Trio of Aces Score Two a Piece, McCullough Nabs Five Helpers in 9-3 Win Over Bears

After clinching the top seed in the EPHL on Friday, the Brooklyn Aces continued to dominate last night, defeating the Hudson Valley Bears 9-3.

“Just were having fun out there,” said Aces forward Mike Christensen. “We were smiling and working hard. We started out slow, but we rebounded well.”

Despite the fact that the Aces were the aggressors through the early going, Hudson Valley got on the board at 2:56 on a harmless wrister Elvis Tominovic that made it through a screen by, giving the Bears a 1-0 lead. After the goal, the game began to take a more physical and frenetic pace; definitely not what most would have expected before the game.

However, at 8:54, a Christensen slapper with the puck on edge from the top of the left circle with the man advantage beat Hudson Valley goaltender Peter Maro [18 saves in the first period], tying the game at 1-1. After several minutes of free-flowing and physical hockey, a beautiful Jesse Felten wrap-around after a Dan Carney shot from the point with 47.6 seconds left broke the stalemate and put Brooklyn in the driver’s seat going into the second period.

Nevertheless Aces head coach Chris Firriolo wasn’t happy with what he saw.

“I think that we were very selfish. A few guys didn’t move the puck,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if we win or not any more; it’s about getting ready for the playoffs. I don’t want anyone developing any bad habits now, so I let them know how I felt.”

Brooklyn got on back track quickly in the second, as Christensen tallied again at 4:01 to make it a 3-1 game. Hudson Valley wasted no time and got right back into the game as well, nabbing a powerplay goal from Tommy Westfall at 8:40 to make it a one-goal game again at 3-2. Brooklyn was patient and eventually got the lead back at 12:26 on a gorgeous backhand move by Tony Resendes. At 13:11, Andrew Scampoli got jealous and scored a nifty goal of his own, thanks to a great pass from Rob Miller, putting the score at 5-2. 4:50 later, another marker from Felten made it a 6-2 game.

C.J. Tozzo padded the lead with a goal at 5:17 in the third that put Brooklyn up by five. The Aces weren’t finished offensively however, as Chris Holmes scored top shelf at 11:35.

Hudson Valley didn’t give up despite the huge deficit, getting another goal from Westfall at 11:08 and making it a 8-3 game. Brooklyn then answered back 39 seconds later, as Resendes scored on another amazing backhand, putting the Aces up again by six and putting the game away at 9-3.

Playing the Rockhoppers again today, the Aces, who have already clinched a playoff spot and first place in the EPHL, can play a huge part in who they play in the post-season, as

“We’re very confident right now,” said Jesse Felten. “We’re really clicking.”

Notes-

Kyle McCullough had five assists.

Aces forward Mike Thomson left the game after the first period due to coach’s decision.

Aces emergency backup goaltender made seven saves on eight shots in 20 minutes of action. Miro Recicar made 26 saves on 24 shots through the first two periods.

Attendance for the game was 1,112.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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