Smith Smothers SMOKE

The FLYING ACES returned home to the friendly confines of the Flemington Ice Arena Wednesday night for a contest with the Patriot League's 3-1-1 SMOKE. At 4-2-0 the ACES looked to keep hold of 2nd place in the FIAHL's Federal League. Craig Jones was a healthy scratch and Mike Gianetti had the 'Ace Case'.

Though the Patriot League is considered a small step down from the Federal League, the SMOKE came out swinging and landing blows. They surprised the FLYING ACES with both a power play and even strength goal for the 2-0 lead that held into the 2nd period. While the SMOKE were busy scoring the ACES were collecting penalty minutes and killing 4 of 5 power plays. The FLYING ACES finally cut the lead in half when forward, Mike 'The Machine' Petersen, ripped a wrist shot past the SMOKE net minder to make it 2-1 midway through the 2nd. Late in the period, 'Dubba Troubba' Bubba McCabe and Matt 'Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' Stockwell, headed South on a two on one break. "I was waiting for the pass so that I could one time it home, but Bubba elected to take the shot." Recalled Stockwell. "The goaltender made the save, but left the rebound right in front of me." Matt Stockwell buried the rebound to knot it up 2-2. That score would hold to the very end of the 3rd period. With mere seconds on the clock, Kevin 'From the Heavens' Smith (sent to the ACES from the hockey gods) scored the game winner after Mike Petersen knocked the puck down as it rebounded off the goalie's pad. These late game heroics are a big part of Smith's makeup.

 

Matt Stockwell took the First Star Patch for his dramatic game tying goal. "...It's an honor that my teammates voted for me to receive it," said Stockwell after collecting his 2nd patch. Steve Leoszewski was awarded the 'Ace Cap' for outstanding play. Josh Lovering had two key assists. Eric Kusznier had an assist and was a +2 on the night. The FLYING ACES got their 2nd victory of the night on the ride home when they successfully cooked hotdogs in the team van.

 

Your FLYING ACES are back on the road Wednesday, November 4th at 10:30, when they battle the BOMBERS in the 15th A.S. Cup contest.

CBK Sends Reminder That FLYING ACES Need Their Grinders

The FLYING ACES finished up their 3 game road trip Wednesday night in unceremonial fashion. Short 'Grind Liners' Bill Marcolini and Matt Stockwell, the ACES were happy to have Kevin Smith back from his one game suspension. The ACES also recalled forward, 'Juvy' Lou Johnson, to fill out the roster. Josh Lovering brought the 'Ace Case'.

 

The COME BACK KIDS took it to the ACES early and often scoring short handed, even strength and power played up. The KIDS handed the ACES their first shutout since falling to the B league HITMEN in the final regulation game of the ACES 7th season. Poor passing, far too few shots on net and horrible puck bounces were only a few of the problems that plagued the FLYING ACES all night long. They played some of the sloppiest hockey they have played dating back to their inaugural season in the ol' AIAHL days. CBK's 5 unanswered goal shutout performance was a harsh wake up call that spoiled the end of a very dominant ACE road trip. "Stockwell and Marcolini were truly missed." Said defensman Ryan Bleck after the game. "Together with 'Donny' on the ice they really balance out the team. They may not put up big offensive numbers but they don't give up much either."

 

Josh 'Oh My Gosh' Lovering was awarded the 'Ace Cap' after the game for his Vincent V. G. hockey play. At 4-2-0 the FLYING ACES hope to recover at home Wednesday night in a Patriot league contest with the SMOKE. 

ACES 4-1 and One For All

The FIAHL had a Saturday night doble bill that included the BLACKHAWKS at FREEZE followed by the Federal C game of the week. The 3-1-0 MAVERICKS welcomed in the 3-1-0 FLYING ACES for a battle for second place. The ACES recalled forward 'Juvy' Lou Johnson from Perkasie. Center Kevin Smith was serving suspension and line mate Steve Leoszewski was out. Ryan Bleck and Matt Donahue supplied the 'ACE CASE' for the first ever Euro combo. Supprting ACE fans packed the MAVERATORIUM with signs, ACE jerseys and genuine hockey excitement.

The ACES hit the ice tuned up to play. Each FLYING ACE tuned up in his own special way.

Perkasie RED BARON call up, 'Juvy' Lou Johnson, struck first with a Mike 'The Machine' Petersen assisted goal to give the ACES the 1-0 lead on a MAV team they had yet to defeat (0-1-1). However, late in the first the MAVERICKS tied it up on a shot that Nick 'The Brick' Minarik initially saved but found it's way to the net. Josh 'Oh My Gosh' Lovering grabbed the lead back for his ACES in the second when he scored his first of the night. The FLYING ACES followed that (game winning) goal with a very stubborn style of defense, shutting down every MAV attack. Mike 'The Machine' Petersen added some insurance late in the second with a goal that gave the ACES the 3-1 lead. The MAVERICKS struck back midway through the third period but the goal was waved off when league officials concluded a MAV skater interfered with FLYING ACE goalie, Nick Minarik. Josh 'Oh My Gosh' Lovering put the flower on the casket late in the third with a goal that gave the ACES the 4-1 lead. And eventually the 4-1 win. Lovering grabbed his fifth, First Star Patch, for his two key goals in the big win that put the ACES at 4-1-0. Mike 'Machete' Gianetti was awarded the Johnny Ace cap for his outstanding defensive performance. "The MAVERICKS thought that making the game a physical match was a recipe for getting a win but we beat them at their own game." Said Gianetti at an AIAHL post game presser. "Mike Tyson once said, "Everyone has a plan until they get hit in the face." It was a nice win but it's time to move on and keep our eye on the prize which is the championship." Darren Jones and Ryan Bleck both had assists and Eric Kusznier was a +2 on the night.

The FLYING ACES road trip continues Wednesday night as they face CBK for the first time this season. Puck drops at 10:30 and many seats are still available.

ACES Shock and Awe in Overtime

The FLYING ACES started their three game road trip Sunday night with a thriller against the 1st place FLYING DUTCHMEN. The ACES recalled forward 'Juvy' Lou Johnson from Perkasie and gave defenseman Craig Jones the night off. Ryan Bleck brought the 'Ace Case'.
 

The FLYING DUTCHMEN are a new franchise in the Federal C league. They are farm team for the Iron B and much hated HITMEN. And the undefeated DUTCHMEN, chock full of speed, skills and highlight reels, were ready for some hockey action.

 
Though the DUTCH bunch drew first blood, the ACES quickly tied things up when Josh 'Oh My Gosh' Lovering hit ACE captain, Darren 'Rolling Stones' Jones, with a sizzling pass that Jones put in the net. The DUTCHMEN seemed to have no shortage of offense though, taking a one goal lead two more times. But the FLYING ACES had no problem keeping up, tying the game after every DUTCH goal (thanks Kevin Smith).

Man for man the FLYING DUTCHMEN were the better team. But the ACES scrappy style of play, gritty determination and absolutely outstanding goaltending kept them at par, until Kyle 'Turbo' Turner, in the 2nd period, gave the FLYING ACES their first lead of the night at 4-3. Turner had slammed into the boards earlier while assisting Kevin 'From the Heavens' on one of his many goals.  But team doctors gave 'Turbo' a cautious green light to continue play. In the third the DUTCHMEN tied things up at 4 and seemed to have serious momentum. That is until Kevin 'From the Heavens' Smith, struck again to complete the hat trick (his 2nd in 3 games), this time redirecting a Mike Petersen blast into the net. Late in the third however, with a single minute left in the game, the FLYING DUTCHMEN tied it up again. As the period ended both squads got ready for some free hockey. 4 on 4 style. And as the audience looked on, the ACES and DUTCHMEN reloaded their guns.

Overtime started with an immediate and very questionable 2 minute penalty handed to Mike Petersen. ACE nation roared in unholy disbelief and protest. Fast forward to the face off only seconds later in the DUTCHMEN zone. The short handed ACES, only three men and a goalie on the ice, were on the attack! Kyle 'Turbo' Turner was poised at center waiting for the puck drop. He won the face off. And with puck on stick, Turner watched the DUTCHMAN net minder lift his right arm a bit to high. Kyle 'Turbo' Turner fired a stick side, mid range laser into the net for the dramatic, instant overtime winner. "We gave up the late goal and it bent us, but we did not break." Quipped Turner after the game. "Time and time again we fought back and it paid off for us. The Brick kept us in the game and I'm just glad we were able to get him the win." Turner was the obvious selection for the first star patch and the 'Ace Cap' went to Kevin Smith for hat trick nastiness.

The first place ACES get a bye week then continue on the road to face the MAVERICKS on October 17th.

SHAMS Edge ACES

The FLYING ACES returned home Tuesday night for an FIAHL, Federal C, game of the week match up with the SHAMROCKS. The ACES started their 117th game with the unveiling of the BD esigns, 'FLYING ACE Hockey Club' board art, sponsored by RDS Solutions. Matt Donahue was on the 'Ace Case'. Derek Weaver and Craig Jones were on IR and Bubba McCabe was a healthy scratch. The ACES recalled Eric Amedeo from Perkasie but he was unable to make the game.

The SHAMROCKS, skating considerably faster then there MULLIGAN sister squad, scored first. The goal came midway through the first period. And it was a shame because Nick 'The Brick' was having the game of his life in net. Several minutes after the goal Minarik stopped a beauty of a penalty shot powered by Soupie Mojo and he continued to make eye popping saves for the remainder of the contest. Early in the second Mike 'The Machine' Petersen scored the equilizer on a salty unassisted wrist shot that appeared to go five hole, from this press box. Then it seemed our FLYING ACES were plagued with penalties. And with a short bench, each SHAMROCK power play was a bit more dangerous than the last. And eventually they broke through on a power play late in the third to take a 2-1 lead. That score would hold to the end.

The ACES are back on the road tonight as they face the FLYING DUTCHMEN for only the second time. The FLYING ACES are looking for a big road win that would put them at 3-1-0. The puck drops at 7:15 at the Ghostly Dock Ice Center in Hunterdon New Jersey. Single bleacher seats are still available.