The NYTHL’s eighth league date of the season took place on Saturday May 11, 2024 at Rab’s on Staten Island. It featured seventeen competitors from five different states. The day was highlighted by the debut of “Double L” – Larry Lassiter who hails from Elkton Maryland. In addition - we saw the return of league patriarch John Power who made his first appearance since League date five. A new wrinkle was added this season and took effect on this day. As voted on last year – the members of the N.Y.T.H.L. implemented a new rule which stated there would be no playoff tournament at the end of round robin play of league date eight. This was in order to build more anticipation for the League’s Championship which takes place in June. Instead the seventeen players participated in a grueling double round robin consisting of thirty two games. Let’s review the day.
With next month’s championship looming on the horizon, the day’s double round robin would go a long way toward determining seeding. Those of which will be decided by winning percentage. At the conclusion of double round robin play – it was league champion Vinny Catania who led the field with a 29-1-2 record. His only loss was a first to Brian Sullivan. Chris D’Andrea was second at 25-3-4. League veteran Len Mecca performed well as usual. He played his way to a 21-8-3 mark - good for third. Bob D’Addario rebounded from last month’s poor showing as he posted a record of 19-7-6 good for fourth. Perhaps the league’s most improved player – Robert Brancucci tallied a 19-8-5 record which landed him fifth. Last year’s most improved player – Walter Zissler played solid as he finished 19-9-4 placing him sixth. Seventh place went to the returning John Power. J.P. worked off a lot of rust and played pretty well despite the layoff as he went 19-10-3. George Slater occupied the eighth spot, finishing at 19-12-1. The ageless Anthony Sciacca was 17-10-5 placing him ninth. The improving Brian Sullivan finished tenth. His 16-15-1 day featured wins over The Vinner, and John Power. Lee Hendelman continues to progress. He finished the day 12-17-3 (eleventh). Larry Durham’s eleven wins placed him in twelfth. Number thirteen Phil Brancucci had ten wins. Hank Librandi finished with six wins in fourteenth place. Mike Digiulio fifteenth had just four wins. Double L – Larry Lassiter did manage to get his first win and two ties as he finished sixteenth. Derek Nisbett didn’t manage any wins, but did tie four times. He was seventeenth. Let’s preview next month’s Championship.
On Saturday June 15, 2024 the N.Y.T.H.L. will crown its champion. There will be a single round robin which will count toward the end of the year standings. All winning percentages will then be tallied and each player will be seeded. Sixteen players will be eligible to compete for the “A “Championship. To have qualified each player will have had to attend the average number of league dates (five). Those sixteen will play a best of seven series with the eight winners moving on to the Quarter-Finals. The eight who do not move on will then join all other players to compete for the “B” Championship. Those players include anyone new or a player who did not attend the required five league dates. All series from that point on will be best of sevens until both Champions are crowned. The league will also announce the three winners for Most Improved, rookie of the year, and the Anthony Sciacca Sportsmanship awards.
Another exciting league date is in the books. We hope to see you next month on June 15, 2024 at the league’s year end Championships. Table hockey along with the N.Y.T.H.L. continues to grow. With great competition, even better company, and the best games to play on - Dare I ask? What are you waiting for? Get behind the rods and Join the NYTHL. Like so many others, you will be glad you did. See you at League Date IX (CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY) June 15, 2024 at our home - Rabs.
Until next month – Be Well!
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