User:Staceymoriarty/St. Francis Parking Lot Hockey
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The St. Francis School Parking Lot Ball Hockey Group, Canada, existed from the early to mid-1980s to early in the 2000s with nearly 80 players participating for various lengths of time. This article will recall the early beginnings and evolution of the association as well as highlight some of the more memorable and colourful characters to play throughout the years.
[edit] Early Beginnings
Hockey on St. Francis School parking lot started as a merger of two separate pockets of players. The first was an older group who for years had played on the nearby Aero Tennis Club courts in Harbour Grace. The tennis courts provided an ideal setting with surrounding fences to keep the ball in play. Eventually, this group was banned from using the courts and was forced to move elsewhere.
The second group had played in another close venue. Mount Pleasant Road played host to the more traditional “road hockey” game, but as the numbers of players increased and as players themselves grew, they saw the need for a larger surface. The decision to move to St. Francis was also influenced by some players who played with both groups. Dennis “Fox” McCarthy and Bill “Buck” O’Shea helped lead the move as the oldest of the Mount Pleasant Road players. Completing the early merger were other tennis court players such as Alan Best and Paul Sheppard who made the transition to the new facility. Among those who transferred from Mount Pleasant Road were Bill Uhlman, Paul Holloway, Stacey Moriarty, Bob McNamara and Jason Farrell.
In the mid-1980s St. Francis School parking lot offered several advantages to players. A large brick wall offered for rebounds not possible on the road or tennis court fences. As well, the plowed parking lot allowed for uninterrupted winter play. Traffic dangers became a thing of the past and the playing surface became expandable with the extra space, a feature that would play an important role soon enough.
The game rules used remained largely unchanged for years. The “game-of-10” (first team to 10 goals) remained until the last days of action. Games were usually 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 plus a goaltender, depending on the number of players involved.
[edit] Changes: New Asphalt
Around 1987, hockey on St. Francis School parking lot underwent many changes that helped usher in a new era in the game. At the time, a new primary/elementary school was constructed to the east of St. Francis, leading to two major developments for hockey players. The use of the wall came to an end as a concrete and grass island was constructed on the parking lot to separate traffic going to each school. But on the upside, the new school meant a new parking lot with fresh asphalt.
Because of the overall longer surface, space restrictions became a thing of the past. This led to a large influx of new regular players to the scene.
Many of these players had roots in the old tennis court group, either having played there themselves or having brothers and friends associated with that era. Among those who would become regular parking lot players were Greg “Crow” Parsons, two sets of Butler brothers: Gerard/Sean and Rob/Jeff, Jens Hosel, Guy Moores, Bill Fowler, Curt Janes and Jim “Mackey” McNamara (older brother to Bob). As well, a new youth movement evolved that would be pivotal in keeping the parking lot game alive for many years. This group included players like Danny Maloney, Ian Peddle, brothers Derek and Jerome Connolly and Paul Sullivan.
For the next 4-5 years this new parking lot would host some of the most memorable games and incidents the group has ever seen. Among these:
- The 3-hour + marathon game-of-10. The norm was to play 2-3 games in an afternoon. Participants included Bill Uhlman, Paul Holloway, Stacey Moriarty, Gerard and Sean Butler, Dennis McCarthy, Bill O’Shea and others. The exact teams that day are not known, but the final score was 10-9.
- The appearance in the same game of Paul Galway and Francis Reddy, two less talented but unique characters.
- The breakaway collision between goaltender Paul Sullivan and Paul Galway that led to the less graceful Galway falling on and collapsing a net.
- The target-shooting contest through the back window of Bill O’Shea’s Hyundai Pony.
One of the interesting quirks of the new parking lot was its slight slope. When playing north-to-south, one team would always have the disadvantage of an uphill run to the opposing goal. However, this was a small price to pay for fresh pavement.
At the height of its popularity, the parking lot saw action every weekday after school involving a group of younger players with some from the senior group such as Moriarty, Sullivan and Jerome Connolly. At night the scene was repeated with the more senior group. Saturday and Sunday afternoons were the same, with a Sunday doubleheader also common.
As newer hockey balls became available, the tennis ball became obsolete and disappeared from the game altogether. It was first replaced by a soft white Jelinek-brand ball (nicknamed the Jelly Ball), but this ball was more susceptible to holes, so the soft Mylec hockey ball eventually became the “official“ ball. Available in neon colours, it greatly helped advance the night game.
It was during the late 1980s that the parking lot saw one of its greatest legends make his first of many retirements as Bill O’Shea moved to Ontario for work purposes. More on O’Shea in a later section.
[edit] The Bristol’s Hope Invasion
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, tournaments around Harbour Grace between teams from different areas of town were highly popular. From these events came a group of players from nearby Bristols Hope (located between Harbour Grace and Carbonear) who would go on to become members of the St. Francis parking lot scene in at least a semi-regular role for many years. Goaltender Mike Butler and brother Chris played on-and-off for many years, as did Philip Peddle. But it was Keith Peddle (brother of Philip), known to all as “The Wizard” and Keith Taylor who would remain long-time players and in many ways two of the most reliable members, both in terms of games played and versatility. Peddle was a defensive specialist while Taylor was the offensive threat with dangerous passing and shooting skills who could also play a solid game as a goaltender.
[edit] Expansion From Over the Hill: Carbonear’s Influence on the Lot
At the same time that the St. Francis parking lot group was enjoying great success, another group was playing on the foundation of a torn-down garage on the south side of Carbonear, known as “the Slab”. Keith Peddle, an occasional player with this group, introduced The Slab to St. Francis players Stacey Moriarty, Keith Taylor and Gerard Connors, one of the great goaltenders of the parking lot era. The Slab group played on a much smaller and unorthodox L-shaped surface, but with large numbers of players, tournament play was the norm. Not unlike the first immigration of Soviet players to the NHL, it was here that the St. Francis lot players entered and ran off an impressive undefeated streak against Slab competition, nearing an estimated 25 to 30 games.
Other St. Francis players attempted to play on this new surface but had only limited results. Outside the above-mentioned players, only Danny Maloney became a regular player with great success.
Initially, bringing players from Carbonear to Harbour Grace proved difficult until two players, Greg Murray and Ian Oates, made their debut around 1992. Murray would become a regular player and eventually led others to join the parking lot game. Those who had the greatest impact included Tolson Sheppard, perhaps one of the best 2-way players to have ever played the parking lot game; Steve Neville, an experienced goaltender; Blair Clarke, one of the fastest runners and best grinding players of that era and Mark Cooney, the typical power forward. Others played less regularly but at certain points were instrumental in the continued success of the parking lot game.
[edit] Relocation: Summer Games Bonanza
In 1992 Harbour Grace and Carbonear co-hosted the Newfoundland & Labrador Summer Games. In preparation, many new sports facilities were constructed or existing ones renovated. Among those that received a facelift was St. Francis Soccer Field. The new facility was much larger and featured something that brought ball hockey on the east end of Harbour Grace to a new level. A brand new parking lot was constructed with fences on two sides and even some limited pole lighting. As the parking spaces were drying, the St. Francis parking lot players were moving in. For the next decade or more, this parking lot would be the group’s permanent home.
At the same time, another parking lot across the road at the CBN Curling Club was also paved, giving players an alternate site when the soccer field lot was full. However, this lot was much larger than the preferred site and balls being shot onto the highway and the adjacent vegetable field made for longer delays and games with less flow and excitement.
One of the few disadvantages of the new soccer field parking lot was that it wouldn’t normally be plowed during the winter. That being the case, the friendly confines of the school parking lot were still available; however, there were times when, depending on snow depth, the soccer field lot was shovelled off by the group.
[edit] Evolution of the Parking Lot Goaltender
In the early years of St. Francis parking lot hockey, goalie equipment was scarce to say the least. For a long period those brave enough to face shots did so with no more than pads, a baseball glove and some type of blocker, if any. While the tennis ball or “jelly ball” was used, most goalies could get away with this amount of equipment if they didn’t mind leaving the face or other sensitive areas exposed. But once the harder and less forgiving Mylec ball became the shooters choice, the facemask quickly gained in popularity. However, many veteran goaltenders were hesitated to wear full head-to-toe equipment, perhaps because they had become so used to being repeatedly stung by shots over the years. Needless to say, today’s young goaltenders would be extremely reluctant to strap on the sponge pads worn by Paul Sheppard and others.
Two goaltenders are responsible for bringing full equipment to parking lot hockey in the early 1990s. Gerard Connors and Jason Neil both came from different areas of the Harbour Grace outdoor hockey scene, Connors from the Marine Complex group and Neil from the West End & Bear’s Cove area. Both gave themselves a great advantage when facing a more traditionally outfitted goalie at the other end with their head-to-toe gear that covered more space and added a greater sense of bravery as they could face the hardest shooters with little fear of injury.
Other goaltenders made at least a partial change in goalie equipment. For example, Steve Neville would use the facemask and jock but would never go so far as to make the chest/arm protector or goalie pants part of his gear.
[edit] Notable Players: Legends of the Parking Lot Game
Dennis “Fox” McCarthy: Likely nicknamed for his red hair, in the history of St. Francis parking lot hockey there has been no more effective 2-way player. Combining a deadly accurate shot and superior defensive skills, most younger players hoped for two things: to end up on the same team or not to be playing against him. When teamed with Bill O’Shea, they formed one of the most potent offensive combinations in parking lot history, O’Shea as the passer and McCarthy as the trigger man. However, McCarthy hardly needed to be set up, as his ability to dominate any game as a ball carrier was unsurpassed. Had official statistics been kept over the years, Fox would have been the group’s all-time leading scorer when he stopped playing regularly.
Bill Uhlman: Perhaps the purely fastest player to ever play with the group, Bill Uhlman was also one of the most versatile players of the parking lot era. His great speed and other offensive abilities made him a dangerous scorer, but he was also one of the best goaltenders of his time on the lot.
Gerard & Sean Butler: These brothers are perhaps best known for two “quirks”. First, they are the only players in the history of St. Francis parking lot hockey to have never played on opposite teams. Secondly, Gerard is the only player to have played his entire career wearing work boots.
Tolson Sheppard: Although he didn’t lead the rush of Carbonear players to the St. Francis lot scene, Tolson Sheppard did go on to become the best 2-way player of that group. He used both strong offensive weapons and dominant defensive talents to become a frequent top pick for every game. But he may be perhaps best remembered for the level of intensity he brought to the game, comparable to NHL players like Mark Messier. He left parking lot hockey as a high scorer and a frequent destroyer of his hockey sticks.
Paul Sheppard: One of the steadiest goaltenders of the early parking lot years, Paul Sheppard will be remembered as an innovator of the position. He was the first to use a homemade panelboard goalie stick. Also, as a former soccer goalie, he could often be seen kicking the ball to teammates in the other end rather than using his stick. In Later years, Sheppard played both goaltender and defence. As a defenceman, he was a steady defender who excelled at blocking shots. His comedic attitude lightened the mood of many games while at the same time being able to play an intense game when necessary.
Keith Peddle: Forever known as “The Wizard” (no known origin for the nickname), Peddle helped lead the Bristol’s Hope invasion of the parking lot game. He was one of the most reliable players in the group’s history in terms of games played. His participation was only a telephone call and on occasion playing in his Cub Scout uniform (in his 20's) ... a true competitor. A true stay-at-home defenseman, he may not have dominated in any aspect of the game, but his commitment and effort were always evident. Peddle’s career may have been more productive if not for a variety of injuries that too often hampered his play.
Cory Fahey: Nicknamed “Tretiak” by Bill O’Shea as a reference to both his skill and his appearance in rag-tag equipment and “Suds” for reasons not to be mentioned in this article, Fahey came to the parking lot scene in the early 90s and quickly became of the dominant goaltenders of his time. The showdowns between he and Gerard Connors made for some of the best hockey played in the lot’s history. His scrambling style and quick reflexes made Fahey a goaltender more players wanted to face simply for the accomplishment of beating him.
Allan Best: Teammates nicknamed him "Big Fella". Known for his hard slap shot, Best always had a nose for the ball. As a result, he could always be found working aggressively in the corners for possession of the ball. In addition to being known for his heavy shot, the "Big Fella" was know to lose his temper a time or two during a game. Best was often known for wildly shooting the ball at goaltenders when play was haulted and not having any regard for opposing players feet or shins when woking to get the ball. Another element to the "Big Fella's game which made him a valuable pick for any team was his ability to strap on the goal pads when needed often coming up with timely saves.
Stacey Moriarty: Forever know as "Moriarty". The name instantly triggers ball hockey to all those who played during the St. Francis era. A talented player, he was the ultimate competitor but more importantly he was one of those individuals who helped keep St. Francis ball hockey alive. His tenacity and hunger to win was only matched by his desire to round up enough players to play the next game. Whether it was rain, snow or cold temperatures Moriarty was faithfully manning the telephone trying to organize a game.
[edit] Buck O’Shea: Parking Lot Hockey’s Ultimate Character
If a quick survey of former St. Francis parking lot players were taken that asked the question: “Who is the most remembered player in parking lot history?”, the vast majority would likely respond “Buck”.
Bill “Buck” O’Shea emerged from the Aero Tennis Court era to become one of the prominent characters in St. Francis parking lot hockey history as much for his personality as for his actual skill in the game. In terms of his hockey accomplishments, Buck spent many years as one half of the most dominant duo of its time with Dennis McCarthy. His role as the playmaker complimented McCarthy’s position as defensive specialist and deadly shooter, although Buck was quite capable of scoring his share of goals. In his prime, he was a dominant one-on-one player with many shifty moves, including his Savardian Spinarama and the “ Ol’ ‘How’s She Goin’?’” head fake.
On the defensive side of the game, Buck will not be remembered well. In later years the neutral zone would become his hangout, much to the dismay of teammates.
However, Buck’s playing days were often interrupted by frequent and sometimes lengthy trips to Ontario in search of employment. Still, he would rank among the parking lot’s all-time leading scorers based on the overall length of his involvement.
In the eyes of many, Buck’s time on the St. Francis parking lot scene will be mostly remembered for his opinionated and outspoken nature, as well as for the persona he achieved as one of those characters that went beyond the parking lot.
Buck was the group’s lead hockey analyst, covering everything from the NHL to international play. Buck had great appreciation of the Soviet hockey system and constantly sang the praises of all the Russian stars of the time, including the late Valeri Kharlamov, Alexander Yakushev, the K-L-M line of Vladimir Krutov, Igor Larionov and Sergei Makarov and any other notable Russian star he could name. The Canada Cup tournaments of the 80s gave everybody the chance to see in person what Buck was preaching about the Soviet style of play.
Buck’s analysis of the NHL game was unsurpassed at times, perhaps only equalled by the respective TV personalities. His knowledge of his favourite team, the Montreal Canadiens and his favourite player, Guy Lafleur were at times both entertaining and mesmerizing, especially to less educated and younger players.
But by far it was Buck’s in-game commentary that drew both the laughter and contempt of all parking lot players, depending on the intended target. An intense competitor, Buck’s tirades towards others who did not play to his level were common and, depending on the words, legendary. One common line to those who couldn’t handle his passes was “What do you want, jam on it?”.
Clearly one of the most entertaining aspects of Buck’s time as a player was his commentary on his own play. Often exaggerated, those who were parking lot veterans knew better than to be irritated by what they heard. In fact, without Buck’s comparisons of his own style to the day’s NHL stars, some of the fun of a game of hockey on the parking lot would have been permanently lost.
Among the parking lot population, Buck O’Shea’s status reached that of semi-celebrity. His off-the-lot escapades drew just as much interest as his game play. Many of the stories will remain hidden from the public domain, but they only add to the legendary, or comedic, character, depending on the viewpoint.
For many, Buck will forever be known for the continuous line of used (some greatly) vehicles he arrived to the lot with over the years, including the Chevy Nova, Dodge K-Car, Hyundai Pony, Chevy Chevette or the Ford Ranger pick-up. The combined value of all these- much less than the cost of a good used car.
The “Shot in the Head” Rivalry
Over the course of parking lot hockey history, the greatest rivalry of all time existed between Buck O’Shea and Stacey Moriarty. To the casual, uninformed observer, the verbal battles between the two, which often led to Buck’s famous line “You’re lookin’ for a shot in the head Moriarty!!” (usually accompanied by a raised fist), became quite intense at times. However, the goal was to provide disruption to Buck’s game and entertainment for those gathered and for all the sometimes-heated arguments, not a single punch was thrown. Later, in a more social environment, the two would admit that the mutual rivalry they shared was more for show.
[edit] Conclusion: Parking Lot Hockey as an Organization
In the end analysis the St. Francis parking lot hockey group existed as a society onto itself. There was a small pioneering number who were the builders, with others coming in because of their association with them. Those who weren’t welcome could not force their way in, and when the group saw the need to replenish their numbers, new players were brought in to fill roles, especially in the form of goaltenders. Younger players eventually replaced the older ones as leaders, but the veterans were always welcome to return.
In terms of the overall game, the rules changed little over the years. Intentional infractions like tripping, slashing and high sticking were few. If a goalie wasn’t fully equipped, other players knew not to take slap shots from close range. The players policed themselves and the number of physical altercations over the group’s 20-year run can be counted on one hand.
While there were many who mocked the group for being so exclusive, mostly those who couldn’t find a place within it, there was respect for it. Take for instance the time some basketball players tried to block off access to the parking lot by parking a truck in the way (there is a basketball court on the “new” St. Francis parking lot). Once they refused to share the space, Al Best’s Jeep was called into action. Just before the towrope was attached to the truck, the owner made the wise choice to move.
Most important of all, this group had its memorable characters, as previous sections have noted. Without their contribution to the parking lot atmosphere, there would be no story to tell. It is their actions and antics that made the St. Francis parking lot hockey experience something that will not be forgotten for those who lived through it.
[edit] Alphabetical List of Players Who Were At Least Semi-Regular During The St. Francis Parking Lot Years Along With Any Nicknames
B
David Babb
Alan Best
Matthew Burke
Chris Butler
Jeff Butler
Gerard Butler
Mike Butler
Rob Butler
Sean Butler
C
Blair Clarke "Moe"
Derek Connolly
Jerome Connolly
Gerard Connors
Mark Cooney "Coon"
Roger Crane
Paul Cull
Phil Cull
D
Greg Davis
Todd Deering
F
Corey Fahey "Tretiak", "Suds"
Jason Farrell
Bill Fowler "Growler", "Ken Morrow"
G
Paul Galway "Hover"
William Galway "Wonka"
Billy Guilfoyle
Terry Guilfoyle
H
Paul Holloway "Hippie"
Greg Hopkins
Jens Hosel
Joey Hunt
J
Curt Janes
K
Jeff King "Nipple"
L
Greg Laing "Bubba"
M
Danny Maloney
Eddie Martin
Dennis McCarthy "Fox"
Bob McNamara
Jim McNamara "Mackey"
Guy Moores
Stacey Moriarty
Greg Murray
N
Jason Neil "Hee Hee"
Steve Neville
O
Ian Oates
Sean Oates "Ape"
Bill O’Shea "Buck"
P
Greg Parsons "Crow"
Daniel Papineau
Ian Peddle "Owen"
Keith Peddle "Wizard"
Paul Peddle
Philip Peddle
Brett Pilgrim
Brooks Pilgrim
S
Paul Sheppard
Tolson Sheppard
Jeff Slade "Jang"
Paul Sullivan "Mojo"
T
Keith Taylor
U
Bill Uhlman
V
Ray Verge
Lorne Vokey
Terry Vokey Sr.
W
Dean Whelan "Chilly"
[edit] See Also
Soviet Union national ice hockey team
