FFHA League Standing

	Team	Played	Win	Draw	Lose	Goals For	Goals Against	Points
1	Miami Surf 1's	4	3	1	0	14	3	10
2	UM 'Canes	4	3	1	0	9	5	10
3	Miami Surf 2's	4	2	1	1	4	6	7
4	Tampa Bay NORTH	4	2	0	2	8	5	6
5	Tampa Bay SOUTH	4	1	1	2	4	14	4
6	Central Florida	4	0	0	4	0	4	0
6	UM MiaCuba	4	0	0	4	0	4	0

Upcoming events

• March 6th & 7th - 7th annual spring tournament 7 x 7 a-side
• April 17th & 18th - Miami Surf tournament

Reports and Results

• Veterans Weekend Hockey Tournament November 7th & 8th 2009
• Atlanta tournament October 3rd & 4th 2009
• FFHA League Opener
• Veterans Weekend Hockey Festival November 8th & 9th 2008
• Atlanta Cup on the Columbus Day weekend
• Miami Surf Five-a-side tournament on Memorial Weekend
• 2008 Spring Tournament Results
• 2008 Winter Results
• End of year 2007 6-a-side results
• Veterans weekend tournament results

Veterans Weekend Tournament 2009 was not the exciting, enjoyable, competitive tournament we have grown accustomed to. Other than the host Tampa Bay Grasshoppers (TBG) the other clubs in attendance all showed up short of players. Present were Gray Dogs, Florida State University (FSU), Central Florida Field Hockey Association (CFFHA), for the mixed division, and University of South Florida (USF) for the all ladies division. Unfortunately Surf could not make it, and UM dropped out at the last minute, and Miami FHC could not make it. So Saturdays schedule ran 90% without a glitch. The glitch appeared in the form of CFFHA not completing their three game commitments, as half their players had to leave due to prior commitments. That really knocked the wind out of the organizing committee. However a friendly game was played in its place. On Sunday it became a hockey festival rather than a tournament. The net result being all who played enjoyed themselves to the fullest, as there were lots to eat and drink.
The positives to take away with you were the first appearance of USF club team in a tournament. USF played creditably well even winning against FSU. Great for a first appearance. TBG setting standards of running a tournament, having two mixed teams for the mixed division (TBGEast & TGBWest) and two teams for the ladies division (TBGNorth & TBGSouth). A lot of hard work done by the organizing committee, great job well done.
2009 showed a disappointing year for tournaments. Although TBG kicked off the 2009 Florida Field Hockey 7X7 League in March, all clubs were not represented. Following that in April Gray Dogs tournament failed due to lack of support from our Florida based clubs. In May Surf held their memorial weekend tournament and it ran successful, but once more all clubs were not represented. In July in Orlando Central Florida Field Hockey Association tournament also failed due to lack of support. The difficulty is finding out from the current crop of players what will they support as far as tournaments or league goes! What will they commit to! Hopefully I‘ll get the right answers so we can move forward to a successful 2010.

Thanks to the teams that participated. See you in 2010.

Another tournament under the belt. Many thanks to the fourteen members who journeyed to Miami to represent us. Results of the three games played showed we lost to Miami Surf#2 defeated MiaCuba soundly 9 - 3 and lost to Miami Field Hockey Club 6 - 3. Officially we finished third in the tournament.

Saturday

No.	Time	Team		Team	Result
1	9:00	Miami Surf 1's	vs	Tampa Bay SOUTH	9:0
2	9:50	Miami Surf 2's	vs	UM MiaCuba	1:0
3	10:40	Tampa Bay NORTH	vs	UM 'Canes	2:3
4	11:30	Miami Surf 1's	vs	Central Florida	1:0
5	12:20	Tampa Bay NORTH	vs	UM MiaCuba	1:0
6	1:10	Miami Surf 2's	vs	Tampa Bay SOUTH	2:2
7	2:00	Central Florida	vs	UM 'Canes	0:1
8	2:50	Miami Surf 1's	vs	Tampa Bay NORTH	2:1
9	3:40	Central Florida	vs	UM MiaCuba	0:0

Sunday

No.	Time	Team		Team	Result
10	9:00	Tampa Bay SOUTH	vs	UM 'Canes	1:3
11	9:50	Miami Surf 2's	vs	Central Florida	1:0
12	10:40	Miami Surf 1's	vs	UM 'Canes	2:2
13	11:30	Tampa Bay SOUTH	vs	UM MiaCuba	1:0
14	12:20	Miami Surf 2's	vs	Tampa Bay NORTH	0:4
15	1:10 (Semi-final#1)	Miami Surf 1's	vs	Tampa Bay NORTH	3:1
16	2:00 (Semi-final#2)	UM 'Canes	vs	Miami Surf 2's	3:2
17	3:00 ((Finals)	Miami Surf 1's	vs	UM 'Canes	5:0
	4:00	Presentation

After A rough start with the late withdrawal of Gray Dogs and later, the disappearance of Mia Cuba late on Saturday afternoon, compounded by the announcement by Central Florida of their inability to appear for their Sunday schedule of games was enough to crash any competition. However the resilience of Florida Field Hockey Association was tested and came through with flying colours. The League opener was a success as we got more than half of the league teams to play each other to meet the first year goal of one round of games. Now we have eight months for the rest of the teams to play each other to complete the first round.

Results from this weekend proved Miami Surf's program is working as they were unbeaten in all of their games including the finals of the play-off comfortably winning over UM′ Canes. Congratulations to Miami Surf and to UM′ Canes. There were 17 games scheduled for this weekend. Opening the league was Tampa Bay South versus Miami Surf-1. TBS did not warm up and paid dearly as a young and hungry MS-1 pounced on them and scored early and rapidly giving TBS no hope of ever getting into the game. The net result was 9 to nothing wake up call for TBS. As Saturdays schedule ran its course there were some exciting games and some agitated games as some male players displayed a lack of self control when calls or lack of calls weren′t in their favour. In game 5 where Tampa Bay North came up against Mia Cuba one player from Mia Cuba got hit on his hand that would require stitches. This was the final straw as the members of Mia Cuba became very irate and began complaining bitterly about the officiating. Net result is that they left the tournament without a word. It was now time for game #6 which I thought was the best played game for the day between Tampa Bay South and Miami Surf-2. Both teams with equal strength fought hard for forty minutes with now one giving up nor conceding. The game ended in a two all tie deserving as both teams played their hearts out to the pleasure of the crowd. When it was time for game 9 that is when it was discovered that Mia Cuba was absent. This meant Central Florida traveled this distance not to play a scheduled game. Following that discovery, Central Florida′s President then announce that they would not be back on Sunday to complete their scheduled games. Not the right thing to do. When you knew before leaving Orlando that you could not field a team on Sunday you should have been up front with that so the schedule could be rearranged again to accommodate you and not infuriate others. Thus Saturday ended on a down note.

Sunday morning under beautiful weather Game #10 between Tampa Bay South and UM′ Canes began the day on a good note as UM' Canes out last TBS to win 3 to 1.The second game was between Tampa Bay North and Miami Surf-2. For a change TBN began on a more serious note and won over a very spirited MIS-2 by a 4 to nothing margin. The third game was a match up with the two unbeaten teams Miami Surf-1 (MIS-1) and UM' Canes. An exciting game that could have gone either way. UM' Canes came from behind to earn a two all draw. This left MIS-1 as the number one seed followed by UM' Canes as the #2 seed and Miami Surf-2(MIS-2) as the #3 seed followed by Tampa Bay North(TBN) with the #4 seed. First Semi final was between MIS-1 and TBN and after a close first ten minutes MIS-1 just took over winning by a 3 vs 1 margin. The second semi-final was between MIS-2 and UM' Canes which UM' Canes handled but not before MIS-2 gave them tough time to the end. This was the demise of UM' Canes as now they had to take a brief rest and be ready for the final against a hungry MIS-1. The writing was on the wall as the fresher and younger legs of MIS-1 took control and never looked back scoring five goals without reply. An end to the history making FFHA 7X7 League Opening. With Perfect weather and perfect hosts one could only look forward to future league dates where TB can play at the level we know they are capable of. Hats off to all in attendance and to the membership of TBG for putting on a good show.
(by Jeff G.)

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Veterans Weekend Hockey Festival November 8th & 9th 2008

On the weekend of November 8th and 9th 2008 at Glen Oaks Park in Clearwater Florida, Tampa Bay Grasshoppers hosted their fifth Annual Veterans Weekend field hockey tournament. Defending champions Gray Dogs were taken to sudden death penalty flicks to out flick this time the host Tampa Bay Grasshoppers East after a one all tie at the end of regulation.
At the end of the round robin host team Tampa Bay Grasshoppers East was in first place having finished unbeaten, drawing with Miami Surf 1 - 1, defeating Florida State University 3 - 0, University of Miami 1 - 0, and defeating Gray Dogs 2-1. In second place were Gray Dogs and Miami Surf ended in third place in Pool - A. While in Pool - B University of Miami finished first ahead of Tampa Bay Grasshoppers West followed by Florida State University. In the first semi finals host Tampa Bay Grasshoppers East came up against first Timers University of Miami. After trying to feel each other out in the first half, TBGE ended the first half three goals to one. After the interval TBGE moved the ball around much better and were later rewarded with two more goals with out reply, thus qualifying by a 5 - 1 margin.. . In the second semi-finals Miami Surf came out strong and very determined to get to the finals. But a very aggressive Gray Dogs had other ideas. The first half was even and ended in a one all tie. In the second half Gray Dogs turned up their intensity and aggression and went ahead three to one before Miami Surf began pressing back. They were rewarded with a goal from Jelle to come with in one with time running out and the game became rough and patience was running low Miami Surf allowed the umpiring to take them out of their game. Even though they had the greater opportunities they failed to score from the field of play, Jelle called his team off before the short corner was taken, thus leaving Gray Dogs to face Tampa Bay Grasshoppers East in the finals...
Congratulations to Charles Sang, Michael Serrette and the Gray Dogs. A special THANKS to all those who umpired under some unwarranted abuse by the players. Umpires you must remember that the game is not a game unless there are umpires. Without the umpires it is only a scrimmage.
Some of the bright spots of the tournament were: - Gray Dogs midfielder Wesley who won the MVP of the tournament with his relentless energy at both ends of the field.Tampa Bay Grasshoppers paid homage to their one and only member from Paraguay Christian Magrini who is returning to Paraguay to help develop the sport of field hockey. He was presented with a plaque and $100. gift. We will miss his strong play in the defense, his team spirit and his enthusiasm for the game.
Tampa Bays ability to organize and run a tournament. once more looks quite promising. Though disappointment struck again when minute cancellation of Central Florida Field Hockey Association last. This makes it twice in two years.
A SPECIAL THANKS also goes out to all the Grasshoppers for their effort in supplying food and drinks for all in attendance and their marvelous way of cleaning up after the event. Injured players Jasmine, Jermin and Roxanne thanks for coming out and contributing. Mike Hawkins and Renee Cropper on the technical table. The Friday morning team of Adam, Mike and Chris under Roxanne's directions helped tremendously in marking the field.
On the whole a good job well done.
Finally we like to take this opportunity to thank Devon of FSU and Josefina at UM for their hard work in getting their respective teams to their very first tournament in Tampa. We do appreciate it and we look forward to seeing you in the spring of 2009. Field Hockey is growing in Florida. We can now identify nine teams in the state and we are looking for the first event of Florida Field Hockey Association League... Congratulations to all.

Name of Team	Abbreviation
University of Miami Hurricanes	UMH
Florida State University	FSU
Gray Dogs	G.Dogs
Miami Surf	Surf
Tampa Bay Grasshoppers East	TBGE
Tampa Bay Grasshoppers West	TBGW
Tournament-XI	TXI

Team	G	W	L	D	GF	GA	Points
TBGE	4	3	0	1	7	2	10
G.Dogs	4	3	1	0	13	3	9
Surf	4	2	1	1	12	7	7

Team	G	W	L	D	GF	GA	Points
UMH	4	2	2	0	6	3	6
TBGW	4	1	3	0	5	16	3
FSU	4	0	4	0	0	12	0

The Florida Field Hockey Association (FFHA) took a massive step in the right direction this past weekend as they fielded no fewer than three teams in the 2008 Atlanta Cup. Florida United (MEN’S DIVISION) and Tampa Bay Grasshoppers (WOMEN’S DIVISION) joined the well traveled Miami Flamingos at the annual event, with the Sunshine State-based teams making up 20% of the weekend’s competion (a great showing by all accounts).
All teams put forth great efforts and represented Florida with pride.
The women’s division boasted no fewer than nine teams traveling from all across the States and Bermuda. Tournament newcomers, Tampa Bay Grasshoppers, had a very tough draw facing the LUCKY DRAGONS (2007 Winners, 2006 Runners-Up), CHICAGO FHC (2006 Winners), VINTAGE ATLANTA and the ATLANTA MAJESTICKS (2005 & 2003 Runners-Up). Having put forth great efforts they finally got their reward against Vintage Atlanta. After large spells of sustained pressure the Grasshoppers were unlucky not to take all three points. It was the homeside that held on as the Lady Grasshoppers secured the first point in their team’s short history. Read more at www.gfha.org.

Thanks to all who attended the tournament in Miami. To summarize the weekend, we defeated the mighty Grey Dogs(2-1) to advance to the semifinal game against Miami Surf Team B/2 who we eventually lost a heart breaker to in overtime. Thanks to Laura, Chris, Theniel ( female MVP), Gregory, Amanda, Jasmine, Christine for a wonderful weekend. We played very competitive Hockey and can honestly say we saw the results of those tedious drills Jeff makes us do every Saturday. Day one consisted of a loss to the Grey Dogs and a tie of Miami Surf Team B/ 2 before the rainout of the rest of the games. Day 2 of the tournament was great, which consisted of a opening loss to Cincinatti (6 to 5) who won the tournament, a win against Miami Surf Team A, a win against University of Miami, a win against the Grey Dogs(eilimination game 2-1) and the eventual overtime heartbreaker loss to Miami Surf Team B/2 in the semifinals. Miami Surf Team B played in the finals against Cincinatti who won the tournament. Overall it was a great weekend.

Read more at http://graydogsfhc.blogspot.com/

The results of 2008 Spring tournament saw Miami Surf win both the Saturday Six-a-side tournament and the Sunday Eleven-a-side Tournaments. Credit the Surf for playing consistently at a high level and demonstrating a high level of discipline both on and off the field. Both Saturday and Sunday tournaments were conducted under a Round Robin format. Congratulations to Degsy on creating such a club and to all the members who represented them in Degsy’s absence. A special congratulations goes out to Nico for leading the Miami Surf in this tournament.

2008 Winter Results. On Dr. Martin Luther King’s weekend, Tampa Bay held its Six-a-side Tournament at Phillip Jones Park. Victorious was The Central Florida Field Hockey Association of Orlando lead by Samuel Jason Roberts. A great effort from CFFHA as they rose to the occasion defeating Tampa Bay ???? in a close final. Congratulations to Sammy and his Orlando members.

2007 End of Season came to an exciting end as TB-North defeated TB-South 3 – 2 in a close Final. The Six-a-side competition which was implemented to keep the momentum of the newly acquired membership moving forward with a competitive spirit and team camaraderie concluded on a high note. The teams as they were selected were:

In the first semi-final between TB-North and TB-East turned out to be a one sided affair as TB-East being depleted by the serious injury to their “energizer bunny” team leader Ravi Kullar (fracture of the knuckle in three places on his left hand), was no match for the more experience and TB-North. TB-North was led by the relentless Amy Dalrymple and her experienced Trini counter part Nigel Lobo who had TB-East on the defensive from the beginning of the game. With the inclusion of Jonathon Bull and stand-in Jeff Grosvenor TB-East could not keep TB-North out of their circle. Net result was a five to nothing defeat for TB-East. In the second semi-final, TB-South came up against TB-West. The Diane Shane and Roland Satchel led TB-South held on to defeat a TB-West team led by Charles Joseph and Shashi Ketu by a 2 – 1 margin. TB-West was without their female stars Stacey Palazzio and Teneille Williams while TB-South was short of their solid sweeper Chris Magrini. In a keenly competitive game the Southerners out lasted the Westerners. This set up a third and fourth place game between TB-East and TB-West. Although TB-East got some much needed help from Thalia Chance-Chin and the late arrival of Tomas Mensah. The solid experience of TB-West was too much for TB-East to handle thus falling 5 – 1 to the official third place finisher TB-West. The stage was now set for the finals between TB-North and TB-South. Umpires for the game were Jonathon Bull and Jeff Grosvenor. From the first whistle TB-South were on the attack as Diane Shane and Tara Whittaker continuously attacked the Northerners and were eventually rewarded when Tara Whittaker put the ball pass kicking back Nigel Logo to go one up. TB-North began fighting back and leveled the score within six minutes. The game became extremely competitive as the teams became more aggressive in attempting to secure victory. TB-South took the lead once more from a penalty corner execution to go up 2 – 1. TB-North energizer Amy Dalrymple then turned it up another notch and pushed the TB-South on the defensive from where they forced a few penalty corners thus equalizing with a flick off the stick of Nigel Lobo. From here on any team scoring first would be the winner as both teams pressed on for the winning goal. TB-North was the eventual winner by a 3 – 2 margin. A good show by all.

At the end of the finals there was an after game get together where everyone in attendance were treated to some tasty Trini dish of Pelau put together by Chef Nigel Lobo. Anyone interested in the recipe can email Nigel at nlobo[at]worldnet.att.net. Irish Soda bread supplied by our one and only Irish member Susan Mulvey. Food and drinks were present and everyone had an enjoyable afternoon. The food and drinks was followed by the Awards Ceremony. Although Invited Guess Mr. Robert Carpenter was unable to attend, master of ceremonies proceeded with the program. Winners of the Six-a-side League went to TB-North, with TB-South as the runner up. Surprise awards went out to the youths of Tampa Bay Grasshoppers. In attendance to receive their award for outstanding performance for the year 2007 were the Grasshoppers bright hopefuls Lindsey Nerbonne and Thalia Chance-Chin. These are two very promising young ladies that are expected to reach great heights in this sport. Absent was our Durham sisters who have a lot of skill that the coaches would like to bring out but need their commitment. Also absent was the up and promising goal keeper Joshua Torres. This is a talented goal keeper and wonderful young gentleman. These five youngsters bring a lot of hope to the Grasshoppers who are hoping to expand on these acquisitions. In recognition for the number of year’s service and dedication to the sport of Field Hockey in the Tampa and Clearwater areas the following were awarded:

Kathleen Fitzgerald with her relentless pursuit of finding players by posting flyers in and around Clearwater being our liaison between us and the City of Clearwater Parks & Recreation. When ever she speaks to anyone with a foreign accent the phenomenal questions pops out “do you play field hockey” this resulted in Michael and John and Nadine Bull membership to the club.

Susan Mulvey who would go through her company’s list of Newspapers and Magazines that they did business with and sent them articles about our club to put adds in their sports section.

Antje Kuschay-Dwehus using her company notice boards to attract other foreign players plus her huge contribution of creating, maintaining and funding our website.

Then our mother of two, when she first came out she was just a newly wed. After a second honeymoon in West Palm Beach as a member of Tampa Bay Grasshoppers at the USFHA Hockey Festival 2004 she scored some tremendous goals both on and off the field. That began the new chapter in her life of motherhood our one and only Tammi Dial.

And our two New Tampa natives who will show up every Saturday like clock work one killing you with his stick work and energy and the other one talking you to death Ravi Kullar and Charlie Joseph. They have all contributed whole heartedly from day one.

Finally on behalf of all of the TB Grasshoppers if this gentleman was not true to his word we would not have been here to celebrate this day. As he kept his promise to always supply us with a field for hockey and as we see he has not failed Mr. Bob Carpenter.

A special thank you also went out to all the volunteer umpires we had over the past three Saturdays.

On the weekend of November 10th and 11th 2007 in Clearwater Florida, Tampa Bay Grasshoppers hosted their third annual Veterans Weekend field hockey tournament. Defending champions Gray Dogs were taken to sudden death penalty flicks to out flick their Miami counter parts Miami Surf 3 – 1.

At the end of the round robin host team TB-West was comfortably in first place having finished unbeaten, drawing with Miami Surf 1 – 1, defeating TB-East 6 – 0, and defeating Gray Dogs 1 – 0... In second place was Miami Surf having tied games against Gray Dogs and TB-West and narrowly beating TB-East 1 – 0. TB-East finished third having won over Gray Dogs by default and losing to their stronger TB-West and Miami Surf. Gray dogs having arrived late for their opening encounter against TB-East lost by default, then tied with Miami Surf 0 – 0 before losing to TB-West 1 – 0. In the semi-finals Miami Surf came out stronger and more determined than TB-East who was now short of five of their players who all had earlier appointments. The net results was that Miami Surf won easily 4 – 0. In the other semi final TB-West allowed the umpiring to take them out of their game. Even though they had the greater opportunities they failed to score from the field of play, from penalty corners not even from their penalty stroke. With under a minute to go Gray Dogs “burly striker Robo(Romaine Lindo)” picked up a true pass from their mid field and placed it through TB-West goalkeeper Susan Mulvey’s pads to send Gray Dogs through to the finals. It was a very aggressive game as is most games with Gray Dogs. Congratulations to Charles Sang, Michael Serrette and the Gray Dogs. Some of the bright spots of the tournament were:

The venture of Derek “Degsy” Aspinal into starting his own business RAGE Sporting Apparel specifically for the sport of field hockey. Good luck Degsy and Joy. Tampa Bays ability to organize and run a tournament. Though disappointment struck when Aventura and Florida Seminoles withdrew from the tournament and the last minute cancellation of Central Florida Field Hockey Association. Some outstanding performances by Gray Dogs Leshawn Greaves, Miami Surfs Nicolas Siciliano and TB-West little twelve year old Lindsey Nerbonne were all positive notes to include in the history of the Grasshoppers. Also a special THANKS to all those who umpired under some unwarranted abuse by the players. Umpires you must remember that the game is not a game unless there are umpires. Without the umpires it is only a scrimmage. A SPECIAL THANKS also goes out to all the Grasshoppers for their effort in supplying food and drinks for all in attendance and their marvelous way of cleaning up after the event. Injured players Jackie Lazaro and Teneille Williams your help at the Technical table on Saturday was immeasurable. You were certainly missed on Sunday.

On the whole a good job well done.

TB Veterans Weekend Tournament Standings At the end of play Sunday 11th November 2007:

Name	Games Played	Games Won	Games Tied	Games Lost	Goals For	Goals Against	Points
TB West	3	2	1	0	8	1	7
Surf	3	1	2	0	2	1	5
TB East	3	1(DT)	0	2	3	7	3
Gray Dogs	3	0	1	2(1-DT)	0	4	1

	TB West	TB East	Surf	Gray Dogs
TB West	x	6 - 0	1 - 1	1 - 0
TB East	0 - 6	x	0 - 1	3 - 0 DT
Surf	1 - 1	1 - 0	x	0 - 0
Gray Dogs	0 - 1	0 - 3 DT	0 - 0	x

PLAYOFFS
TIME	Rank	Team	VS	Rank	Team	Result	Winner
11:00	#2	Surf	VS	#3	TB East	4 - 0	Surf
12:30	#1	TB West	VS	#4	Gray Dogs	0 - 1	Gray Dogs
13:30	Finalist	Surf	VS	Finalist	Gray Dogs	1 - 3 et on PS	Gray Dogs

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