Playing their first game since leading scorer James Brannigan was called up to the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL, the Brooklyn Aces knew they had to prove to the rest of the league they had what it took to maintain their spot atop the EPHL standings.
Going into the third period tied 3-3 with the Rockhoppers, a team that has been playing with much more confidence over the last few weeks, C.J. Tozzo scored on New Jersey goaltender Nick Niedert, giving Brooklyn a hard-earned 4-3 win in a statement game that proved the Aces’ unquestionable heart.
Things didn’t start off well for Brooklyn however, as New Jersey got on the board first after a Kyle Bozoian marker at 11:29. The lead didn’t hold for long after the surging Jesse Felten tied it just 1:25 later. The Rockhoppers had the last laugh in the period though, as Chris Ferazzoli lit the lamp for the 13th time this season, giving New Jersey a 2-1 lead.
