Spongee Memories…

2002-03

The twentieth anniversary season began with much pomp and pageantry. A record-tying 8 game-long exhibition season was culminated with the "Twentieth Anniversary Allard Alumni Game". Mike Allard came out of a 4-year retirement for a one game exhibition to play against an ex-teammate, his son Jason, a member of the Bloody Fists.

In the first regular season game, it was fitting that the C.O., an original and founding member of Apocalypse Now, Joe Moore, scored the season opening goal. But Apocalypse lost to their nemesis Rhinos, which ended a record 16 game win streak. After their undefeated season in ‘02, Apocalypse was defeated in playoffs by the Rhinos.

In Game Two against A Clockwork Orange, Pete Pearson netted a hat trick while hobbled with a sore hamstring, leading the way to a 7-1 win. "We had to beat this team," Joe lamented, "This is a battle of the classic 70’s movies. Solylo would be proud of this win!" Rob Moore summed it all up, "We beat them on the ice, and at the box office."

In Game Three (Jim Heim’s 100th career season game), Myron served his first ever penalty to set up Jeff Wrobleski short-handed, but Apocalypse fell 5-4 to FrostBite.

Two season games were suspended early, both against the Boogiemen. The little guy with the glasses couldn’t be controlled by the poor officiating, so Guido Sever had to take action. "It was the best two minutes I’ve ever taken," Guido said in reference to the crosscheck that led to the end of the game… and his run at the Lady Byng. With this penalty, Guido moved past Rob Haithwaite into third all-time penalty minutes, behind only the Hanson – er… Moore bros. Rookie Curtis Burnett scored on his first ever shift.

Old veterans were passed in the scoring derby as Myron Fiks moved in to the top ten all-time, while Jim Moore passed the legendary Gary LeDrew in career goals. Jim beat Guido in the race to 90 career goals, becoming only the 4th player to ever reach this plateau. But Guido got even in the last game of the season, scoring an incredible 7 times! This new club record surpassed the six Pete scored back in 89-90. Bryan Wiebe scored his first goal since 2001 in Game 16, a 27 game drought, which delighted the sparse crowd. "Stats are over-rated" Bryan repeated as Rob M celebrated his 70th career goal.

After a (5-9-2) 7th place finish, the B-Side playoffs were equally weak. Two quick losses to Grand Beach sent Apocalypse into ‘next year’ country. Pete was a no show, Myron a holdout and Joe was under the knife for Game One. But the game went to shootout thanks to a pair of late goals, Jeff with 2 minutes left and Rob Burnett with 2 seconds left. The Beer Bellies scored on two of four shootout tries, while Apocalypse was held scoreless. Was this really the same team that Guido scored 7 times on in one game?

Roster: Veterans: Rob and Joe Moore, Jeff Wrobleski, Pete Pearson, Guido Sever, Myron Fiks, Rob Burnett, Bryan Wiebe, Jim Moore and Jim Heim. Rookie: Curt Burnett.