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.