Great in ‘08...The Polish Falcons men’s recreational sports franchise has been nothing less than spectacular in 2008. After several years of supporting a variety of different team names and coping with troubling sponsorship issues, it was time to invest in a franchise of their own. In its first year, Team Polska (Cheektowaga, NY) participated in two top notch recreational leagues claiming the championship crown in both. The Polish Falcons claimed their first title this past August ‘08 while playing in the Cheektowaga men’s recreational softball league. After concluding the regular season with a record of 10-1-1, Team Polska Softball rolled through the playoffs only to win an intense nail biter in the bottom of the 7th inning to claim the championship. The franchise then went on to claim its second championship this past October ’08 while playing in the Holiday/Leisure Rinks men’s recreational hockey league. Team Polska Hockey ended the season with a 6th place record of 8-4-2. Entering the playoffs as an underdog, Team Polska knocked off the 3rd seed in round 1, and the 1st seed in the semi-finals to get to the championship game. An offensive battle ensued right down to the final minute of the championship game against 2nd seeded Elmwood Cozumel. With a little help from the hockey gods, Team Polska pulled their goalie and scored with only 12 seconds left in the 3rd period to tie the game at 6. Then, in dramatic fashion Team Polska went on to win in overtime 7-6 and raise the men’s league cup. One season and 2 championships, not bad for a bunch of washed up athletes no longer in their prime. Team Polska also competed in the Rochester men’s league hockey tournament this past April going 5-0 before losing in the championship game 4-2 to a Rochester based team. Next team action: Rochester Tournament April 2009. Next public team appearance: Dyngus Day 2009. Thank you to all our fans for supporting Team Polska and attending our games! Editor: JMK
