1981 THL REGULAR SEASON

Willard Division: As expected, the rebuilding Whales joined the Killers in the basement as both teams were plain bad. Kurohara allowed an historic amount of goals but found a light of hope in rookie F Alex Kirkland. The Whales were stronger but looked lost without Cal Capezzio and Elton Savell, although rookie F Ray Parrino provides a look at the future. The stubborn Anchors kept themselves in the thick of it as best they could but F Dimitri Ranko could only shoulder so much as Ferdy Haight finally showed his age in goal. A reinvigorated Rockets squad showed their championship mettle again as defenseman Pat Ossola nearly carried the team at times and punched his ticket to an MVP trophy as Fort Bevin secured a playoff berth. The Pioneers continued where they left off, leading the way in the division as they focused on being more defensively-minded behind clutch shooting from F Jonathan Walker.

Hatch Division: The pundits expected the Neptunes to show some age but instead Kris Kotulak and Co were not to be denied as they cruised to 130 points atop the division in a good showing for their new ownership. Their rivals in Kirlow had a less exciting season for their new owners, however, as the team desperately missed the steady leadership of Sam Bennett at the helm. An offensive spark late in the season gave them enough to surge ahead of the Herons. The kids in Trowburgh played good hockey but saw their offense disappear through a rash of injuries as Mozzy Turk missed most of the season. The Swans improved dramatically with Cal Capezzio leading the way as they added nearly 30 points from last season. The Blazers also saw some improvement offensively as rookie F Eric Jorgensen infused some life into the top line.

Elam Division: The defending champs continued their dominance as Gian Guiliano cooly collected a Best Forward and guided the Heralds to another division title. Nipping at their heels for much of the season was a Barbarians squad that suddenly remembered how to score as John Jurski and Lorenz Laduca led the revival, notching a playoff berth. Just behind Guilden, the Captains played good hockey, switching back to their classic heavy style that kept them in the playoff hunt and landed a wildcard berth. Keenan Draper doesn't have much left in the tank but Lauri Rikard and the blue line carried the team. The Saints had big plans but injuries derailed them as F Jack Kovak didn't play more than 8 games in a row at any point in the season, in a microcosm of their year. The Crusaders, excited about their new offensive talent, changed their style to focus on forwards Joel Ecklund and rookie Marcel Luksik and it backfired as defensive ace Bram Vandergert was banged up and the team couldn't compensate.

Rankin Division: Geno Pasternak is 38 but he doesn't care as the Falcons soared to the top of the league and a Louis Trophy behind stellar team play. It seemed like everyone took a turn as defenseman Malcolm Jackson was a breakout player and 33-year-old goalie Claude Dohms had a 5-week stretch of being nearly impenetrable in the net which won him Best Goalie. The division was strong as even the Bucks and Kings were tough to beat as both teams were fundamentally sound. The Bucks weathered some injury bugs and growing pains that hampered their progress but a bright spot was rookie goaltender Vassily Wuopio who showed lots of mental fortitude. Bancana's mess in the net solidified a bit while rookie D Filip Korcz helped the blue line dramatically. The Electrics' offensive volume tapered off a little outside of Leo Stendahl, but the defense strengthened with a fully healthy Darren Cain and Frank Lambrou on the blue line. Kavalos locked in a quarterfinal playoff berth as they edged past an inconsistent Glaciers squad who still managed to grab a wildcard. The Niko Side had a roller-coaster year as Pekka Jokinen's penchant for scoring droughts manifested between bouts of injuries to the net and blue line.



Playoff Preview

Barbarians vs Captains
These division rivals played closely down the stretch. Guilden has a better offensive while the Kirk Boys have returned to heavy defensive hockey.

Kodiaks vs Glaciers
Both teams want to prove they're better than their season struggles and a wildcard round is the perfect tune-up. The Niko Side has the edge but Kirlow is always tough.

Neptunes vs Rockets
These teams have never met in the playoffs. Both have championship DNA. The Rockets are leaning on defense and the Neptunes have the always dangerous Kris Kotulak leading the scoring.

Pioneers vs Electrics
The Pioneers are eager to return to the finals but have a tough first draw against a potent Electrics squad. These two teams have very similar styles.

Up next: 1981 Playoffs

C&C appreciated! What are your thoughts on the new awards graphic?

WE LOVE YOU GENO!
WE DO!
WE LOVE YOU GENO!
WE DO!
​Oooooooooooooh Geno we love you!

Was not expecting to see the Falcons at the top of the league, but I love to see it. Love seeing a couple vets in Pasternak and Dohms having great seasons, hopefully we can keep it going in the playoffs

Happy to see the Bucks improve but Kirlow please break that damn curse this year

I am officially on board with the Swans. Rough year, but hopefully things can turn around.

Look out, Guilden - here we come! I'm glad to see Pasta still killin' it at 38 but I feel really bad for Pete Lentini, since he hasn't accomplished anything yet in the THL. I really wanna see him do something here in the 80s.