Highlighting a Few Firsts for Titus Cunningham

[thadthrasher 1,731]

As S97 was well on its way to wrapping up, the Miami Marauders recognized that a playoff appearance was inevitable. Figuring it couldn't hurt to finish out the season trying a few new things, the team picked up defenseman Titus Cunningham, a West Virginia native, from free agency. Many around the league thought this to be an odd addition, as Cunningham had not one single stat in professional hockey. He was a relatively unknown player whose rise to hockey is an odd one at best. He reigns from a part of the world where hockey is not really played, yet his natural talent for the game became evident to former VHL superstar Napoleon Dynamite, who vouched that the kid was "freakin' spectacular!" While Cunningham's start in the VHLM has been rather slow, no one is ready to give up on him yet. He's getting great ice time, contributing to offensive momentum, and shutting down the opposing teams well. Given he's now had a few games under his belt, it's time to highlight some major firsts for the young defenseman. 

 

 

His First Game and Penalty

Game 313 vs Mississauga Hounds

This will go down in history as Cunningham's first taste of professional hockey. In a 2-1 win over the Hounds, Cunningham did not contribute much to the team's success. In fact, his first-ever recorded penalty was a direct contribution to the Hounds scoring early, just after the 5-minute mark of the first period. Finding himself easily frustrated at the rough play of Jay Sikes, Cunningham established himself early on as someone who was not to be messed with. But, this move got him sent to the box, and to add salt to the wound it was Sikes who lit the lamp while Cunningham watched from the box. However, Cunningham was on the ice for both of the Marauders' goals. 

 

His First Blocked Shots

Game 319 vs Saskatoon Wild

In a 5-0 blowout game against the Wild, Cunningham felt the sting of his first two shot blocks. Determined to help Finnegan Tex Simms, a fellow newly acquired free agent signing, get his first win and even first career shutout, Cunningham laid his body on the line for his teammates. Of course, the sting of these pucks was nothing compared to some licks he took in the holler. Both shots that Cunningham blocked came off the stick of CJ Daniels early in the 3rd period. Cunningham was quick to realize the sign that Daniels had when he was about to shoot, even when he was attempting some tricky no-look shots. When asked about this, Cunningham simply stated, "the fool kept popping his mouth guard out before each shot." So, Cunningham made himself big and shrugged off the shots, aiding in the shutout win.

 

His First Hit

Game 326 vs. Mississauga Hounds

To some, it may be surprising that it took Cunningham this long to earn his first hit, to others they are merely shocked at a 9-0 blowout victory by the Marauders. However, these surprised people are missing the fact that Cunningham has been slowly integrating himself into a more physical game. He's been spending much time on the ice, quickly learning the rhythm of his teammates, and wanted to be sure that any physical play would be helpful and beneficial for the team. Cunningham noticed his chance just shortly after the 11th minute of the 1st period. Hounds player, MacGregor Walcott, was well on his way to driving the net, had he had an opportunity to leave the neutral zone. Shortly after crossing the red line, Cunningham noticed that Walcott's head was down, and with no chance of missing the hit, Cunningham glided right into him. The hit was massive and was heard in every seat in the rink. Cunningham displayed for the world why a man of his size, coming from West Virginia, could be problematic for those trying to score on his goalie. Walcott lost the puck after finding himself on his back on the ice, and while Mississauga picked up the puck, many were rattled by the hit they just witnessed and Miami quickly took control.

 

His First Assist and First Point

Game 338 vs. Houston Bulls

In a closely contested 2-1 victory over the Bulls, Cunningham finally found himself with his first career assist and point. Unfortunately, this is not the sort of first assist that a player dreams of. Cunningham found himself in a similar predicament as MacGregor Walcott was for Cunningham's first hit, he was skating with his head down. A lesson learned. Houston's Cash Carti took notice of the vulnerable new player and laid out the body hard, almost knocking Cunningham to the ice. This impact caused the puck to move into the possession of Elf Shoes, and after a few back-and-forths with Andreas Andreasen, the puck found its way into the back of the net. It's not a glorious first assist and point, but it's a first nonetheless. Cunningham won't complain.

 

His First Goal

Game 349 vs. Mexico City Kings

Finally, Cunningham experienced the first of all firsts. The first that every player, even a defenseman, longs for, his first career goal. What puts the icing on the cake here is that this was the first game of the season that his family could finally make it to. What better way to introduce your family to the great game of hockey than by scoring your first goal in a 3-1 win? We can't think of a better way! The play developed like this: Filip Zinek found himself carrying the puck all the way through the neutral zone. After skirting by an attempted hit, he was skating even harder into the slot. Mexico City's defensemen collapsed in on him, and in desperation, he took a slap shot that missed the net and rung around the left boards, all the way up to the blue line where Cunningham had just entered in. Cunningham retrieved the puck on his backhand, being a righty, and brought it to his forehand. No one had found themselves covering him, so he had plenty of space and time to work with. He watched, as time seemed to slow down, as Pepe Silvia tried to anticipate what Cunningham's next move would be. Not expecting a shot, Silvia shifted slightly to his right, thinking that Cunningham would pass up to Zinek who had now moved into his left winger position and was ready for the pass, calling for it. Cunningham let off a shot that seemed to find every gap along the way and rung it on the inside of the right post, while Silvia seemed to freeze as he couldn't believe the shot happened. While he wasn't sure who all cheered, he could only hear the ecstatic shouts from his family in the stands. For Cunningham, he'd hoped that this would be the first of many goals to come.

 

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1121 words

Claiming 2/9 and 2/16

 

 

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