Jon Graney: Life as a Guppie!!

The following is an article that the Associated Press (AP) ran on Guppies back-up net minder Jon Graney last Tuesday 8/22/06.

Associated Press

GLASTONBURY - Hundreds of fans packed the Z-Rink parking lot, Monday night, awaiting the arrival of their hero, jet-setting goaltender Jon "West Coast" Graney.

The veteran goaltender agreed to make a special appearance for the Killingworth Guppies -- a perennial fan favorite in their own right. With the rare pairing of the two, word quickly spread, and the scene quickly became chaotic.

"We're having some parking issues here," said rink owner Bill MacLean. "I haven't seen a turnout like this in years. The fans are taking up valuable parking spaces, but it's understandable. I'm just lucky it's happening here!"

Lucky, indeed. Graney has been courted by teams for years, and the Guppies, who have played in the Eastern, Central, Intercontinental and Moose Lodge leagues, settled down in the Puck B league at Glastonbury's rink several years ago.

"The Guppies kept this place afloat," MacLean said.

The fans know the pairing of Graney and the Guppies spells "epic" for the rink and for them. But what about the the other teams -- the opponents? 

"We don't really even know who we're playing Tuesday night," said Guppies captain Brian Kelly. "But we know this...they're concerned. Very concerned. Graney? Guppies? Who knows what can happen? When ever we doen't have Linskey in net, it's a plus!"

"Guppies hockey is true hockey. Grass roots hockey," Jon Graney said via telephon    e interview from Los Angeles. "Whenever I can get out there, they're gracious and really put on a show out there in front of me."

Graney said the Guppies' efforts helps him ratchet up his own performance to all-star level.

"After dining on caviar most of the year, playing for the Guppies is like eating a big bowl of macaroni and cheese," Graney said. "I mean -- that's a good thing. Like, really GOOD mac and cheese. You know...like Velveeta or something. I meant that in a good way. Look, I've got to go."

But what about the fans?

"Oh, the fans are what this is all about. You can't forget the fans." Graney replied. "I'll bang some of them."

The Guppies play Tuesday night at 10 p.m. The game is sold out.