ACES Erase 3 Weeks Of Disgrace

Tuesday night the FLYING ACES (5-5-0) welcomed the first place FLYING DUTCHMEN (7-3-1) to the Flemington Ice Arena. While the ACES looked to break a brutal four game Federal C losing streak the FLYING DUTCHMEN looked to keep on rolling and avenge an early season overtime loss. Kyle Turner was on IR and Mike Petersen brought the 'Ace Case'. 

The second half of season 9 has been very tough on the FLYING ACES and Tuesday's game was at first much of the same. The FLYING DUTCHMEN, playing crisp hockey, expertly cycled the puck and put a commanding 4-0 lead on the penalty plagued ACES.

 

But in The second period the DUTCHMEN learned the only lead in hockey harder to hold than the 3 goal variety is the commanding 4 goal lead. At the drop of the puck, ACE center, Matt 'Donny' Donahue, won the face off and took the puck into the DUTCHMEN zone. As he crossed the blue line, Donahue threw a soft bouncer at the net. The puck found its way past the shocked DUTHMEN goalie and put the ACES on the board. Lucky shot? Perhaps. But Donahue's goal ignited an ACE offensive that had been dormant for quite some time. Over the next seven minutes the ACES mounted a lethal assault on the DUTHMEN, scoring five times with five different skaters. Mike Petersen, Kevin Smith, Josh Lovering, Steve Leoszewski and Darren Jones all added to Donahue's key goal. The six unanswered goals put the FLYING ACES up 6-4 at the end of the second period.

 

The FLYING DUTCHMEN aren't in first place just for their cool jerseys. And in the third period they showed a couple other reasons, scoring even strength and power played up after Kevin Smith took a 2-minute minor for his critique of an FIAHL official. But with the game all tied up 6-6, Steve 'Leap'n Leprechaun' Leoszewski fired in the game winner for his second of the night. Mike 'The Machine' Petersen followed that up with two of his own to complete the hat trick.

 

The FLYING ACES 9-6 win puts them right back in the Federal mix. With one game to go the playoffs are just around the corner. Matt 'Donny' Donahue grabbed both the First Star Patch (his fourth) and the 'Johnny Ace' Cap for his monumental unassisted game changing goal. "I listened to Smith." Said Donahue after the game. "He told me to take that face off and drive straight to the net." Smith and Leoszewski had 3 assists each.   M Gianetti, Lovering and Petersen each had 2 assists. R Bleck also had an assist. D Weaver was a +2 on the night.

FLYING ACES Tail Spin Continues

The last place SHAMROCKS took the ACES down 5-1 Thursday night for the season sweep. Kevin Smith, assisted by Steve Leoszewski, scored the lone goal. The loss leaves the FLYING ACES only 2 points ahead of the SHAMS in the Federal C basement. Derek Weaver brought the 'ACE Case'. Darren Jones, Craig Jones and Bill Marcolini were healthy scratches. Kyle Turner was on IR for an upper body injury.

After one of their best starts in team history (4-1-0) that included a thrilling OT win against the DUTCHMEN and a dominating performance against the Federal C's champion MAVERICKS, two teams the ACES had never defeated, the FLYING ACES have stalled in the sky. Since the MAVERICK win the ACES (1-4-0) have not been flying. Their Federal C losing streak was streched to four games. In those games they have been out scored 20 to 3 and were shut out twice. They lost the A.S. Cup and they were swept by CBK. In said losses the ACES were missing a total of 11 skaters.

 

So what's going on with our fly boys? Let's look at some season 9 stats. When missing two or more skaters the ACES are 2-4-0 and 3-1-0 when missing one or less. When missing Turner the FLYING ACES are 1-3-0 and 4-2-0 when Turbo skates. The ACES are an impressive 4-1-0 on the road but a dreadful 1-4-0 at home. In Federal League play they are 3-5-0. In Patriot league 2-0-0. For the superstitious, the ACES are 3-3-0 in Gray, 1-1-0 in Black and 1-1-0 in Teal. All in all... Perfectly average.

 

 At 5-5-0 in this ninth season (62-56-6 all time) the good news is that the FLYING ACES have clinched a playoff spot. They have two games until then to get that engine started and to play some 'ACE' hockey. The ACES hit the road Tuesday for a late night contest with the FLYING DUTCHMEN at the Dead Dock Ice Dome.

ACES Can't Come Back!!!

The FLYING ACES continued their Fed C losing ways at home last Sunday night when they welcomed in CBK. Kyle Turner was on IR for an upper body injury. Craig Jones brought the 'Ace Case'.

The COMEBACK KIDS took an early lead that held until Kevin Smith scored his team leading 9th goal of the season to lock it up at 1. The KIDS came back with two unanswered goals for a 3-1 lead. Josh Lovering scored off a Bubba McCabe rebound late in the 3rd to bring the ACES within one. But in the end CBK held on for the 3-2 win and a sweep of the season series. "The team is battling and the pucks are starting to find the net. We are in the final push to the playoffs and believe we will be ready when it matters." ACE Captain, Darren Jones, told the media after the morning skate.

The short benched FLYING ACES travel to SHAM Land tonight for a 10:30 contest. The ACES hope to avoid another season sweep and to stay above .500. Aside from Turner the ACES will also be missing Darren Jones and Bill Marcolini. Mike Petersen is a game time decision.

ACES Get Bombed!!!

The FLYING ACES traveled to the Bomb Bay Arena Wednesday night for the 15th A.S. Cup battle with the BOMBERS. Short Kyle Turner, Derek Weaver, Bill Marcolini and ACE captain, Darren Jones, the short benched FLYING ACES looked to sweep the season series with the B-Boys. Once again Matt 'Donny' Donahue brought the 'Ace Case'.

 

The BOMBERS took it to the ACES early and often scoring even strength and power played up. The BOMBS handed the ACES their second shutout of the 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. The BOMBERS 7 unanswered goal shutout performance was a harsh wake up call that spoiled the ACES return to Federal C play. Combined, the FLYING ACES have been out scored 12-0 in their last two Federal League games. The win brought the BOMBERS within one (8 to 7) on the big A.S. Cup contests.

 

The FLYING ACES welcome CBK to the Flemington Ice Arena Sunday, November 8 at 8:45  for some FIAHL prime time, revenge hockey. The ACES need to get some puck in net!

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.