In the playoffs, Neville continued to do whatever it took to keep the Aces alive. However, in spite of going 1-1-1 in the playoffs with a 3.17 GAA, the team was unable to hold up their end of the bargain on offense, leading to a loss in the EPHL finals that Neville surely can’t be blamed for.

In this exclusive interview, conducted before game two of the EPHL championship series, Neville talks about his long road to the pros and how he got some help along the way from some players you may have never expected.

As always, you can listen to the file here @

http://media.switchpod.com//users/patrickhickeyjr1/AcesOverBrooklynPodcastEddieNeville.mp3

Or, you can download the file to your I-Pod here @

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=294739484

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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In game one, Neville was one step ahead of Jersey goaltender and EPHL MVP Nick Niedert the entire night and played perhaps one of the biggest roles in the first playoff win in the franchise’s history.

Making 35 saves on 37 shots, it’s obvious that Neville wasn’t as busy as Niedert, but he made the big saves when he had to.

That’s all you ask a goaltender to do, especially in the playoffs.

However, much like the play of his entire team, Neville was never the same goaltender after the 25 minute stoppage in play by referee Mike Geoffrion in game two.

Through the first 104:26 of the series, Neville made 53 saves on 56 shots. Through the rest of the series, Neville gave up a whopping seven goals on only 47 shots. From these numbers alone, it’s obvious that something changed.

Some may say that the Aces lost their momentum. Others may say that Jersey took advantage of an opportunity and didn’t look back.

Either way you look at it however, Neville was in net and played a part in the eventual outcome of the series.

While the first two goals he gave up after that fracas had more to do with the Aces defense allowing Matt Tyree and Chris Ferazzoli access to prime real estate in the offensive zone, the second goal Tyree scored, just 13 seconds after Kyle McCullough gave the Aces the lead, was definitely one that charismatic goaltender should have stopped.

The same thing goes for the goal he gave up in overtime to Tom Boudreau goal in overtime that while being induced by sloppy defensive play behind the net, Neville had a perfect look at the shot.

In spite of that, it’s hard to bash a goaltender that takes two of the three games he plays into overtime and keeps it close enough to warrant an extra attacker for the last few minutes of the third game.

Simply put, if the Aces or any distraught fans are looking for a scapegoat in Neville, they should look somewhere else.

Grade- B+

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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If the Aces are to win again tonight and claim the EPHL championship, Neville will be asked to rise to the occasion once again.

“Eddie was the man tonight,” said Aces head coach Chris Firriolo after last night’s game. “New Jersey was dynamite tonight and made him work. It was one of the top three hockey games I’ve been a part of in the 14-years I’ve been involved in this sport. Neville was phenomenal.”

Speaking of phenomenal, the Aces “Red Line” of “Super” B.J. Kuper, Jesse Felten and Andrew Scampoli were also a big part of the team’s success, as they were aggressive on the forecheck, in the corners and weren’t scared to take shots on net. Of the Aces three forward lines, the Red Line produced 12 of the team’s 37 shots and drew several penalties with their hard work.

“That entire line was dynamite,” Firriolo said.

While Kuper and Scampoli obviously had their moments, Felten was on fire, registering seven shots on goal and showing the energy of a Jack Russell terrier in the corners.

“This was the Jessie Felten I knew we were getting when he came here this season,” said Firriolo. “He played an amazing game.”

However, things aren’t all peaches and cream for Brooklyn. New Jersey had its share of success last night as well and with Pat Serpico playing his best hockey of the season and Chris Ferazzoli back in the lineup, complimenting the already potent offensive trio of Kyle Bozoian, Matt Puntureri and Tom Boudreau, New Jersey has the potential of causing serious havoc in the Aces end if given an opportunity.

Firriolo is aware of this perhaps more than anyone and will absolutely remind his team to pay special attention while in their own end, limiting turnovers and any sort of breakdowns that could put them behind the eight ball.

“I told Alan [Aces owner Alan Friedman] after the third period that this game could go either way,” said Firriolo. “And it was going to be a shame for whoever lost.”

In order to ensure a victory, the Aces will have to continue to not only get the amazing goaltending they got from Neville last night, but will have to play top notch defense and get the likes of Kyle McCullough, Tony Resendes and Mike Christensen, three players who were noticeably absent from the scoresheet last night, a bit more involved. Three of the teams best offensive players this season, the three produced only nine shots and were a combined -2.

If they can get them going and can shutdown the Jersey offense, the Aces will claim the EPHL championship.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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According to the source, he suffered a strained neck and back. However, it is still unknown when he’ll be back in net for the Aces.

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“I think right now they’re just checking for a possible concussion and any spinal chord injury. Taking him off the ice on the stretcher was a precautionary measure. He was moving his hands and feet at that point, so it’s a good sign.”

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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On this day however, Aces goaltender Eddie Neville proved just how big his heart was, making 41 saves in what ended up as not only being the league’s first shutout, but perhaps the team’s biggest win of the season.

“I was seeing the puck well,” said Neville. “[Aces Assistant Coach] Rob Miller mentioned to me before the game that their hasn’t been a shutout yet this season. It got under my skin a little bit;  it was motivation and I knew that if I had to give up nothing to help this team win, I was going to do whatever it took.”

While there were no goals in the first period, it was raunchy one that featured a multitude of physical play, producing 38 penalty minutes between the two teams. Drew Madeiros alone accumulated 18 minutes in penalties during the period dropping the gloves with Matt McGilvray and Derek Kern. The only problem was the Brooklyn players didn’t drop theirs.

“Hockey is a game filled with passion and emotion,” said Aces head coach Chris Firriolo. “I think that what happens out there, happens. Both team’s played hard and came out with a lot of heart.”

Things continued that way through the second, but changed quickly after Aces captain C.J. Tozzo potted a shorthanded goal at 10:36 after a beautiful give and go with a little hesitation from Kyle McCullough to give Brooklyn a 1-0 lead. Danbury didn’t let up however and got even tougher. Nonetheless, they weren’t able to get anything past Neville, who was confident and poised in goal, making 21 saves through the first two periods.

Danbury’s problems on offense didn’t stop them from throwing the fists again however, as Erik Kent proceeded to punch Eric Frank several times in the face after the two were shoving behind the Danbury net. Again, the Brooklyn player involved did not drop his gloves. However, no fighting major was called.

“I feel beat,” said Frank after the game. “These guys are a pain in the neck to play against. We just realized that we didn’t want to go into the box for five minutes. It wasn’t an equal trade of for us. We wanted to stay on the ice. ”

The third period was just as intense as Danbury again dropped the gloves, this time as Obi Aduba not only boarded Kern, but also began pummeling him with his fists. Nevertheless, Aduba received a minor penalty for roughing, a major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct, but nothing for fighting. The Aces could not make the most of the powerplay however, as the game was deadlocked at 1-0.

Things then got furry over the last 30 seconds as Brooklyn defenseman Chris Robinson went to the penalty box for cross checking. Danbury goaltender Derek MacIntyre was already at the bench at that point, giving the Mad Hatters a two-man advantage the rest of the game.

Neville then rose to the occasion once again for Brooklyn, making a barrage of saves and ensuring a much needed 1-0 win.

Securing the first shutout in EPHL history, Neville looked nothing like the stressed out goaltender he was yesterday. Winning the team’s first game since Jan. 29, Neville was happier to play as big a part in the team’s win as he did.

“Tonight we were on the same page,” he said. “We bought into the team concept. It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win. It feels good.”

Notes-

Not one fighting major was called in the game.

The Aces powerplay was unsuccessful in seven opportunities.

Kern racked up 20 minutes in penalties to lead both teams.

Attendance for the game was 1,098.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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Danbury defenseman Dan Hickman led off the scoring at 1:19 of the first, scoring his tenth goal of the season. Chlanda scored his first goal of the season just 3:49 later and a B.J. Kuper powerplay tally at 15:28 gave Brooklyn their first lead of the night. 28 seconds later, a Jesse Felten Marker put the Aces up 3-1.

After a scoreless second period, the Mad Hatters got right back into the game after an Erik Kent goal, his 14th of the season, making it a one-goal game. Scoring just 18 seconds in, Danbury had almost a whole period to get back in the game, but never did. An Eric Frank shorthanded goal at 9:45 made it a two-goal game once again at 4-2.

Danbury then tried to pull goaltender Derek MacIntyre [16 saves on 20 shots] to get back into it, but Tozzo scored the empty-netter that clinched the game and a 5-2 Aces win.

Now 23-2-2 for the season, the Aces are 19 points ahead of the New Jersey Rockhoppers and 23 points in front of Danbury for first place in the league.

Notes-

Tozzo had 10 of the Aces 20 shots on the night.

Aces leading scorer Kyle McCullough missed his first game of the season after suffering a lower body injury against the New Jersey Rockhoppers.

Aces goaltender Eddie Neville mad 26 saves on 28 shots for his tenth win of the season.

The Aces other recent additions, Robinson and Derek Kern, also had an assist apiece.

Aces defenseman Doug Hoffman was a +3 to lead all skaters.

Attendance for the game was 1,170.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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However, no one could have planned for Recicar and a host of injuries to engulf the Aces defense core, which has forced forwards Mike Thomson and Ian McLoughlin to help out on the blue line. With that being said, as the season has progressed, it’s fair to say that the expectations on Neville were lessened a tad, especially with the Brooklyn offense producing every night, giving whoever is in net a much bigger margin for error than he could have had otherwise. Because of the way the Aces’ offense has played this season, some may even think the Aces could get away with having a mediocre goaltender in net every night.

In spite of those thoughts though, Neville has been the backbone of an Aces team that continues to rise above every adversity this season and a key reason why they continue to win with only three natural defensemen in the lineup over their past few games.

“I look at it as my job,” said Neville, who has refused to make excuses this season and has consistently stuck by his defense. “It’s my job to cover up for mistakes. I’m the last line of defense. That’s what I’m here for.”

As of Dec. 28, Neville ranks first in the league with eight wins, a 2.91 GAA and a .916 save percentage. Based on those numbers alone, it’s easy to see how much he has meant to the Aces this season.

“He’s been great,” said Aces coach Chris Firriolo. “He’s been our backstop for most of the season because of Miro’s injury. You can only ask for your goaltender to keep his goals against at about 2.50 and his save percentage at, or over .900 and he’s done just that and more this season. He gives us a chance to win every night.”

In spite of his numbers that clearly indicate his place amongst the goaltenders in the EPHL however, Neville’s best quality may be his mindset.

Ready for whatever may come on the ice over the rest of the season, Neville is prepared to step up his game and continue to be a driving force in the team’s success.

“I think as the season goes on, teams are going to continue to get better,” he said. “We get to play each other quite a bit and because of that, we’re learning more and more about one another. It’s going to make things interesting down the road.”

That willingness to continue to get better Neville feels, combined with the players in the Brooklyn locker room that share that same sentiment, may produce an end result to the season that many fans will be happy about come March.

“First place,” Neville said. “ We have such a good group of guys. Everybody gets along. This team is a small group of guys and we really rely on each other. Of all the teams I’ve been on, this team has that sense of togetherness the most. All we have is each other.”

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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Powered by a three-goal second period, the Eddie Neville-powered Aces [28 saves] forgot about all their bumps and bruises and played one of their most complete games of the season, beating the Rockhoppers 4-2.

Their first win since Dec. 11, the Aces are back in the win column and are ready to continue their reign of dominance atop the EPHL.

“We kept battling,” said Aces head coach Chris Firriolo. “We played smart. It was a great win; we needed it. Our whole defense was great tonight and so was Neville. I thought he was our MVP.”

The first period was an action-packed affair, with both teams each registering 13 shots on goal. Both Neville and New Jersey goaltender Nick Niedert were on their games early on as well, making several solid saves. With 35.3 seconds remaining in the first however, New Jersey broke the stalemate on a Tom Boudreau goal that gave them a 1-0 lead going into the second period.

“Neville played well,” said Aces forward James Brannigan. “He watched his rebounds and gave us a chance to win. We’re all happy with the way he played.”

After failing to capitalize on several scoring chances in the first, the Aces came into the second period a rejuvenated team and got a goal from “Super” B.J. Kuper in traffic at 1:55 that tied the score. Just 54 seconds later, the Aces got the lead after Brannigan scored his league-leading 18th goal of the season on assists from linemates Kyle McCollaugh and C.J. Tozzo. Mike Christensen extended the Aces lead to 3-1 at 9:09 on a beautiful passing play with Chris Holmes in transition that put Brooklyn in the drivers seat.

“We went into the room after the first and really got chewed out by our coach,” said Kuper. “This isn’t the first time that we’ve come out flat either, so we talked about it and decided to come together and we did. We played as a team and everyone fed off each other.”

At 14:42, New Jersey got a freebie after an errant pass by Logan Bittle deflected off of Aces defenseman Doug Hoffman’s skate and past Neville that put the Rockhoppers within one. The goal did nothing to inspire either team though, as the score remained 3-2 going into the final period.

With a one-goal lead in the third Neville shined, making solid save after solid save. With just 1:23 left, Christensen potted his second goal of the night, putting the game away at 4-2.

“A lot of us felt good tonight,” said Christensen. “Everybody knew we had to have energy tonight. The defense got it done and we knew what we had to do. We knew we couldn’t lose three in a row and we came out tonight with what we lacked in our previous two.”

With the win, the Aces have also stretched their first place lead to nine points, but know that now is not the time to rest on their laurels.

“They were phenomenal,” said Firriolo. “But we have to get some rest and get ready for Danbury on Tuesday night.”

Notes-

The game started at 8:10 after a half hour delay, which was caused after a Brannigan shot in warmups hit off the cross bar and ended up breaking a pipe above the rink. The result was a lagoon on the Aces side of the ice that needed to be tended to.

“I’ve never seen anything like that before,” said Aces forward Jesse Felten. “It’s definitely a story to tell people.”

After just one game with the Aces, it appears the Tom Collingham’s tenure with the team appears to be over, as the blue-liner wasn’t in the lineup last night.

“We’ll have to see what happens,” said Firriolo. “It was more of an emergency type of thing, but we may see him again at some point this season.”

As a result, the quartet of Hoffman, Nick Grove, Mike Richards and Ian McLoughlin were double shifted throughout the game, while forward Mike Thomson chipped in on the blue line as well.

Eric Frank drew an assist on Kuper’s goal, giving him a point in his Aces debut.

Grove went down with an injury at the end of the first with an apparent groin injury and returned at the 8:00 mark of the second.

Injury update-

Aces forward Tony Resendes will be out for six to eight weeks with a third degree sprain of his MCL.

Video-

The result of Brannigan’s wrister in warmups.

Photos by Ron Hatcher and Patrick Hickey Jr.

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For the season, Neville has a 4-1 record and a 2.07 GAA in five games with Brooklyn.

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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Nevertheless, in spite of his recent struggles, [which had him going scoreless over his past two games] after Mike Thomson, C.J. Tozzo and James Brannigan all came up empty-handed in the shootout last Saturday against Danbury, Firriolo looked down his bench and figured Felten was due.

Scoring the game-winning goal in the shootout to give the Aces their sixth consecutive victory soon after, the move obviously paid off.

Coming through in the clutch, Firriolo sees the moment as a turning point for the winger, who will be counted on as the season progresses.

“I wouldn’t say he was slumping before, he was just in a bit of a funk. It happens to everybody at one point in the season” he said. “During the shootout though, I looked down the bench and I knew he was a guy that could help us. I think that goal was a step in the right direction for him and a big confidence booster.”

One of the fastest players in the league, Felten’s game is all about speed. Nonetheless, his passion and enthusiasm is the corners and on the penalty kill this season have drawn rave-reviews from his coach.

Drawing comparisons to players the likes of Jason Blake and Brian Gionta in his short tenure as an Ace, he’s always noticeable and is never without a spark, even when Felten is off his game.

That’s one reason why Firriolo isn’t worried about the speedster’s production.

“He works so hard on the ice,” Firriolo said. “A guy his size isn’t supposed to be as strong as he is in the corners and every night, he surprises me. Every night, regardless of if he scores or not, the effort is always there and it’s always contagious. It’s just a matter of time until things start to go his way more often.”

Already one of the top forwards in the league, Firriolo sees Felten as something truly special and doesn’t feel that his play over the team’s first nine games is even close to being indicative of his true skill.

“I think he can be one of the most dominant forwards in this league,” Firriolo said. “With his speed, energy and talent, I think that as the season goes on, people are going to see a much different player out there. I think he has the power to take over a game if he wants to.”

Notes-

In other news, according to the team’s official website, Aces goaltender Eddie Neville has been called up the the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL [the AA affiliate of the Ottawa Senators]. In five games with Brooklyn this season, Neville has a 4-1 record with 2.07 GAA. He will be in the lineup for the Jackals when they take on the Florida Everblades on Wednesday.

Also, it appears that Aces defenseman Andrew Scampoli is headed to Holland. According to a message board posting on IntotheBoards.net, Scampoli, the team’s second leading-scorer among defensemen is on his way abroad, but may return to the team in a few months. The message was soon confirmed by someone saying they were Scampoli, who had nothing but good things to say about the organization, but was eager to prove himself in Europe.

“From my conversations with key people in the Aces organization, when I come back in late February, I believe I will have an opportunity to try and get my spot back, and I hope that is the case.”

You can view the board here: http://intotheboards.net/vbforums/showthread.php?t=21735

Photos by Ron Hatcher and Patrick Hickey Jr.

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Why exactly? Three letters explain it all: B…M…T.

Combining for 12 points on the night, the Aces “BMT line” of James Brannigan, Kyle McCollaugh and and C.J. Tozzo, proved the New Jersey goaltender’s game of the year performance two weeks ago was simply a mirage, shredding both Niedert and the Rockhoppers defense to bits in a more than convincing 8-2 win.

“These guys are on fire right now,” said Aces coach Chris Firriolo. “They’re definitely a top line in this league.”

After a short-feeling out process by both team’s that included several solid saves by Niedert and Brooklyn goaltender Eddie Neville, McCollaugh, the team’s leading assist man, proved he could do a lot more than pass, scoring on a surreptitious one-timer after a beautiful backhand pass from behind the net from Aces leading scorer Brannigan at 11:31, giving them a 1-0 lead.

However, the lead didn’t last very long. At 14:21 Russell Spence got the Rockhoppers back in the game, scoring after a New Jersey penalty had expired, tying the game at 1-1. The resilient Aces wasted no time getting back in the game, as McCollaugh scored his second of the night on a beautiful deflection after a Tozzo shot from the point at 16:34 that gave Brooklyn a 2-1 lead going into the second period.

“I’ve been working hard,” said McCollaugh. “The assists have been coming, but I know I can shoot too.”

Holding down a one-goal lead early in the second, Brannigan, McCollaugh and Tozzo struck again at 6:40 after McCollaugh notched his third goal of the night and his first hat-trick as a pro. With the Aces offense beginning to take control, Neville, who had 39 saves on the night, got stronger in net as well, stopping several would-be scoring opportunities.

“They outplayed us in the first period,” Firriolo said. “Eddie Neville kept us in this game and to me, he’s the star of this game. If it wasn’t for him, I think the outcome could have been much different.”

Up 3-1 going into the third, Brannigan and his linemates continued to shine, as JB scored two goals through the first 51 seconds of the final period. At 2:45, Tozzo got jealous of his linemates and scored his first goal of the night, shorthanded no less, on an impressive one-handed deke move that put Brooklyn up 6-1. The Aces weren’t done hitting the back of the net however, as Mike Christensen scored on the powerplay at 10:47 to give the Aces their third consecutive game with seven goals under their belt. Mike Thomson took it one step further at 11:46, as he slipped a backhand past Niedert, making it a seven-goal game.

Chad Wilcox and Tozzo both got in scraps with New Jersey soon after, as the reality of an embarrassing loss began to settle in. However, the fisticuffs did provide New Jersey with a temporary lift. At 13:45, a Drew Sanders goal cut the Brooklyn lead to 8-2, but that was all the offense the Rockhoppers could muster.

“I feel like from top to bottom, this team has played really well,” said Tozzo. “We work really hard in practice and that has turned into success on the ice during games.”

Now 5-1 through their first six games this season, the Aces are sitting pretty atop the EPHL standings, possessing the leagues best offense and goaltender. Confident in the direction they’re going this season, Brooklyn feels they are beginning to understand what it takes to dominate.

“The offensive production is one thing, but everyone is contributing,” said Tozzo. “From Wilcox beating up guys and B.J Kuper killing penalties. We’re really working together now.”

Notes-

Before the game, Aces Over Brooklyn got word that agitator and Bensonhurst-native Jerry Cardinale was waived by the team and picked up by the Hudson Valley Bears. The roster moves didn’t end there however, as team captain Dan Rohanna was traded to Hudson Valley as well. 20-year-old forward Tony Resendes joined the team from the SPHL last night and notched an assist on Tozzo’s shorthanded tally.

With Rohanna’s departure, Wilcox is now the Aces team captain.

Video-

C.J. Tozzo and Chad Wilcox vs New Jersey

Photos by Ron Hatcher. Video by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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