Aces top Mulligans 2-1 on the back of a beauty by 'The Brick'

The Flying Aces gave a half hearted Mulligan home crowd little to cheer about Sunday night. The Aces came in shorthanded, missing key players Mike Gianetti, Bill Marcolini and Josh Lovering. Unable to run the 'Black Powder' and the 'Grind' line, Captain Darren Jones mixed and matched players for maximum offensive output. With six defensemen, assistant captain Ryan Bleck, aside from the usual defensive lines was able to set up a 'Shock and Awe' D line consisting of Mike Petersen and hot handed Ace newcomer Kevin Brown.

 

…And so the puck was dropped and the music stopped.

The Flying Aces, in attack formation, crossed the red line into enemy territory. They flew toward what many consider the best net minder in the Federal C League. The Aces peppered him with shots as they searched for signs of weakness. On the other side of the pond, the Mulligans' attack was equally intense. But Minarik stood tall and denied all of their opportunities. Midway through the first, Kevin Smith, who can't seem to figure out teamsnap, figured out the Mulligan goalie. Smith grabbed a pass from 'Juvy' Lou Johnson and buried it, to give the Aces the first goal of the game. Shortly thereafter, Ryan Warn and Smith had an impromptu meeting in the penalty box, giving the Mulligans a huge 5 on 3 power play opportunity. But 'The Brick' and the Aces' D successfully killed it and kept the Mulligans of the board. But with mere seconds left in the first, the Mulligans managed to sneak one by Minarik to tie the game.

 

The second period was a sloppy one. Both clubs were unable to capitalize on power plays as the game became a bit rougher. But when young Ace, Ryan Warn, hit Kevin Brown with a sharp pass, Brown barrel rolled behind the net and went for a sweet wraparound goal. It went in. Brown had his second goal in as many games. And the Flying Aces regained the lead. Toward the end of the second the Mulligans rushed the net in a two on one situation. The Mulligan crowd roared to life as a shot was blasted toward Minarik. But the silence returned when Nick 'The Brick' opened his glove and gave the captured puck to the ref. The third period saw the Mulligans get some great looks and several shots on goal. But to no avail. And as time ran out, the Mulligan net empty, The Flying Aces were victorious with a 2 and 0 record.

 

First Star Patch honors went to Nick Minarik for an outstanding performance against a powerhouse team. Minarik's fourth patch tied him up with team leader, Mike Petersen. Critics of the big offseason trade are beginning to see the light on Kevin Brown. And they will get their first look at Kyle Turner next Sunday when the Aces battle CBK.  After the game the Aces migrated to the Aspen Clubhouse to take in some Ranger/Canadian playoff hockey and converse with Dad Minarik. But due to a 'soft' Ace Case and tired rink management, the Aces were forced to take their party on the road. They ended up at Cryans in Annandale. The Jones brothers, Bleck, 'Donny', 'The Brick' and Ace super fan, Rebecca Brendler, watched the Rangers OT win and drank with the locals amongst 'GO ACES' chants and a delicious pizza compliments of Craig Jones. As the amazing night came to an end, Rebecca Brendler's dreams came true. She was asked to step up and drive the Ace Eurovan(2-0-1) safely home.