Archived Revolution News
Sean Fleming and from the EMPIRE team has been selected from our team to the ALL Star Game.
Congratulations!!
Ryan Zujkowski from the ESHL team has been selected from our team to the ALL Star Game.
Congratulations!!
Philadelphia Revolution - vs - Potomac Patriots
11/3 & 11/4
After splitting the points in the 1st 2 game series between Philadelphia and Potomac, the Revolution set their sights on winning game one of the 2nd 2 game series. Defenseman Jon Houk opened up the scoring with a blast from the blue line. In the 2nd, center James Wallace scored a much needed goal on the power play. Clint Aussprung added to the lead after Fleming transitioned a loose puck and slid a pass bak door to him. In the third period the Revolution power play continued to click as Fleming and Jennings each added a goal on man advantage situations. Manvil “the anvil” Billones put the final touches on the game when he banged home a long side rebound off a shot from Joe Kotlarcyzk. The Revolution was able to take a 6 - 1 victory in game 3 of 4 thanks to strong goaltending by Joe Marshal and the Revolution power play operating at 50% success rate going 3 for 6.
In game 4 of 4 Potomac struck 1st on the power play, Turgeon took an off speed shot from the top of the circle that eluded Revolution goal tender Joe Marshal and put the Patriots up 1 - 0. In the 2nd Chris Howland of the patriots doubled their lead when he roofed a back door pass on the power play that put Potomac up 2 - 0. However Philly was not ready to throw in the towel and their perseverance paid off when Kyle Jennings took a turn around shot that banked off the post and in. Despite Philadelphia’s efforts, the Potomac defense and the goal tending of Dustin Moyer stopping 30 of 31 was enough to once again split the weekend with Philadelphia.
Revolution vs Wildcats
11/19 & 11/20
Before turkey could be enjoyed, the Revolution had a big weekend as they took on the 1st place NJ Wildcats. Empire points leader Sean Fleming did not waste time putting Philly on the board as he looked off a D man on a 3 v 2 rush before beating Wildcats goaltender low far side, giving Philly an early 1 - 0 lead. Minutes later Frank Lanni added to the lead when he aimed and fired a laser that burnt the top right corner of the net to put the Revs up by 2. After Pete Malamud found Michael young on the backdoor for his first of the night the wildcats pulled their goalie and struck back to narrow the lead. In the 2nd, Kyle Jennings redirected a point shot on the power play that found it's way into the back of the net. Young increased the Revolution lead with his second on the night. Things were looking good for Philly when Frank Lanni pulled in inside out move off the rush before releasing a backhand shot that beat NJ's goalie high, far side for the highlight of the night. However, the Wildcats had plans of their own as Nicholas Brachina scored 3 unanswered goals turning the game into a 6 - 5 nail biter. Ultimately, goaltender Joe Marshall and the Philly squad was able to hold onto the lead and the 2 points.
The Wildcats travelled to Warwick rink for part 2 of the home and home series with the Revolution. Game 2 was a tighter, more defensive game as Revolution defense man Jon Houk was the only player able to get his team on the score board in the 1st period. Houk let go a slap bomb off the rush that blew by Wildcats goaltender and nearly blew through the back of the net. Thanks to the forechecking and net front traffic of the meat train line, consisting of Lanni, Glanding and Kotlarcyzk, defense man Jon Houk was able to score his 2nd goal of the night as he wristed a top shelf shot from the blue line. In the third the meat train pulled into the station once again as their physical forechecking created a turnover and Lanni was able to find Kotlarcyzk in the slot who made no mistake burying his shot in the far corner of the net. However history would not repeat itself as Philly was not able to hold onto their lead this time. Wildcats forward Scott Mogerley added a pair of goals to give his team the lead for the first time in the weekend. Despite immense pressure applied from Philly late in the third, Wildcats goaltender Mark Specia, was able to close the door to get the win, and force a split on the weekend.
The Philadelphia Revolution EJ will take on the Philadelphia Little Flyers AJ at the Sun Bank Center Trenton NJ on Sunday 12-4.
This clash of Philadelphia is expected to be an exciting game as this is the only meeting between these two teams this season in a cross league showdown.
This game will precede the ECHL Trenton Titian taking on the Elmira Jackals. The ECHL game will begin at 4pm
Get your tickets to this hockey double header at www.trentontitanshockey.com
Philadelphia Revolution vs Maksymum
Write up 7 10/29 - 10/30
With forward Mike Bambi being promoted to the Revolution EJ team, and a couple of injuries, Philadelphia was looking for players to step up there game. The current Empire points leader, Sean Fleming, answered the challenge in the 1st shift of the game when he received a pass from center James Wallace and made no mistake in putting the Revolution up 1 - 0 early in the game. Maksymum evened the score at 1, until on a 2 on 2 rush, Clint Aussprung 1 timed a pass from winger Mike Young that found it's way over the shoulder of maksymum's net minder. Sean Fleming added to the lead and his stronghold as the Empire points leader when he wacked in a net front pass on the power play from line mates Kyle Jennings and James Wallace. Holding on to the lead proved difficult for the Revolution as Maksymum struck with back to back goals in the second to to once again even the score. A power play blast from the point from the stick of Revolution captain Ryan O'Malley and another tally from Fleming to complete the Hat trick, found Philly once again with a two goal lead. The grit of Maksymum shined through as they tallied 2 in the third to even the score for the 3rd time that night. In the closing moments of the game, Fleming entered the offensive zone on his off side, a shoulder slip move outside followed by far side shot that rang the post before tickling the twine gave Fleming his 4th goal of the night and the Revolution a hard earned 2 points. |
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After a high scoring last minute victory for Philly on Saturday night, both the Revolution and Maksymum arrived Sunday morning with a higher focus on defensive play. After the 1st period the score was even 0 - 0 with neither team’s goal tender showing any sign of weakness. Despite outshooting Maksymum 18 to 10 in the second period, Philly headed into the locker room after the period down 1 - 0. It took 31 Revolution shots to finally sneak 1 past the strong goaltending of the opposition. Once again, Sean Fleming opened the scoring doors for the Revolution on a bang, bang play that started with line mate Kyle Jennings behind the net and ended with a 1 timer from Fleming finding it's way through the 5 hole of Maksymums goalie. Just 2 minutes later Fleming added his second of the night and 6th of the weekend on a down low power play goal. Philly held onto the lead until desperation payed off for Maksymum with the goaltender pulled and under a minute remaining they evened up the score at 2. A shoot out ensued. Both goaltenders, JoeMarshall for the Revolution, and William Massey played strong games and both stopped 1st shooters in the shoot out for their respective teams. 2nd shooter for Philly, Kyle Jennings, threaded a forehand to backhand 5 hole shot through Massey's legs to put the Revolution in the lead. However the next to Maksymum shooters were able to find the back of the net, and that was enough to take the shoot out victory for Maksymum |
Revolution is working on broadcasting all Empire and ESHL games! We are in the testing phase and will be working this weekend to broadcast games. (PLEASE EXPECT HICUPS DURING THE TESTING PHASE). To access the stream please click the link below and you will be redirected to a site. Once on the site use the search box and type in Revolution. The video should appear in a small box which you can click to view. Please email warwickice1@sbgmanagement.com with any feedback we can use to diagnose issues GO REVOLUTION!! - CLICK FOR STREAM
Eastern states hockey league replaces cha
(Buffalo, NY) -- The passing of Labor Day marks a new beginning in USA Junior Hockey circles as the league formerly known as the Continental Hockey Association formally becomes the Eastern States Hockey League (ESHL).
"The re-branding of the league will more closely relate to the geographic range of the 13 team league which stretches north to New Hampshire, south to Virginia and West to Buffalo" stated President Henry Lazar.
This is a new beginning and a new direction for our league as we look to develop the younger Junior Hockey Player and expose him to higher levels of opportunity in the hockey world added Commissioner Andy "Sarge" Richards.
The Mission of the Eastern States Hockey League is to provide the elite student athlete an opportunity to play a superior level of hockey in a structured and competitive environment. It is our objective to place the elite student athlete in a situation that allows him to fine tune his craft and expose his abilities and talent to a higher level of hockey including the College and Professional ranks.
The Eastern States Hockey League is committed to a high standard of excellence among its Owners, Management, Coaches, Officials and Players. The league seeks to provide a high level of coaching and marketing support for our student athletes and place them into an environment where they can excel.
For more information about the ESHL visit us on line at: www.jrhockey.net
ESHL: A COMMITMENT OF EXCELLENCE INTO THE FUTURE
The Flyers will host the Rangers on Jan. 2 at Citizens Bank Park, according to a report Thursday on phillyburbs.com - Click Here
Philadelphia Revolution sends another player to the QMJHL
After last year sending 93 Defenseman Troy Vance to the Victoriaville Tigers and then getting drafted by the NHL Dallas Stars, Philadelphia is doing it again. This time it’s Nick Egan, a 1993 defenseman that has played in the Philadelphia organization for the past three years. Having played for their empire team before getting promoted to the EJHL team, Nick is a strong young player who has the ambition to succeed. He will be playing for the Acadie-Bathurst, Titan’s in Canada. “The organization is very please for Nick and wishes him well said Coach Geoff Marottolo”
revolution EJHL players of week 3 - Click Here
FORMER REVOLUTION PLAYER CRUICE COMMITS TO UNION - click here
Revolution Empire WEEK 4 News - Click Here
EJHL SEASONS OPENS WITH A BANG - Click Here
Revolution Players of the Week 1 - Click Here
Revolution Medical Staff - Click for Details
EMPIRE and ESHL News Letters for September 2011
EMPIRE - Click Here
ESHL - Click Here
Revolutions own Josh Maciolek ties the Knott - Best Of Luck from all of us!
Simon Say's... POTSDAM
The Philadelphia Revolution is proud to announce that Kenny Simon has committed to Potsdam State University for the upcoming 2011-2012 season. Injured the first half of the season, Simon still managed to be the third leading point producer on the team. In a mere 27 games, Simon produced a remarkable 23 points. The native of Norwell, MA will be traveling to the NORTH COUNTRY.
"Kenny, has been a foot soldier for our organization, said head coach Geoff Marottolo. Being a leader of any club, team, or organization is a responsibility that only a few can handle. I am proud that Kenny has been our assistant captain. He displayed a tremendous thirst for learning, and it was common for him to ask questions how he can better himself as a player; as his coach I could not ask for more in a player. Kenny truly is a student of the game. With work ethic, comes leadership and I am proud that he lead our players into battle."
"First and foremost, I would like to thank the Philadelphia Revolution organization (Owners Devra & Phil Pulley) for a wonderful two years, commented Simon. My family has always provided me with the support that I needed to better myself as hockey player, but more importantly as a person--I am forever grateful. Last but least, I would also like to thank the coach Geoff Marottolo."
Cornell commits to Northeastern University
The Philadelphia Revolution is excited to announce that D-MAN Dan Cornell has committed to Northeastern University for the fall of 2011. A native of Abington, MA Cornell will not have to travel far to St. Botolph Street. Cornell came to the Revolution after spending Post-Graduate year at Prep School.
"Dan came to Philadelphia with a purpose and desire to become DIV I. college hockey player and I am pleased that his goal was attained, remarked coach Marottolo. In my 12 years of coaching, Dan is the highest level of compete player I have ever coached. His job this year was to get better and that he did. He took advantage of every tactical skill session we did.
"First-off I would to thank the Philadelphia Revolution Oraganization as well as coach Marottolo, commented Cornell." "The experience I had in Philadelphia alllowed me to achieve one of my life long goals. The support my family gave me was tremendous and could not have achieved this opportunity with out them.
Thompson chasing dreams
By: RICK WOELFEL
The Intelligencer
Palisades High School senior Pat Thompson, who also plays in the Junior A Eastern Junior Hockey League, is getting a taste of what it takes to go pro.
Pat Thompson has accomplished a lot, on and off the ice. The Palisades High School senior is centering a line for the Philadelphia Revolution of the Junior A Eastern Junior Hockey League.
The Revolution, who play out of The Rink at Warwick, are nearing the end of a 45-game league schedule. Throw in some nonleague games and perhaps postseason games and the team plays around 60 games a season.
For Thompson, that means a lot of weekend bus rides, traveling throughout the Northeast, facing some of the finest hockey talent in the country.
Thompson skated for the Revolution Junior B team last season and has also played club hockey for the Hatfield Ice Dogs and the Lehigh Valley Comets along the way. At the Junior A level however, which features players up to age 20 who are hoping to play at the NCAA Division I level or perhaps higher, the speed of the game takes some getting used to.
"It's definitely a lot different," Thompson said. "Especially going from (Junior B) to A. You have to make decisions that much quicker. It's a much faster game. You have to adjust to that pretty quickly or get left in the dust."
Playing Junior A hockey is similar to playing professionally - minus the paycheck. In fact, the players in the 14-team EJHL pay to play and either live in apartments or board with a local family.
Players sign contracts and can be traded or released, just like the pros. The roster consists of a maximum of 25 players, 20 of whom dress for each game.
The team usually practices a minimum of three times a week, with at least two games each weekend. To excel, or even keep a roster spot, a player needs to perform at a high level on a consistent basis.
"If you don't have it at practice and your coach sees you're not playing well in the games you're sitting on the bench or up in the stands," Thompson said. "You have to be on top of your game at all times, or someone's going to take your spot."
Thompson however is used to meeting high standards. He's president of the senior class at Palisades and despite all the time and energy he devotes to hockey, carries a 3.6 GPA.
"It takes a lot of time management," he says, "and definitely a lot of help from my parents, and definitely my brother because he went through the same situation. I get a lot of help from outside sources, it's not all me. It's tough, but I get through it."
The Philadelphia Revolution made a huge push this weekend in their effort to make it to the post season for the first time in franchise history. They gained 6 out of a possible 6 points.
The Revs welcomed in the Rochester Stars for a rematch. Last weekend they were unable to beat the Stars in two games in Rochester. They were looking for a different outcome the third time around. Mike Dietrich started the scoring off for the Revolution at 12:03 of the first period. Dietrich put home a rebound after a hard working effort by his line. Brandon Moore and Keith Campbell picked up assists on the play. Kenny Simon netted the second goal of the game for the Revs just 4 minutes later. Simon put home a back door pass from Logan Romano after Romano made a great individual effort around two defensemen. Rochester cut the Revolution lead to just one with a little over a minute left in the first period.
Pat Thompson made it 3-1 Revs 9 minutes into the second period. Thompson received a Clemente Cruz in the slot and beat the goalie with a nice wrist shot. Terrence Johnson had a beautiful wrist shot to make it 4-1 Revolution and that is how the second would end.
The Stars came out hard in the third. They scored two power play goals to cut the Revolution lead to just one. Jamie Regan continued his solid play in net as the Revs won 4-3. Regan stopped 32 of 35 shots.
The Revs played the Huskies on Saturday night at home for the first of a two game series. Clemente Cruz started off the scoirng for the Revolution off a nice hard working play. That would be the only scoring for the period for either team as both goalies played well in net for each team.
Mike Dietrich scored a shorthanded goal after tremendous individual effort at 19:11 of the second period. That was just the second goal of the game as both goalies continued their strong play.
The Huskies played hard in the third and converted on a power play at 9:21 of the third. to cut the revolution lead to just one. Clemente Cruz would continue his strong play up front for the Revolution by scoring a timely goal at 11:15 of the third. Kenny Simon tallied an empty netter, his fourth goal in as many games, to put the game out of reach and the Revs won their second game in a row. Jamie Regan remained solid in net for the Revs stopping 33 of 34 shots faced.
The Revolution came out hungry yet again for another win on Sunday morning in a quick turnaround game vs the Huskies on Sunday morning VS the Huskies.
John Marsters scored the first goal for the Revs at 14:52 of the first. Marsters received a pass in the slot after two tic tac toe passes and beat the Huskies tender to the backhand. Assists on the play would go to Woody Woodworth and Ben Pulley. That would conclude the scoring for either team.
There would be five goals scored in the second period. The Huskies tied it up just 1:32 into the second period. Clemente Cruz would answer just four minutes later following up a rebound. Henrik Ljostad continued his steady play on the blue line and picked up an assist on the play. Brandon Moore also picked up an assist. The Huskies would knot it up at 2-2 less than two minutes later, converting on a power play tally. Andrew Bettencourt then gave the Revs their third lead of the game by roofing a wrist shot on a two on one. Kenny Simon and Logan Romano picked up assists on the play. The Huskies would tie it up yet again with less than three minutes remaining. The back and forth play continued, but both goalies kept it knotted at 3-3 at the end of regulation.
Overtime consisted of a continued strong back and forth effort between the two hungry teams. Garret Clemment made a heads up play and fired the puck into an empty net from the defensive end to give the Revolution their third win in as many days. Jamie Regan put up another stellar performance stopping 36 of 39 shots faced.
Forward -Romano had a solid weekend up front for the Revs. He posted an assist in all three games including one incredible individual effort in which he beat two defenders by himself and fed Kenny Simon a virtual empty net goal.
Defenseman-Ljostad had his best weekend yet on the blue line for the Revolution. Ljostad is really starting to adjust to the EJ level of play. He posted 1a in three games and really was a presence in the defensive end. The Revs will only improve if Ljostad continues his progression
Rookie-CJ Cruz - Cruz had a banner weekend up front for the Revolution, posting 2g 3a in 3 games played. Cruz had two multi point games and was a huge factor in the three game sweep of the weekend.
Revolution Handles Little Flyers
The Philadelphia Revolution EJ team faced off against the Philadelphia Little Flyers AJ team on Saturday at the EJHL Winter Showcase in Marlboro, MA. The Revolution came out on top with a 7-3 victory.
Andrew Bettencourt started off the Revolution scoring just 15 seconds into the game with a nice breakaway goal. The Little Flyers bounced back just 32 seconds later knotting it up at 1-1. No scoring would occur for the next 15 minutes as both goaltenders for each team played outstanding. Clemente Cruz made a nice pass to Will Rayner, who fired a shot from the point. Brandon Moore tipped the shot to beat the Flyers’ goaltender, and make the score 2-1 in the Revolution’s favor.
Scott Witmyer increased the Revolution lead to 2 just 51 seconds into the second half. Will Rayner had the only assist on the play. Logan Romano then buried one in front to make it 4-1 Revolution. Kenny Simon and Andrew Bettencourt got the assists on the play. The Little Flyers bounced back with two quick goals, cutting the Revolution lead to 1. Kenny Simon received an Anthony Calabrese pass in his own zone, skated the puck up to the Flyers’ blue line, where he dangled the Flyers defenseman and then fed it to Pat Thompson, who buried the puck to make it 5-3 Revolution. Tyler Schmarr added another for the Revs as he received a beautiful pass from Ian Barnes at the blue line. Schmarr ripped the puck, beating the goalie to the left side. John Marsters added an empty net goal, putting the game out of reach for the Flyers.
Side Note: Mitchell Maraschiello earned his second win in a row in goal for the Philadelphia Revolution.
Philadelphia Revolution Produces Pro-Stock Again!
The Philadelphia Revolution Ice Hockey organization is pleased to announce the signing of Troy Vance of Bucks County, PA to the Victoriaville Tigres of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The QMJHL is a major junior league located in the Eastern portion of Canada that produces multiple NHL draft picks each year. The website for the QMJHL is http://en.lhjmq.qc.ca/. Current Flyers standouts Daniel Briere and Claude Giroux played in the QMJHL prior to the NHL. Vance is the second Revolution player to sign with a QMJHL team as former Revolution defenseman, Raman Hrabarenka is currently playing for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.
Vance, a 17 year old Right Shot Defenseman added size (6’5”) and skill to the Revolution blue line this year. The towering defenseman had a 1g, 2a line in 18 games for the Revolution, including 33 penalty minutes.
The Dallas Stars (NHL) Alex Lepore was instrumental in recognizing Vance’s talent and helping the Revolution facilitate his move to the next level.
Vance is listed on the NHL Central Scouting Report 187 overall for North American skaters. He is eligible for this year’s upcoming NHL draft.The Revolution Organization wishes him nothing but the best in his further endeavors!
Philadelphia, PA- The Philadelphia Revolution Organization is proud to announce the organization’s first NCAA Division 1 commitment: Will Rayner, a 1990-born defenseman, has committed to play collegiate hockey at Sacred Heart University beginning in the fall of 2011.
Rayner first joined the Revolution the summer of 2010 and his been a positive influence since. Will adds both a strong physical presence and offense to the Revolution blue line.
“Sacred Heart has grabbed a real good D-man. His size, maturity, and the many other intangibles he provides Philadelphia will only help us in our push for the playoffs,” commented head coach Geoff Marottolo.
Scare away Cancer
The Philadelphia Revolution Organization (EJ, Empire, ESHL) will be acknowledging Breast Cancer Awareness on Halloween Weekend. The goal is to pay respect to those who have been effected in any way shape, or form by this tragic disease, as well as raise awareness throughout the community. In acknowledgement, the teams will sport pink tape on their sticks (instead of the usual white or black color).
The EJHL Junior A Revs will face-off against the reigning EJHL Champion New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs in a two game series. They welcome in a very strong Monarchs squad, who are coming off their 5th championship for the franchise, and their 7th consecutive appearance to the EJHL finals. The Monarchs already have 7 division 1 commitments, including Trevor van Riemsdyk (brother of Philadelphia Flyers’ forward James van Riemsdyk). They are coached by Sean Tremblay who has a miraculous coaching resume. He is just coming off a recent victory at the 2010 under-17 five nations tournament in Switzerland. Tremblay, who is a 3-time Eastern Junior Hockey League coach of the year, was head coach of the USA gold medal winning squad.
The first game of the series is Saturday October 30 at 8:00P.M. The second game of the series takes place the following day at 10:30A.M. Both games will take place at the Rink at Warwick. Anyone who wears a costume to the game will get in free of admission.
COME AND BRING THE FAMILY TO WATCH GREAT HOCKEY!
The Revolution organization is excited for the EJ’s first home game of the 2010-2011 season. The Revolution welcome the South Shore Kings to the Rink at Warwick for two games with four important points up for grab. There will be two good tilts as the Kings look to continue their strong play from last year. The Kings look to be a very good team again, as they already have three Division 1 commitments on the team. The first game is Saturday October 2 at 8:00P.M. The latter half of the series is Sunday October 3, at 10:30A.M.
REVOLUTION WIN SPRING SHOWCASE
Date: May 20, 2010
Marlboro, MA- Last weekend's Eastern Spring Showcase served as the kickoff to the summer hockey season, and when the final buzzer rang, the Philadelphia Revolution emerged with the championship and the attention of all the scouts in attendance.
The Revolution regrouped after a difficult inaugural campaign and came to the showcase armed with a trio of veterans, a solid contingent of players from last season's Empire (Junior B) entry, and a handful of recruits, the Revolution hoped to help solidify the team for the upcoming season.
"We had some great chemistry considering everyone was coming from different parts of the country," said Director of Hockey Operations Geoff Marottolo. "We thought it would be a good opportunity for the newer players to get to know the veterans and it turned out to be an excellent showcase."
The Revolution started off with a tilt against one of the Springfield Pics entries on Friday and followed that up with wins on Saturday against the Capital District Selects and the Jersey Hitmen. Sunday's playoff round saw the team defeat the South Shore Kings, Apple Core, and finally the Junior Bruins.
"It was only spring hockey, but we still wanted to win it," commented Marottolo. "Hopefully we can use it as a springboard to the season and put together a great run in the fall."
"We faced a very high level of competition and played some very exciting games. Our organization is always striving to be better, and we're very pleased with the result."
Revolution Improve Towards
End Of Campaign
Hockey teams have always had a history of going on a roll once a coaching
change has been made and the Philadelphia
Revolution are no exception.
At the end of November with the team
off to a 2-17-2 start the organization decided
to make a change and that’s when
Vince Malts got promoted from assistant
to head coach. “Some guys are able to handle it and
are eager to show a new coach what they
can do while others have a hard time
dealing with it and wonder where they fit
in,” Malts said about how a young team
such as Philadelphia might react to such
a move.
The move seemed to have positive
dividends for the Philadelphia squad,
which enjoyed quite the roll in posting
an 11-11-4 overall record over a 26-game
stretch towards the end of the season.
Malts admitted that with such a young
team he expected some growing pains
along the way as his players got a first-
hand look at what junior hockey was
all about. He preached strong defensive
play, which he believes creates offensive
opportunities. Malts was also very confident
about the overall talent and what his
team could accomplish. “We lost a lot of games this year by
a goal or two and with a few breaks we
could have won those,” he said. “We can
win but mentally they have to believe
that they can.” One special moment that Malts points
to as a season highlight was a memorable
game played against one of the league’s
strongest teams in the Jersey Hitmen. According
to Malts, Philadelphia was winning
4-3 in the third period but settled
for a tie, which was a big stepping stone
against such an elite Jersey team. “To go in and get a tie showed what
we are capable of doing,” he said. “Our
defensive game has really improved as
the guys are more aware [defensively]
and believe in each other.” A huge highlight for the organization
came when hulking defenseman Raman
Hrabarenka found himself high in the
NHL pre-draft rankings. “Guys got really excited for him and
he really deserves it,” Malts said. “He’s
a big kid (about 6-feet-4 inches) who
excels in skating. He’s a smart kid with
God-given talent who is really well-liked
in the locker room.”
Also getting recognition for his play
was forward Nick Bingham, who is one
of the most improved players on the team
and has seen his ice time go up all season
and is now logging some major minutes.
“He was a little slow out of the gate
but has gotten better and better and is
now on the first line,” Malts added.
Empire Junior Hockey League
Penguins enter playoffs with youthful exuberance
“Maturity” and “confidence” were two words used by Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins team manager Bill Schafter when talking about the vastly improved play of his young team. According to Schafter, the turning point of this season came in late January, when the Penguins swept back-to-back weekend games against the Jersey Hitmen, who were second in the Western Conference in late February. “Everything just fell into place,” said Schafter, of his team that won 4-3 and 5-4 on that magical Jan. 23-24 weekend. “We moved the puck well, were aggressive on the forecheck and gained a ton of confidence.” Pittsburgh got off to a slow start and went through a bit of an adjustment period with all its youth. However, they have since beaten some other solid Teams including the Syracuse Jr. Stars (twice) and the Brewster Bulldogs in late February. Despite the second half success, there is still work to be done if Pittsburgh is to succeed in the playoffs. “We still have to work on discipline,” Schafter said. “We seem to take bad penalties at the absolute worst times.” In making his point, Schafter referred to a Feb. 20 game that they played against the Bulldogs. “We were up 2-0 and took penalties and lost 3-2,” he said. “We also had several power play chances that we let slip away.” Still, there has been a lot of growth for the Penguins, who have really bought into head coach Paul Taibi’s system. “The kids subscribed to Paul’s defense first philosophy,” Schafter said.
Echeverri symbol of Revs’ up-tempo style
The Philadelphia Revolution are not your typical first-year hockey team. As opposed to following the normal expansion blueprint of defensive play that most expansions do, Philadelphia relies more on playing a run-and-gun style. “We have lots of forwards with great speed and strength who excel in run-andgun type of hockey,” said Revolution coach James Laux. One of those high-scoring forwards is Florida native Dan Echeverri, who has only been playing ice hockey for about five years. “He is a strong skater who has a real knack for scoring,” said Laux. Echeverri was Philadelphia’s leading scorer with 25 goals and 47 points nearing the end of the season. A season turning point for Philadelphia came just prior to Christmas when they went on a 9-0-1 run after starting the season 4-8. “Before that streak, I kept on telling them that they are a talented team who could compete with the top-end teams,” Laux said. The coach, whose team reached its pre-season goals of being over .500 and making the playoffs, believed that this streak gave the team much-needed confidence. “Our team skated really well, moved the puck really well and the guys were moving with more speed through the neutral zone,” said Laux, who only had two or three returning players on his roster. Another reason for this 10-game streak, which was interrupted by the Christmas break, was that his team was playing strong defense. “After Christmas, the team continued to compete until the end and what’s really important is that going into games they assumed that they were going to win,” he added.
International Junior Hockey League/USA Jr. Hockey Magazine Players of the Month
Super Elite Forwards
Joe Pannullo, Boston Junior Blackhawks The crafty forward and captain is finishing the year strong while leading a young BJB team. Pannullo has North American Hockey League and college options for next season.
Blaine Cardali, Maine Moose The captain and true leader of the team was also the team’s leading scorer. Cardali played a major role in recent wins over Boston, Cape Cod and the Mariners.
Super Elite Defense
Esa Kaisijoke, New Jersey Kings The stellar defenseman has been a key player in helping to lead the Kings to a third place finish in the regular season.
Super Elite Goal
C. J. White, Maine Moose White has been the backbone of the team at the close of the season with wins over Cape Cod, Boston and the Mariners to clinch a playoff berth for the Moose.
