Flying Ace - Where Are They Now?

After capturing the FIAHL Championship in early Winter 2015, the Flying Aces disbanded and all went separate ways.  Here is where they are today (from right to left in above photo):

Eric K - Eric's visa expired and he returned to native Mexico in the Spring of 2016.  He continues to skate to this day with the Tijuana White Dragons as a third line center in the Agave Roller League. 

Darren J - Darren remained in local Hunterdon in the days following the cup win.  Eventually he returned to Boise in February of that year to continue his "Idaho - more than the Potato" marketing campaign. 

Craig J - Craig continued to play ice hockey at FIA. He is a plus 37 in 310 minutes of work for the once rival Bombers.

Matt S - Matt graduated from Harvard in January of 2016 but kept focus on his hockey career.  He is currently the top line center of the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League.

Mike P - After never being able to put one finger in the air (photo above), Mike resumed physical therapy at Hunterdon Medical Center and was successfully released after gaining this ability.  Since then, he has finished second in several table tennis tournaments and sales contests only adding frustration to his new found ability.

Donnie D - Most famous for scoring outside the blue line, Donnie could never return to his scoring ways.  His book, My Life in the Neutral Zone, went on to sell over 1000 copies.

Mike G/Kyle T. - Shortly after this photo, Mike was surgically separated from his conjoined brother, Kyle T.  Mike plans to finally get a right footed skate and rehab towards a return to C league hockey. Kyle plans to go camping.  Mike and Kyle T remain tied for the record for most "Too Many Men on the Ice" penalties in Federal League history.  The Aces played them as one skater, the league viewed them as two.  This record remains in the appeal process.

Nick B - After the brief stint as a hockey goalie, Nick returned as web designer for the Flying Aces blog.  He is currently working on the Season 11 Season stats shown to the right.  The first two games have already been added.  Great Job Nick!  He is also editing the "Elimination Frustration" column from 4/25/16.

Bill M. - Bill went on to be an eye doctor in Clinton NJ.

Derek W - Derek returned to life as a tattoo artist in Brooklyn.  He remains a hipster doing hipster like things like eating Sunday Brunch in the Village, living in Jamesburg, wearing skinny jeans, etc.

Ryan B - Once the heart and sole of the Flying Aces, Ryan became ridiculed for his Bleck Lives Matter campaign in late 2016.  He's currently on tour with Jefferson Starship, replacing Paul Kantner on lead guitar.

Steve L - Steve's hockey ability improved drastically after this photo was taken.  He can now skate backwards and forward including cross overs and C cuts.

Josh L - Josh went on to be an eye doctor in Clinton NJ.

Bubba M - Bubba recently starred in Raritan Valley College's production of the 1987 Box Office  hit "Over the Top".  He played the part of Michael Cutler, son of Arm wrestling phenom, Lincoln Hawk, to critical exclaim.

Kevin S. - Kevin went on to be an eye doctor in Clinton NJ.

Elimination Frustration

The four seed FLYING ACES closed out their tenth season in the Federal C with a first round playoff loss to the five seed FLYING DUTCHMEN. Craig Jones brought the 'Ace Case'. Steve Leoszewski and William 'The Mark' Marcolini were healthy scratches.

At seasons end the two teams were separated by a single point in the league standings. The ACES split the regular season series with the DUTCH winning the first in OT 8-7 and losing the second 4-5 in a shootout.

Sunday night the defending champion ACES found themselves down 4-1 early in the contest. But they rallied back in true ACE fashion to knot the game up 5-5 late in the third period. Ace forward, 'Juvy' Lou Johnson, had the possible game winner on his stick, but the DUTCHMAN goalie stood tall and shut down the break-away effort. Then with 1:50 on the clock the FLYING DUTCHMEN put in the game winner. An empty net goal made it 7-5. As the ACE season came to a painful halt, the reality of what a privilege it is to have your name etched upon and to raise the Ira Vail Cup started to sink in. The thrill of victory would not be so awesome if it were easy to come by. After the two teams participated in the time-honored tradition of sportsmanship in hockey, the customary end-of-series hand shake, a tradition started over 100 years ago, all the FLYING ACES had left to do was clean out their lockers and head to the off-season.

KIDS Don't COMEBACK

The ACES finished off their regular season on the road Sunday night at CBK. Bill Marcolini and Lou Johnson were scratches. Ryan Bleck and Matt Donahue once again brought the 'Ace Case'.

Winners of two in a row after a four game losing streak, the FLYING ACES, came in looking for a season sweep of the COMEBACK KIDS. And they found it. Strong goaltending from Minarik plus a stellar defense in front of him kept CBK scoreless for over two periods of Federal C hockey. The KIDS did score twice in the third. Once on a powerplay and once off a shot that deflected off one of 'The Brick's' defensmen. Mike 'The Machine' Petersen lead the offensive with two goals and an assist. Kyle Turner, still on fire, contributed two points on a goal and an assist. Mike Gianetti also had a two point night with two assists. Steve Leoszewski had a goal and Josh Lovering had an assist. Defensman Craig 'Tolchock' Jones continued his point streak with the huge assist that started it all. Jones collected his second First Star Patch for his ravenous play in the big 4-2 win.

The victory jumped the FLYING ACES from fifth place to a three way tie for second. Round one of the playoffs starts Sunday night for the ACES as they welcome in the very dangerous FLYING DUTCHMEN. Puck drops at 7:30. This game is sold out.

Two Roster Team Skates Six - ACES Pounce

The FLYING ACES hit the road Thursday night to battle the much hated SHAM-MULLIGANS for the 4th time this season. 2 too many if you ask your average ACE. And somehow the 24 man roster SHAMS could only come up with 6 skaters at puck drop. 7 when 'Stick Bag' arrived. The FLYING ACES recalled Stephen Kmet from Teterboro. Ryan Bleck and Donny Donahue brought the 'Ace Case'. Darren Jones, Mike Petersen and Bill Marcolini were healthy scratches. 

On the ice 'Dubba Trubba' Bubba McCabe started it off with a fantastic shot that went off Juvy Lou, pass the SHAM goalie and into the net. The SHAMMULLS fired back and quickly tied the game up. And then the ACES opened the flood gates. Leading the charge was Kyle 'Turbo' Turner with six points off 4 goals and 2 assists. Fellow 'Shock' liner, Kevin Smith, contributed 2 points on a goal and an assist and Josh Lovering also had 2 points on 2 assists.

Up 6-1 and playing very stingy defense in front of a solid Nick Minarik, the ACES, in the name of good sportsmanship, switched up the lines sending defensemen up and attackers back. The experiment was positive with Eric Kusznier scoring and Craig Jones getting an assist. It was negative in the since that the SHAMS scored 3 more goals. In the end, the 7-4 end, the ACES decided they would stick to their regular positions in the future. But for now the FLYING ACES would celebrate their 75th franchise win.

Bubba McCabe took the First Star Patch. His first. Juvy Lou Johnson took his first 'Johnny Ace' cap. Ryan Bleck, Steve Leoszewski and Derek 'The Dream' Weaver each had an assist on the night. The ACES finish off the season with a 9:00 puck drop Sunday night at CBK and then it's time to defend the Ira Vail Cup in the Federal League Playoffs. Those of you who took the under on the 'patch debate' are winners. And after Thursday's dreadful EuroVan music selection, van travelers will be happy to know that Sunday night is the official debut of ACE-mix radio.

BOMBERS SCORE FIRST, BUT ACES SCORE MORE

The FLYING ACES donned their teal jerseys on home ice against the A.S. Cup carrying BOMBERS in an attempt to halt a 4 game losing streak and prevent a season sweep. The game marked the return of ACE captain Darren Jones. The ACES recalled Stephen Kmet from Teterboro. Ryan Bleck brought the newly painted "Ace Case". B. Marcolini, B. McCabe, and J. Johnson were healthy scratches.

A scoreless first period was broken when the short benched BOMBERS took advantage of a FLYING ACE miscue. And the BOMBERS held that lead until late in the 2nd, when defenseman Derek 'The Dream' Weaver rushed forward to keep the puck in play. Weaver then ripped the puck to the right of the net, where Mike 'The Machine' Petersen put it in to tie the game at 1-1. Nick 'The Brick' Minarik, hungry for a win, was playing crazed in net, stopping all comers with sick and silly skills.  Midway through the 3rd period ACE defenseman Ryan Bleck sent a crisp pass to Kyle Turner, who was playing in only his second game of the season. 'Turbo' Turner gave the puck to Kevin "From the Heavens' Smith and Smith gave his team a 2-1 lead. With under 2:00 on the clock, the BOMBERS pulled their goalie and set up to tie the defending champion ACES. But after a few close calls, Steve 'Leap'n Leprechaun' Leoszewski took the puck cross town and scored the empty netter. After the BOMBERS goalie returned, Kyle 'Turbo' Turner struck again for the ACES making it 4-1.  As time ran out, the triumphant ACES were handed the A.S. Cup.  Derek Weaver took 1st Star Honors for his hot defense and his assist that started it all. Kyle 'Turbo' Turner got the 'Johnny ACE Cap' for his 3 point performance. 

With only 2 games left, the ACES hope to get everything in order in time for the playoffs. Thursday night the ACES face off against the SHAMROCKS.  Puck drops at 9:00. The ACES will be in 'Bad Guy' Black with victory patches aglow.

ACES BLOW 4-0 THIRD PERIOD LEAD

To find the last time the FLYING ACES lost 4 games in a row you would have to go way back to the tail end of the ACES 7th season in the Federal C. The league at that point was called the Aspen Ice Adult Hockey League. WHACK-A-MOLE was still a member of that league. The ACES had yet to win the championship. The Rolling Stones had never played in Cuba and David Bowie was still alive. Back in that 7th season, the FLYING ACES fell to the BOMBERS 7-4, the SHAMROCKS 7-5, the HITMEN 5-0 and in the first round of the playoffs, the MULLIGANS 6-3. And now the nose diving FLYING ACES have done it again, blowing a 4-0 3rd period lead and losing in a late night shootout to the FLYING DUTCHMEN. Nick Minarik gave his ACES 2 periods of shutout hockey, Josh Lovering scored twice with laser slapshots from the other side of the county, Craig Jones brought one of the best 'Ace Cases' ever and Bill Marcolini scored a goal. But none of this mattered. It was to be a DUTCHMEN night.

The ACES lose 4 straight and fall to 5-4-2. They sit in 5th place in the league known as the Federal C. With the playoffs looming just around the corner, the FLYING ACES need Darren Jones back from IR and they need Lou Johnson back on the roster regularly. Up next is a nasty contest with the battle ready BOMBERS. Holding the A.S. Cup and hungry for the regular season sweep of the ACES, the B-Boys are coming to town Sunday, April 3, for a 10:30 puck drop.

Sputtering ACES Look To Gain Ground

The defending champion FLYING ACES have now lost 3 straight. The last two losses at the hands of the BUZZARDS and POWERTIME. Though the ACES did manage a point in the P-TIME shootout loss, they have only grabbed 3 points in their last 5 games.

The shootout loss saw Kevin Smith's amazing 9 game goal streak come to an end. Smith scored 15 goals in those 9 games, hat tricking twice. His last goal came in the 4-3 loss to the BUZZARDS. A game that also saw Matt Stockwell get the 'Johnny Ace' cap for his 2 goal performance. A performance that surely would have earned him his 4th First Star Patch had the ACES won. The FLYING ACES currently sit in 5th place in the Federal C with 11 points. A win tonight would be a great start to this last leg of the season.

Aside from Darren Jones who is out with a lower body injury the entire ACE roster will skate tonight against the 4th placed FLYING DUTCHMEN. As usual the puck drops an hour and a half before midnight.

ACES Road Trip Ends With A Loss

The FLYING ACES fell to the MULLIGANS Wednesday night ending a 5 game road trip with a 3-2-0 record. Along with Captain Darren Jones the short benched ACES were missing Lou Johnson, Eric Kusznier, Bill Marcolini, Bubba McCabe and Matt Stockwell. Bob Mitchell remained with the team and will travel back to Flemington for their contest with the BUZZARDS tonight. Mike Gianetti brought the 'ACE Case'.

The ACE/SHAM-MULLIGAN rivalry has an ugly history and is not getting better with age. Wednesday's game was a scrappy, penalty filled mess. And it was getting out of hand. The FLYING ACES alone totaled 10 minutes in the box with penalties from Bleck, Gianetti, C. Jones, Petersen and Smith. The MULLIGANS took advantage of the situation scoring 2 powerplay goals. They also added an empty netter and grabbed a 4-1 win. Kevin Smith scored the loan goal for the ACES keeping his impressive 8 game streak alive. The loss knocked the FLYING ACES to 3rd place, tied with CBK.

Tonight the BUZZARDS come to town looking to avenge their season opening shootout loss. With a 7:30 puck drop, very few seats are available. 

FLYING ACES Down SHAMS In Shootout

It was another late one Sunday as the ACES traveled to SHAM-land for some Federal League hockey action. Craig Jones, Lou Johnson, and Bubba McCabe were scratches. ACE captain, Darren Jones, was out with a lower body injury. The FLYING ACES recalled Stephen Kmet, who had not skated with the club since their debut season, and Bob Mitchell to fill out the roster.

In their first meeting of the season the SHAMROCKS stomped the ACES 9-4. And Sunday night at the Flemington Ice Arena, the FLYING ACES came for some payback. They jumped ahead in the 2nd when Josh 'Oh My Gosh' Lovering went five-hole on the SHAMROCK goalie. But the SHAMS quickly answered back. The ACES made it 3-1 in the third off goals from Steve 'Leapin Leprechaun' Leoszewski and Kevin 'From the Heavens' Smith. Nick 'The Brick' Minarik was up to his usual puck stopping madness in net. But the SHAMROCKS clawed their way back scoring twice late. The tying goal came in the closing seconds of regulation play. There was no resolve in the 3 on 3 OT so the game would be determined in a shootout. ACE Alternate Captain, Ryan Bleck, picked his first 3 attackers but only 2 would be needed. The SHAMROCKS started the shootout and their first skater was denied by Minarik. Mike 'The Machine' Petersen went first for the ACES and scored. On their 2nd attack the SHAMS did find the back of the net to even it up. But the ACES scored again on the stick of Mike ' The Machete' Gianetti. The SHAMROCK's 3rd attacker was also shutdown by Minarik and the ACES took the win.

Mike Gianetti, who also had an assist, took first star honors and the 'Johnny ACE' cap. Petersen, Lovering and Leoszewski each had assists. Matt Stockwell brought the ACE case. The 5-2-0 FLYING ACES road trip continues Wednesday as they face the 2-3-1 MULLIGANS.

BOMBERS Take A.S. Cup

Thursday night the 4-1-0 FLYING ACES skated against the 3-2-1 BOMBERS for the 17th A.S. Cup contest. The ACES lead overall 9 to 7. Mike Gianetti was a healthy scratch. Matt Donahue brought the 'Ace case'.

After a scoreless first period owned by the goalies, the ACES struck on a power play midway through the 2nd. Kevin Smith's 12th goal of the season came from a Steve Leoszewski pass. The BOMBERS bounced back early in the 3rd to knot it up 1-1. That score held until, with 6 minutes left in regulation, the BOMBERS scored again for the 2-1 lead. Eric Kusznier scored next for the FLYING ACES, but the goal was called off for goalie interference. After strongly objecting the ruling, Kusznier received a game misconduct and was sent to the lockers.  As the FLYING ACES contemplated pulling their goalie, the BOMBERS struck yet again. And down 3-1 In the closing minutes of play, with empty net, the ACES gave up another. The A.S. Cup would go to the BOMBERS.

 The FLYING ACES travel to SHAM land Sunday to defend their first loss of the season against the rivaled SHAMROCKS.  

ACES Steal One From CBK

Sunday night the FLYING ACES (3-1-0), with an 'ACE Case' provided by Derek Weaver, battled CBK (2-0-2) to clear up a 3 way tie (that also included the BOMBERS {3-2-0}) for 3rd place. The ACES skated with their smallest squad in the club's 10 seasons of hockey. The Jones brothers, Josh Lovering, Lou Johnson and Bill Marcolini were all unavailable. Darren and Craig Jones lost their father only days earlier. Leonard Jones Jr., 68, passed away Friday in New York. In a pre game locker room conversation, the FLYING ACES dedicated the nights game to the Jones family.

On the ice, the ACES and the KIDS had scored a combined 39 goals this season. With the FLYING ACES averaging 5.7 goals a game and CBK averaging 4, an offensive battle was expected. But this was not the case. Sunday's game was a defensive contest, scoreless into the third period. Nick 'The Brick' Minarik was on top of his game. With the help of a solid defense, he held his club in there with a countless number of saves. CBK did however break through in the third to take the 1-0 lead. And that's how it stayed, until, with 5 minutes left on the clock, Ryan Bleck crossed the blue line and hit Steve Leoszewski with a slick pass. Leoszewski then went tape to tape to ACE point leader, Kevin 'From the Heaven' Smith, who tied the game with his 10th goal of the season. 2 minutes later Smith scored his 11th, the game winner, off another beautiful pass from Leoszewski. The ACES came back on the COMEBACK KIDS and hold 2nd place in the Federal.

Smith was awarded the 68th First Star Patch. His 9th. Only two other ACES have 9 patches. Kyle Turner and Nick Minarik.  Minarik is the current holder of the elusive Silver Bear Trophy. The FLYING ACES continue their 5 game road trip against the BOMBERS Thursday, February 25th at 10:30. They'll try to hold onto the A.S. Cup and grab a shot at first place in the Federal League. 

Dominating Dutchmen Dramatically Dropped

Monday night the 2-1-0 FLYING ACES traveled to Dutchland to face the 2-2-0 FLYING DUTCHMEN for an FIAHL contest. Mike Gianetti brought the upgraded 'Ace Case'. Darren Jones was on assignment in Mexico and Patrick Mack was recalled from Teterboro, causing a minor controversy with league officials that was quickly resolved.


Things started out sweet for the ACES with a goal from Steve 'Leapin Leprechaun' Leoszewski. But they went sour just as fast. The FLYING DUTCHMEN, with a barrage of breakaway attacks on Nick 'The Brick' Minarik, first tied the game and then took a commanding 3-1 lead. While the ACES played sloppy, battling just to clear the puck on the short benched squad. Giddy and smiling, the FLYING DUTCHMEN added 2 more goals for the 4 goal lead. A lead that was very reminiscent of a 2015 ACE-DUTCHMEN match up where the FLYING DUTCHMEN were crushing the slumping ACES 4-0. In that game the ACES roared back for the 9-6 win. Monday night the FLYING ACES roared back once again. Down 5-1 the ACES clawed their way back on an astounding 4 goal performance from Mike 'The Machine' Petersen. Leoszewski added another and Kevin Smith scored his 9th of the season. But down 7-6 with 6.6 seconds left in the third period, the DUTCHMEN, with empty net and extra attacker, were determined not to blow yet another 4 goal lead. They tied it up as time expired.


So the 7-7 game would be decided in a 3 on 3 overtime. And after Minarik stopped yet another breakaway chance for the DUTCHMEN, the ACES dominated puck possession. Then ACE defenseman, Eric 'K-Man' Kusznier, deposited the game winning goal. The 15th of the night. Kusznier earned his 3rd First Star Patch. Steve Leoszewski took the Johnny Ace cap for his 4 point performance.


After the bye week, the FLYING ACES road trip continues when they visit CBK(2-0-2) February 15th for their first matchup of the season. The 10:00 puck drop is heavily anticipated. Tonight the official ACE band, Randy Morning, will play what is said to be their last show ever at Bernie's Tavern in Chester N.J.

Smith Pilots Aces to 70

Last night the FLYING ACES (1-1-0) welcomed POWERTIME (1-0-0) to the Flemington Ice Arena for game #3 of this young winter season. An ACE win would be #70 for the franchise. C. Jones, E. Kusznier, and B. Marcolini were healthy scratches. M. Petersen, who was scheduled to play, was a shameful no call no show. The ACES called up Patrick Mack from the Teterboro Blue Angels for the contest and Josh Lovering brought the 'Ace Case'.
POWERTIME, 0-5 vs. the ACES all time, returned to the Federal League this season with a 6-3 win over the BOMBERS. But the FLYING ACES, lead by Kevin 'From the Heavens' Smith, slapped them right back to reality. Smith, on fire this season with 7 points in 2 games on 5 goals and 2 assists, added 3 more goals Monday night, for his second hat-trick of the season. Darren 'Rolling Stones' Jones, Matt 'Lock Stock and Two Smok'n Barrels' Stockwell and Steve 'Leap'n Leprechaun' Leoszewski each added a goal to the POWERTIME deficit. Leoszewski also had 3 assists. Josh Lovering had 2 assists. Mike Gianetti, Lou Johnson, Derek Weaver (+6 on the night) and Patrick Mack each had an assist. Nick 'The Brick' Minarik was filthy in net stopping all but 1 of POWERTIME's shots while providing his ACES with over 2 periods of shutout hockey. Matt Donahue successfully manipulated 2 hockey moves in the 6-1 ACE win. Kevin Smith took first star honors for the 8th time in his storied ACE career and Matt Stockwell was awarded the Johnny Ace Cap.
The Sky Pilots continue their home stand Sunday, January 24th, when they welcome the MULLIGANS to Flemington Ice Arena for a 7:30 contest. All children accompanied by an adult will receive a free Dave Sawicki bobblehead.

SHAMS Slam Aces

The FLYING ACES welcomed the SHAMROCKS to the Flemington Ice Arena Thursday night for their home opener. These were the very same SHAMS the ACES swept in the finals to raise the Ira Vail Cup for the first time in team history. ACE scratches included Darren Jones, Eric Kusznier, Bill Marcolini and Derek Weaver. Craig Jones brought the 'Ace Case' and Bob Mitchell was called up from Teterboro.
Kevin 'From the Heavens' Smith started this season only 2 patches back from Nick 'The Brick' Minarik and Kyle 'Turbo' Turner (both tied at 9) in the race for the Silver Bear. And Smith did all he could Thursday to get 1 patch closer. A hat-trick that included a goal scored a mind numbing 11 seconds after the puck drop (a new team record) and an assist would surely have been enough for First Star consideration, if not for the 9 goals scored by the revenge crazed SHAMROCKS in a 9-4 drubbing that ended the FLYING ACES 7 game winning streak. It was a frustrating night of missed opportunities as all the things that went right in last seasons finals went wrong Thursday night.
Mike 'The Machete' Gianetti added a goal to the ACES' tally. Lou Johnson, Steve Leoszewski, Matt Stockwell and Bubba McCabe each had an assist. Matt Donahue had a pregame assist when he filled a bone-dry Eurovan with high octane fuel.
At 1-1-0 the ACES welcome POWERTIME to Aspen Ice this Monday night for a 10:00 puck drop. Bleacher seats are still available. 

C League My Ass

The FLYING ACES kicked of their 10th season Tuesday night as they traveled to the Vulture Center to welcome the BUZZARDS back to the Federal League. Derek Weaver was a healthy scratch and Ryan Bleck brought the 'Ace Case'. Kyle Turner was designated to Teterboro for a season of rehab with the Blue Angels.
Goals from Mike 'The Machine' Petersen (off the faceoff) and 'Juvy' Lou Johnson plus 2 goals from Kevin 'From the Heavens' Smith helped the ACES erase several BUZZARD leads. Though the Federal Champion FLYING ACES were never ahead in regulation they always came back.
After the 3rd, at 4-4, the ACES and BUZZARDS became the first teams to try out the Federal League's new 3 on 3 for 3:00, overtime policy. And even though the FLYING ACES controlled for the majority of the 3 minutes and had more shots on goal, this game would be decided in a best of 3 shootout.
The Buzzards elected to shoot first. ACE goalie, Nick 'The Brick' Minarik, read the BUZZARD attacker all the way and made the save. The FLYING ACES sent Ryan 'The Broom' Bleck as their first attacker. Bleck drove hard toward the left side of the BUZZARD goalie then deeked right and fired the puck into the net. Minarik shut down two more attackers in business like fashion and the FLYING ACES took the 5-4 win, extending their winning streak to 7 games.
Bleck took the First Star Patch, his 2nd, for his epic shootout game winning goal. Kevin Smith took the Johnny Ace Cap for his 2 goal, 3 point performance. Mike Petersen had 2 assists and Bill Marcolini and Steve Leoszewski each had an assist.

FLYING ACES Sweep SHAMS For The Cup!

Sunday night the FLYING ACES won the Ira Vail Cup for the first time in franchise history. The cup had eluded the champs for eight straight seasons that included three consecutive appearances in the finals. Twice against a powerful WHACK-A-MOLE squad and before that a brutal series loss to the same SHAMROCKS the ACES bested last night.

 Down one game in a best of three series and desperately needing a win, the SHAMROCKS carried a 1-0 lead into the second period where FLYING ACE grind liner Matt 'Lock, Stock and Two Smokin' Barrels' Stockwell buried a Josh Lovering rebound to tie the game at 1-1. Shortly thereafter ACE nation roared with approval when Mike 'The Machine' Petersen charged the net and deked the puck past the SHAMROCK goalie for the 2-1 lead.

 Even though the SHAMS had swept the regular season series and out scored the FLYING ACES 7-2 in the process, it just wasn't in the cards for them last night. In fact, all the cards last night were ACES. In the third period the FLYING ACES struck again in power play formation. Steve 'Leapin' Leprechaun' Leoszewski lit the lamp after grabbing the rebound off a Ryan Bleck blue line blast. 3-1. The SHAMROCKS were getting frustrated and running out of time. They started to get a bit more scrappy on the ice. But Kevin Smith wouldn't fight and the ACES wouldn't bite. Behind the stingy goaltending of Nick Minarik the victory bound FLYING ACES began to defend the lead, making it a tedious task for the SHAMS just to get a shot on goal. Finally, with mere seconds on the clock, ACE forward, Kyle 'Turbo' Turner, broke out and scored the empty net goal that officially ended the SHAMROCK'S season.

 After league commissioner, Bill Auld, handed ACE captain, Darren Jones, the cup, Jones raised it triumphantly in front of the team and all the ACE faithful's that were able to get tickets to this sold out event. Matt Stockwell took first star honors for his game tying goal. Mike Petersen took the Johnny Ace cap for his game winning goal. And the FLYING ACES, the AIAHL Federal champions, were awarded the Ira Vail Cup for a victory that will be treasured and cherished for days untold.

Epilogue 

Donny's goal and the storm that followed

The FLYING ACES were in the basement, down 0-4 to the FLYING DUTCHMEN and riding a 4 game Federal League losing streak when Matt 'Donny' Donahue scored a soft goal from just beyond the blue line. That only made it 1-4. But the ACES celebrated like they had just won the cup. What followed was complete Federal League domination. The FLYING ACES roared back scoring 4 unanswered goals defeating the DUTCHMEN 9-5. And from there they just kept on flying. The ACES record for the six games before Donahue's goal was 2-4-0. In two of those games they were shut out. After his goal the ACES six game record was 6-0-0 including four playoff wins and the cup. In the six games before Donahue's goal the ACES were outscored 23 to 10. In the six games after his goal the ACES outscored their opponents 34 to 18. Who is this mysterious player the ACES picked up off waivers from the Stanford, Connecticut D League KINGS. And what does all this mean? I really don't know. But I'm sure glad the ACES have him.