This guy was Jerry Seinfeld before Seinfeld was Seinfeld. In fact, this guy was funnier.

No, he was not an official member of the NC Hockey team, but you'll see here that he did lace'em up with the boys for a brief moment in time, long forgotten but now remembered. His name is.......Read More

The 8th Annual Dick Nolan Classic has been scheduled for Sunday December 27th at 7:45pm at Niagara University's Dwyer Arena. Originally scheduled for December 26th, the game was move to Sunday to accommodate, Matt Schiavi who normally devotes the day after Christmas to taking down the tree and lights at his Lewiston abode.

"It's a complete undertaking," Schiavi noted. "And I can't be distracted from the orderly withdrawal of my household decorations with something like the Dick Nolan Classic. I mean, I love the guy, but taking the tree down is serious business."

The later start to the game means that each period will be extended to 20 minutes, regulation NHL style. After an exhaustive statistical analysis by Alec San Lorenzo, it was concluded that Guido Virtuoso would have a greater chance for breakaways while floating on the far blue line, waiting for Vic Talarico to send him away, if the length of the periods were extended and fatigue allowed to set in earlier on the opposing struggling defensemen.

Full contact will also be permitted below each goal line. It was generally acknowledged that this change had to be implemented to give James Spanbauer the opportunity to come to a complete stop, rather than knocking the goal off its posts, every time he tried to crash the zone.

Once again it will be Team Mossett versus Team Newhouse in a highly charged affair. Team Newhouse captain Dave San Lorenzo dealt Denny Gruarin to Team Mossett in exchange for Dr. Mike Merletti in the off season, but that trade is still under review by league offices and Dr. Merletti's wife.

Rusty DiFranco and Rob Thurman will man the nets, and discounts on insurance and drumming lessons will be offered by both netminders following the game.

Will Dan "Bear" Nolan return to his grisled, vet form? Will Dan Kaifis let a low-screamer from the top of the face-off circle? Will Scott Dunn ever stop hacking the opponent? These and more questions will be answered at the 8th Annual Dick Nolan Classic -the official Bishop Duffy/Niagara Catholic Hockey Reunion Game.

Newhouse Prevails 2-1

Zito named MVP

Team Newhouse mounted a stirring comeback to defeat Team Mossette, 2-1, in the 8th Annual Dick Nolan Classic. Paul Zito, Team Newhouse defenseman, was named game MVP, turning in a gritty performance after Niagara Gazette reporter Mike Kurliovitch had labeled him 'a defensive liability.'

Denny Gruarin drew up the winning goal on the bench for Team Newhouse with the score tied 1-1 late in the third period. Gruarin called for winger Vic Talarico to sprint toward middle ice after Gruarin won the draw and evaded Brian Schiavi at the defensive blue line. With a clear 2 on 0, Gruarin waited until Russ DeFranco splayed on the ice, then hit Talarico as the silky smooth winger roofed the puck past DeFranco for the clincher. In a bizzare unrelated incident, Gruarin passed out slices of DiCamillo bread in the dressing room after the game, recreating a biblical passage from the Old Testament that has to do with crusty old hockey players.

It was the same Schiavi who staked Team Mossette to a 1-0 lead with an off balance, weird angle shot that fooled new Dad and Team Newhouse goalie, Rob Thurman. Chris Salada tallied early in the third to tie the game up for Team Newhouse, setting the stage for Talarico's game winner.

Overall, the contest was generously characterized as 'hard fought', but Jerry Williams' son, perhaps, had a more fitting description: "It was really cool. Kinda of like watching America's Funniest Home Videos."

The game was refereed by NC single season All Time scoring leader, Bobby Gruarin, who allowed for an unintentionally chippy style of play. In one instance, James Spanbauer took down an entire line of the opposition with a knee-on-knee hit that had the capacity crowd on its feet. The game also marked the debut of '81 grad Ron Nicoletti, acquitting himself admirably on the right wing.

But it was Zito who stole the show with his pesky performance that constantly stifled any chances for aa Mossette tie. It became apparent that Newhouse goalie Thurman only had so many stops in him, and Zito was sure to sweep away any second chances, or any further suggestions that he is "a defensive liability."

The "Dick Nolan Classic" is not just a hockey game.  It's a Family Skate!  When the final whistle blows, the kids take over the ice and that's when the real fun starts. 

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              The Merlettis

THE CUP