While any team in the EPHL would kill to have the Aces BMT line of James Brannigan, Kyle McCollaugh and C.J. Tozzo, they wouldn’t exactly cry their eyes out if they got stuck with Chris Holmes, Jesse Felten and Mike Christensen instead.
Combining the NHL-caliber speed of Felten, the 95-mph slapshot of Holmes and the two-way ability and slick shooting of Christensen, the “Three Amigos” line have made opposing defensemen miserable this season.
However, the trio didn’t get their name for being friendly on the ice. As a matter of fact, all three, despite being under six feet tall, are gritty players that if forced to, will drop the gloves.
With that being said, how did they get their name?
“We’re goofy, but we have a good time,” said Christensen, who has eight goals and 15 points in 12 games this season. “We live together and spend a lot of time together and it’s been a lot of fun this season. In all seriousness though, we’re out there to do one thing and that’s to score goals. As for me, they bring such skill to my game, it’s humbling to play with them and I know if I work hard, good things are going to happen.”
Comparing themselves to the “Coneheads” line on the 1980 “Miracle” United States Olympic hockey team, the trio believes their fun-loving attitude off the ice make them the perfect combination on the ice.
Before they decided to room together however, the Aces coaching staff knew they had something magical when they were originally put together in training camp.
“They work really well together; they just don’t quit” said Aces coach Chris Firriolo. “We knew they were talented players when we put them together, but they’ve gotten better as the season has gone on.”
Now sharing the same home and the same ice, the group of pals are proving that work can be just as enjoyable as hanging out with your friends.
“We try and keep each other out of trouble,” said Felten, who has 10 point in 12 games this season and could also easily make his case for being the fastest skater in the EPHL. “I love playing with those two. Every where we go, we’re having a good time. It’s been awesome.”
Despite the fact that they all enjoy each other’s company and have quickly formed a bond as friends, they understand that it’s their job to continue to put puck in the net.
That doesn’t mean they won’t have fun doing it though.
“Since day one, we always connected,” said Holmes, whose vicious slapshot has helped him to amass six goals and 15 points in 11 games this season. “Normally, when you first meet someone, there’s a feeling out process and there wasn’t with us. We connected as people and we connected on the ice even more.
“There’s a comfort level out there with us. It’s like we know where each other are going to be. We trust each other and we know what it takes to get our job done out there.”
Photo by Ron Hatcher.
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on Dec 17th, 2008 at 5:59 am
These guys are great! I brought my 12 year old daughter to watch the game and she loved watching this line play more then she likes watching the Jonas Brothers on MTV. Keep up the good work!
on May 14th, 2009 at 11:28 am
I met all these 3 amigos at about 4 games !!! My favorite is #27 Mike Christenson!! I met him 3 timez!! It was an awesome season, bu they lost.