Aces flip the switch on Powertime for their first ever playoff win

The Flying Aces hit the ice in attack mode, hungry for a playoff win. And it was the 'Grind Line's' Matt 'Donny' Donahue who scored early in the first. 27 seconds into the period. Donahue's goal was the fastest goal scored in Aces' history. The boys were flying high and looking good. Half way through the period Donahue struck again, giving his squad a two goal lead. Nick Minarick's fine work in net kept Powertimes' score at 0.

The second period was a defensive chest match with both teams getting quality shots and both goalies making outstanding saves. But Powertime managed to slip the puck past the Aces' tournament bound netminder. Down one goal, powertime turned up the heat. But the Flying Aces stood fast and held the 2nd period damage to one goal.


Halfway through the third period, Craig Jones learnt a random Powertimer a valuable lesson. If you slash my legs, I'll chop your arms. It was a jagged pill for the angry Powertimer to swallow. And when he got a bit fussy, a ten minute game misconduct chilled him out for good. But with under 8 minutes left in the contest, Powertime managed another goal, tying the game at 2. The Powertime bench roared back to life, as did their playoff hopes. Powertime had never beaten the Aces, and would love to get their first playoff win and eliminate the home favorite at the same time. But this would not be the case. With under five minutes left to play, Ace captain Darren Jones rifled the puck past the Powertime goalie and put a large hole in Powertimes' playoff chances. Minutes later, Mike Petersen closed the door for good putting his own empty net rebound in for a 4-2 lead. The Flying Aces ran the clock down, eager to celebrate their first playoff victory. And when it read 00:00, it was party time. Even defenseman Ryan Bleck had a beer. It was his first in almost a year. The last beer Bleck drank... Was to celebrate the Aces first victory.


Donahue's two goal night earned him the first ever Playoff First Star Patch. Weaver, Johnson, Gianetti, C. Jones and Warn had assists. Bill Marcolini and Matt Stockwell were healthy scratches.


The Aces next game is Thursday, May 1. There will be an April 22 contest between Smoke and The Predators and an April 29 contests between The Comeback Kids and the April 22nd champ. The Flying Aces await the winner.
-Bleck #19

Smith's long hair flows like his four goals as the Flying Aces shoot down the Bombers, sweeping the season series and holding on to the AS Cup.

The regular season has ended and the Aces find themselves with a winning record(6-4) for the first time in team history. Hard-core Ace fan, Rebecca Brendler, has never seen her Aces win. In fact the team held an 0-7 record when Rebecca was at the game. But that all changed tonight.

The first period started with even play on both sides of the ice. It was the usual Aces/Bombers action. But the Bombers scored first on an early powerplay opportunity. They managed to hold the lead until Kevin Smith, with his long, flowing hair, lit the lamp late in the period with his first of the night. Then the Bombers were back on another powerplay. But the Aces defense and Nick 'The Brick Wall' Minarik managed to keep the puck out of the net for the remainder of the period.

The rival Bombers regained the lead early in the second. It seemed possible with a goal lead that they just might be able to steal the AS Cup. But Kevin Smith blasted that idea out of the sky when he put in his second of the night, tying the game at 2. Eric Kuszinier, the shot blocking monster took a heavy Bomber slapper in the leg and spoiled a big scoring chance. A short time later Kevin Smith went 'hat-trick' with his third of the night, giving the Aces a 3-2 lead at the end of the second.

The third period started with Bomber momentum. They tied the game at 3 and were looking for more. But Mike Petersen, with all four of his 'Ace First Star Patches' freshly sewn on his home jersey, put in the game winner for the Flying Aces. Kevin Smith followed that with yet another goal. His fourth of the night. Making the 'First Star' decision an easy one. Then Darren Jones scored making it 6-3. The Aces kept the puck in the Bombers zone for the remainder of the game, giving them no chance to pull their goalie.

Smith's four goal performance earned him his first Patch of the season and third of his Aces' career. Mike Petersen had 3 assists. Ryan Warn had 2. Josh Lovering, Bill Marcolini, Mike Gianetti and Craig Jones each had 1.

Flying Aces playoff action starts Monday night. The Aces are calling up Louie Johnson from the Parkasie Red Barons.
-Bleck #19

Petersen and the Flying Aces top the winless Smoke 7-6 and secure a .500 record for the first time in franchise history

The Flying Aces are getting tuned up for post season play. 13 goals were scored in the victory. This was their final home game of the season. 
The first period was all Aces with a pinch of Smoke. Mike petersen was locked in, scoring twice. He was assisted by Derek 'Dream' Weaver on his first goal and Kevin Smith on his second. Eric Kusznier also scored unassisted, showing the boys he is a great fit on offense. In the closing minutes of the first, the Smoke put their first of the night in the net.
In the second period, Aces' youngster Ryan Warn finally finished his homework and was ready to play. The addition of Warn seemed to throw the Ace game off a bit. The Smoke, hungry for their first win, put another one in the net. But soon after, Josh Lovering, assisted by Mike Gianetti, made a beauty of a deek and smoked one by the Smoke goalie, bringing the score to 4-2. The Smoke quickly struck back holding the Ace lead to one. Late in the second, Flying Ace penalty leader, Kevin Smith, was sent to the box for roughing, giving the Smoke a very important powerplay oppertunity. But Mike Petersen struck yet again with an unassisted, short handed, hat trick goal.
The early third period was thick with Smoke, scoring two unanswered goals, they tied the game up. Aces' Captain Darren Jones swapped Kusznier for Warn, letting the youngster play with his usual linemates. The move payed off. Mike Petersen, assisted by Smith and Warn, put in his fourth of the night. Again the Smoke quickly found the net and spoiled the Aces' celebration. Petersen wouldn't have it though. With his sharp new helmet decals, he wanted that win. So once again Mike 'The Machine' Petersen skated into the Smoke zone, unassisted, and scored his fifth of the night sealing the win for the Flying Aces.
The five goal performance earned Petersen his second First Star Patch of the season and fourth of his Aces' career. The team joked after the game, if Mike ever sewed on all his patches he would look like a 4 Star General.
Matt 'Donny' Donahue gets an honorable mention for putting his EMT training to good use and helping two injured Smoke players.
The Aces are back in action on April 16 at 10:30 fighting for an AS Cup sweep and a first ever winning record. The boys will be flying in away grays.
-Bleck #19