Canada – Being Canadian, hockey plays a very important part in our lives obviously (Go Habs Go!). Nothing is prettier to watch than a star-studded first line, that has been at it together for a while. That skill, that chemistry, the timing. It’s a thing of beauty.

For those of you, probably most, that don’t know anything about our beautiful sport, you can think of it as Football (Soccer for us and our pals down south) on ice. Add 10 km/h and 80-100 lbs per player compared to Football. Give them carbon fiber sticks (twigs) that fire vulcanized rubber at speeds approaching 200 km/h, steel blades (wheels), a smaller field (rink), oh and body contact is not only allowed but actually encouraged. You got a problem with “buddy on the other team eh? Well ya drop the gloves and settle it in a good ol’ fashion donnybrook. Now that you have some bearings, lets talk shop.

In hockey you traditionally have 4 lines of 3 players, playing offence. Each line takes turns, or shifts, because hockey is played in short sprints at full speed. You have your fourth line which is usually compromised of goons and plugs. Guys and Gals that aren’t the most skilled, but are very hard working, won’t score much or even at all, but they take pride in not getting scored on and are good at that. They are the sandpaper on the team. The skill goes up until you reach the first line, your top line.

The House Music First Line

This is the get shit done line. Need a goal in overtime, line 1 get out there. We have assembled our version of a house music first line.

DJ Gomi: House Music Veteran

Down the middle, we have DJ Gomi. Center is arguably the most important position in hockey, that or goaltending, but that’s for another writeup. Centers need to play smarter and harder, they need to be able to see the puck better than anyone, they dictate the offense, but also have to be able to collapse back on defense quicker than their two other wingers. DJ Gomi, is a veteran of the house music sport. An absolute legend in the music industry period. Having played his college house music at powerhouse Berklee, and having influences by none other than Quincy Jones. The discography alone is enough to make you understand this guy is business. Having produced, programmed, written, remixed for the likes of Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Rupaul, oh and our very own national treasure Celine Dion (big hockey fan). What about house music? Oh no biggie there just worked with the likes of Satoshi Tomiie, Junior Vasquez, Kenny Dope, and label regular and fellow first liner Mike Ivy.

Mike Ivy: Power Forward, Power House

This brings us to left-wing, Mike Ivy. Mike needs no introduction to those of you who have been following the label or the house scene. Following his monstrous release with us “Get On”. He’s been a man on a mission. What hasn’t this man accomplished in our industry? With releases on Toolroom Trax, Flashmob, and Nervous just to cite a few, this natural power forward gets in front of the net to open up scoring opportunities for his fellow line-mates. Mike is what we like to refer to as a natural goal scorer. That’s a lot of muscle so far, every first line needs some finesse, some speed, and passing.

Sarah Mattea: Soul Speedster

Enter right wing, Sarah Mattea. This wingers speed up and down the boards give this line the balance that final, devastating blow that leads opposing lines in the dust. With appearances on top of Billboard, this vocalists sultry voice gives to tracks a sexy edge, her hooks get burnt into your brain. Her voice is a weapon and she knows it.

What U do – NYC Trio

Now we know more about this dynamic trio, this all NYC hookup, gives us this instant classic. With beefy drums that swing to the absolutely gorgeous vocals, that bounce around the hypnotic house music chord progression. You can almost feel and hear each artists contribution to this belter, a feat that can sometimes be lost in transition.

Coming to a rink Near you…

This first line is coming to score some goals in clubs, living rooms, cars near you. I would suggest you grab a copy now, to review the film, if not they might just leave you in the dust as they have many times in the past.