When Jersey Rockhoppers goaltender Nick Niedert was named the EPHL’s MVP last week, some questioned it.
Today however, Niedert proved for one last time just how dominant he could be, making 43 saves as his Rockhoppers defeated the Brooklyn Aces 4-1 to claim the very first EPHL championship.
“Niedert was dynamite tonight,” said Aces head coach Chis Firriolo. “He showed why he was MVP.”
Despite an absolute lack of offense, the Aces were the aggressors in the first, out-shooting the Rockhoppers 16-9. Niedert was on top of his game, making several solid saves, but was also aided by a Jesse Felten shot that rang off the goalpost around the midway point of the period. On the other side of the ice, Eddie Neville wasn’t tested much, but held his ground and played his part in keeping the game scoreless after 20 minutes of play.
“He was great early on and it shut us down,” said Aces forward Kyle McCullough of Niedert. “I’m proud of the way we battled though. We worked really hard.”
The Rockhoppers came out much stronger in the second and scored the first goal of the game at 3:55 on the powerplay, courtesy of a shot in front by Chris Ferazzoli. Neville was stellar the rest of the period however, making 12 saves.
Felten’s line with Andrew Scampoli and “Super” B.J. Kuper continued to pressure the puck and get opportunities, but Niedert was just as strong, making 17 saves in the period.
Tony Resendes tied it at 1-1 at 6:15 in the third on an amazing wrist shot that beat Niedert over the shoulder after hitting the post. 25 seconds later, Drew Sanders scored, beating Neville glove side on a wrister of his own, giving Jersey their 1-goal lead back at 2-1.
“I was just trying to pick the guys up and get us back in that game,” said Resendes. “Things changed very quick though.”
With the game still close, Firriolo decided to try the team’s luck with an extra attacker, but Matt Puntureri scored at 18:34 with the empty net to make it a 3-1 game. At that point, the Aces were desperately trying to get back into the game but were stonewalled by Niedert. At 19:15, the Rockhoppers got another goal from Ferazzoli, his fifth of the series to put the game away at 4-1 and help Jersey claim the first ever EPHL championship.
The class of the league throughout the regular season, the Aces were heartbroken with the loss.
“I feel so bad for the guys; they worked so hard,” said Firriolo. “Last night was our night and it got taken from us, but the bottom line is we didn’t score. It was tough.”
Notes-
The Aces powerplay was 0 for four.
Neville made 30 saves on 33 shots.
Ferazzoli was named the playoff MVP.
Video-
Jersey’s celebration after the win.
Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr. Video by Sherrie Ocasio
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on Mar 30th, 2009 at 12:10 am
Kudos to the Brooklyn Aces for a great season. But even more to the team for thanking their fans at the end of the championship game unlike their coach who walked off the ice without even giving his team a pat on the back. What a no class man !!!!