BMT Line Making All Stops Through Early Season

Through the first eight games of the EPHL’s inaugural season, the Brooklyn Aces have flown high above the competition, amassing a 7-1 record while leaving a trail of smoke over their opponents, outscoring them 52-23.

However, despite possessing the league’s best overall defense, that features talented two-way defensemen such as Rob Miller, Nick Grove, Andrew Scampoli and Doug Hoffman, in addition to the rock-solid goaltender combo of Eddie Neville and Miro Recicar, the Aces offense has been the real story of their magical season.

Nonetheless, while the Aces have gotten offense from a variety of sources, the team’s first line, aptly tabbed “The BMT Line,” of James Brannigan, Kyle McCollaugh and C.J. Tozzo, have left their opponents in pieces, ranking first, second and third in team and league scoring.

“They really work well together,” said Aces head coach Chris Firriolo. “They are definitely a top line in this league, for sure.”

Leading the league in both goals and points, Brannigan has quickly established himself as the team’s and league’s first legitimate sniper. Despite spending time at Colorado College as a full-scholarship athlete and the ECHL over the past few years, Brannigan was left in the shuffle and was used in an energy role, rather than one that could make use of his excellent shot and puck handling skills. Brannigan has come full circle in the EPHL this season however, scoring a goal in every game the team has played, proving he’s capable of much more than he’s produced in the past.

“We work really well together,” said the 24-year-old Brannigan, a Dyker Heights native, after scoring his first pro hat trick on November 15. “It’s been a lot of fun playing with them.”

While Brannigan is the noted sniper on the line, McCollaugh is looked at as the passer. Leading the league in assists, the playmaker has dazzled with several beautiful passes to his respective linemates this season, many of which have come in clutch situations. He’s also shown a penchant for hitting the back of the net as well, evidenced by his first pro hat trick on November 21 against the New Jersey Rockhoppers.

Despite possessing tremendous all-around skill like his aforementioned linemate, McCollaugh wasn’t exactly a superstar at other levels. A point a game player in college with Dartmouth, the winger scored only 10 goals in 72 games in IHL’s Prairie Thunder last season.

In spite of that, with Brannigan and Tozzo on the ice with him, McCollaugh feels like he can accomplish anything.

“We gelled together from the get go.” said McCollaugh. “We know where each other is on the ice at all times. I’ve never had that comfort level with anyone this quickly. It’s amazing.”

Scoring 100 points as a teenager in junior-A hockey a few seasons ago, Tozzo was known for a solid all-around game and more than admirable leadership qualities. However, in D1 Niagara and D3 Plattsburgh, Tozzo was used as more of a role player and despite several flashes of brilliance, was never given an opportunity to shine.

In Brooklyn, Tozzo has flourished on both ends of the ice and like his linemates, has proved that he can can thrive with more power and responsibility on the ice. He’s also shown plenty of the same leadership qualities he’s exhibited in the past as well as grit, evidenced by two fighting majors against him this season.

Getting the first chance at the professional level with the proverbial chains off, Tozzo has quickly made a name for himself as one of the league’s elite centers.

“My college career was up and down,” said Tozzo. “It feels good now to produce offensively and see my name on the scoresheet every night.”

In spite of their early season success however, the trio knows that can’t stop dominating just yet either.

“We work really hard,” said McCollaugh. “Even in practice. We just bury the puck.”

Photos by Marty Bromberger and Ron Hatcher.

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