The Melick Flying
Aces of Flemington kicked off their 6th season in
the AIAHL Sunday night at the Aspen Ice Arena. At 31-31-3 the Aces
were looking to start the season with a big win against a powerhouse franchise.
A franchise that in 3 games held the Aces to 1 goal. A franchise that averaged
8 goals a game against the Flying Aces. A franchise that had played in the Iron
B League the past 4 seasons. And that franchise is.... The Buzzards.
The Aces came in with
memories of a second trip to the AIAHL Finals without
the ultimate prize. Swept by the Whack-a-Moles in less than dramatic
fashion. Once again the Championship Cup had alluded their grasp. And now it
was time to play again. Another chance. A brand new season. With Craig Jones
and Eric Kusznier on the healthy scratch list, the Aces called in
Kevin Brown (one more time) to add a wee bit of fire power and properly welcome
the Buzzards back to Federal C ice.
At the drop of the
puck two things were clear. 1- The Buzzards were buzzing with confidence and
ready to go. 2- The Flying Aces had nothing to lose... And no intentions of
losing. With 3 O-lines and 2 D-lines, the Aces played smart, well balanced
hockey. And that's not to say the Buzzards did not. But this is expected from
the Buzzards. The Aces looked like they took a big step with their position
play. A page had been turned. And when Kevin Smith scored the first goal of the
night, anything was possible in this new Aces book(maybe it's time for the
season 6 bible, The New Testament).
At the start of the
second period, Jim Donnelly, in a power play situation, tied the game for
the Buzzards. The goal brought the Aces back to reality. Tied at one, the
Buzzards understood this wasn't the same Aces squad they had walked all over in
the past. The Winged Scavengers changed their style of play a bit looking to
take the lead. But as they did, the Ace defense was as impenetrable as goalie,
Nick Minarik, had been in the first period. The Buzzards were unable to
attack, as their offensive was denied wave after wave. And then it happened.
2nd season Ace, Kyle Turner, scored. The Aces' were back in the lead. As the
second period ended the smell of blood was on the ice.
The start of the third
period reminded this reporter of a classic game between America and Russia in
the 1980 Olympics. A one goal lead and a lot of time to kill. But the Buzzards,
were maybe not fully invested anymore. They looked tired and frustrated by the
Aces' play. "C League my ass" one of their skaters cried. It was
almost as if they were mad they had to fight for a win. The Flying Aces kept on
the attack. Their defense almost flawless. But when the Buzzards did get
through on two separate occasions, two key breakaways, skater vs.
goalie, 'The Brick' made the stops. And the Ace bench roared! Midway through
the third period, 'Grind-liner', Matt 'I'll Kick Your Ass In
Court' Stockwell, slammed a rebound home to give the Aces a 3-1
lead. Stockwell's goal earned him his first patch of his Aces career. The
Buzzards were compromised. The team imploded giving up to more goals in
the closing minutes of the game. One to Mike Petersen and another to Kevin
Smith. The Flying Aces were once again above 500. And what a way to start
season 6.
The Buzzards will be
back looking for revenge in their next season 6 meeting. But for now, the Aces
can enjoy this epic home victory. And they can rest up in an early by-week and
await the 0-1 Regulars who will be coming in angry off a 2-10 loss.
Kevin Brown will be
missed, but always welcomed back to the Aces squad. He contributed with a huge
assist. Kyle Turner had 3 assists, Kevin Smith had 2. Mike Petersen
and Derik Weaver each had 1.
The Flying Aces
welcome The Regulars to Aspen Ice Arena on Saturday, September 6 at 9:30 for a
prime time battle. The boys will be skating in their home Teal.
-#19 Bleck
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