Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Canadian Lithuanian Federation (KLB) link added

Many thanks to TKL old timer Rimas Kuliavas for adding the TKL to the Canadian Lithuanian Federation (KLB) links page. We also added a link to them on the right hand side of this page.

-AK

Monday, April 24, 2006

GAME SUMMARY: Toronto Klevo Lapai 3 - Toronto Estonians 0

Toronto "Klevo Lapai" Lithuanians (TKL) played their first Baltic game against the Toronto Estonians and prevailed by a score of 3-0 at Iceland Arena in Mississauga on April 21st. A hard fought game by both sides which saw fast paced passing, good defensive play by the Lithuanians and great goaltending by R. Steer and D. Lelis who shared the shutout. The Olympic sized rink was huge and the open surface allowed good skaters room, making the game fun to watch.


TKL Goalie Dan Lelis after his shared shutout with Richard Steer where he turned away 20 shots.

The first goal was scored by TKL Centre Brian Mielko on a brilliant individual effort in the first period. Mielko scored again in the second period followed by a tip in by winger Rick Dresher after a mad scramble in front of the net in the third.

The valiant Estonians were short two players due to injuries and are eager to have a rematch with their full squad.


TKL (in gold) and Toronto Estonians (in blue/white) were all smiles after the game. A great time was had by all. Click to enlarge the photo.

Stay tuned as to where and when our next game will take place - sometime in the fall - as both players and fans alike considered this first game a huge success and a great way to enjoy a Friday night. Thanks to all who attended!

- AK

Some photos from the game thanks to D. Lelis.

A brief history about Toronto Klevo Lapai

Toronto Klevo Lapai (Maple Leafs in Lithuanian) consists of players of Lithuanian descent or who are related or married into Lithuanian families. TKL is the fourth generation of hockey in Toronto, the first in the late 70s, second in the early 80s when there were enough players for two teams, another in the late 80s and finally the current team which still has a handful of players from the good old days. Speaking of which, check out the photo below;

Here's a blast from the past, the actual game roster sheet from 1983 when we sent a pretty big team to Boston - just before we split up into two teams - and came in 1st. Ah, the memories...

TKL practices every Thursday night from fall to spring at Hershey Arena. If you would like more information, would like to arrange a game or have comments about this blog please send an email to Alvin Kišonas or Ed Ginčauskas. We'd like to hear from you!

- AK