From start to finish, the FMC has been a memorable event for all of those who have taken part. But for those who have tasted victory at this voluptuous event, that feeling will be cherished for years to come. For four individuals, four champions, that feeling could carry even greater meaning when the final whistling is blown on the FMC at FMC V on June 21st.

Get ready for a battle for the ages. As planned during the initial development of the Forde Memorial Cup, FMC V will represent the masterminds of success from FMC's I through IV. And as we approach judgement day, these four veterans have returned to lock heads to compete for one last time... for Willowpark glory's last shot!

Matt Snowden who is entering his fifth year as acting FMC commissioner brought out the conspiracy theorists in FMC 1 in July of 2004 as he led the Skoalski Snipes to victory in the inaugural FMC tournament. The combination of his goaltending excellence (which has been second to none throughout FMC history) and a hardworking "lunchbox" team demonstrated that skill doesn't always guarantee championships. For Snowden, however, the championship has eluded him ever since, including a heartbreaking loss in the final of last years FMC. Entering FMC V, it may well be that Snowden once again holds the key to victory as he will enter the draft with the tournaments most valuable asset in himself, goaltending. Will not having to waste an early draft pick on superior goaltending bring Snowden his second FMC championship?

At FMC II we arguably witnessed the greatest team ever assembled at Willowpark. Led by general manager and captain Steve Seedhouse the Black Bears trounced everyone with ease to take home the championship. Skilled and athletic forwards and a stellar defence combined with the unlikely goaltending of Jeremy Beggs resulted in the team posting 5 consecutive shutouts (an FMC record) on their way to victory. Steve then went on to win another championship under the direction of Colin Forde in FMC III where his heroic efforts helped his team overcome an 0-3 round robin record to win the title. Steve has been in the championship running in each of the past four years, and it will not be a surprise if we see it from him again this year.

As mentioned, Colin Forde got his sip from the illustrious cup after a long three year wait at FMC III. However his apparent "sandbagging" strategy throughout the round robin went under much scrutiny and received a lot of criticism. But we all know that It doesn't matter how you win them, all that matters is how many you win. Conspiracy theorists were also somewhat apparent in the days following the tournament as many wondered who was in charge of the club, Mr. Forde or Mr. Seedhouse. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see what strategy Forde will employ at this years FMC, especially considering he will have to do it facing off against Steve Seedhouse this time.

FMC IV turned out to be the most competitive in tournament history as all four teams had a fairly equal shot at taking home the prize. But in the end Mike Giorgi ousted them all to take home the trophy and ensure his, and the final, general managers position for the so called "Tournament of Champions" at FMC V. With all of the hype surrounding this years tournament, Giorgi's celebration of his FMC IV championship was short-lived, as it has been rumoured that he spent all winter in a basement cellar reviewing game tapes and thousands of pages of data from the FMC history books, strategizing the team that he will assemble for this years tournament.

So as the tournament date approaches, the hype begins to build. Which of these four will once again pour their favourite brew (or whatever brew is left) into the barrel of the Forde Memorial Cup trophy and taste alcoholic victory for the final time?


Submitted by: Anonymous