Hockey NigHt iN BostoN News
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EastErn HockEy LEaguE
By Kevin Doyle • HNIB News he Eastern Hockey League continues its evolution. After separating out from the Met League in 2012 as the stand alone Atlantic Junior Hockey League, the organization changed its name to the Eastern Hockey League last season. Now in its second season, the EHL has grown into a 19-team, four-division league with the addition of new franchises, the New England Wolves (formerly Laconia Leafs) in Waterville Valley, NH and the East Coast Wizards in Bedford, MA. Additionally, the Washington Nationals relocated to Burlington, VT and are now the Vermont Lumberjacks. As Halloween Weekend approached, three of the four divisional races were off to hotly contested starts with the defending regular-season champion New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (North), WilkeBarre/Scranton Knights (Central) and Walpole Express (Boston) holding slight advantages. Only the Philadelphia Little Flyers (South) had opened a sizable gap. The league’s first Showcase Event held on Columbus Day weekend at Cyclones Arena in Hudson, NH saw all 19 teams in competition and attracted more than 100 NCAA coaches and pro scouts, according to the league website: www.easternhockeyleague.org The host Cyclones, last season’s playoff champion, and the Monarchs as well as the Walpole Express all finished 3-0-0 on the weekend. "I think the college coaches and scouts saw a very competitive stage for the players this weekend," EHL Director of Hockey Operations Mark Kumpel said in a website post. "Having all the teams under one roof, playing multiple games before the NCAA Division III season begins, gives our players a great chance to get looked at early in the season." The Monarchs host the Veterans Day Showcase, second leg of the EHL Showcase Series, this weekend (Nov. 8-10) at Tri-Town Arena in Hooksett, NH. The Christmas Showcase is set for Dec. 19-21 at the International Skating Center of Connecticut in Simsbury and the MLK Day Showcase will be held Jan. 17-19 at Rodman Arena in Walpole, MA. The league also has a 1994 Prospects Game planned (TBA) for players in their final year of Junior Hockey eligibility who have yet to make a college commitment. Finally, the playoffs commence on Feb. 25 and run through March 22 with 16 of the 19 teams advancing to best-of-three first-round play. The four division winners will be the top seeds, based on their point totals, followed by the next 12 teams based on points. Bestof-three quarterfinal and semifinal series lead up to the best-of-five championship series. All series will be reseeded according to regular-season point totals.
T
EHL Grows To 19 Teams League Now Split Into Four Regional Divisions
PHILADELPHIA REVOLUTION FORWARD Dean Zerby fires shot at New England Wolves goalie Simon Jasmin during recent action at the Columbus Day Showcase. (Gary Demopoulos photo)
NORTHERN CYCLONES rearguard Sean Morgan moves in on a rushing Rich McCartney of the New Jersey Titans during EHL Showcase event in Hudson, NH. (Gary Demopoulos photo)
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HOCkEy NIgHT IN BOSTON NEwS
hnIB news • volume 31 - number 1 HNIB NEWS Staff -PuBlISHEr EmErItuS-
-Staff WrItErS-
lance lofaro (1946-2014)
Gary demopoulos Kevin doyle michael fornabaio Jon turner Yardley dom Nicastro Nathan fournier fran Sipek
-EdItorGary demopoulos
-SalES/advErtISINGGary demopoulos Jamie Callery
-GraPHICS/SCHEdulESGary demopoulos Jamie Callery Kevin doyle
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NOvEmBEr 6, 2014
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Printed at Gannett Offset nOrwOOd, Ma - INDEX -
2014/15 PUBLICATION DATES
EHL Lead-In 3 HNIB News Staff 4 EHL North Division 5-7 EHL Central Division 9-11 EHL Boston Division 12-14-15 EHL South Division 16, 18-19 USPHL Premier Lead-In 20 USPHL Premier 22-25, 27-29 Shamrocks Girls Story 30-31
• november 6 - Jr. hockey Preview • november 25 - Prep School Preview • December 10 - new england/nJ hS Preview • December 17 - Massachusetts hS Preview • December 20 - Coaches Directory/Arena Guide • July- Boys Summer Showcase Magazine • August - Girls Summer Showcase Magazine
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On The COver Top Left: NH Jr. Monarchs players celebrate a goal. Top Right: Northern Cyclones players rejoice at final buzzer after a victory. Bottom: Northern Cyclones after winning the inaugural 2014 EHL championship.
2014-15 Junior Hockey Preview Issue
H
ard to believe another Junior Hockey season is upon us here in the Northeast. As the calendar hits early November, most teams are already past the one-third mark in their 2014-2015 schedule. The Eastern Hockey League (EHL) debuted last winter and had a banner year one of operation, a season that culminated in an exciting championship run by the Northern Cyclones, who knocked off the NH Jr. Monarchs in the best-of-five final series, three games to two, rallying from a 2-0 deficit in the process. This season, the EHL has expanded and now features 19 teams. The league now boasts four divisions - North, Central, South and Boston - and welcomes new teams like the New England Wolves, the East Coast Wizards and the Vermont Lumberjacks. Over in the USPHL, it was also a solid first campaign for that league’s first year. The top rung of the USPHL - the Premier Division - saw the Junior Bruins win the first title last March. This season, the Premier Division has expanded from 9 to 11 teams with the addition of the Rochester Americans and the Springfield Pics to the top level. Get a glimpse on how all of these teams are doing so far in the early part of their seasons in the following pages. Our Prep School Preview issue will be available on November 25.
Follow the action all season long at:
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North DivisioN
Defending Champ Northern Cyclones Stingy On Defense NORTHERN CYCLONES The reigning playoff champs and 2014 National semifinalists have positioned themselves well. Despite trailing the Monarchs by six points in the early going, they are right in the mix and and have been especially stingy in the defensive end, yielding only slightly more than two goals per game. Leading the way on the back line is L.J. Fellows, who excelled during the Columbus Day Showcase when the Cyclones allowed just two goals in three games. Tony Crow, Dennis Maier, Matt Salera, Sean Morgan and Patrick Farnan complete an effective group. Alex Gross gets the bulk of the work in goal, backed by both Jimmy Poreda and Matt Michaels. Top forwards include Sean Brown, Joey Meehan, Alec Lefave, Casper Dyrssen, Nick Felan and Aaron Bland.
L.J. Fellows
Joey Meehan
Sean Brown
Tony Crow
Dennis Maier
Jimmy Poreda
Cassper Dyrseen
Alec Lefave
Fast Start Has NH Jr. Monarchs Excited NEW HAMPSHIRE JR. MONARCHS As the calendar hit early November, the defending regular-season champions had rattled off 13 consecutive wins following a season-opening loss, opening a six-point gap in the process. The Monarchs built a +38 differential through their first dozen games. Luke Babcock has emerged as an offensive leader and gets plenty of support from forwards Brent Beaudoin, Hunter Laslo, Luke Bennett, Connor Jewett and Cole Stallard. CJ Valerian ranks among the league’s premier two-way defensemen and leads a deep group that includes Ross DeLaBruere, Jonathan Grassie, Braden Mitchell, Alex Joscelyn and Trent Johnson.
Goalie Simon Leiva won two games and yielded only two goals during the Columbus Day Showcase and owns a league-best .955 save pct. He shares time with Cole Burack, who won his first five starts.
CJ Valerian
Luke Babcock
Brent Beaudoin
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Hunter Laslo
Jonathan Grassie
Simon Leiva
Cole Burack
Connor Jewett
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Hockey NigHt iN BostoN News
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EastErn HockEy LEaguE
NE Wolves Look To Make Presence Known
NE WolvEs BraiNtrust
H Eric Bogart
Simon Jasmin
Sean O’Brien
Alec Cochran
H Mike Lelleher
Jarrod Fitzpatrick
Nick Marin
Brian Cameron
NEW ENGLAND WOLVES Also new to the EHL this season, the Wolves have started slowly but, have more than enough time to work themselves back into the hunt. Defense has been solid but ratcheting up an offense that produced just 2.1 goals per game in the early going is the primary task as hand. The team played just two of its first 12 games at home. Eric Bogart and Simon Jasmin essentially split time in the goal. The defense features Sean O’Brien, Alec Cochran, Sean Hallice, Ben Perron, Jonathan Ellis and Ryan Shea. Mike Kelleher emerged as an immediate force at forward, netting six goals in the first 14 games. Jarrod Fitzpatrick, Ryan Dunn, Nick Marin, Brian Cameron and Jeffrey Kirkwood join him on the forward line.
Ê«iÀviVÌÊÌ ÕÀ > i ÌÊÛi ÕiÊ ÃÊ ÀiÊÌ > Ê ÕÃÌÊ Vi° Ê«iÀviVÌÊÌ ÕÀ > i ÌÊÛi ÕiÊ ÃÊ ÀiÊÌ > Ê ÕÃÌÊ Vi°
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Hockey NigHt iN BostoN News
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NovemBer 6, 2014
EastErn HockEy LEaguE
North DivisioN
Anthony Giordano
Tucker Cobb
Evan Antisdale
Expansion ‘Jacks Solid So Far VERMONT LUMBERJACKS The Lumberjacks began existence in the EHL with a bang, defeating the Monarchs, 4-2, in their first-ever game. They’ve since come back to earth but have put a solid product on the ice. Defensive issues will need to be addressed moving forward. Tucker Cobb, Evan Antisdale and Gabe Flood have emerged as a dependable trio of forwards. James McDonald, Dylan Teed and Zach Pard also rank among the top six up front. Brett Robinson, Doug Cross, Hunter Brody, Teddy Marshall, Zach Turner and Stefan Boskovic patrol the blue line in front of lead goalie Anthony Giordano, off to a steady start. He’s backed up by Henry Butler.
Brett Robinson
Hunter Brody
Gabe Flood
Vermont already has wins over the Cyclones and Monarchs
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Hockey NigHt iN BostoN News
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EastErn HockEy LEaguE
C entral Division
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Excelling Offensively
Pontus Okerblad
Dan Perez
Tanner Bennett
Blake Brazil
Knights Lead League In Goals wilkes-Barre/scraNtoN kNights By virtue of having played more games than any other team, the Knights lead the league in goals scored. That’s the good news. They’ve also allowed more than only a handful of teams. Not so good. Double-digit goal-scorers Pontus Okerblad (22) and Dan Perez (15) form a lethal one-two punch. Tanner Bennett, Blake Brazil (27 pts), David MacGregor and Zach Remers are all off to productive starts. Top defensemen John Regnart, Cole Karklins and Austin Arnold have all shown offensive initiative. Joining them along the back line are John Ryan, Lukas Olehn and Hank Hilts. Kenny Graham gets the bulk of the work in goal with Tyler Huberty providing backup.
New York Bobcats In Solid Shape To Date New York BoBcats The Bobcats have only outscored opponents by 12 goals through 15 games but have shown the ability to withstand the pressure of close matches. Thus they found themselves10 points back of WBS in early November but with tfive games in hand. Top forwards Corey Kennedy, C.J.Totillo, Tyler Bullard, Lucas Brown, Ian Harris and David Kleyman have all contributed to a balanced attack. Defensemen Carlos Ross and Joey Maguire jump into the attack whenever able and are aided in the defensive end by Shawn Geary, Charles Barber and Vinny DaBrowa. Brandon Rathwell (.935 save pct.) and Jordan Severo (.928 save pct.) log equal time in goal and are both off to stellar starts as the anchors of the defense. * BoBcats Photos aPPear
on
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EastErn HockEy LEaguE ny BoBcats nUcLEUs
Central D ivision
Oilers Cranking Things Up Corey Kennedy
C.J. Totillo
Tyler Bullard
Lucas Brown
CoNNeCTICuT oILeRS Off to a solid start at seven games better than .500 through the first seven weeks, the Oilers have displayed an above-average offense and also held three games in hand on WSB in early November. The attack has been the epitome of balance with six players already having scored six or more goals. Forwards Joe Pizzimenti, Jim Buckingham and Lucas
Joe Pizzimenti
Carlos Ross
Jim Buckingham
Bombardier, defenseman Alex Wilkinson have emerged as prime marksmen. Support comes from forwards Sebastian Foster, Todd Jackson, and Nick Jermain.. Cam Cundy, Grant Hazel, Oscar Arfelt, Josh Victor and Sam Salvino complete the defense. Chris Bastone has emerged as a solid top keeper and is backed up by Michael Tilford.
Sebastian Foster
Todd Jackson
Joey Maguire
Alex Wilkinson
Cam Cundy
Grant Hazel
Chris Bastone
Upcoming EastErn HockEy LEagUE sHowcasEs
Brandon Rathwell
Shawn Geary
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• Veterans Day Showcase - Nov. 8-10 Tri-Town Arena - Hooksett, NH • Christmas Showcase - Dec. 19-21 International Skating Center - Simsbury, CT • MLK Day Showcase - Jan. 17-19 Rodman Arena - Walpole, MA tHE action aLL sEason Long!
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EastErn HockEy LEaguE
Jr. Wolfpack Right In The Mix
Zach White
Dan Mainello
Ben Mariano
Jamie Lukas
HArtford Jr. wolfpAck The Wolfpack were the fourth of this competitive division’s teams above .500 heading into the final week of October. And, with just 15 games under their skates through November 2nd, the ‘Pack certainly Ken McLean
Pontus Palmberg
Applecore Finding Its Rhythm New York Applecore Applecore is still finding its rhythm but certainly is in the mix in the early going. Shoring up the D-Zone is a priority moving forward as opponents are scoring close to four goals per game. Zach White, Dan Mainello, Ken McLean, Pontus Palmborg, Caleb Fizer and Keaton Baum have emerged as the most consistent forwards. The trio of Mike Zidansek, Mark Leprine and Alessandro Bianchi has been pulling time at both forward and defense. Mike Rodriguez, Will Thorpe and Trey Kerns complete the defense corps. Blake Wojtala (.932 save pct.) see most of the action in the goal with Tim Sestak in a backup role.
Mike Rodriguez
Will Thorpe
Mike Zidansek
Blake Wojtala
Todd Schauss
Andreas Radin
has plenty of early wiggle room to make a strong pre-holiday move. The offense produced at 4.1 goals per game in the early going, powered by the top forward trio of Ben Mariano, Jamie Lukas and Todd Schauss. Strong support comes from Gabe Lampron, Tyler Hines and Conner Bechtel. Andreas Radin and Max Ross are emerging as quality two-way performers on defense. Will Gaspar, Austin Dittenhafer, Dante Tomassini and Tim Biddle also man the back line in front of goaltenders Tyler Ellor and Kyle Carducci.
Max Ross
Tyler Ellor
Gabe Lampron
Will Gaspar
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Hockey NigHt iN BostoN News
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EastErn HockEy LEaguE
Boston D ivision
Walpole Express Sets Torrid Early Pace
Frankie Cefalu
Nick Balboa
Eric Lipa
Bryan Nelson
Robbie Roche
Blake Walderson
Alex Corvi
Evan McCarthy
Brandon Seal
Connor Court
Walpole express Despite hitting a bit of a bump in late October, the Express continues to set a blistering pace at the top of the division. Their responsible approach to team defense makes them a tough club to beat. Balance is the hallmark of a strong forward group, paced by Nick Balboa (nine goals), Frankie Cefalu (nine goals) and Eric Lipa (nine goals). Alex Corvi Timmy Thurnau and Rudy Carson add to the talented mix up front. Defensemen Bryan Nelson, Robbie Roche, Blake Walderson, Jake Leamer and Ryan Charko are charged with the protection of goalies Evan McCarthy (3.15, .919), a Miami of Ohio commit, and Connor Rodericks (2.32, .938).
Solid Start Has Bandits Excited
Nick Pezza
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Clay Berger
Boston Bandits Another team off to a solid start, the Bandits are a comfortable two points in arrears of the Express. Thus far, the Bandits have been thriving in close encounters. Although a modest +10, they are five games to the good. The top six forwards have accounted for all but a handful of goals, paced by points leader Brandon Seal (12 points) and goals leader Connor Court (seven goals). Nick Pezz, Davis Zembergs, Clay Berger and John Stickel have all started strong. Billy Palmer (1.90, .932) has emerged as the lead goalie with solid back-up coming from Calvin Shelley. Ryan Barnes, Zsombor Garat, Matt Michalke, PJ Johnson, Mitch DiCenso and Colm Sheehan form the defense.
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Billy Palmer
Ryan Barnes
Zsombor Garat
Matt Michalke
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NovemBer 6, 2014
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Boston D ivision
Valley Junior Warriors Hovering At .500 Valley Jr. Warriors The Jr. Warriors were the epitome of a middle-of-the-packer as October played out, sitting in fifth place at four games under.500 and minus-10. A talented group of forwards is driven by Van Sullivan (seven goals) and Will Platt (seven goals) and includes Andrew Irving, Brendan Heinze, Troy Sutherland and Austin O’Rourke. Collin Soucy logs most of the time in goal and is backed by Drew Michals. Justin DeWitz, Hunter Wilhoite, Joe Miller, Andrew McAvoy and Jack Williams make up the defense.
Andrew Irving
Van Sullivan
Will Platt
Brendan Heinze
Collin Soucy
Justin DeWitz
Andrew McEvoy
Joe Miller
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EastErn HockEy LEaguE
Good Scoring Depth A Plus For Jr. Rangers
Jeff Pierson
Derek Mecrones
Joe Berardi
Davis Algra
Boston Junior rangErs The Rangers are another club loitering at the .500 mark, and at plus-3. However, eight players have already scored at least three goals, so the potential for a consistent offense is in place. Top forwards include Jeff Pierson, Joe Berardi, Davis Algra, Derek Mecrones, Brett Mecrones, Tommy Royer, Charlie Shepard and Andrew Etheridge. Defenseman Thomas Evans (14 points) leads the team in scoring and is joined in back by Albert Krammer, Connor Fenton and Mason Nichols. Three goalies have seen varying amounts of action – UNH commit Mike Robinson, Evan Morelli and Philip Kuznetsov.
Thomas Evans
Wizards Have Been Competitive East Coast Wizards The Wizards stand in fourth place in the division at the moment but have been remarkably competitive through 17 games in their inaugural campaign. Glen Wiswell (eight goals) and Ben Mello (10 points) lead the offense with CJ Grinnell (12
pts). Byron Carlisle, Connor Demore and Dylan Vrees bring depth to the front line. Connor Maloney, Mike De Filippo and Christopher Johnson have seen action in the cage. Tanner Otts, Rickey Kramer, Nick White, Seth Cooper and Ryan Dumond take care of business in the defensive end.
Albert Krammer
Glen Wiswell
Ben Mello
CJ Grinnell
Evan Morelli
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Rickey Kramer
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Nick White
Connor Maloney
the action all season long!
%8 $)&4,5) 777 *%339+)&)35 '1/ /%,. '1%'+ *%339+)&)35 '1/ 18 ''13(
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Hockey NigHt iN BostoN News
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EastErn HockEy LEaguE
South D iviSion
Little Flyers Open Up Comfortable Division Lead Drew Gannon
Cameron Berry
Zach Felser
Austin Kelly
PhiladelPhia little Flyers As the Little Flyers hit the first week of November they found themselves in an enviable position – a comfortable division lead and games in hand on all but one opponent. Defense has been a strength as the Little Flyers have yielded a shade more than two goals per game while building a +39 differential. Goalies Trevor Micucci (1.91, .935) and Greg Procopio (2.01, .918) have excelled while splitting time. Garrett Gallagher (15 points), Gabe Chuckran, Jacob Paluch, Brien Caseria and Kyle Martin form the nucleus on defense. Drew Gannon (22 pts) is scoring at nearly a goal a game clip. Cameron Berry, Zach Felser, Austin Kelly and Blake Delisle have all scored at least four goals and a dozen players already have multiple goals.
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Hockey NigHt iN BostoN News
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NovemBer 6, 2014
EastErn HockEy LEaguE
Jr. Flyers Defensive Play Key To Success
Jon Ruiz Jr. Flyers
Jeff Beck Jr. Flyers
Steve Beck Jr. Flyers
Justin Plumhoff Jr. Flyers
Evan Williams Jr. Flyers
Bill Huber Jr. Flyers
Quentin Prokopetz Jr. Flyers
Tom Bay Jr. Flyers
Cian Derder NJ Titans
Rich McCartney NJ Titans
PhiladelPhia JuNior Flyers Based on early performances, the Junior Flyers may well pose the biggest challenge to the Little Flyers. PJF doesn’t score a lot – a touch better than three goals per game – but is built to win from the goal out. Quentin Prokopetz (2.34, .916) and Tom Bay are a stout tandem of goalies. They are fronted by defensemen Evan Williams, Bill Huber, AJ Wallace, Nick Luke and Chris Butryn. Forward Jon Ruiz has gotten off to an incendiary start with 12 goals and 19 points. Jeff Beck and Steve Beck has combined for another 11 goals and 25 points. Justin Plumhoff and Jasper Lonnberg add to the attack.
NJ Titans Within Striking Distance New Jersey TiTaNs The Titans are within striking distance of the leaders – for now. However they could also drop out of site unless defensive deficiencies (66 goals allowed) are addressed in short order. Forwards Cian Derder, Rich McCartney, Brian Miller and Caleb Callaway are off to pro-
ductive starts. Andrew Yasenchock and Ryan Price add depth in the front. Trever Ralph gets the bulk of the work in goal and is backed by Michael DePhillips. Adam Morton, Josh Hinderliter, John Shanley, Dylan Sobczyk, Kade McCartin and Dylan Decandia will be looked to help stabilize the D Zone.
Brian Miller NJ Titans
Caleb Callaway NJ Titans
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EastErn HockEy LEaguE
Trever Ralph NJ Titans
Zach England
Tim Murphy
Dean Zerby
Daniil Gerasimov
Jamie Crane
Steve Mallory
Revolution Look To Turn Things Around PhiladelPhia revolutioN The Revolution have scuffled in the early going, slowed as much by a low-scoring offense as a leaky defense. They began the month of November 14 points behind the division leader. Three forwards – Zach England, Tim Murphy and
Dean Zerby – have combined for 15 of the Revs’ 34 goals. Jamie Crane has chipped in as well. Primary goalie Daniil Gerasimov (.928) has held up relatively well despite being under constant assault. Brandon Spognardi, Steve Mallory, Brandon McLennan and Josh Suboyu are the top defensemen.
Adam Morton NJ Titans
Brandon McLennan
Josh Suboyu
Chris Gambardella
Joseph Napoli
Alex Kalemba
Cam Dineen
NJ Rockets Hope To Launch Winning Ways Josh Hinderliter NJ Titans
John Shanley NJ Titans
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New Jersey rockets Plagued by similar problems, the Rockets are waiting for their offense to launch. For the time being they
Nicholas Fiorentino
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Simon Butala
sit at the bottom looking up, standing at minus-53 while surrendering more than five goals per game. Chris Gambardella (10 goals) ranks among the league’s more creative forwards. He is supplemented by forwards Joseph Napoli and Alex Kalemba and defensemen Cam Dineen and Nicholas Fiorentino. Simon Butala, Connor Cooley and Dillon Greene also patrol the back line while Stephen East and Brian Nazzaro share the goaltending.
Stephen East
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HockEy NigHt iN BoStoN NEwS
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NovEmBEr 6, 2014
USPHL Premier DiviSion By Kevin Doyle • HNIB News
H
alloween arrived with the USPHL Premier Division's defending regular-season and playoff champion and reigning USA Hockey National Champion Jr. Bruins well-positioned in third place behind with two games in hand on both first-place Jersey Hitmen and second-place Philadelphia Flyers. With 35 member organizations stretching the length of the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Florida, the USPHL offers five levels of play in its Premier, Elite, Empire, U18 and U16 divisions. The Springfield Jr. Pics claimed the Elite Division title last season. The Premier Division debuted last season with nine franchises, a
Addition Of Springfield, Rochester Gives Premier Division 11 Teams Hitmen, Flyers Show Early Supremacy number that has increased to 11 for the 2014-2015 campaign with the addition of the Rochester Americans and Springfield Pics. Heading into early November, the first-place Hitmen had were on an 10-game winning streak, with second place Philadelphia owning a four-game win streak of its own. The league's first Boston Bragpot
Tournament in early October was a rousing success and showcased the league's depth as it matched the four Boston-based teams -- Jr. Bruins, Islanders HC, South Shore Kings and Bay State Breakers. The sixth-place Islanders HC knocked off the Jr. Bruins in the title game, 5-4, behind a pair of goals from championship game MVP Nathan
Ferriero. The Isles tripped the South Shore Kings in the semifinals while the Bruins defeated the Bay State Breakers. The USPHL formed in 2012, underwent major expansion in 2013 and added a handful of new programs this season, including the Providence Capitals and Richmond Generals in the Elite Division.
Jersey Hitmen Run Out To Early Lead Team Currently Enjoying 10-Game Win Streak
Patrick Schule NJ Hitmen
Michael Laffin NJ Hitmen
Jersey HITmeN The league’s highest-scoring team by far also ranked second in fewest goals allowed heading into the final week of October for a whopping plus-64 differential. In other words, Jersey outscored its first 20 opponents by an average 3.2 goals per game. Michael Laffin (17 goals, 38 points) and Eric Brenk (14 goals) were off to monster starts. Eleven Hitmen already have double-digit points and six in addition to Laffin and Brenk have potted at least a half-dozen goals – Josh Henke, Patrick Schule, Bryan Yim, Conor O’Neil, Matt Volonnino and James Martello. Defensive anchors for the
Hitmen are Cam Heath (20 pts) and Connor Brassard (13 pts). The Hitmen have also received stellar play from goaltenders Chris Funkey (2.03, .931) and Ebbe Sionas (2.61, .917); they have been outstanding.
Chris Funkey NJ Hitmen
Conor O’Neil NJ Hitmen
Matt Volonnino NJ Hitmen
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Hockey NigHt iN BostoN News
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NovemBer 6, 2014
USPHL Premier DiviSion
Games In Hand, Steady Defense Have Jr. Bruins Confident
Bryan Carter
Charlie Kelleher
Alex Brink
Junior Bruins Though nine points off the pace set by Jersey, the Bruins find themselves well-positioned with four games in hand on the two teams directly in front of them. The league leaders in fewest goals allowed (35) are once again a tough out. Primary keeper Dan Tirone (2.33, .929) had been outstanding with a
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Ryan Cloonan
shutout to his credit. Brian McGrath and Matthew Pompa have also seen time in net. Corey Moriarty and Michael Kim are the top defensemen. Bryan Carter has been solid. Assist machine Ryan Cloonan (28 points) and goals leader Tim Dohery (nine) are the linchpins of the offense. Alex Brink, Charlie Kelleher, Clay Han and Josh Couturier have been steady contributors.
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Hockey NigHt iN BostoN News
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NovemBer 6, 2014
Page 23
USPHL Premier DiviSion
Philadelphia Flyers Will Be In It For The Long Haul Trevor Gooch
Ryan Badger
Zach Lynes
Conlan Keenan
Connor Boyd
Joseph Young
Strong October Showing Has Rochester In A Good Spot RochesteR JunioR AmeRicAns A strong October saw the Junior Americans win six of eight as they positioned themselves in the league’s top four by month’s end. Conlan Keenan (8-17-25) and Nick Petrella (6-16-22) have provided the Americans with a reliable one-two punch. Taylor Dremiuk, Connor Boyd, Cody Guidorzi, Shaun Patry and Mike Whitehair are key contributors. Will Massey has been stellar as the lead goalie, posting three shutouts to go along with a 2.59 gaa and .929 save pct. JR Wojciechowski, TJ Dockery, Roshen Jaswai, Bryan Carville and Thomas Stahlhuth are the core of the defense.
Will Massey
Bryan Carville
Taylor Dremiuk
PhilAdelPhiA FlyeRs Though not quite as proficient offensively or stout defensively, the Flyers found themselves nipping at the heels of the Hitmen as Halloween approached. Scoring 4.5 goals per game, the Flyers had taken 28 of 36 available points through 18 games. Five players had already registered 21 or more points, paced by Trevor Gooch (15 goals) and Ryan Badger (24 points). Joining them to form a well-balanced frontal attack are fellow forwards Gregg Burmaster, Zach Lynes, Gianni Evangelista and Ron Greco (nine goals).
Connor Meike and Max Luukko are a pair of physically imposing defensemen in front of lead goalie Joseph Young (2.91, .924), who already has 10 wins to his credit and is a Union commit.
Gianni Evangelista
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Hockey NigHt iN BostoN News
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NovemBer 6, 2014
USPHL Premier DiviSion
Balance A Key Strength For South Shore Kings south shore Kings The Kings rolled out to a 6-1 start in September but struggled to
Tommy Besinger
maintain that pace during an upand-down October. Balance up and down the lineup has been a strength. While no player has more than seven goals, seven have three or more. Owen Campbell, Tommy Besinger, Mark Knowlton, Craig Skudalksi, Ryan Donato, David Lappin and Jonas Toupal are all off to steady starts. Shane Starrett (one shutout) and Craig Pantano have seen equal time in goal. Toupal, John Marino, Jake Cass and Gianni Paolo are the top defensemen.
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Owen Campbell
John Marino
Gianni Paolo
7 One-Goal Losses Already For Jr. Rangers ConneCtiCut Junior rangers The Rangers are scuffling near the bottom as well, though their troubles don’t seem as deep-rooted as those the Pirates are facing. Seven of their losses have been by a single goal, so there is reason for hope. Forwards Ryan Harper (9-16-25), Craig Skudalski (8-6-14) and Ryan Murphy (9-513) are one of the league’s more productive trios. Fabio Klaey has six goals but the Rangers need additional weapons to emerge. The numbers posted by goalies Ian Milosz (3.71, .902) and Jake Thouborron (3.34, .909) are essentially identical. Tim Perron, Nick Abbene and Nick Picinic lead the defense.
Nick Abbene
Jake Thouburron
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NovemBer 6, 2014
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USPHL Premier DiviSion
Up And Down Campaign Thus Far For Islanders HC Islanders HC What a strange season it has been for the Islanders to date. After beginning the year 0-4, they proceeded to win six straight and eight of nine. However they hit the firstweek of November having lost four of five including three defeats at the hands of the Jersey Hitmen. Brendan van Riemsdyk (15 goals) is the unquestioned leader of a balanced, potent offense. Eric Berglund (18 points),
Brendan Robbins (16 points), Liam McDermott, Ross Olsson, Nathan Ferriero, Cam Owens and Mark Dufour all contributed to the depth at forward. Mike O’Brien, Pippen Weisbeck, Zach Mirageas, Max Daigle and Brendan Flanagan form the nucleus of a solid corps of defensemen. Lead goalie Anthony Tirabassi (2.53, .915) has won six of his nine starts. Brendan McMenimen backs him up.
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NovemBer 6, 2014
Page 27
USPHL Premier DiviSon
P.A.L Junior Islanders Ready To Make Move Tommaso Bucci
Chris Makowski
James Anderson
James Mazza
Bay State Breakers To Remain A Factor In Race Bay State BreakerS Following a promising start to the season, the Breakers have dropped 9-of-12 to dip a couple of games under .500. There’s nothing a tweak here and there can’t take care of and expect the Breakers to remain a factor all season. Brad Pizzey (8-6-14), Jackson Barliant (9-8-17 and Michael Booth (six goals) have emerged as the most productive forwards. Defensemen Stephen Cochrane and Matt Burchill have demonstrated skills jumping into the attack. Jared Dodman and Tomas Parizek have both been steady on the back line. Top keeper Jake Bryniarski (.909) gets most of the work in goal while Rob McGovern (1.71, 9.33) has excelled in limited action.
Matt Burchill
P.a.L. Junior iSLanderS Once the Islanders address their team defense issues – they’ve allowed more than four goals per game – their offense should allow them to make a move in the standings. They most recently won four of five to get somewhat pointed in the right direction before dropping a pair to the Hitmen. Offensive production comes from all over the ice, paced by forwards Tommaso Bucci (21 points), Billy Vizzo (19 points), Chris Wallace (11 goals), Chris Makowski (16 points) and James Anderson (13 points) as well as defensemen James Mazza (4-15-19) and Joseph Duszak (5-1116). Jonathan Spada, TJ Roche, Cory Gottfried and Cameron Kuhl complete the defense. Tanner Creel and Henry Burns handle the goaltending.
CUSHING HOCKEY
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Cushing Olympians, including Meghan Duggan ‘06, 2-time Olympic silver medalist and captain of the 2014 U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey team
195
Approximate number of Cushing boys’ and girls’ hockey players who have gone on to play Division I hockey in college
48 24 25
Cushing athletes who have been drafted or gone pro
NEPSAC championships in the past 17 years, in 6 sports
Average number of Cushing athletes each year who go on to play in college
Jake Bryniars ki
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NovemBer 6, 2014
USPHL Premier DiviSion
Portland Pirates Need To Tighten Up Defensively Daniels, Fleurent Off To Productive Starts Up Front
Portland Pirates The Pirates have had a devil of a time on defense, yielding a league-high 96 goals en route to a league-worst minus-47 differential. Unless things change in a hurry, they could be out of the league race by the Holiday Season. The trio of Tommy Daniels (99-18), Brady Fleurent (7-12-19) and Lucas Michaud (7-9-16) are off to productive starts. Peter Barral, Matt Michaud and Connor Parent have been steady contributors with four goals apiece. Goalies Teddy Loughborough and PJ McNamara have been under constant duress, facing a combined total of 732 shots, or approximately 35 per outing.
PORTLAND PIRATES (top to bottom): Brady Fleurent, Tommy Daniels, Lucas Michaud.
Hockey NigHt iN BostoN News
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USPHL ELitE DiviSion
Syracuse Leads North; Richmond Generals Ahead In South
T
he Syracuse Stars rank among the league’s highest-scoring teams and are second in fewest goals allowed (18). Jake Farabee (18 points), Matthew Bernot (14 points) and Nathan Zweig (10 points) lead the offense. Brandon Short (five goals), Zack Simmons and Devin Linker are top two-way defensemen in front of Mark Specia (0.89, .968) and Mike Levine (1.73, .923). With four games in hand, the second-place Jr. Bruins could move into the division lead in short order. The Bruins lead the league in fewest goals allowed (14), thanks to the play of lead goalie Matt Pompa (1.59, .941), who has six wins and a shutout in seven starts. Michael Viera, Sean Henry and Jack Raunio lead the defense while Tyler Mathieu, Justin Holliday, Andrew Popp and Connor Henry have emerged up front. After dropping two straight, the Islanders HC sat tied for third through six weeks. Steady production has come from forwards RJ Kendl, Luke Moser and Patrick Germain. Will Hoer, Michael Piccini and Pat Biewald anchor the defense and Mike Mastrogiacomo (2.07, .927) has gotten most of the work in goal. Sharing third place, the Jersey Hitmen rank among the league’s more proficient offensive clubs but are only plus-8. J.R. Barone (6-6-12), Devon Palmieri (7-4-11) and Lucas Luppino (7-4-11) lead the attack. Ryan Romeo and Matt Ho anchor the defense in front of the goalie trio of Mike Cuozzo, Nick Modica and Robert Campbell. The South Shore Kings don’t score a lot but sound defense has them at plus-10. Defensemen Corbett McLucas and Alex Radcliffe have been solid in front of keepers Cody Murch, Doyle Kinnear and Bradley Stone, who are all sub-2.00 gaa and plus-.930 save pct. Jack Sheehan, Zach Dragun and Giuliano DiRissio supply the offense. At 6-6-0-1 and plus-1, the Bay State Breakers are a quintessential .500 team. Forwards Alex Kielczewski (9-10-19), Beau Rossbach (7-12-19) and Jack Moore (14 points) are sizzling. Stefan Hrdina and Jack Quinlan
Premier Division Springfield Looks To Shed Sluggish Start SPRINGFIElD PICS The good news is that the lastplace Pics have played fewer games than all but two other clubs. The bad news is they need to figure things out in a hurry if they expect to recover from their sluggish start. No Pics have reached double digits in points. As the season’s second month winds down, forwards Sam Levin (5-4-9), Nick Bondra (nine points), Armand Uomoleale and David Lackner and defenseman Santino Ragone (six points) have been the most consis-
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tent players. Jake Moore gets most of the work in goal, with Mike Dion providing relief.
Santino Ragone Springfield Pics
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have emerged as top defensemen fronting goalies Logan Osborne and Eric Norris. The New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs stand at .500 despite a short roster. Forwards Joe Admirand, Steve Wolf and Colby Siering spark the offense. Austin Siering, Trevor Salmon and Chris Pollini are the prime protectors of goalies Drew Foley and Pat Kerney. A lengthy losing streak dropped the Portland Pirates four games under .500 after a promising start. Joe Vuolo and Dakota Keene are top forwards. It’s been a rugged first campaign for the winless Providence Capitals. Mike Ranalli and Callahan Johnson are productive forwards,
SOUTH DIVISION They haven’t scored the most goals and they haven’t allowed the fewest, but the Richmond Generals began November in first place. Forwards Jordan Holloway, Cam Durham, Mason Corliss and Chad Lopez and defenseman Ryan Gazich lead a well-balanced attack. Isaiah Olschewske and Mike Facchiano also man the back line in front of goalies Max Barr (1.99, .934) and Garrett McGowan. There was a three-way tie for second place with the Palm Beach Hawks, Hampton Roads Whalers and Tampa Juniors all totaling 17 points. The Hawks and Whalers held three games in hand on the Generals. The Hawks have been powered by forwards Chris Stovall, Richard Decarlo, Cole Hampton and Chris Ebersole, as well as defensemen Zach Biebuyck and Thomas Leistner, all double-figure scorers. Tyler Perhac is the primary goalie. The Whalers have been the division’s highest-scoring team. Forwards TJ Sneath (14 goals) and Griffin Leach (20 points) and defenseman Ryan Webber (12 points) have been outstanding. Taylor Brost and Black Scott have split the goaltending. Though standing at minus-2, Tampa has managed to remain above .500 to date. Forwards Jared Goudreau, Jack Stang and Chris Astrom are enjoying strong seasons. Drake Stimpson and Nick Frankich are top defensemen with Michael Krch in goal. The Florida Eels have been stout on defense, yielding a plus-8. Goalies Max Kirkwood (2.36, .924) and Cory Lignelli (2.44, .929) have been outstanding, supported by defensemen Brandon Halvorsen and Doss Allen. Jonathan Carlson, Vasili Malliaras and Jeff O’Dea lead the offense. Scoring goals is no problem for the Atlanta Junior Knights. Preventing them has been. Forwards Nick Elliott, Chris Santa Maria and Pat MacDonald have already produced 26 goals and 51 points. Tyler Jahn and Hunter Swain have been the steadiest defenders with Robert McDonnell seeing the most time in goal. The Potomac Pirates have played solid hockey through a dozen games. Primary goalie Dustyn Moyer checks in at .916, fronted by top defensemen Kevin McDonald and Crew Crilly. Offense comes fron Josh Malts, Michael Carr and Nick Gray. The East Coast Eagles are also near the .500 mark. Forwards Jordan Hall, Jakob Ustorf, Michael Bunn and Damian Tenuta have reached double figures. Defensemen Tyler Romel and Aaron Roehm lead the group in front of three rotating goalies. The Roswell Bulldogs were holding up the division through October. Forward Martin Matejcek leads the team in scoring, followed by defensemen Tyler Berry and Trevor Hillman.
the action all season long!
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NovemBer 6, 2014
Girls Junior Hockey Feature
Boston Shamrocks U-19 Off and Running Local Club More Than Holding Its Own In Prestigious JWHL
GOALIE KASSI ABBOTT covers puck as Pacific Steelers forwards Kirsten Martin (19) and Olivia Ramos (13) move in. Defending on the play is Boston Shamrocks blueliner Ali Peper. Shamrocks won this JWHL clash. (Jamie Callery photo)
BOSTON SHAMROCKS FORWARD Jessie Jacques moves in for a shot while being defended by defenseman Abby Malo (11) of the Pacific Steelers during a recent JWHL game at Merrimack College. (Jamie Callery photo)
By Gary Demopoulos • HNIB News
C
oming off an impressive season a year ago, the Boston Shamrocks U-19 team is hoping for similar success this winter in the Junior Womens Hockey League. After participating in a JWHL league showcase this past weekend in Rochester, the Shamrocks stand tied for first place in the South Division of the JWHL with a league record of 5-3-2. The Shamrocks, who head back to Rochester this coming weekend for a non-league Fire and Ice Tournament, have been mixing a host of new players into the lineup so far in the early going, getting the talented group to blend with the returning nucleus. “We do have quite a few new faces, 11 to be exact,” said Shamrocks coach Josh Hechter. “They have done a great job adjusting to the level of competition as well as the rigors of our schedule. We have a really strong core of returners which has helped make the transition smoother. The team goal is still the same, to get better each day and be our best in the final game of last weekend (playoffs). University of New Hampshire commit Taylor Wenczkowski has been a catalyst up front for the Shamrocks, with seven points (4-3) in her first five league games. She and fellow returner Jessie Jacques (a University of Maine commit) have been key to the offense thus far for the Shamrocks, along with returner Kathleen McHugh, and newcomers Emily Harris and Michaela Boyle. On defense, post-grad Kayla Dion and first-year Shamrock Ali Peper, a Colorado native who has committed to Harvard, have been keys, along with returner Madison Truax. (Continued On Page 31)
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Page 31
G irls Junior Hockey Feature
JWHL Showcases At Quinnipiac, Providence On Horizon (Continued From Page 30)
Veteran senior Kassi Abbott has seen the bulk of the time in goal for the Shamrocks. Hechter also reports that senior forward Nora Maclaine has committed to the University of Connecticut, and junior forward Kirsten Nergaard to Yale. New faces to the roster that have been impressive so far in the season include senior defenseman Jackie Kilar from New Hampshire, and senior forward Logan Harper from Illinois. “Jackie has been an awesome surprise,” said Hechter. “She has made the jump from the younger team and has quickly become a very key player for us on defense. Logan has also had a great start. She has played both center and wing, has a high hockey IQ and is getting better each day.” Looking ahead, the Shamrocks will have a JWHL league weekend November 21-23 at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, and then another league weekend right before Christmas – December 19-21 at Providence before breaking
for the holidays. “The league looks great this year,” said Hechter. “There aren’t any easy games, and how with our games being streamed live and archived online, it is awesome not only for the scouts, but also for the friends and families of our girls.” The Shamrocks organization is also pleased to look at the college ranks and see many of their former starts excelling at the next level, players like Kayla Woodworth at Boston University, Maddie Litchfield at the University of Vermont, Heather Schwarz at Syracuse and freshman Sarah Robello, just recently named College Hockey America Rookie of the Week at Mercyhurst. “It is great to see the Shamrocks alumni have success in the college ranks,” Hechter said. “It is just as nice to hear how much they love school and where they are. Many of them pop over to the rink to say hi to the girls, Bob (Rotondo) and I when they can and are in the area which means a lot as well.” The Shamrocks have new support staff this winter as well, as Tasha Wyatt and Moira
SHAMROCKS FORWARD Michaela Boyle on the move. (Jamie Callery photo)
Sweeney have joined the organization as assistant coaches. “Moira has really brought a lot to the team with her experience from Providence, specifically with video and travel planning,” said Hechter. “Tasha has been great. She has a background and interest in the off-ice training and body maintenance which has been awesome for the team.”
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