt off, and after a couple of chances finally picked up an assist.

As far as the vets?? Heck they played their roles in this tournament as well. 'SteafAKNOW PalAZZZIO' as the PA annoncer stubbled on aggresivly did his thing.. and picked up a goal and a couple of helpers. By the way thanks to the fans, the PA guy FINALLY got it right. Tracy Lytle continues to play soild on the blueline, Cappy Costello lead this weary, tired team every game on and off the ice. Defense was solid all tournament long. Scott Delong, Will Daimter paired up and even though normally looked at for a faceoff win or a scoring threat, became a layer of unbeatable protection ahead of Lennie. Oh yeah. Lennie. What can you say about the Kings goaltender? Incredible. 0.966 Save Percentage. 0.50 Goals Against Average. Soild. Maybe goalie superstitions DO WORK!

Omaha lost the championship game 7-1 and really didnt give a fight like the first match up. After the game, the stars of the tournament were awarded, including the All-Tourament Team that saw Kevin Costello awareded at Center, Mike Goodey on left wing, Tracy Lytle on D, and Lennie Lopez in net. MVP awarded to 'J-RAD' Jared Anderson. After the teams were awared their awards, it was time to party!.. well, not exactly. More like, Operation: GET REST! But again, it IS vegas. So after a couple of pizzas at New York New York with my roomates and our goalie, and one more winning ticket, I actually was not only taking a trophy home, but some winnings as well! Things were going good eh? Well, that was until what we all the I-15 trip home. Then things were back to reality. Thanks to my teammates who really dominated this years competiton. And to my roommates who are like brotherhood to me. Another year in Vegas wrapped up, 8 in 8 wins, 2 trophies. Until next year, from Las Vegas, Im Mike Brewster.