Story by Hal Goodtree and photo by Bill Gracey. Lindsey Chester edits the Calendar of Events.

Cary, NC – With January’s mild weather weather stretching into February, it’s a great weekend to get out and have some fun in Cary. Friday through Sunday, the Calendar lists 30 events for this weekend around town. Here are a few highlights.

A Fifth of Blues at RallyPoint

Okay, this is a shameless plug for my band. We’ll be making a rare Cary appearance this Saturday night at Rallypoint.

A Fifth of Blues, one of the Triangle’s most popular bands, plays everything from BB King to Ray Charles, Wilson Picket, Muddy Waters, Cream, the Allmans, Etta James and more. Lonesome Larry O’Connor on lead guitar, the Reverend Gary Lee Ford on harmonica,  Doctor Michael-Pelz Sherman on keyboards, Gary Caddell on drums and your’s truly on bass.

Put on your dancing shoes and c’mon out Saturday night! Music starts at 9:00 PM.

A Fifth of Blues
Saturday, Feb 11, 2012 at 9 PM
RallyPoint
1837 N Harrison Ave,
Cary, NC 27537
No cover

Olympic Table Tennis Trials

All weekend, the nation’s best table tennis players will be vying for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.

Competition goes on all day at Bond Park. If you can’t get to London this summer, here’s your chance to see Olympic hopefuls right here in Cary. More info.

Theater – 2 Shows this Weekend

F.A.T.E. – Free Association Theater Ensemble – presents Pterodactyls by Nicky Silver this weekend in Cary. Their description:

A family in shock finds strange comfort in some old bones found in the back yard. This dark comedy gives new meaning to the phrase “Families are like fudge – mostly sweet, with a few nuts.”

*This show contains adult material, and is not recommended for young children. Discretion is advised.

F.A.T.E. presents Pterodactyls
February 10 & 11 and February 16-18
All shows at 8pm; doors open at 7:30
Performances at the FATE Space, in the Harrison Pointe Shopping Center in Cary
Tickets are $10 – $15

For reservations, email FATEreservations@gmail.com or call 919-228-8184. You can also pay by cash and credit cards at the door, and tickets can be purchased in advance with a credit card by calling 919-228-8184.

Also on the boards this weekend, Cary Players continues their current run with Agatha Christie’s classic mystery And Then There Were None. Description:

Eight guests who have never met one another are lured to an island house and along with two servants, stranded. A mysterious voice accuses each of having gotten away with murder, just as one drops dead!

It’s a great show that brings a new level of production to the Cary theater scene. Read Lindsey Chester’s review of the show.

Cary Players present And Then There Were None
February 11th at 7:30pm  •  February 12th at 3:00pm
Cary Arts Center
101 Dry Ave.
Cary, NC

Tickets available from Cary Players or at the Cary Arts Center box office.

Art and Music at Page-Walker

Also of note this weekend, Page-Walker Art & History Center in Cary is hosting two unique and exciting events.

On Saturday from 11 AM to noon, join artist LéGrant Taylor to view his new show MLK Jr. –  Dreamfest and Dream of History. It’s part of the community celebration of Black History Month. The event and exhibition are free.

On Sunday at 4 PM, North Carolina Symphony Concertmaster and Violinist Brian Reagan will perform as part of the Friends of Page Walker Winter Concert Series. Tickets are $15.

More Weekend Events

There’s live jazz at UnWine’d on Friday night (downtown Cary), Menchie’s Yogurt has its grand opening on Saturday at the new Waverly Place plus about 25 other things to do this weekend on the CaryCitizen Calendar of Events.

Now get out there!

Story by Bob Fennel. Photo by Tom Mousseau.

Cary-lina, NC – A royal win for the Canes over the Kings, 2-1 on Saturday night.

The Carolina Hurricanes had a slow start in the first period but came back with good effort in the second and third for a 2-1 victory over the L. A. Kings.

The Kings have ex-Canes fan favorite Justin Williams, who scored the game sealing goal in the Stanley Cup final back in 2006.  They also have Jack Johnson who was the Canes first round draft pick that between him and his father, made it known he never wanted to play in Carolina.  Jim Rutherford traded Johnson for Tim Gleason.  Enough said!

Kings Pour It On, Ward Sharp

Cam Ward had to be sharp early as the Kings were making up for a bad loss in St. Louis the night before.

On a centering pass from the corner deep in the Canes end, the puck had a hard bounce off Jamie McBain’s skate headed right for the corner of the net but Ward made a reflex stop.

The Canes had 3 power plays on the night but had a new look on the first two with 4 forwards: Eric Staal, Jeff Skinner, Tim Brent, Riley Nash and Justin Faulk as the lone defenseman.

To me it looked like this was an attempt to have the power play unit jump start the offense and also to continue the success they’ve had with the man advantage since the end of December. Unfortunately the Canes didn’t seem to get set up at all on this attempt.

Just as the power play ended, Anthony Stewart got called for crosschecking when he made an overly aggressive play to muscle a player off the puck in front of the Kings’ bench.  The Kings wasted no time on their power play when Johnson passed the puck over to Williams.  Williams made a nice centering pass to Anze Kopitar uncovered in the slot, scoring from about 30’ out on a hard one time about 3” off the ice.

Later in the period, Gleason was hooked deep in the Kings zone, sending him sliding feet first into the ref looking like he could have won a human bowling contest in between periods.  The Canes used the same 4 forward power play unit but struggled again with just one shot on goal.  In the first period, the Kings had the extra step and quicker sticks.

Very late in the period, Gleason paired off with Kyle Clifford with Gleason getting in a few shots before wrestling Clifford to the ice.  Gleason could have been thinking the Canes needed an awakening, could have been a carry over from the ‘in your face’ meeting the two had in the corner or could have been a thank you to the fans for his new $16 million, 4 year contract.  Doubtful on that last thought.  Wouldn’t it have been interesting if it was Johnson but both are on the USA team.

Shots after 1: Canes (just) 4, Kings 8

Tlusty Shows Speed and Accuracy

Jay Harrison pinched deep in the slot, used his size and strength digging for the puck and a poor little King fell to the ice. There’s nothing in the rule book for being a weak skater so the refs had to pick on the other player involved and called Harrison for tripping.  The penalty kill team was very effective with both Pat Dwyer and Brandon Sutter all over the ice with aggressive skating and perfect stick positioning.

Sutter and Staal both have long reaches that are invaluable on a penalty kill.  Staal used his reach to poke check the puck away at center ice along the boards and killed time  skating into the Kings end. On the same power play, Ward had to make another key save on a shot from the right point into traffic.  Ward was totally screened but managed a great, almost instinctive, pad save.

With power play over and the Canes in the Kings zone, Staal started to show his frustration when the puck jumped over his stick then connected on a golf shot as if he was challenging John Daly to a longest drive challenge.  At this point in the game, Staal did not have a shot on goal whereas his linemate, Tuomo Ruutu had 6.  Any player would be fine with that as I’m sure Staal was, but he certainly wants shots on net and to score.

Jussi Jokinen drew a holding call when he was in better position on Brad Richardson during a clear by the Kings.  While the power play unit was the traditional 3 forwards, 2 defensemen, the result was the same, no goal, but there were 3 shots on goal.

Jiri Tlusti got the crowd back in the game when he blocked a shot by Alec Martinez at his blue line, turned on his jets to get the puck just inside the Kings blue line then sent a laser into the long side of Kings‘ goalie Jonathan Brenier with 4:20 left in the second.

Shots after 2: Canes 15, Kings 18

Skinner Connects, Allen Shares the Love

Early in the third, much of the play was between the center zone to just inside the blue lines of each end.  Both teams were playing very cautiously, not wanting to make a mistake costing the game.

On the third shift of the period for the Skinner line, all three forward were doing a great job forechecking. Skinner forechecked the puck away from players 3 times to keep the puck deep in the Kings end.  After gaining possession, Skinner passed to Andreas Nodl along the back boards.  Nodl found Jokinen on the side of the faceoff circle who to a quick shot on goal.  After Skinner’s initial pass he did what all scorers do and went to the net, knowing Jussi what going to shoot.

As Brenier made the initial save, Skins sent home the rebound for his 15th goal of the season and eventual game winner.

Staal got his first shot on goal with 9:23 left in the game.  He collected the puck at the right faceoff circle  and waited patiently for a shot that was destined for the upper left corner but Brenier made a stop with his shoulder.  Bryan Allen made a very nice defensive play by handling the puck behind Ward then took one for the team as Mike Richards gave a hard body check just as Allen got off a good pass to Drayson Bowman who easily carried the puck up ice.  Allen was more than willing to share the love when he, legally, clocked Dustin Brown at the blue line.

After the slow start in the first, the Canes played solid defense and smart hockey the final two periods to seal the win and take the Canes out of the Eastern Conference cellar.

Shot totals: Canes 22 ,Kings 25

Story by Lindsey Chester. Photo of 1992 ribbon-cutting provided by the Cary YMCA.

Cary, NC- Hard to believe, but this year the Cary Family YMCA turned 20 years old. I met with Executive Director, Diane Hillsgrove to talk about the past and future of this powerful community organization.

A Brief History of the Cary Y

I had heard the Cary Y began as a walking club, and Diane confirmed that. The club met at Cary Towne Center (at the time called the Cary Village Mall). But even before that, in 1987, the first fitness classes were offered at East Cary Middle School. That year Tracy Howe was hired (he still works for the YMCA).  Then real fundraising began to build a permanent home, beginning  with the Santa Claus Booth in the mall.

From the walking club, the organization then began children’s camp programs.  Camp Outer Limits was the first summer camp located at West Cary Middle School.

A key part of the plans came together when the land and pool was donated in 1987. The existing main pool was built originally as a neighborhood pool. The pool and 15 acres (current Y location) were donated to the project by Parkway Developers. The Finley Y was also instrumental in assisting. Without that initial vision and donation, perhaps the Y would never have been built.

The building officially opened on January 6, 1992, when this area of Cary was almost a wilderness. The town had 60,000 residents. Cary’s population has more than doubled to 141,000 since then, causing organizers to need to expand, and finally to build the more recent Kraft Y in southern Cary, to accomodate the need for more facilities, camps, and members.

We Build People: Helping Those in Need

One of the most important programs that the Y provides has nothing to do with folks getting their daily workout. The annual We Build People campaign funds outreach programs for kids.

This program was launched in 1993 with a goal of raising $50,000. Diane proudly explained that this year’s campaign beat their goal of $435,000- topping $490,500!! (what recession?) The money raised does not go to capital funds, or Y operating costs – it is 100% invested into Y Learning programs during the school year and summer camps scholarships.

The program is effective. Even during the summer camps, the students get tutoring, as well as swim lessons and weeks at Camp Seafarer. Children that participate achieve better EOG scores than their peers in similar circumstances. More money raised, means more kids able to participate. The aim is to make the Y accessible to all.

We Build People: By The Numbers

• 95 Year round and traditional school and preschool scholarship participants
• 70 Day campers
• 100 Y Learning Tutorial participants
• 160 Camp High Hope campers- fully subsidized

Cary YMCA Milestones

Leaders at the Cary Y weren’t done once the building was put up. Every year, they look at what can be improved. Membership currently tops 5100 units-  families or individuals which could mean as many as 20,000 Cary residents!

• 1997: Expansion- built Gym 3
• 1997: Built lower Oasis Pool
• 2001: Completed the Spray Ground
• 2007: Built the Slide
• 2009: Renovated the Inside, expanding workout areas
• Planning future Expansion- Indoor Aquatics Facility

Diane told me that Dick Ladd, who was an early and instrumental leader, believed Cary needed a Y because of the part a YMCA played in his life growing up. “If not for the vision of these early promoters, there would not be this wonderful facility that has impacted the lives of so many.”  I can vouch for that – my first and longest known friends have come from my 13 years as a Y member. My youngest’s earliest memories are as a Bumble Bee club member in their childcare program.

Our very first story on CaryCitizen (7/28/2009): YMCA Blood Drive.

I call myself a “Lifer” and don’t know what would fill that part of my life if the Y did not exist. Thanks to those who had the vision to build 20 years ago.

————————————————————————————————-

Lindsey Chester has been a member of the Cary YMCA for 13 years.

Story by Bob Fennel. Photos by Tom Mousseau.

Cary-lina, NC – The New York Islanders beat the Carolina Hurricanes in a battle of cellar dwellers at the RBC Center January 31, 2012.  The Canes are at the bottom of the Southeast Division and the Islanders are at the bottom of the Atlantic Division. 

Both teams came into the game with 45 points with the Islanders having 2 games at hand.  This was the first game for both teams coming off the All Star break and early on it looked like a preseason game with sloppy passing and lethargic play by both teams.

Islanders Strike First

The Islanders were controlling the puck from the opening faceoff but it appeared more because the Canes just weren’t aggressive enough on the puck or on the man.  After the Isles came into the Canes zone on the right wing, Jay Harrison took on two Islanders and pulled out a 9-iron rather than a 2-iron and chipped one over the glass for a 2 minute delay of game minor.  The Islanders have one very strong line and had them out for the power play.  All Star John Tavares came down the left wing with speed, went around  Brandon Sutter into the corner and found PA Parenteau  all alone in the sweet spot of the slot, shooting high glove side for the power play goal.   Late in the first,  Pat Dwyer was along the boards in front of the Canes bench, made a nice pass to Sutter who split the defense and made a bee line to the goal.  The puck was bouncing just a bit and Sutter wasn’t able to get it under control as Islander goalie Kevin Poulin made a nice save.  If that went in, I really believe the outcome of the game would have been different.  The line of Jeff Skinner, Jussi Jokinen and Riley Nash, called up from the Charlotte Checkers, was getting slashed, hooked and tripped on every shift.  Somehow, someone has to step up and maybe not so politely inform opposing players what they shouldn’t be doing if the refs won’t.   Shots after 1:  Canes 8, Islanders 8

Canes Need to Step Up

Admittedly I’m an Eric Staal fan, but more so since covering the team for CaryCitizen.

One benefit of press row is being up high to have the ability to watch plays form while concentrating on one player at the same time. What Staal does off the puck is very impressive.  He must have had 3 or 4 feeds into the slot that were unbelievable but nobody was home.  Coach Kirk Muller’s coined phrase is “no passengers”.

My take on that is he wants players to give it their all on every shift, on and off the puck.  Staal is not a passenger.  He’s big, strong, has a shooter’s mind and a sense for where players are on the ice. His reach and strength led to a semi breakaway on a man down situation.  His stick handling is probably the weakest part of his game but almost pulled off what would have been the Canes ninth shorthanded goal, and maybe the prettiest, if he connected.  The Canes were down because of a retaliation slash by a really frustrated Jeff Skinner. As almost always, it was the retaliating infraction that got called.  Skinner is in a talent pool above most players.  Tonight it seemed every Islander had to have their ticket punched after they gave Skinner a slash, a stick between the legs, a crack on the ankles, a grab of his sweater, a push in the back, anything to frustrate the heck out of him.  After one slash too many, he let his frustration out with a love tap in return.

Hardly worth 2 minutes - so my advice would be to score or give it a Tim Gleason or Bryan Allen style love tap.  With Riley Nash off for a very controversial hooking penalty, the Islanders scored on another power play.  Mark Streit had the puck on the left point and sent a shot into traffic.  Staal had his stick in perfect position with the shot hitting Staal’s stick.  The puck trickled into the middle of the slot with Matt Moulson picking up the puck, turning around, wristing a shot that was a back breaker.  Shots after 2: Canes 13, Islanders 18

No Passengers

The Canes came out in the third a completely different team.  Makes you wonder what words of wisdom were said in the locker room.  They were first on the puck in both ends and, for the most part, controlled the neutral zone.   With the Canes showing some grit, Gleason took a shot from the right point.  Sutter picked up the shot that was blocked by Tavares, skated to his left then sent a back hander off the crossbar into the net for a pretty goal.  Sutter is another player to watch off the puck.

He’s very young, 23 in 2 weeks (ladies: his birthday is Valentine’s Day) but plays like he has 10 years in the NHL.  A very smart, and obviously, a well-coached player.  Parenteau was off for slashing giving the Canes their first power play.  The crowd was getting into the game after Sutter’s goal and was wanting more.  The Canes first power play unit was very aggressive and all over the puck.  After a save by Poulin, the puck was being hacked and whacked by both Staal and Skinner. Tim Brent picked up the loose change behind the net and dished it out for what was meant to be a feed but found the skate of an Islander defender and went into the net to the delight of the college night crowd.

After a dump in by the Islanders, Cam Ward mishandled the puck off the boards.  Matt Moulson raced to the puck then found Tavares all alone off the left circle and the sharpshooter doesn’t miss from that range.   Needless to say, Ward showed his frustration by nearly breaking his stick across the goal post.   Late in the game with Ward pulled, the Islanders scored 2 empty-netters.  The stats will show several top Canes with minus figures on the +/- column but those came when the net was empty.  One other reason why that statistic is a guide at best.

There were no Canes as passengers in the third, problem is there were some in the first 40 minutes.  Shot totals: Canes 23, Islanders 26

Story from staff reports. Photo by Sarita.

Cary, NC – Our friends at Carolina Parent run a great Summer Camp & Educational Fair. This year, the fair is on Sunday, February 19, 2012 right here in Cary.

One-Stop Shopping for Camp

Clearly, the best thing about the Summer Camp & Educational Fair is that you can gather a whole lot of info in one afternoon.

Last year, 65 camps and education sumer programs had booths at the fair.

How Would You Like $1000?

We love Carolina Parent – positive news, good information, an asset to the community.

They also run very good events.

At the Sumer Camp fair, you can enter a raffle to win $1000 toward camps and education programs offered at the fair.

They will be other games and prizes as well. Great Outdoor Provision Company will bring a backpack and a variety of camping items. Everyone who attends the fair can take a guess at how much would the full backpack weighs. Closest guess wins the backpack and its contents.

Event Details

Carolina Parent Summer Camp & Educational Fair

Sunday February 19, 2012
Noon – 4:00 PM

Cary Academy
1500 N. Harrison Ave.
Cary, NC

Cost: Free

For more details, visit Carolina Parent.

Recipe by Chef Alan Panzer from the Kroger store in Apex, NC.

If you are throwing a Super Bowl party this Sunday, be prepared to satisfy your New York Giants fans with a proper snack. You can’t go wrong with hand-rolled, hand-twisted, fresh-baked pretzels — hey, after all, they are a New York tradition — everybody loves ‘em!

These warm, fragrant pretzels served right out of the oven will make your guests reminisce about the times they enjoyed these treats at sports events or just on the streets of Brooklyn, if they have ever had that wonderful opportunity.

Your guests will never be able to “fuh-get about it!”

Chef Al’s New York Style Soft Pretzel Recipe

Ingredients

for approximately 8 pretzels

• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 105 degrees)
• 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 Teaspoons salt
• 1 Package active dry yeast
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Tablespoons melted butter
• 1 whole egg, beaten
• 2 Ounces coarse Kosher salt
• Pan spray, as needed

Preparation

You will need a pot of boiling water, with 1 tablespoon baking soda in it, large enough to boil 2-3 pretzels at a time. Also 1 cookie sheet lined with parchment paper on which to bake the pretzels.

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl add the warm water, sugar and salt. Whisk them together to dissolve. Then sprinkle the package of yeast on top. Let stand for a few minutes until the yeast starts to make the solution milky and foamy looking.

2. Add the flour and melted butter. With your hands knead the mixture together to form a dough ball. Remove the dough from the bowl and, working on a floured counter top, knead until smooth and workable. If the dough is really sticky, work a little more flour into it until it is smooth to the touch.

3. Spray a clean bowl with pan spray (Or butter it) and place dough ball in bowl. Spray a little pan spray on top of ball and cover with plastic wrap. Set aside and let the dough double in size. (Approximately 45 min.)

4. Once the dough is ready place on floured countertop and cut strips off. Roll out one at a time to approximately 18 inches long. Make a U shape with the rolled-out strip. Holding each end of the U, cross them over each other, and press onto the bottom of the U in order to make the shape of a pretzel. Pinch to secure the ends.

Cooking the Pretzels

5. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

6. Place the prepared pretzels into the boiling water 2 or 3 at a time. They will rise to the top in about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spatula and place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

7. Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle a little Kosher salt on each. Bake in pre-heated 400 degree oven for 12-15 min. or until golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with spicy brown mustard or a cheese sauce. Keep some un-salted and brush them with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar. Enjoy!

Watch How It’s Done

Watch this video of Chef Alan rolling the dough Chef Alan rolling the pretzel dough.

Chef Alan Panzer works at the Kroger store in Apex. Kroger, the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer, has 16 stores throughout the Triangle.

Story by Bob Fennel and photos by Tom Mousseau.

Cary-lina, NC – The Carolina Hurricanes finally got a win against the Winnipeg Jets this season in a 2-1 squeaker at the RBC Center, January 23, 2012.

The Canes had lost the previous 3 meetings but have an impressive overall all-time record against the Jets (Atlanta Thrasher) teams.  It was teacher appreciation night and the teachers came out in droves and were having a great time.

Text Book Start

The first period started out with both teams playing cautiously with no one wanting to make that first mistake.  Tuomo Ruutu was called for boarding that was weak at best.  The Jets weren’t able to get any decent shots off as the penalty kill unit was very aggressive on the puck and played physical.

Shortly after the penalty ended, Cam Ward made two excellent saves, one was unbelievable as it was on a deflection from inside the crease.  After Ward made a save to the boards, Tim Gleason sent the puck up ice to Jeff Skinner.

Skinner went up the left wing with Zac Dalpe making a quick run up the right wing to allow for options as this turned into an odd man rush for the Canes.  Skinner had the option to shoot or pass, decided to pass but Ron Hainsey made a good initial block.  Fortunately for the Canes, the blocked pass resulted in the puck going back to Skinner, with Jets goalie Chris Mason going to his left to cover the intended shot from Dalpe, Skinner had an open net. The teachers would have liked that as that was text book, 2-on-1 hockey.

The Canes were making quality shots on the few they had in the first and eventually for the entire game.  About 5 minutes later, the Canes had the puck down low in the Jets zone.  Anthony Stewart used his strength to get the puck over to Tim Brent in the corner.  Brent made 2 good moves around Jets’ defensemen from the corner to the net. Chad LaRose had good positioning in front so Brent backhanded a pass with the puck bouncing off a Jets’ skate into the net.

Shots after 1: Canes 7, Jets 6

LaRose Hurt Again

Midway through the second just as Skinner’s shift was ending and he was headed to the bench, the puck wound up on his stick with the lane to the goal wide open. His instincts went into gear and went to the net.  Just as the defense closed in, he slid a beautiful pass to Dalpe who just missed as Mason had a nice stick check.

LaRose was the recipient of what appeared to be a soft check along the boards in front of the penalty box area. At first it appeared he aggravated the injury that kept him out several games recently but it turned out he got a deep cut and was gone for the rest of the game.  Both Skinner  and Staal did a few double shifts to help out the rest of the game.

The Jets got on the board when Tobias Enstrom found Kyle Wellwood all alone in front of  Ward for what seemed to be the only defensive lapse all game. One error, one goal and that was all it took.   The Canes had another power play in the second but didn’t have any good scoring chances. Actually, the Jets had more opportunities while man down than the Canes had on the power play.

Shots after 2:  Canes 14,  Jets 16

Posts all around

It’s a long time traveling from Winnipeg to Raleigh but the Jets looked like they had fresher legs in the third as it was all Jets.  Actually it turned out to be a goalie clinic as Ward made some superhuman saves.

I appreciated the third as well as any fan. In this game the Canes treated me to a seat in section 216.  Little did I know that section would be full of teachers.

That section was livelier than usual with appreciative and even raucaus local educators.  Thank you Canes for supporting our teachers!

The Jets poured it on in the third with 14 shots on goal and more not on target.  Most were high shots or deflections.  Considering the amount of offensive time the Jets were in the Canes zone, both Ward and the defense has to be commended about their play.

Staal carried the puck from center ice into the Jets zone along the left wing.  With Pat Dwyer and Jussi Jokinen on the right drawing a crowd, Staal decided to shoot and hit the post.  It would have been a Jet back breaker if that went in.

A few moments later in the Canes end, Ron Hainsey took the puck from the right point, skated to the center of the blue line then sent one into traffic in front of Ward. Somehow the puck found the post but Ward covered up the puck in the crease.  With the Canes on a power play, Alexander Burmistrov made a good outside-in stick move between 2 Carolina defenders for a point blank shot on Ward but Ward again, made the stop.  With time quickly ending, Jiri Tlusty got called for tripping but because the Canes never touched the puck when time ran out, the penalty is only for the books.

Shot totals: Canes 16, Jets 30

Story by Bob Fennel and photos by Suzie Wolf.

Cary-lina, NC – The Washington Capitals have owned the Carolina Hurricanes over the past two seasons with the Canes having only one win, in a shootout no less.  The teams played just 5 days ago with the Canes reeling off that loss as they felt they should have won. On Friday night at RBC Center, the Canes triumphed 3-0.

Jussi’s First is Sweet

The Canes started off on fire as the first 5 minutes were played in the Caps end.  Turns out that would be a common theme as the Canes clearly had the majority of possession and counted on Ward whenever Washington got off a shot on a rare visit to the Canes end.  The Canes forechecking, stick positioning and hustle were noticeably better than the Capitals’. Only thing missing early on were quality shots and goals.

Derek Joslin and Matt Hendricks paired off in the Canes end sending both off for 5 minutes. The fight started well off the play and may have been a response to last Sunday’s game.

And who says hockey players forgive and forget? Justin Faulk got called for a trip that was well deserved.  It reminded me of my high school soccer coach: ‘if you miss the ball, get the ankle’. Faulk missed the puck but got both ankles.

The Caps power play is very good but the Canes penalty kill was up to the challenge. An absolutely great sweep check by Eric Staal, just inside the Caps blue line, allowed Staal with his long reach to shove the puck forward to Jussi Jokinen.

Jokinen skated past the trailing defenseman and put one home past Tomas Vokoun for the Canes 8^th shorthanded goal of the season. Tuomo Ruutu, as always aggressive on the body checking, got his stick under a Caps’ visor for a 2 minute minor.

Staal again made a great steal after 5 swipes between 2 Caps in the Canes end. He got the puck up to Jiri Tlusty but the puck was bouncing and wouldn’t settle as he went to the net with Vokoun wisely smothered the puck.

Shots after 1: Canes 10,  Caps 8

Ward Shines

The Canes used 4 forwards and 1 defenseman for most of their first power play.  That type of line up is frequently used in the playoffs and when teams need goals.  The Canes have been trying that in practice and seeing it used at this point in the game was definitely different and good to see the Canes place more emphasis on special teams.  The Canes power play has been very good for about 3 weeks but no goal this time.

Cam Ward was very sharp in the first half of the second with several key pad saves and a couple of snow angels.  The Canes aggressive play lead to another power play late in the period. This time the Canes initially went traditional with 3 forwards but switched to 4 forwards when the second unit came out.

The passing was crisp with several shots.  Alexei Ponikarovsky brought the puck up the right side after a clear by the Caps. Tim Brent had the puck along the side boards passing out to Jay Harrison. Harry got off a wrister from the middle of the slot. Vokoun made a save off the blocker but couldn’t handle the puck in the air. Jokinen was camped out on front corner of the crease and had perfect timing as the puck hit the ice, he chipped it in for his second of the game.

One interesting point: the Caps did not have a shot in the last 14 minutes of the period.

Shots after 2: Canes 25, Caps 15

Tlusty Can Fly

The Caps came out in the third with their big guns putting 5 quick shots on goal, several not on goal too.  Ward was making save but giving up rebounds.  The defense did a good job of clearing the puck to the side boards or up ice as well as keeping the lanes open for Ward to get a good look. The forwards were forechecking up high keeping the puck harmlessly around the blue line.

The Canes didn’t change their game plan which was relentless forechecking and owning the neutral zone. Brandon Sutter took a very out of character hooking penalty.  I was watching Sutter up ice as his play is just so fundamentally sound and fun to observe.  I’m not sure the Caps appreciated his efforts as he was speared by one Cap and given a love tap in the back by another so this out of character hook was duly justified in my mind.

Late in the period, Washington pulled Vokoun for the extra skater.  Somehow they had 7 skaters on the ice with everyone on the Cap bench giving the ‘not us’ kind of look.  The Canes really didn’t want the whistle to blow as Jeff Skinner had possession of the puck with a wide open Jokenin who could have had the hat trick.

Staal won the next faceoff with the puck going in the Canes end.  Allen passed the puck behind Ward to Gleason in the other corner.  Gleason passed up to Staal who made a nice back-handed pass to Tlusty just outside the Caps blue line.  Tlusty made a power move down the right wing, cut across at the goal line straight for the goal.

Vokoun came out of the crease with his right leg in an obvious position to trip Tlusty, which he did.  After flying through the air, Tlusty hit the ice, kept his concentration solely on the puck and swept it in for a great looking and justified goal to the enjoyment of the nearly sellout crowd.

Shot totals: Canes 33, Caps 23

Ponikarvosky Traded to NJ Devils

After the game Alexei Ponikarvosky was traded to the NJ Devils for defenseman Joe Sova and a 4^th round 2012 draft pick.  My guess is the move was to free up forward space so folks from the Checkers can show what they’ve got.  The day before, the Canes and Florida exchanged 2 pair of minor leaguers.  I doubt, and hope, this isn’t the last of the moves.

Story by Lindsey Chester. Photo by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC – For six years,  the Matt Cossa Memorial Foundation, named for a Green Hope student, Matt Cossa, has raised money to fight cancer. This year, the Foundation has three events this spring where you can help the fight against cancer and honor the memory of a special young man.

Since its inception, the Matt Cossa Memorial Foundation has raised more than $125,000 in the fight against lymphoma and other blood cancers. I spoke with Bill Cossa, Matt’s son about this year’s events.

Remembering Matt Cossa

Matt Cossa attended Green Hope High School from its inception in 1999.

A three season athlete, he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. Baseball was Matt’s passion and he was a four year starter at Green Hope,  going on to play for UNC-CH.

It is in his spirit that the organization was started and continues to grow because of the love and passion the community has for this talented young man who still means so much to so many.

Fight Cancer: Fund Raiser

The first event, Hearts For Matt, is a fund-raiser and will be February 11 at the Kildaire Farm Racquet and Swim Club.

Debra Morgan, WRAL-TV News anchor will emcee the evening which includes dancing, dining, magic and a silent auction. Auction items include a Coach K autographed basketball, hockey stick signed by Hurricane Cam Ward, and beach house getaways among many other items. Local Cary businesses that are participating: Catering by Design is serving the h’ors deuvres, Sip will be pouring organic wine, and Triangle Wine Company will be tapping some beer. Amazing magic will be provided from Wayne Anderson.

Fight Cancer: 5K

The second event is the Miles For Matt 5K Race. Added to the line up last year, the race takes place at Cary’s Wake Med Soccer Park on March 10th.  FS Series runs the registration which is $25 now, and $30 after March 5th. This sanctioned qualifier race is an easy flat course for runners and walkers of all levels. Last year more than 200 racers registered.

Fight Cancer: The Big Ballgame

Lastly, the Bats For Matt event this year moves back to its roots at Green Hope High School and takes place on April 14th. Green Hope’s opponent this year is Cardinal Gibbons, a school that has been racking up state championships of late which should make for a spirited game. But the event isn’t all baseball! More details are to come, and Bill assured me that it is a fun filled family day whether or not you are a baseball fan.

The first Bats For Matt event was created by Matt’s Green Hope teammates. That first year they held a fundraiser baseball game in April of 2007, and dubbed it Bats For Matt in his memory.  Green Hope played Southeast Raleigh, at Green Hope’s home ballfield.  All proceeds benefited the Duke Cancer Institute to find a cure for lymphoma. Bill told me the event was a surprise, created by the teammates who felt a great need to do something active in Matt’s memory. Every year the event gets bigger, with Bill now heading things up.

In the years since then the event has expanded to include live entertainment, bounce houses, food and games, and ends with a balloon release, Hearts for Hope, in memory of Matt and others who have lost the fight against cancer.

If you would like to help or donate, visit the Matt Cossa Memorial Foundation to learn more.

Upcoming Events:

Hearts For Matt- Gala and Silent Auction

• February 11, 2012
• Kildaire Farms Racquet and Swim Club, 302 Pebble Creek Dr, Cary NC
• Tickets: $50/ person

Miles For Matt, 5K Race

• March 10, 2012
• Registration: $25/ racer in advance ($30 after Mar 5th)
• Wake Med Soccer Park, 201 Soccer Park Dr, Cary NC

Bats For Matt

• April 14, 2012
• Game and family fun
• Green Hope High School, Cary NC
• More info

Story by Lindsey Chester. Photo by Gonzalo Andres.

Cary, NC – The Cary Invasion landed in Downtown Cary last Spring and they return this year with a new league, a new uniform, and some track out camps for kids.The new league, the Tobacco Road Basketball League (TRBL), will include eight teams from the region. Head Coach MarQus Johnson returns and is holding try-outs this week with plans to announce the roster soon.

The team will continue to play at the Herb Young Community Center in Cary as home court. New uniforms are coming, and maybe even an expanded concession menu. Beer anyone?

Basketball Track Out Camps

The team, in partnership with Sport2Sport, will host three track out camps during February for ages 5-18.  Camp dates are as follows: