REAL HOCKEY HEROES: STRAUBE STRIKES EARLY & OFTEN

by Daddy Pat

Tuesday night in TNHL action Dan 'The Commish' Straube took control and dominated the ice. He scored early, he score often, reminding everyone of his early years in the Univ of Penn Hockey League. One TNHL official was heard to say; "Its nights like last night that makes me reminisce about his distinguished career." That is just what we are going to do...

As seen in his rookie card, Dan Straube had the strength and determination to make an impact on the game he loves. Dan started in the game of hockey before ice was even invented, trying to skate in full equipment on Collingdale ponds in June. Some folk lore has it that Dan was the one to suggest the game be played on ice, showing him as a pioneer of the game (others credit this idea to his rival, Mike Timlin) Though it is not known who's idea it was OR if this was a move to improve the game of hockey or way to keep the beer cold, it was a stroke of genius none the less. In the early years the game was struggling for a foothold and fan base, resulting in league officials calling on Dan to move from team to team to help grow the game. Dan willingly complied and played with many players and teams over the course of his career at much personal loss. Dan had to play with players who were not as dedicated to the game as himself. Such flashes in the pan as Dit Clapper, Howie Morenz, Lasher, Buckets and the little guy in the red jersey no one could catch. Dan persevered and continue his efforts and has been rewarded with many on ice highlights.

Who can forget the story of Dan's first goal? Dan battling in front of the net and banking in a rebound for the goal, using the now widely used technique named by Dan as "Hockey Card". Always a player focused on growth of his skills, Dan has abandoned the "Hockey Card" technique, claiming it isn't good for the game and is only used by "Tool Bags". The names of goal tenders abused by Dan is impressive. The first goalie/victim was Hall of Famer George Hansworth who was beat with a quick snap shot past the mitten side. Other goalies, Clint Benedict and Tiny Thompson, that fell victim to the Straube Sniper are shown here as well and remember their Straube encounters with some bitterness. Many complained that if they played in an era where going on your knees to make saves and freezing the puck were legal they would have been able to keep Dan's goal totals down. Others state playing in the age of Prohibition left them without much incentive to play hard and down play Dan's accomplishments. Regardless of these views, Dan's accomplishments could no be argued, but the jealousy of other league players caused much discomfort and eventually lead to his leaving the Unv. of Penn league and join the upstart TNHL

Dan came to the TNHL as a player and founding father. Shown here in his TNHL debut hockey card, he brought his heart and desire style of play to a league that needed guidance and a benchmark in level of play. Through his leadership and verbal abuse, the TNHL has maintained a high level of play to become the premier league in Springfield Rink on Tuesday nights played at 8:45 PM from October -April within a 1 square mile area. dan has continually marketed the TNHL with many successful formats and events. Though Dan has never won the event, he is credited with establishing the tremendously successful Irish versus the World Tournament that occurs each March. Dan has lost each year as the captain of team World, France, USA and last year Team Iraq. As a player who wants to win, at all cost, he is in negotiations with Team Ireland to join the undefeated tournament champion club. Apparently he has research his roots and found his family onbce owned an Irish Sheep Dog and claims this meets the linage requirements of the Team Ireland Membership Charter. Ever the shrewd negotiator that he his and to gain favor with Team Ireland management, his latest hockey card picture was taken with him wearing a St Pat's jersey. That dedication to winning and high level of play was on display by the man himself; Dan 'The Commish' Straube as he beat his friend and latest goalie victim like Tex Cobb, Rodney King or a wife of OJ Simpson. When asked about showing quarter to the over matched goaltender, Dan was overheard saying; "I'll shake his hand when I'm done". Through out his career contraversy follows Dan without fail. This was true even after his steller perofmance last night. After scoring 5 goals, Brit named Dan the Miller Lite Player of the game and rewarded him with an ice cold bottle of the beer. Many in the league thought he played better then that and should have been given a Labatt's Blue. In the true Dan Straube manner of putting other players first and drinking anything free and cold he stated: "Either beer is fine". Showing again why he should be recognised by the TNHL as a REAL HOCKEY HERO.