TEAM HISTORY
One season after the infamous “draft” at Tri Valley Roller Hockey, On Tap began its auspicious beginnings. Original team members Greg and Joyce Abarta, Audrey Bednarz and Joe Szabo worked together with Jamie Dafour as captain. An eclectic team whose more infamous players included Melanie and John Magnan, Mary Squires, Gina Staley and Jamie who wore ice pants and socks at every game. We didn’t offer up the best stats but we really cared more about the friendships and drinking beer after the game. Every week someone was to be responsible for bringing a debilitated blue cooler filled with beer. We shared stories of the game, laughed, and emptied the blue cooler with a bottle opener attached to the cooler with a used hockey skate lace. We weren’t real concerned about our lines but hope you do not forget the cooler when it was your turn! Eventually Jamie left and John Magnan became the next captain with Joyce Abarta as Assistant Captain.
We continued playing under various team names looking for the elusive “perfect team name”. Highlights include: “Death Monkeys” (Jamie had a fetish for monkeys) “Ultimate fighting Death Machine” (Ned really hated that one) “Team America” “Orange Crush” “Swiss Army” and “Swiss Miss”.
When John and Mel moved to Idaho, Joyce took over as Captain and Dave Tierney became Assistant Capt. We remained middle of the pack and started team BBQ’s. When a few more players went their way, Joyce and Dave went to try out night. They saw Patrick Biggerstaff and Jon Relyea. Even though the team had only one spot open they took them both on the team. We carried an extra player that season but boasted the best stats yet. Dave took a season off and Audrey’s son, Barrett stepped in to further prove our team was about families and, oh yeah… beer.
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