Welcome to

There will be a Duffer Game at Canlan on March 6th while the traveling Duffers play in the Joe Louis Arena.

Detroit Road Trip

We had 3 full lines 7 spectators and 2 goalies on Friday. The following day, 6 of our skaters became fans, so we had way more ice time than we needed.  

Detroit 2015, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4

click the link below to view pictures in the cloud.  Thanks to Steve Wads' Mom Linda. 
Camera Roll

 

2014-15 Duffer Schedule

Here is a link to all 40 past Duffer Road Trips. Duffer road trips

Go to Duffer History   Duffer Nicknames

Wags Hockey

  Alphabetical Nicknames

Classic Duffer News

Go to Lake Placid News for some laughs.

http://www.lopatka.net/1982-Lake%20Placid/index.html

1996 March Hayward Trip  We saw Comet Hyakutake

December 6, 1996  Duffer news #85

December 15, 1996  Duffer news #86

December 20, 1996  Duffer news #87

Go to 10/25/96

Go to 9/6/96

January 12, 1996  Duffer news #50

(Back Row Left to Right) Steve A, Doc, Barron, Drago, Thor, Cowboy Joe, Speed Racer Jeff, Joe Mazz 3, Beevis Tom Morgan, Ted Hack, Berserk, Beak, Buckshot Bob Morgan, Rob Brill, Greg Z, Monet Mike, The King, John Koss, Harvey, Butt Head Jim Coughenhaur.

(Front Row) Steve Wads, Mini Wheezer, T&A, Joe Ambrosia, Grandpa Ken, Tony Granato, Tommy Z, Coach Jim Hiller, Vidas Formica, Johnny B, Rob Z, Rough Rider Ryan and Klinger.

We had a great time in the Joe.  Tony played for the Reds and Redwing coach Andrew Brewer played for the Whites.  We met Tomas Holmstrom before the game and Power Play coach Jim Hiller got in the team picture.  When Tommy Z mentioned coach Reggie Dunlap from Slap Shot, Coach Hiller quickly quoted Paul Newman saying, "We're working on it."

On Saturday, we played an afternoon game then went to Ann Arbor to watch the USA U-17 team play Waterloo with Donny Granato.  Donny will bring his U-18 team to the Edge in Bensenville for a game with the Steel on Saturday March 14th at 7:00.  There will be a lot of scouts watching Auston Matthews who is expected to go number 1 in the next draft.  He has 48 goals and 50 assists in 71 games for USA.  He helped USA to a Gold in the 2014 in the U-18 World Championship.

Drago's Hockey Lessons

Duffer News

Joe and Joe Get 2 in "The Joe"!

Detroit, MI, March 8th, 2015  Attendance: 40 With Spectaters
Thanks to T&A for the following report:

Reds = 7 - Coughenhour -2, Joe Mazz III, had 2, one from Coughenhaur and one from Harvey   Jeff - 1, Rob Brill - 1, & Beak - 1

Whites = 7 -Joe Mazz II - 2, Tommy Z -2, Greg Z - 1, Barron - 1, & Tom Morgan - 1 ( Tom Morgan scored the 1st ever Duffer goal at the Joe!)  Meaningful goals = Whites - 2 and Reds - 1
I had an assist on Barron's goal and both of Joe Mazz II goals ( A playmakers hat trick for T&A.)
Some new guy named Beak had a Gordie Howe hat trick at the Joe

We had Fun in Detroit

just 8 days after his 75th Birthday!  Joe & Joe got two in the Joe; I fell prey to the two-goal limit.
Thanks for making my brother's Christmas gift ( A Duffer trip to Detroit from me) so memorable!
Thanks to the King for knocking Red Wine all over Thor's shirt!

Thanks to your grandsons for making great passes to all of the senior Duffers!

Thanks for another great road trip tee-shirt!
Thanks to our traveling fans, Steve's Parents, Ken, Klinger & Brian.

I am so thankful to be a Duffer!
 The Goalies were Busy in the "Joe"!

Chris Berserk, T&A Johnny B went down. 
After Johnny went down, we had an embarrassing shootout where we went 3 for 100 against Steve W.  Only Speed Racer Jeff, Monet Mike and Barron scored.
Thanks to Greg Z for the following report:
At the Joe I got a goal on a breakaway assist from Joe Evans. Still amazed at what a great time that was.  At McCann I got two, but that's only because Tommy Z kept feeding me passes like drinks to a drunk. I couldn't help it.  I repaid Joe Evans with a pass from behind the net that he swiftly got past goalie Steve.

One of the best things over the weekend was watching Pavel Datsyuk in practice play keep away until his competitors fell to the ice. It was incredibly impressive.  Ask Siri on your smart phone, "Who is the magic man?"
Greg Z.


The Duffer Van was decorated.

Page 2


Romeoville, IL March 8th, 2015  Attendance: 30
The Goalies were Busy in Romeoville!

The Czar told me that The Anvil and the Brain were peppered with many shots by fast skating guest and the game ended in a 7-7 tie 
Thanks to TO for the following brief report:
I got 1. Jesus had 1 or 2
Thanks to Commander Ken for the following report:

I had six guests, Bill F, Greg A, Sully, Crnk, Aurelio G, and Paul A. I know more people that want to play Duffers Hockey than voted for Rahm in the primary election. In complete seriousness - I have someone ask me just about every week to play. We are in high demand.  Ryan Kroll and Nathan Novak (8 year old hockey buddy on a sleepover) refereed our game in matching striped jerseys. Nathan sparked a heated debate between V-man and Terry with an off-sides call. I don't really know if Nathan made the call that ignited the debate, but on the ride home Nathan told me he made the right call! Anvil's son - Nick DeJesus had a couple for sure (red). That kid has Great hands! I know the Hammer had one (white). I had one! and I celebrated inappropriately. It wasn't even a solid goal, I got lucky. This is my second inappropriate goal celebration. BUT… In my defense; I don't anticipate scoring - I still get excited when I do. Ryan was on me to go home right away - he had sleepover plans. Ryan said no beers after the game unless I score. When it did go in - I threw my hands in the air like I had just won the gold medal and skated over to the scorer's box to taunt my 8 year old son. Despite my sincere apologies in the locker room, the Brain broke my balls (as he should). Throughout my youth football coaching career we (coaches and I) have always preached to the kids… If you score a touchdown - hand the ball to the referee and act like you've been there before.  (That is a Ditka quote) Apparently that is too much for me to handle. I didn't make it to the Kilt - Ryan had an 8AM hockey game in the morning so I have genuine deniability on any misdemeanors or felonies that happened there. Jack Kroll was selected to the AHAI Player Development Camp, March 20, 21, and 22 at the Edge in Bensenville. He'll play in a series of round robin scrimmages before an audience to include coaches and scouts from several USHL teams, and the US National Development Team (US NDT). He's only a freshman, so we don't expect him to move on to the Central District Camp with the US NDT, but we are very proud of him. Shameless plug for my kid.  Glad to hear you guys had a good trip and thank you for the pictures.

Ken

Detroit E-Mails

Hi Greg, 

It was a pleasure to meet you and the Duffers in person.  Thank you so much for your generosity at our concession stand!  We did really well on Friday night! 

Julie
Team Travel Coordinator, Detroit Red Wings 

Good afternoon Greg, 
It was a pleasure meeting you and working behind the scenes to ensure your group had the best time in Michigan!!  I really enjoyed watching you guys skate at the Joe, and enjoyed all the laughs and smiles while you were out there.   
 If you ever need anything again, please feel free to contact me . 
 Cheers, 
Kim  
Executive Assistant | Detroit Red Wings 

A big thanks to Beak and all the guys who made this trip happen!  Thanks for allowing Stephen the Anvil Jr and his parents to come along with the Duffers.  It's always hard to explain to people what the Duffers are like.  All I can say is "you had to be there"!  Hope to see you guys soon!  Back to Drilling, Filling and Billing!Vidas FORMICA #25

Thanks Beak. What a fantastic time. This is a memory that will last the rest of my lifetime. I didn't get a chance to talk to Tony (he was well occupied) but I was able to thank him for his generosity and adding me to any additional sentiments would be welcomed. Outside of Friday as one of my greatest experiences ever, our last night was spectacular as well; getting to know some of the greatest group that traveled to Detroit was a perfect book end. Few get to experience what we were able to do so once again - thank you. Johnny B

A Thousand "Thanks Yous Guys"!

What a trip. What an experience. I know you guys are Hawks fans and that's ok. They're alright. I've been a Wings fan for a long time. Even when I was young, I tried not to like them. But they're such a great team with and incredible history and legacy that I had to support the "home team". This was a dream come true. The ice, the locker room, the barn with all of the amazing history, and the fact that we got it before it's gone. I want to send this note of thanks to every one of you;  Thank you Beak for working with me to make all of this happen for me and my parents. I can't think of a better way to celebrate my fathers 65th birthday. That's right guys, you may not have known, but Friday was my dads B-day. Thanks to Beak I was able to grab my Mom and Dad a ticket to their first NHL game, not to mention the locker room. Thank you to Vidas for inviting me and getting me connected with these nuts. Thank you Greg and Tony for your hospitality and your professionalism. Your a great example to these crazy guys called Duffers. Thank you to everyone of you Duffers who were warm and welcoming to a stranger (and a goalie at that). You were all great to meet and skate with and eat with and drink with and line up 15 deep for 1 shower.  Thank you to my Parents whom have made it possible for me to grow up playing hockey and have continued to support me whenever I need it.  I guess now it has come full circle. Let's go around again! You guys are great. I look forward to skating with you all again. To those that got injured. I'll be thinking of a quick recovery for ya.    Feel better boys. And know it was worth it.  Now, for anybody that has a lot of pics or video, Consider using that cloud thingy. IF you don't know how and don't have anyone to teach you, get in touch with me.   therapy245@hotmail.com or 253.269.8779

I think every one of you is Certifiably insane. Thank you, Stephen / Young Anvil / Wads 

Many More to come.

Thursday Night Pictures

We stopped at a saloon in Paw Paw.

Then Beak passed out Tee Shirts and Game Tickets at Wild Wings.

Ken and Thor needed a beer after a thrilling drive with Klinger.

T&A finally got his brother Joe to become a hockey player.

Wally always called Klinger "The Eating Machine."

It was great to see the King laughing and having a Duffer good time.

You talkin to me?

Seattle goalie Steve with his parents. See her Cloud pictures here.

Tony loved the design on the shirt.

He was happy to see the Duffers.

5 Duffers in one room.

5 Duffers in three rooms.

The party moved from Wild Wings to the lobby bar.

It is a good thing that our game got moved to noon.
 

 

Go to the Last Duffer News

Go to 2012 The Last MLF Game

Go to 2011 MLF Game

(Anvil's Daughter won it!)

Go to 2010 The First MLF Game

Visit The Rampage Women's Hockey Team web site at: http://www.rampagehockey.org/index.cfm

They Have 2 WODs and  on their team. Their DOD moved to Canada for Graduate School.

WOD=Wife Of a Duffer, DOD = Daughter of a Duffer

Links to Duffer Hockey Newsletters

2008-2010 Stats page

Tweedy's Wags Game

Links to 2014

Links to 2013

Links to 2012

Links to 2011

Links to 2010

Links to 2009

Links to 2008

Links to 2007

Links to 2006

Links to 2005

Links to 2004

Links to 2003

Links to 2002

Links to 2001

Links to 2000

Links to 1999

Links to 1994

Bar-toons

Peoria History

Nashville Game 2

Bill Gaston interview

Michelle Spillman hits and fields

      

To E-mail the Duffer News Web master, just click here! g.lopatka@comcast.net

You can e-mail History updates to Beak. 

Duffer Nicknames

Duffer road trips

 

 

Call 630-493-1199 ask for Mike Lopatka

1402 Ogden Ave Downers Grove

www.skingallerydg.com

Mike won 11 awards for his artistic creations at the Tattoo convention in Champaign.

 

(Above) Mike's work of art on Joe Mazzarella III's leg.

(Above) Mike's work of art on Joe Mazzarella III's ribs.

Ann Arbor Music DVDs are ready to ship.  $10 includes shipping and handling. you can also get classic copies of:

 

You may find the following links useful:

Ben Oskroba's First professional goal for the Peoria Rivermen

Drago's Hockey Lessons

Here is a video, thanks to Perry and Paula on How to be a Hockey Player 

 

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Michelle Spillman

Michelle Spillman 10-31-10

Michelle hits a 2 run home run for Romeoville High School in a 3-0 victory against Joliet Catholic Academy.

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JC-Homerun.MOV

Michelle Spillman hit a 2 run Home run to beat Joliet Catholic on April 18, 2012. ... greg Lopatka ... Michelle Spillman and Romeoville High School. ...

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Highland Park-Homerun.MOV

Michelle Spillman hit her 4th homerun on April 21, 2012 to beat Hershey High. ... greg Lopatka ... Michelle Spillman "outdoor sports" ...

 

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Michelle3Base hit.MOV

Michelle hit a triple to help beat Highland Park High 8-5 on 4/21/2012.

 

Patrick Kane Stickhandling:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REAqCB9vfbU

Brandon Bollig Stickhandling:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3B8v_ZHA10

 

Duffers Hockey Canlan Ice Sports Romeoville 2014-2015 Schedule

wk      Date              Time

1 September 5, 2014 8:00 PM ***

2 September 12, 2014 8:40 PM

3 September 19, 2014 8:40 PM

4 September 26, 2014 8:40 PM

5 October 3, 2014 8:40 PM

6 October 10, 2014 8:40 PM

October 17, 2014 NO ICE

7 October 24, 2014 8:40 PM

8 October 31, 2014 8:40 PM

November 7, 2014 NO ICE

9 November 14, 2014 8:40 PM

10 November 21, 2014 8:40 PM

11 Thanksgiving 8:45 at Downers Grove IceArena

November 28, 2014 NO ICE

December 5, 2014 NO ICE

12 December 12, 2014 8:40 PM

13 December 19, 2014 8:40 PM

December 26, 2014 NO ICE

14 January 2, 2015 8:40 PM

15 January 9, 2015 8:40 PM

16 January 16, 2015 8:40 PM

January 23, 2015 NO ICE

17 January 30, 2015 8:40 PM

18 February 6, 2015 8:40 PM

19 February 13, 2015 8:40 PM

20 February 20, 2015 8:40 PM

21 February 27, 2015 8:40 PM

22 March 6, 2015 8:40 PM

23 March 13, 2015 8:40 PM

24 March 20, 2015 8:40 PM

25 March 27, 2015 8:40 PM

26 April 3, 2015 8:40 PM

27 April 10, 2015 8:40 PM

28 April 17, 2015 8:40 PM

29 April 24, 2015 8:40 PM

30 May 1, 2015 8:40 PM