Steve Dannenmann, the local poker player who won $4.25 million at the World Series of Poker two years ago when he finished second in the Main Event, was eliminated in today's second round. Dannenmann, a Severn accountant, went into action today with just under 40,000 chips.

Another player who was eliminated today never showed up. That was Rick Tocchet, former NHL player and assistant coach with the Phoenix Coyotes. Tocchet has pleaded guilty to charges related to an illegal sports bookmaking operation in New Jersey and is still awaiting sentencing. Tocchet survived the first round of the World Series Main Event  but today, he failed to appear. When that happens, each time it's the missing player's turn to bet, his chips are automatically tossed into the pot and his hand is folded. Eventually, his stack does what Tocchet himself did -- it disappears.

Considering the spot Tocchet finds himself, it may have been wiser not to even play in the thing.