Whalers bury Aviators 8-3, set the tone for coming series.

              

  1/28/12, Danbury, CT. In the first of three consecutive games between the Danbury Whalers and the Brooklyn Aviators the advantage was to the home team, as Danbury’s 6 goal 3^rd period proved too much for the Aviators to handle. With valuable points on the line, the Whalers were able to pass the Aviators in the standings, jumping to 3^rd place behind 1000 Islands.

                Sensing the importance of the contest between the local rivals, fans flocked to Danbury Ice Arena nearly selling out the building. The intensity was palpable in the 1^st period as the action flowed from one end to the other with many great saves and chaotic chances. Not even 5 minutes in Peter Vetri of the Whalers made a brilliant glove save off of his former team mate Joe Dabkowski. The ensuing faceoff saw the Whalers steal the puck back down the ice where Josselin St Pierre made a stupendous pad save to deny the goal. Soon after Whaler’s Captain Kelly Miller was called for tripping, sending Brooklyn on a power play. The penalty was a culmination of a series of broken plays and chaotic chances in Brooklyn’s zone, as Danbury was unable to stuff home a loose puck. Soon after the Whalers finally broke through with a quick attack that saw Matt Moffat with a sublime drop pass right onto the tape of Sean O’malley who buried the puck off of the post, top left. With a 1-0 lead the Whalers continued to apply pressure however penalties from Andrew Willock and Kelly Miller started to swing the momentum into the Aviators favor. Miller’s penalty was taken during a scrum in front of the Whalers net when Vetri had gone down to get a puck that was cleared to the point, to prevent a goal, Miller pushed the net off of its moorings, earning a delay of game call. The verbal battle between himself and Referee Eric Ernst ensued, and Miller went to the box fuming. The rest of the period was held down by Peter Vetri who continued to flash his glove hand and make some impressive saves to keep his team in the game.

                Whatever coach Phil Esposito said to his Whalers in the locker room clearly worked as the 2^nd period started off with a bang as Kelly Miller put home the 2^nd goal from his linemates Sean O’malley and Matt Moffat. The period continued along well until at 8:03 Devin Guy was called for a cross checking penalty which he did not agree with. About a minute and a half into the Guy penalty, James Sanford of the Whalers also drew a slashing call after a missed hooking call on his teammate Greg Holt. Sanford was not only given 2 for slashing but also a 10 minute misconduct for abuse of the official, a favorite it seems of Ref Eric Ersnt, especially when he is in Danbury. The Aviators quickly tapped home a goal on a 5 on 4 powerplay off of the stick of Matt Atsoff, Vinny Geonnetti, and Casey Mignone, to cut the Whalers’ lead in half. The rest of the period was scoreless, and play was halted only for two penalties, Casey Mignone for slashing and Whalers Jay Meloff for Cross checking, coming at 11:10 and 19:59 respectively.

                The 3^rd period saw the Aviators begin on an extended powerplay as 1:36 seconds in Matt Moffat was sent off for tripping. It was not until sides were even when Matt Atsoff tied the game up at 3:55 of the 3^rd from Nick Petriello and Andrew Owsiak. The 3^rd period has always been a sore point for the Whalers, often times turning good games completely around, but such was not the case. Soon after the game was tied, rookie Adam Houli dug deep around the net to feed the puck to charging d-man James Kirkwood, who put home the puck to regain the lead. After that the floodgates simply opened, as despite another 2 minute penalty for roughing at 7:32, Kelly Miller again stormed back to score a booming slapshot from the blue line to take a 2 goal lead, fed by Moffat and Jay Meloff. 2 minutes later Houli again distinguished himself with another great pass into the blue paint that was tapped in by Devin Guy, extending the lead to 3 at 11:10. 39 seconds later Chris Siefert slammed home a pass from James Kirkwood(who had also assisted on the Guy goal) to put the Whalers up by 4. This Drove out Aviators Netminder St Pierre to be replaced by Ryan Supper. The scoring continued, this time from Aviator’s Casey Mignone, with an assist by Ken Trentowski the Yale grad. Up 6-3, the Whalers refused to take their foot off of the gas and at 18:32 Andrew Willock scored in his triumphal return to Danbury. The scoring finally wrapped up at 19:01 of the 3^rd as James Sanford made an absolutely silky move as he stick-handled around and then behind Supper to give the Whalers an 8-3 lead. The only other action in the 3^rd period featured two bouts between Joe Pele Jr and Whalers Jason McCrimmon, frequent combatants in the past. Apparently however the first fight did not warrant 5 minute penalties as both men received 2 minutes each for roughing at 10:15. Clearly not satisfied, Pele goaded McCrimmon into a second fight at 19:17 of the 3^rd, which was a much better scrap with both men landing some good hits, but the much larger McCrimmon clearly winning. Pele stood his ground and fought very well as he had done in his whole career, which ended with a bang, but perhaps not one that he would have liked as his Aviators were dropped to 4^th place in the standings. The next two games, one at Danbury Thursday Feb, 2 and In Brooklyn Fri, Feb 3^rd. This series is an important set as it will allow either team to take or solidify their position in the league standings.

                                                                                                                                         -Alec S Kessler

Cape Cod Bluefins To Fold?

Multiple sources in and around the league are reporting the ink has run out in the pens of Cape Cod ownership.

Sources around the team are reporting the team is out of cash and that the players are no longer being paid. A troubling development considering the collapse of the Vermont Wild earlier this season with the Bluefins possibly on it's way to becoming the second team this season to fold.

If there is one positive suggestion it is that there may be a potential buyer for the team which is yet to be confirmed but as is the case with smart business you buy low and anyone looking to aquire the franchise likely waits until the value is depleted entirely before coming in to pose as the saviour of the hockey club

Any new ownership group will likely take the team elsewhere based on a lack of local support as was witnessed when the Broome County Barons moved to Cape Cod as the team struggled to put people in seats due to the close proximity of the AHL's Binghamton Senators.

A lot of questions arise and one of the big ones is how much longer this can go on but in a world driven by the bottom line it's only a matter of time before some players begin to walk in favor of a certain paycheck and stability with another franchise be it in the FHL or otherwise.

All the best to the Cape Cod franchise with the hopes they can turn it around and make it work. If your a Bluefin fan now is the best time if there ever was one to go out and drum up support for your team. With the team on life support every bit of hope counts.
What are your thought on this? Can they turn it around? Is it already to late?

Aviators go down in flames in Danbury!

Driving up to Danbury had a good feeling that the A's are on a roll and we should. be able to take the Whalers. Arrived early so we went to Two Steps to get a bite to eat and get ready for the match to start at 7:35PM at the Danbury Ice Arena.


PERIOD ONE saw lots of chances to score on both sides but it seemed as if the goalie Gods were smiling down on both teams. It should have been a larger score than just 1-0 at the end of one.  

The lone score was by Whalers S. Omalley #16RW who found the back of the Aviators net and pass the glove of J. St. Pierre #38G for Brooklyn at the 12:51 mark of the first. This made the score 1-0 for the Whalers.


SECOND PERIOD saw the action going 50/50 for both teams. K. Miller #44RW scored when his shot hit the pads of J. St. Pierre #28G for Brooklyn and bounced over and into the net, SCORE! This was at only 47 seconds into the period, making the score 2-0 Whalers.

Brooklyn Aviators M. Atsoff #12C found the back of the net past the out stretched arm P. Vetri #29G for Danbury. This brought the match closer giving the Whalers a 2-1 lead. This is how the second period ended, still a very close and good game.

I may be wrong bit I believe that we were out numbered 2315 to 2 by Whalers fans. The only other Aviators jersey I spotted was being worn by my road trip partner Mary of Section 9.

We were treated great and had lots of fun with the fans sitting in Section 105. The arena even introduced us to the crowd via their PA system and we received a very warm welcome.

We should have left at the end of the second period before the flood gates opened and Brooklyn was washed off the ice. It wasn't a pretty site at all, the night before we won by a score of 8-3. Now it was our turn to see how it feels to be on the other end of the stick. Not to good, sorry to say.

THIRD PERIOD action started out just great for Brooklyn, M. Atsoff #12C scored his second goal of the night to tie the game 2-2 at 3:55 into the third. Can you say all down hill from here on? J. Kirkwood #11D scored at 5:47 giving the lead back to the Whalers, 3-2. K. Miller #44RW scored his second of the night making it 4-2 Whalers.

D. Guy #10RW shot the puck at 11:16 and you got it, SCORE! This made it 5-2 Whalers. I think that J. St. Pierre #38G for Brooklyn was getting shell shocked and couldn't stop a basket ball at this time. Please pull him, please!

C. Seifert #83C banged home another score for Danbury and the game was turning into a laugher for the Whalers.

It was now 6-2 Whalers and I used up all my crying towels at this time. Whalers fans wanted us to come over to the dark side and root for the Whalers, never happen my friends. 

A little sign of life for Brooklyn when C. Mignone #27RW scored at 13:36 making the game 6-3 there is hope still.

R. Miller coach for Brooklyn pulled L. St. Pierre #38G and was going to sacrifice R. Supper #35G to the dogs. As a new member of the Aviators he was welcomed by the Whalers. First to welcome him was A. Willock #14RW at the 18:32 mark, SCORE. This made the match 7-3 Whalers.

The last Whaler to welcome R. Supper #35G to Danbury was J. Sanford #55D, SCORE! This was the finale score of the game at 19:01 and the gamed ended 8-3 in favor of the Danbury Whalers.

Power Plays: Brooklyn 1-7   Danbury 0-6

Penalties: Brooklyn 7 for 17 minutes    Danbury 11 for 33 minutes

Article by Clifford F. Zeman

Akwesasne get blown away by 8-3 bombing attack from Brooklyn!

As we filed onto Hanger #5 at the Aviators Sports and Events Center we had confidence in our Brooklyn Aviators. We are riding a winning streak and we seem to have good results when we do battle with the Warriors. The fans were ready for the action to come and the Aviators were ready too!

FIRST PERIOD action saw the Aviators bombing the Warriors on POWER PLAYS and this is what set up the Warriors for their loss. L.Schott #10C who is playing very well for Brooklyn found the net behind A. Thompson #27G to make it 1-0 at the 7:50 mark of the first period. This was a a POWER PLAY goal for Brooklyn.

C. Mignone #27RW snuck the puck in with 5:15 left in the first period to make the score 2-0 in favor of Brooklyn.So far it is a clean game and the skating is looking good. Goalie A. Thompson #27G was yanked and D. Plouffe #79G was put in the front lines to face the Aviators attack.

Once again the ugly head of the POWER PLAY rose again for Akwesasne giving Brooklyn a man up again. L. Schott #10C netted his second POWER PLAY score in the first period to make it 3-0 Brooklyn at the 15:53 mark of the first. The first period ended 3-0 for the Aviators and the fans were having a great time at the expense of the Warriors.

SECOND PERIOD action found P. Dagenias #26RW for the Warriors who found goal at the 1:26 of the second period to make the match 3-1 in favor of Brooklyn. Guess who found net again in the second period at the 3:14 minute mark, you got it P.Dagenias #26RW. I guess that the NHL pays off when you play in the FHL, you think? This made the score 3-2 still in favor of Brooklyn.

The fans were getting a bit shaky at this point seeing the Warriors making such a fast come back. Could we lose our lead this fast and not answer the Warriors, let's hope not? N. Petriello #9RW of the Aviators found the Warriors net at the 3:37 mark which made the match 4-2 Brooklyn.

Once again the POWER PLAYS for the Aviators sent the Warriors packing their gear and warming up the bus. J. Felten #20C on a power play for Brooklyn hit the net at the 16:29 mark making it 5-2 in favor of the Aviators. Can you say another POWER PLAY goal for Brooklyn by H. Coxe at the 16:56 mark, score update.... Brooklyn 6 and Akwesasne 2. 

THIRD PERIOD wasn't that bad for the Warriors but penalties were going to bite them in the butt again! It appears as if the Warriors have a learning problem and can't stay out of the sin bin. The Warriors found the Aviators net at the 9:10 mark by Van Hoot #15D who shot the puck pass J. Pierre #38G, score is now 6-3 Brooklyn.

Here come the POWER PLAYS again, getting old isn't it? C. Mignone #27RW hit the back of the net at the 14:14 mark on still another POWER PLAY. It's almost enough to make a grown man cry, that's if you were rooting for Akwesasne. Score in now 7-3 Brooklyn, one more time.

How about one more POWER PLAY goal for Brooklyn? K. Trentowski #17D at 15:07 bingo, score. This made the match 8-3 Brooklyn and this is how the game ended. Going to be a long bus ride back home for Akwesasne.

See the numbers that did the Akwesasne Warriors in: 21 Penalties for a total of 101 minutes while Brooklyn had 11 Penalties for a mere 39 minutes. 

Power plays: Akwesasne 0 for 2 and Brooklyn 6 for 10.

Tomorrow we go up to Danbury and I'll be there to let you know how the game goes from a Aviators fan point of view. 

Article by Clifford F. Zeman

BROOKLYN AVIATORS SINK 1000 ISLAND PRIVATEERS BY A SCORE OF 5-2 AT THE MAINE EVENT!

FIRST PERIOD action saw the Aviators scoring first at the 9:34 mark. The net was found by J. Dabkowski #14C a new member of the Aviators club. J. Dabkowski #14C came from the Danbury Whalers and was picked up by Brooklyn in December. This made the match 1-0 in favor of Brooklyn.


Seems as if both goalies were a little of track and weren't what you would call real sharp. J. St. Pierre #38G for Brooklyn and M. Anthony #35G both seemed as if the trip to Maine took a lot out of them.


Still in the first period S. Koich #8LW for Brooklyn scored on a shorthanded goal at the 12:09 mark of the game. S. Koich #8LW found the puck in his zone and flew the whole length of the rink and sank the puck into the Privateers goal past a slow moving M. Anthony #35G. This gave the Aviators a 2-0 lead at this time.


The 1000 Islands Privateers found the back of the Brooklyn cage at the 19:47 mark of period one. B. Townsend #6C shot the rubber past J. Pierre #38G and closed the gap to make the score 2-1 at the end of one.


SECOND PERIOD saw Brooklyn's C. Mignone #27RW hit the strings at 6:08 of the second period. C. Mignone #27RW launched the puck over the out stretched glove of M. Anthony #35G for the privateers. This gave the Aviators a 3-1 lead in the second period.


Still in the second period M. Atsoff #12C fooled everyone and found the back of the net on such an easy save for M. Anthony #35G. Have no idea why he didn't make the save but that made the score 4-1 in favor of Brooklyn at the 14:44 mark. 


During the second period Brooklyn's S. Koich #8LW had a breakaway and was getting ready to pull the trigger and was taken down by a slash that even Helen Keller could have seen. Both teams stopped in their tracks and were ready for Brooklyn to take a penalty shot, NO CALL. As a result of this no call the puck was taken by the Privateers and M. Byrd #18D scored to cut Brooklyn's lead 4-2 at the end of two.


I must admit that the officiating by J. Durfree, K. Cogan and D. Smith Jr none of whom I ever seen before on the ice was a real bad showing for the FHL Officiating Staff. They let off sides go that weren't even close, trips and slashes. Both teams had to put up with these so called officials. Enough said, this is my personal opinion and not that of the blog itself.


THIRD PERIOD found the match skating back and forth in center ice quite a bit. I believe that the 1000 Island Privateers were suffering from what we call a case of "SHORT BENCH." The boys were a little tired and it showed in their lack of attacks on the Aviators. Brooklyn's B. Baumgartner #44C scored on a power play goal at the 17:14 of the third to make the score 5-2.


Totals for the game were Shots on Goal, Brooklyn 42 and TIP had 38. Power plays were 0-6 for TIP and 1-4 for Brooklyn. 


The game was played in Maine aka "The Main Event" at the Androscogginbank Colisee. Lets hope that a FHL team can take root there.


The Aviators are flying back to Brooklyn, Hanger #5 to rearm and get ready to take on the Akwesasne Warriors tonight at 7:35PM.

Article by Clifford F. Zeman

Bluefins step off bus, defeat Danville 5-4

By Kenny Gregory

Cape Cod Bluefins

Danville, IL - After spending what seemed like an eternity on the bus heading from Cape Cod to Danville (20 hours), The Cape Cod Bluefins made their way into David S. Palmer Arena and won the front end of a back to back game against a much improved Danville Dashers team by the score of 5 to 4.

Cape Cod came out working hard as they scored the first 3 goals of the game, with goals by newly acquired forward Kevin Hill 2:54 into the opening period on the power play and that's how the 1st period ended. the Bluefins would score the first 2 goals of the 2nd period on goals by Brad Surdam and David Lun to make it 3-0.

Danville then dug deep and started putting shot after shot on the Bluefins newest goaltender Tyler O'Brien and scored goals by Igor Batora, Joe Pace and Dean Yakura to send the game to the locker room tied at 3.

Early in the third period, Dustin Skinner put the Dashers ahead for the first and only time tonight 4:20 into the period. The Bluefins then really reached back for that extra energy and found the reserve tank tonight when David Lun fired home his 2nd goal of the night to tie the game at 4 at 7:15 of the third period before captain Kevin McCready broke the tie 3 minutes later with his 19th goal of the season.

Cape Cod would hang on for the last 9:13, despite many opportunities by the Dashers as Tyler O'Brien kept his goal closed for the rest of the night, making huge save after huge save making 24 in total out of 28 Danville shots for his first victory as a Bluefin. Dashers goaltender Breton Lindoff takes the loss tonight, stopping 29 of 34 shots.

The two teams are back in action tomorrow night at David S. Palmer Arena to do battle in the 2nd game in 2 nights at 7pm central time. The Bluefins are back in action at Hyannis Youth and Community Center next Friday and Saturday, February 3rd and 4th as they take on the New Jersey Outlaws and Danbury Whalers respectively. Both games are at 7 pm eastern time. Great seats are still available.

Outlaws VS Warriors Was Quite The Game

Akwesasne - The defending champion Akwesasne Warriors hosted the FHL leading New Jersey Outlaws last night at the Anowarako:wa Arena neither team disappointed last night as 15 pucks found twine in what was a wild affair from the beginning. 

The Warriors came out physical as always looking to dictate the intensity but New Jersey showed up to score. The Outlaws came out and created chance after chance as Warrior players gave up position to make the hits. It all started with a pinch by Simon Desormeaux looking to finish his check left Jeremy Van Hoof to face a two on one and NJ made it count local Brett Liscomb scores assisted by Anthony Battaglia and Gentry Zollars three minutes into the game to take a 1-0. The Warriors shortly after head to the powerplay but it doesn't matter as the counter attack of the Outlaws leads to a shorthanded goal as Zollars buries it from John Goffredo and Battaglia. Long Sault native Brett Liscomb strikes again as the potent line of Goffredo and Battaglia light the lamp to make it 3-0 in favor of the Outlaws. A little over a minute later and former Montreal Canadien Pierre Dagenais bangs in his first goal of the game from Carter Trevisani and Addison Pelkey. Not long after Craig Cole goes off for elbowing and the Outlaws counter the Warriors powerplay leading to a Kevin Cooper shorthanded goal from captain Travis Kauffeldt and Dan Mercier at 13:17. at 18:48 Kauffeldt finds the score sheet again with a goal from Jason Reese and Dan Mcwhinney to close out what was a one sided first period that looked as though there was a rout brewing. 5-1 at the end of the first period.


David Plouffe gets the hook to start the second after allowing five goals on 12 shots. Backup and Akwesasne native Adam Thompson comes in to take the reins. The Warriors come out flying and NJ looks a little off. At 3:15 Pierre Dagenais with a snipe that makes it 5-2 from Wahsontiio Stacey and Kris McCarthy. A couple minutes later Dagenais does it again bangs it in from Nicolas Corbeil and Sylvain Deschatelets to make it 5-3. The Outlaws start to pick it up and tighten up as they realise you can't win a game in the first period. The Warriors are pressing the action until a turnover in the defensive zone leaves John Goffredo to put the puck past Thompson from Matt Puntureri and Kevin Martel. Martin Beaulne answers in the dying minutes of the period with a goal to make it 6-4 from Simon Desormeaux and Kris McCarthy. 6-4 heading into the third and the Warriors are making it a game now.


The third begins with some great back and forth action as the Warriors are relishing a comeback until the Outlaws get a chance and they make it count Kevin Cooper from Kauffeldt and Jason Reese at 6:55. Shortly after Nicolas Corbeil takes a bad penalty and the Outlaws strike again this time on the powerplay to make it 8-4 Outlaws on a goal by Puntureri assists by the beard, Nathan Oke and Goffredo. The Warriors just wouldn't quit though and made it a fight to the finish on an excellent end to end by Carter Trevisani who splits the D and and scores on McWhinney. I can't heap enough praise on Trevisani for this goal it was a true beauty. Trevisani would strike again minutes later to pull the Warriors within two again after Miguel Delisle got stopped point blank twice by McWhinney but dishes to Trevisani who let a slapshot go to make it 8-6. Outlaws scored on the powerplay to close this one out but an awesome game from both teams.

The old saying you can't win a game in the first but you can lose it rings true in this one. The Warriors play the Outlaws again tonight on the Island and it's going to be another great game so come out and show your support! Tonight marks the return of Ahmed Mahfouz and Paul Shantz from suspensions. A four point night which included a hat-trick sees Pierre Dagenais put up 7 points in the last two games.

Have your say... Who wins tonights game? Will Mahfouz and Shantz's return tip the scales in the Warriors favor or are the New Jersey Outlaws still to much to handle?

FHL TRANSACTIONS FOR 1/24/12

TEAM	DATE	TRANSACTION
Brooklyn	01/24/12	Rush, Jarrett (D) loaned to Elmira Jackals (ECHL)
Brooklyn	01/24/12	Owsiak, Andrew (C) assigned by Toledo Walleye (ECHL)
Brooklyn	01/24/12	Scarsella, Richard (G) waived
Danbury	01/24/12	Pisano, Anthony (D) loaned to Fayetteville Fire Antz (SPHL)
Danbury	01/24/12	Ryerse, James (C) waived

Article by Clifford F. Zeman

Brooklyn Aviators Flying High at the Cape with a 3-1 Win...

I am writing this article on a Sunday morning with what I can remember of watching the game on the internet via LSV Live Sports Video and the re-cap by  Mr. Carmine Vetrano, the voice of the Brooklyn Aviators. I can use all the help that I can get.


First period action was an emotional roller coaster ride for the Brooklyn fans watching their computer screens. The first score of the match was by #20C Jesse "G-MAN" Felten for the Aviators while only 4:24 into the match. Go Aviators... 1-0 Brooklyn.


The BlueFins tied the match only 1:03 later by a tally from the stick of #22F A. Hutton on a rebound from the A's #38G L. Pierre. The A's couldn't clear the puck and #22F A. Hutton found the back of the Brooklyn net. This tied the match at 1-1.


Brooklyn's #12C M. Atsoff gave the lead back to the A's with 3:10 left in the first period. This gave the A's a 2-1 at the end of one.


Second period saw some nice skating and good goalie saves in this period. I think that both goalies owe a thanks to the goalposts for saving a few markers from getting past them. Maybe even the 4th. star of the game? It was a clean game and I didn't notice any cheap shots on players from either team. Zero goals this period and the score was still 2-1 A's at the end of two.


Third period and once again the dreaded power play for Brooklyn. Brooklyn's #19D K. Timmons fired the puck pass #33G W. Vesprini from the blue line and Brooklyn was up 3-1. Another power play goal, these penalties helps your opponents and can cause your team the game. We sure know this in Brooklyn and it seems that the A's are trying to stay out of the box.


A good clean game which other teams would say it was a very soft hitting game. Brooklyn came to play hockey and not do the Golden Gloves. Good game BlueFins and you have a class team for sure!


Sorry no pictures this time. I'll have some of the 27th game in Brooklyn against the Akwesasne Warriors.




                                 Article by Clifford F. Zeman

Brooklyn Aviators Bomb NJ Outlaws in a 6-1 Victory at Hanger #5!

As the Brooklyn fans filed into tonight to witness another match against our rivals the NJ Outlaws the mood was somber. We haven't yet earned a win against the Outlaws all season long. 


We came close a few times but close only counts in horse shoes not hockey. Seems as if the time has come and we finally were able to lock up the Outlaws in Hanger #5 Brooklyn, NY.


First period action had the Aviator fans smelling a victory a last, could this be? C. Mignone #27RW started the attack for Brooklyn at 4:14 into the game, 1-0 Brooklyn. At 9:21 into the first L. Schott #10C scored to give Brooklyn a 2-0 lead. The fans were getting their hopes up for a victory over NJ in Hanger #5. 


Still in the first period L.Schott #10C scored his second goal of the night. Seems like Danbury's loss was our gain with L. Schott #10C, Lucas has been playing great hockey since he has been with the Aviators. With the score 3-0 still in the first the Outlaws pulled A. Dekker #29G and D. McWninney #31G was sent in to do battle against Brooklyn.

Second period action for the Aviators was helped by giving Brooklyn power plays by the NJ Outlaws. We know how that goes, we have been in the sin bin for a good amount of time in the last few games. This time we managed to stay out and it paid off for Brooklyn. Both scores were on power plays, the first was by L. Schott #10C at only 2:24 of the second. Can you say HAT TRICK for L. Schott #12C. Score is now 4-0 A's. 

The second score was by C. Watson #7C who found the back of the net for Brooklyn at the 11:17 mark of the second, 5-0 Brooklyn. 


So far J. St. Pierre #38G was blocking everything the the Outlaws were able to throw at him. He did a great job on a breakaway by NJ, he dove head first into the action and saved a goal for Brooklyn. At this point it is 5-0 Aviators.


Third period saw the fans rocking and rolling with all the scoring done by their Brooklyn Aviators. B. Baumgartner #44C scored for Brooklyn with only 2:17 onto the period. Score is now Brooklyn 6 and the Outlaws 0. Could this be, such a game and a shut out too. 

This was not to be, guess who scored? Our old buddy and former Aviators player M. Puntureri #22F. He spoiled out shut out with only 1:30 left in the game. I believe that Brooklyn has a love, hate relationship with Matty boy. He is real nice guy on and off the ice. We still love you Matt and wish you all the best in the playoffs.






                              Article by Clifford F. Zeman

Warriors Victorious In OT Thriller

                                                 Photo credit: Aspen Oakes

Akwesasne - The Warriors played host to the Danville Dashers last night in what was a highly entertaining game from start to finish and had the crowd into it from the first puck drop as the fans were treated to the Pierre Dagenais show once again.


The game starts out with a furious pace as both teams tried to get on the board first and it was the hard working Danville squad bending the twine first on a goal by Dustin Skinner assists to Dean Yakura and Nicolas Katsiyianis at 5:26 of the first period. It wouldn't take the Warriors long to answer though as they pressured the Dashers not allowing the puck out of their zone in what was a very workmanlike effort from the Warriors and it led to their first goal from Pierre Dagenais assisted by Nicolas Corbeil and Sylvain Deschatelets 9:18 into the first But Danville wasn't done yet and took advantage of another chance as Ky Moje scored from Justin Barr at 14:26. That would cap an energetic first period as the Dashers lead 2-1 after the one.


The second period was no different with both teams pressing the action but neither team is able to score in the second as the goalies put on a show of their own with Breton Lindoff making some big saves only to watch Adam Thompson do the same when called upon. Some chances at each end and a couple saves by the posts sees the score remain 2-1 Danville after two.


The third starts off with a bang as the players seemed to come out with a spark and the Warriors grab all the momentum early when Pierre Dagenais bangs one home on the powerplay from Carter Trevisani and Sylvain Deschatelets at 2:49 of the third and Akwesasne looks fired up. It doesn't take long for the next one when Miguel Delisle gains the zone and dumps the puck around the boards Martin Beaulne wins a battle for the puck and dishes to Pelkey to cap a great play at 4:34 of the third to make it 3-2 Akwesasne. Both team continue trading chances in the following minutes and Danville takes a costly hooking penalty putting the Warriors on the powerplay setting up the next goal by Nicolas Corbeil who sniped the top left corner assisted by Jeremy Van Hoof and Sylvain Deschatelets, a powerplay goal at 15:12 of the third.

                                                    Photo Credit: Aspen Oakes
In the dying minutes the Dashers refuse to quit. Getting the puck in the zone leads to a two on one and the Dashers split Thompson as the Dashers pull within one a goal by Ryan Stern from Dustin Skinner and Igor Batora with 1:35 left in the game. The Dashers won't quit bringing Lindoff to the bench for the extra attacker and it pays off for them when Billy Hunt gets a soft shot on net that trickles past Thompson. Assists to Hironori Kobayashi and Ray Tremblay with :38 left in the third period... We are heading to overtime! 4-4 in a thriller.

                                                      Photo Credit: Aspen Oakes
Three on three sudden death and the pucks dropped. Both teams scrambling and trading chances early as the wide open ice surface is being fully utilised. A few pucks te goaltenders and end up in the netting in the first minute. It doesn't take long though for this one to be decided as Pierre Dagenais gets a semi-breakaway and sends a bomb of a slapshot top left leaving Lindoff no chance to react. Assists to Carter Trevisani and Martin Beaulne 1:32 into the overtime period and this one is over ending another gritty performance from the Dashers but Pierre Dagenais's hat-trick proves to much in the end and the Akwesasne Warriors defeat the Danville Dashers 5-4 in overtime.

Next up for the Warriors is the league leading New Jersey Outlaws on Wednesday

Privateers Defeat Bluefins 6-3

Alexandria Bay - The 1000 Island Privateers looked well rested welcoming the Cape Cod Bluefins Monday Night and ready to play. Matt Kinsella starting in Net for the Privateers and C.Testa in Net for Cape Cod it took only 18 seconds in the 1st for the Privateers to get on the Scoreboard. Smulders from P.Kelly and J. Akeson. With a very fast paced game starting the Cape Cod team tied the game 1-1 5 minutes later. Surdam from Tibbetts and Frey. Going back and forth both teams seemed to have great speed and shots that just didnt see the inside of the net. Akeson passing the puck to Smulders on the wing past the puck to P.Kelly who witha an awesome wirst shot put it threw the 5 hole taking the Privateers to a 2-1 Lead with just under 5 minutes left in the first. The first period ended as it had begun with Smulders from Akeson, Winchester burying the puck with just 15 seconds left on the clock. Cape Cod outshooting the Privateers 12-10 the 1st Period ended 3-1 Privateers and NO PENALTIES.

Going into the 2nd period saw a whole different game.  Power Play Goal by McAllister from Akeson, Byrd saw the Privateers taking on a good lead. The Privateers seemed to have some difficulty keeping the puck out of there end. M. Harrington from S. Sabky, B. Surdam saw Cape Cod take advantage of a Power Play to come within 2, with the score now 4-2.  Alot of shots in the Privateers end saw the Cape Cod Bluefins end the 2nd period out shooting the Privateers 22-4. Matt Kinsella seeing a few great shots Cape Cod just couldnt capitalise as much of the shooting had no real direction.

The 3rd Period did not see either team slowing down. With a shot on Kinsella and a save saw him laying on the ice twisting and turning. Appeared to be in some pain he was helped up and Assisted by his team mates to the bench holding his left leg off the ice. M. Anthony warmed up and was ready to continue the game. With another Power Play for Cape Cod saw M. Harrington with a niffty pass to Lund who put it in the back of the net bringing Cape Cod within one of the Privateers 4-3. Vesprini replacing Testa  in the second made a Fantastic save with the Privateers 4 on 3.  With just under 10:00 min. left in the 3rd Winchester once again to Fenzil who passes puck to Byrd putting the Privateers now up 5-3. Tibbetts coming out of the penalty box skates right into Smulders who was taking a swing at the puck and clipped in the face resulting in Smulders getting a High Stick penalty. McAllister called for tripping puts the Cape Cod team again on the Power Play to no avail. The Final goal was Winchester with an Empty netter ending the game 6-3 for the 1000 Island Privateer Win. Cape Cod again outshot the Privateers 12-8 with a total of 46 shots to the Privateers 22. It was a very fast played game with few penalties and some Great Saves from all 4 goalies. And I must say I was very impressed with the Refing tonight. It was a very over all well played game.

 

 

Food for Thought:

I have noticed a few players from different teams not wearing visiors and wonders, just because they might have played for a higher league should they still not be made to wear them. As in the NHL you are seeing more and more players wearing the visiors. No they arent going to stop all shots near the face but it sure can help in some of those HIGH STICKS. Its an area that I feel very strong about. I dont like to see any player get hurt and there eyes are one area that I figure all players would protect. My thought for the night!!!!

 

Article by Karen Brown

Outlaws defeat Aviators 4-3 in NJ

Settled down to see the Brooklyn Aviators have some revenge for the night before,  a 7-3 defeat in New Jersey. Made no difference if we were in Wayne, New Jersey again or not.

First period saw the Aviators strike first and at the end of the first period it was 2-0. The Aviators fans were having visions of the Outlaws going down in defeat at the hands of Brooklyn. The scoring went like this J. Felten #20C Scored at 14:23 and then only seven seconds later L. Schott #10C found the back of the Outlaws net. The Outlaws were held at bay for the entire first period.

Second period saw K. Cooper #11F score on a power play with only 17 seconds gone in the period two, this brought the score to 2-1 Brooklyn. At 18:38 of the second the Outlaws scored on another power play goal by L. Snyder #26D, to tie the match 2-2. Brooklyn fans were starting to get a little nervous again about the outcome of this game. With 7:42 left in the second C. Mignone #27RW scored and the A’s to the lead 3-2 at the end of three.

Third period was a back and forth skating class. The Brooklyn fans could smell the victory and a was a sweet smell too! But with 1:59 left Outlaws defenseman N. Oke #14D shot the puck past The Aviators goalie J. Pierre #38G and tied the game at 3-3.  This is how the period ended  and sent the game into OT.

Period four aka 3 on 3. No score and it was 3 shots on goal for the Outlaws and 2 shots on  goal for the Brooklyn Aviators.

Shootout Numbers: For Brooklyn, Watson-Felten-Mignone-Watson and Timmons and big fat ZERO. For the NJ Outlaws Cooper-Miller-Oke had a count of Zero, Trevor Karasiewicz #18C SCORED the winning goal in the shootout. Once again the Brooklyn fans were shot down in New Jersey.

Article by Clifford F. Zeman

Whalers Beat Privateers 5-3

1/13/2012, after the announcement of the special signing of skateboard legend Mike Vallely to the Danbury Whalers, and although he played fewer than a full minute the Danbury Fans were not at all disappointed. Slightly delayed by bad weather in north New York State the game started just after 8 o’clock to a nearly full arena.

The 1^st period began with ferocious end to end action as the 1000 Islands Privateers came out strong pushing the issue trying to gain an early advantage. Because of the weather the Privateers had only travelled with 13 skaters, whereas the Whalers actually had 19 men on their bench, getting special permission from the league for the addition of Mike Vallely. The early pressure paid off for 1000 Islands as Paul Kelly scored a tip in goal from Justin Levac and Brad Smulders with 3:31 gone by in the 1^st. The goal came as a result from a defensive breakdown by Whalers recent acquisition Jason Mccrimmon, turning the puck over in the defensive zone. The privateers continued with their offensive pressure drawing a big double minor from Tony Pisano 6:16 in. Killing off the long 4 minute penalty gave the Whalers a surge of energy, and as the buzzer sounded to signal the end of the 1^st, the Whalers found themselves with the momentum back in their favor. 

The 2^nd period began very strangely as after the intermission the referees and the privateers were out on the ice, but the whalers were not. After a very heated argument between referee Eric Ernst and Coach Phil Espositio, the Walers were assessed a 2 minute delay of game bench minor, to be served by Corey Fulton. The strange start would be par for the course of the 2^nd period, as the play again moved back and forth, until at 6:10 Alec Kirschner, whose family was present for the game, scored a tying goal from Chris Seifert and Nick Deschenes. Not to be outdone, privateers Justin Levac scored a quick go-ahead goal at 9:22 from Paul Kelly and Brad Smulders, connecting for the 2^nd time this game. After 2 successive penalties by the privateers later in the period that could not be capitalised on, the whalers returned to the locker room with the game tied at 2.

The 3^rd period started with a frenzied pace as both teams looked to score early and dictate the pace of the rest of the game. Clearly affected by the lack of depth on their bench, the privateers played on their heels, giving up the lead to the strong whaler attack. 4:34 into the 3^rd period the millstone line produced again as Kelly Miller scored on a great lead pass from Matt Moffat, with Sean O’Malley getting the other assist. The controlled offense of the whalers continued to dominate, forcing the already tired privateers into 3 consecutive icing plays, keeping the top line on the ice for almost 3 minutes of solid action. By grinding down 1000 Islands, the whalers’ continuous pressure drew privateer’s’ Brian Marks into a hooking penalty, bringing out the whalers’ top powerplay line. Throughout the 3^rd period the whalers’ offense was marked by sharp and accurate passing, which allowed for Alec Kirschner to again burry a goal on the powerplay. He was again assisted by Nick Deschenes and Chris Seifert for his 2^nd of the game, giving the whalers a 3-2 lead. Soon after however, the momentum shifted as Kelly Miller was called for tripping at 12:52, allowing the privateers to tie the game with only 1 second left on their powerplay as Paul Kelly scored his 2^nd of the game from Jeff Winchester and Brad Smulders, again tying the game at 3. Responding quickly, the whalers 2^nd line of Kirschner, Seifert, and Deschenes again broke through the defense scoring the leading goal making the score 4-3 with 3:35 left in the contest.

Immediately after another strange thing occurred as before the ensuing faceoff, referee Eric Ernst ejected Kelly Miller from the game for a 10 minute official abuse penalty. The call was so strange because from our perspective Miller only said one thing to the referee before being kicked out, and it was said at such a volume that no one else on the ice heard what was exchanged. Undaunted the whalers kept the pressure on, and at 19:31 of the 3^rd period, Alec “King” Kirschner was sprung by his D-men Lynn Beedle and James “Brown” Sanford to score his 3^rd goal on the empty net. The cementing goal finally saw Mike Vallely getting ice time, even if it was for just about 30 seconds, fans were certainly not disappointed by the game.

Article By Alec Kessler

Plouffe Stand Tall As Warriors Win In OT

 

Massena, NY - The puck is dropped for the first and less than a minute in Casey Swamp gets taken into the boards early by Harrington as the teams begin shoving and jawing at one another.  Penalty called and Akwesasne goes on the power play. David Lun manages to get a mile behind the Warriors defense for a breakaway but David Plouffe shuts the door for his first stop as the Warriors kill off the penalty. Cape Cod goes to the power play next but fail to generate any real chances as Akwesasne presses and keeps the Bluefins from setting up. Shortly after killing the penalty Akwesasne gets on the board as Mahfouz pull his defender creates a two on one and feeds it to Nicolas Corbeil who goes top shelf, 1-0 Warriors. Warriors go on to successfully kill another penalty. A couple turnovers and the Bluefins are pressuring the Warriors but Plouffe has been up to the task thus far. The teams are back and forth trading chances to close out what has been an energetic first period but the Bluefins outshoot Akwesasne 21-6.

Were back for the second period and in under a minute Akwesasne is heading to the sin bin. 1:10 into the second and Cape Cod sets up and bangs in it’s first goal on the power play to tie it 1-1. A big hit by Frey on Swamp and there is a penalty called for interference as Akwesasne goes to the power play. Not long after that call Jean-Rene Forget goes off to even things up. Akwesasne manages to kill off the remaining minute as the teams return to five on five play. Less than a minute later Pierre Dagenais puts the puck in the net to make it 2-1 from Dan Tessier and Jean-Rene Forget.

The third is more of the same as Warriors continue the march to the penalty box but manage to kill off a couple. Midway through the third Brad Surdam knots it up for the Bluefins from Hutton and Sabky. 2-2. A late penalty by Patrice Bilodeau send the Warriors into overtime down a man.

The Bluefins are all over the Warriors and manage to get some quality chances on Plouffe but David is standing on his head tonight and keeps them in it. They kill off the four on three and shortly after Sylvain Deschatelets connects with a streaking Nicolas Corbeil who freezes the goaltender and goes top shelf to win it for Warriors 3-2.

David Plouffe stood on his head in his return between the pipes stopping 47 of 49 shots to keep the Warriors in it. Corbeil also had another strong performance but the lack of discipline continues to hamper the Warriors as they took eight penalties but did well on the penalty kill (7 for 8)

Brooklyn Drops Fourth Straight With Loss

Brooklyn, NY - Tell me it wasn’t so, it was the same old thing since the beginning of the new year. A first period flurries of goals making the Brooklyn Aviators play catch up hockey.

First period: It wasn’t a pretty picture at all, 4-1 New jersey Outlaws at the end of one. The scoring when like this, N. Oke #14D for Jersey  welcomed back Brooklyn’s J. St. Pierre #38G from a concussion by finding the back of the net with only 2:06 gone in the first.  T. Karasiewicz #18C new member of the Outlaws found the Back of the Brooklyn net , only 48 seconds after Jersey scored its first goal. Score is only 2-0 at this time.

Same first period, third score by the Outlaws by K. Cooper #11F and of course let’s not leave out J. Goffredo #9C to make the match 4-0. A little sunshine was showing when L. Schott #10C scored for Brooklyn, making it a 4-1 for the Outlaws at the end of one. The Brooklyn fans weren’t happy at all and you could hear it in the stands.

Second period: Was a lot of skating and some great saves by both goalies. The only goal for the entire period was for the NJ Outlaws by M. Miller #20C.  With only 1:50 left in the second period Miller’s shot was blocked by J. Pierre #28G but he couldn’t hold onto the rebound and M. Miller #20C put it pass J.Pierre #38G. At the end of two it was 5-1 NJ Outlaws. May I have my crying towel please?

Third period: The Aviators took off at the start of this period by scoring two goals within seconds of each other. With  only :29 off the clock C.Waston #4C fired the puck pass the Outlaws goalie A.Dekker #29G then N. Petriello #9RW tallied too with only :49 seconds of the clock.. This made it only a 2 goal difference 5-3 in favor of NJ. With a lot of time left on the clock for Brooklyn to keep the pressure on NJ. The Brooklyn fans could see a comeback in their  heads but this was not to be.

With 2:15 off the clock M. Puntureri #22 F former NY Aviator and friend scored for the Outlaws making it 6-3. Then with 5:16 left in the game N. Oke #14D scored the final score of the game making the final numbers 7-3 in favor of the NJ Outlaws. This is the Aviators fourth straight loss since the beginning of the New Year, let’s turn it around boys. Heading to NJ today to see what the Aviators can do in Outlaw country?

NJ had 42 minutes in penalties and Brooklyn had 50 minutes, Brooklyn finally had something more than New Jersey. A little humor on my part?

Side note: Aviators Nick Grove #6D looked as if he was in a lot of pain in his knee or leg and had to be helped off the ice to the A’s locker room. He didn’t return to the game and all the fans wish him well.

Article by Clifford F. Zeman

JVR out with concussion

Philadelphia GM Paul Holmgren announced today that big power forward James Van Riemsdyk is out indefinitely after taking hits to the head in consecutive games.

Van Riemsdyk reportedly felt off, felt as though something wasn't right and tests confirm JVR suffered a concussion at some point. James has been linked heavily in trade speculation with the Toronto Maple Leafs with the suggested return being big bruising defender Luke Schenn.

Philly before the draft traded then captain Mike Richards to Los Angeles in exchange for Wayne Simmonds and Lukes younger brother Brayden Schenn so the appeal of uniting them in the city of brotherly love is quite the thought for a Flyers fan base that has seen defensive stud and team captain Chris Pronger shelved for the remainder of the season.




Let's all hope for a speedy full recovery for JVR. With him being available it will certainly make this years trade deadline interesting to watch as Holmgren has shown he is always a willing player in the trade market.