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.
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