Posts on ‘January 30th, 2009’

Brooklyn Aces head coach Chris Firriolo knows it. Team captain C.J. Tozzo knows it too. Even new addition Eddie Chlanda knows it.

Tonight’s game against the New Jersey Rockhoppers is going to be a huge test.

Calling it the most important game of the season after their win against the Hudson Valley Bears, the Aces know they can’t afford another sloppy third period if they want to come out victorious tonight. Giving up a big portion of their goals in the third period over the past few games, Brooklyn knows they’ll have to be on top of their collective games.

Forced to sign the likes of Derek Kern, Eddie Chlanda and Chris Robinson last week to rejuvenate their team, all three have been solid and have played a part in the team’s continued success. However, with ECHL veteran Dan Carney and Mike Christensen back after dealing with a personal matter for the past few games, the Aces will have an extremely experienced defenseman in the lineup who can play both sides of the puck and one of the best two-way forwards in the league. That alone should give the Aces an even bigger jolt tonight.

After last night’s game against the Hudson Valley Bears, Aces Over Brooklyn has learned the Brooklyn Aces have signed 37-year-old defenseman Dan Carney. A veteran of the ECHL, CHL, UHL and IHL with 13 seasons of pro experience to his credit, Carney arrives with the Aces blue line dealing with injuries to steady two-way defensemen Rob Miller and Nick Grove. Solid in both ends of the ice, Carney had his best pro season in 2003-2004 with the ECHL’s Roanoke Express, where he scored 14 goals and 37 points in 70 games.

“He’s going to be with us tomorrow,” said Firriolo. “He’s going to be a big help and we hope to keep him around.”

Brooklyn Aces forward Eddie Chlanda grew up on Hauppauge, Long Island in the early 90s, idolizing former Islanders all-star center Pierre Turgeon.

Last night, the 6′1, 205 pounder did his best imitation of the former Isles 50-goal scorer, tallying twice in the first period. His teammates weren’t two shabby either, as C.J. Tozzo and Chris Holmes both had two goals on the night as well, capping off a 10-4 Aces win over the fledgling Hudson Valley Bears.

“It’s good to get a win like that,” said Chlanda. “We had a lot of offense and were moving the puck well. We’re going to try and do that in Jersey tomorrow.”

Chlanda opened up the scoring at 1:35 of the first, taking advantage of a defensive zone turnover by the Bears and beating Hudson Valley goaltender Chris Polino with a sneaky wrist shot. The Bears fought back at 2:42, getting a Scott Estey marker that quickly tied the score. Derek Kern gave Brooklyn their second lead of the night after he deposited a wrister following a beautiful pass from Chlanda at 3:42.