The Flying Aces Take Game One in Shocking Fashion

The Shamrocks are a powerhouse team. And they came to game one heavily undermanned. But this is the AIAHL finals. If you are going to miss a game, this isn't the one to miss. And the Melick Flying Aces of Flemington knew this to be true. The full 16 man roster showed. Complete with game faces, pregame jitters, child like excitement and and Federal C league pride, the Aces took the ice. It was time to take advantage of a solid but shorthanded hockey club. The Aces, happy to have Matt Stockwell and Bill Marcolini back on the 'grind line', yet knowing they would not have 'Juvy' Lou Johnson for the remainder of the series were up for the call to battle. When the Shamrocks took advantage of a 5 on 3 situation and scored, the Aces knew they had to strike back quickly. They did, keeping pace with their clover clad foes. When the Shamrocks scored again, Nick 'the brick' Minarik slammed his stick against the crossbar in anger. Filled with passion and frustration, he slammed it again on the ice. The Aces looked on knowing a 2-1 deficit in the first period wasn't the worst situation to be in. And also, maybe wondered if Nick could regane his composure. And it was at that very moment that this reporter saw a change in Minariks play. Nick 'the brick', seemingly overdosed with confidence, cleared his head, and then stood on it for the rest of the game. The young netminder stopped any and all shots on goal with poise, presence and cat like agility. Minarik shut down the Shamrocks, holding them at two goals until the final minutes of the third period when they broke their offensive silence. But by then it was far too late, as the Aces' aerial attack squadron had already lit the lamp seven times. The 'Shock and Awe' line was relentless. The 'Grind line' played smart and fast. Captain Jone's line was lethal. All six defensemen blocked shots, broke up plays and made the Shamrocks battle for every inch of ice they could get. As time ran out and the buzzer roared, the Flying Aces had an 8-3 game one victory. And as the Aces surrounded their goalie, they knew this job was far from over. The Shamrock team they will face Tuesday night at Aspen Ice will be stronger and very angry. But in the meantime the Flying Aces will enjoy what could be their greatest win in franchise history.

Nick Minarik grabbed the first ever Finals First Star Patch on unanimous votes. It's his second patch of the season and third of his Aces career. Game 2 will be played on Tuesday, May 6 at 8:30.
Guys, it's the finals so we don't keep stats. The game is to important to keep track of who did what. So if you scored, assisted or spent time in the box, please let me know by 6:00 PM Monday when I update the stats.  
-Bleck #19