CBK Shows Off New Jerseys and New Players at Home Opener... ACES Spoil the Fun!

The Melick Flying Aces of Flemington hit the road for their third game of the season last Sunday. It was the first stop of a two game road trip. The 0-2 Come Back Kids greeted the Aces with sharp new jerseys and some very smart off season acquisitions. 

Craig Jones and Kyle Turner were both on the healthy scratch list for the Flying Aces.

If you didn't understand the lethal power of the Aces 'Shock and Awe' line, this game was a fine reminder. Instead of reeling from the loss of Ace sniper, Kevin Brown, the Flying Aces simply went retro, putting Smith, Petersen and Warn together again. The three were responsible for 5 goals (3 from Petersen and 2 from Smith) and 2 assists(Warn). CBK, with their usual resilience, were down big. But rallied for their home crowd and tied the game at 3. However the Flying Aces stormed back with 3 unanswered to double up CBK and get the 6-3 win.

Mike Petersen captured his 5th, First Star Patch, on the back of his second hat trick in a row. It should be noted that Nick Minarik was also in the running for 'the patch' after his lights out performance in net. 'The Brick' shut down CBK on several key breakaways and let up only one even strength goal. J. Lovering had the other Ace' goal and E. Kusznier had an assist. 

After the game the Aces gathered round the team EuroVan and celebrated 'the changing of the stats'. It was their 68th game and their 34th win. And the Aces know all too well what happens when they hit that 100 game mark. Music was provided by the Animals and then a bit of Steely Dan. At 3-0 the Melick Flying Aces of Flemington are psyched to battle the 1-2 Shamrocks in a late one tonight. 

#19 Bleck

ACES Take Care Of Business At Home

Last Saturday, the Melick Flying Aces of Flemington welcomed the REGULARS to Aspen Ice Arena for the second game of their sixth season. The Aces looked to go 2-0 before a tough road-trip matchup  against 0-1 CBK followed by a visit to Pot O' Gold Arena to battle the rival Shamrocks.

Young Ace Ryan Warn, back from Euro-assignment, was expected to play but ran into trouble with Customs at Newark International Airport. 'Luggage problem' was the only information available from N.I.A. Security. The Ace front office was tight lipped and Flying Ace captain, Darren Jones, would not comment on the matter.  Also on the healthy scratch list was Grind-liner Matt Stockwell. With no info available on his absence either, fans were forced to assume Stockwell's THERMCO modeling contract was the reason, as it was team photo night. ACES FACT #68: Stockwell has never appeared in a Flying Aces team photo.

On the ice, the Regulars were much improved. Offseason acquisitions made up for the loss of several skilled players. X-Aces C. Anderson, K. Breuer and B. Herzhauser put 3 of the Regulars 5 goals in the net. On the other side of the pond it was an Ace explosion as the lamp was lit a record 11 times. First Star Patch honors went to Kyle Turner who scored 4 times and had 2 assists. Not far behind was Mike Petersen with a hat-trick and 2 assists. Then there was Kevin Smith with a goal and 3 assists. Captain Jones joined the party with 2 goals and an assist. And Juvy Lou Johnson had a goal and an assist. Mike Gianetti, Josh Lovering and Eric Kusznier each contributed with 2 assists. And Bill Marcolini had an assist of his own. 

The 11-5 win was a good one. But the Aces are going to have to lock down their D and get ready for some angry games on the road. Starting with this Sunday's battle with CBK. The puck drops at 9:45. The Flying Aces will be wearing their road grays.  

#19 Bleck

Aces Welcome Buzzards To The League With Some Federal C Hospitality

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

Aces All Business in Final Game Before Playoffs

The Melick Flying Aces of Flemington welcomed the Shamrocks to Aspen Ice Arena Thursday night for their final game of the regular season. An Aces win would not only give them the series sweep against the rival Shams, it would also lock down first place in the Federal C South and get them a first round bye in the playoffs. Captain Darren Jones, still out with an undisclosed lower body injury, was once again designated to bench coach. Matt Stockwell and Josh Lovering were both healthy scratches and Eric Kusznier, a game time decision, was cleared for play only moments before the puck was dropped.

Now I've been to many Ace games. All but one in fact. And I have never seen the Flying Aces win in such a 'matter of fact' style. It was clear to this reporter that this game was an important step in the season for the Flying Ace Franchise. But their sights were definitely set on a much bigger picture. And it made it all the sweeter that Thursday's win came over the very team that beat the Aces in last seasons finals.

How do you make a statement in a hockey game? How do you set the tone? Let's think back to round one of last seasons AIAHL Federal C Playoffs. It was Flying Ace, Matt 'Donny' Donahue who blew through the Power Time defense and put the puck in the net 27 seconds into the game. This gave the Aces all the momentum and Donny the fastest goal in 'Ace-tory'. Well in Thursday's game, rookie Ace, Kyle Turner, did much of the same. Only Turner put the puck in the net 14.35 seconds after it was dropped (Fret not Donny, you still have the fastest goal in Playoff 'Ace-tory'). Turner's goal set the tone with quite an offensive statement. From that point on, it was a Flying Ace highlight reel with goals from Smith, Donahue, Petersen and Brown (and Warn, but his was not counted). Kyle Turner also had a nice assist. As did Gianetti, 'Juvy' Lou Johnson, Marcolini and Petersen. Ryan Warn had 2. The Ace defense was in shutdown mode reeking havoc on all Shamrock attacks. And then there was the Flying Ace anchor, Nick 'the Brick' Minarik. Nick took First Star Patch honors for the third time this season, on the back of yet another epic performance. At 8-0-1, 'The Brick' stopped every shot on net except a second period powerplay goal that he was heavily screened on. There was also a 2nd period penalty shot that was swiftly stifled by his seemingly spring loaded right Bauer Supreme One60 pad.

 The 5-1 victory was a landmark for the Aces. At 29-29-3 the Flying Aces are a .500 team for the first time in franchise history. They are 11-2-2 in their last 15 games. This season, the Melick Flying Aces of Flemington, swept the Shamrocks, the Regulars and the Federal C North games on schedule. And of coarse, they retained the A.S. Cup.

So bring on the Post Season! The Aces will be back in action at the Aspen Ice Arena on Sunday, July 27th at 9:00 PM as they host a team that has yet to be determined.

-#19 Bleck

Aces Take Down Regulars And Break Teal Curse

It was a hot night at Very Regular Center in Hunterdon New Jersey. And The Melick Flying Aces of Flemington, on their last road game of the season, came in with one goal. Total ice dominance. Captain Darren Jones, still out with an undisclosed lower body injury, was in the well heated locker room early discussing possible line options with Ryan Bleck and Mike Petersen. Black Powder liner, 'Juvy' Lou Johnson, made the call to wear Teal and try to break the season five, 0-1-1 'Teal curse', once and for all. Pre-game action also had the VRC Maintenance crew in the Aces' locker room fixing a set of florescent lights after breaking them in the 'change' process. Several Aces including Nick Minarik, Kevin Smith and Ryan Warn were outside the locker room cooling off when they noticed the Regular's goalie out on the freshly cut ice stretching and ruining a bit of the ice in the process. "That's very bush league" said Smith.

When the puck was dropped, the Flying Aces were all business. Attacking in waves and putting several quality shots on net. The Regulars, much improved from the two teams last meeting, held their ground and battled back crossing into the Aces zone with some chances of their own. But in the end, this was an Ace night. Kevin Smith lead the charge with 2 goals and an assist. 'Shock and Awe' line mate Kyle Turner was rite behind with a goal and 2 assists. 'Juvy' Lou Johnson had a goal. Ryan Warn, Josh Lovering, Kevin Brown and Craig Jones had assists. Nick Minarik let only 2 go past him. The first on a Power-play. 

The Aces 4-2 win marked their seventh win of the season. A new franchise record. Kevin Smith took First Star Patch honors for the fourth time in his Ace career, tying him with Mike Petersen. The only Ace with more patches? Nick 'The Brick' Minarik with 5. The Flying Aces come home to Aspen Ice Arena, Thursday night, July 17 for their final game of the regular season. They will be battling the rival Shamrocks. The puck drops at 8:30.

-#19

A.S. Cup quotes the writings of Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde and Lemmy Kilmister when it says "Times have changed and times are strange. Here I come, but I ain't the same.

There was Federal C League South hockey action Sunday night at Bombardier Arena in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The Melick Flying Aces of Flemington came in combat ready to take back the glorious AS Cup. And there was but one thing in their way... The Bomber Hockey Club.

 

Captain Darren Jones was out with a lower body injury, along with healthy scratches, Kevin Brown, Matt Donahue and Eric Kutsznier. Kyle Turner was cleared for hockey action by team doctors. Mike Petersen, very unhappy with the 11-4 loss to the Bombers earlier in the season, took charge of the vacant Captain spot and came up with lethal tactics in a pre-game chalk talk. Petersen wanted to battle in teal, but let the team know it was their call as he didn't want superstition's to get in the way. The team held a vote to decide which jersey to wear. 5-0 grey vs 0-1-1 teal. Grey took it in a landslide.

 

The Bombardier Arena was filled with an unusual number of Ace fans, carrying signs and chanting Ace friendly chants to make the boys in grey feel at home. Ace 'super fan' Trey Weaver was spotted juming down the packed bleachers and singing the song of the Aces.

From the drop of the puck it was clear the AS Cup was coming home. Petersen's game plan caught the Bombers completely off guard in the first period. The Aces' play worked well against an attack patern that had helped the Bombers dominate in their last matchup. Kyle Turner took First Star honors with a three goal night. Mike Petersen had 3 assists, serving up 3 beautiful passes to Turner. Mike Gianetti had an epic, backhand, top shelf goal and a timely assist. Josh Lovering had a goal and Derek Weaver an assist. Oh and let's not forget Nick Minarik. He kept the Bombers hearts, heads and pucks out of it all game long.

The 6-1-1 Aces, in first place with the Air Supremacy Cup in hand, travel to the Very Regular Center next Sunday, July 13th at 9:00 PM for a rival revival with The Regulars. The Flying Aces will be looking for the season sweep. Go Aces GO!

-#19 Bleck

Aces Can't Reverse Teal Curse in Shoot Out Loss to CBK

It seems so long ago that the Aces fell to CBK in overtime, shootout fashion. The last time the Flying Aces were in an overtime, shootout situation before that was a June 1st win against the same CBK. Now let's go back to last season when CBK swept the Aces. Or the three seasons before that which were owned by the Aces. It's a true C league rivalry. Both teams trading wins, goals and respect for one another. And it's always a thrilling goalie matchup. But back to the Aces' second loss of the season. Kevin Smith scored a beauty off a pass from 'Shock and Awe' line mate Mike Petersen. Nick Minarik was on his game, allowing only one goal in three periods of play and an overtime. The Aces' D was also in tune. The sudden death shootout loss was fast and painful. CBK took 2 points and the win while the Melick Flying Aces of Flemington had to settle for 1 point. But at 5-1-1 the Aces are still in first and have a chance to take down the only other team to beat them this season. The Bombers Hockey Club. And oh did the Bombers beat them. They scored 11 goals on a sloppy Ace team (that did manage to score four goals of their own) with a backup goalie brought up from the Perkasie Red Barons. The Bombers also took the AS cup from Ace home ice. Well tonight at 7:30, the Flying Aces attack Bombardier Arena, hoping to grab the 'AS' and the 'W'. Captain Darren Jones is out with a lower body injury, along with healthy scratches, Brown, Donahue, Kutsznier and Stockwell. Mike Petersen will be stepping up to fill the Captains spot, setting the lines and running the pre-game chalk-talk. Kyle Turner was cleared to play by team doctors and will be out on the ice making up for lost time. Acting Captain Mike P has called for the Teal jerseys. So the Aces will once again try to get a season 5 win in teal (0-1-1 in Teal and 5-0 in grey). The Ace EuroVan(5-1-2) will be leaving the Ace Pickup Zone at 6:30 PM. Bleck's got 'the case'.