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New York Apple Core Junior B CHA |
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As Of March 22nd,2009 |
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Guns Shoot Blanks In Pittsburgh Finals tournament Finish Fourth in CHA The Apple Core Young Guns fresh from the two game sweep in the play down rounds in Philly the week before headed to Pittsburgh PA. for the finals of the CHA Jr. B league and a chance for the number two spot for Nationals. The Guns in the first game faced the Moose the number one seed at the Finals loaded with former EJHL and older players the Guns came out smoking and jumped out to a three nothing lead five minutes into the game, on goals from the from Guns hottest trio Paul Molinari and Rob Dorgan, from Freely sandwiched by Craig Halpin from Freely and Scall. Coach Carroll after the third Core goal reminded the team that “We play three twenty minute periods and that NO TEAM in the playoffs is going to stop playing five minutes into a game”. The Guns chased the Moose starting goalie out of the game and quickly went after the new tender who made two big saves and changed the momentum of the game. The Moose scored one power play goal and two even strength goals to tie the game at three after one. The Moose with the some of the leading scorers quickly added two more goals to open a five to three margin half way into the second, and took a five three advantage into the third period. The Core players between periods did some soul searching and came out with some fire in the third and scored a quick goal by Paul Molinari from Dorgan and Halpin to close the gap, but the Moose again on the power play scored Four goals in a row to put the game out of reach, on some questionable calls by the Officials in a one goal game in the playoffs in the third period.
The Core still with a chance to take the last spot for Nationals and to play for the Championship in the Tournament faced the Springfield PICS Saturday the number two seed in the Tournament and a team the Guns had trouble with all year. The troubles continued with the Pics as the Springfield team scored two goals in the first, two in the second and two in the third (Four of the Six) on the power play which was the number two in the league just buried the Core. The lone goal by Rock Steady All Star defenseman Craig Halpin from Mike Tsaskin and Mike Leprine. The Core despite the two losses could still reach the finals as the Maple Leafs beat the Pics the night before and the Moose beat the Leafs. The Core going into the final game of the tournament would have their hands full as they lost two players from the Springfield game, Ryan Carroll with an ankle injury, Lucas Kawa with an upper body injury and two other players now with the Flu bug.
Game three again found the Core in the Red away jersey’s and the red was an appropriate color as this game found the Guns in trouble and down six nothing half way into the second period. The Core roared back with the never quit attitude with three goals by Dominick Rullo from Tim Genova and Ryan Dermody ( as it turned out played his last Junior game), Rob Dorgan from Bill Freely then Paul Molinari from Freely again to give the Guns life going into the third period. That life was soon lost as the Leafs eventual winners of the CHA Championship (Beating the Moose in the final game) And second seed for Nationals added three more goals to end the YOUNG GUNS remarkable season.
Coach Carroll after the Game was talking about how far this team had come from the time it was picked and losing almost all the pre-season games against established teams and sending shock waves through the league with the 7-0 start beating teams that walked over them last season.. Coach Carroll reminded the team that until this weekend they played many games without their full roster with the Empire call ups and the injuries right from the first game this team was short handed, but competitive and in almost every game. The team had two All Stars Rob Dorgan and Craig Halpin and could have five or six go to New Hampshire All Star Game. The Guns had two players in the top ten in scoring for the league Rob Dorgan and Bill Freely, goalies Jim Georgas most minutes played and a great saves percentage and Brian Burchman also in the top of the league with save percentage and shutouts, the team came a long long way from where it began and has nothing to be ashamed of it was a Great Season.
The Coaches Ron Scall and Tom Carroll asked to again send out thanks to all the people who helped make this season such a success. Tom Leprine, for taking all the video and still pictures and Joanne for making all the copies of the video and running around getting the prints of pictures To Carol Halpin and Terry Genova for running and sometimes last minute drives to get the new equipment and warm-ups not only for our team but for the EJHL team and the Empire team, thanks for the time and always being their when asked. Thanks to Mark Gobetz and Phil Burchman for keeping the score and time at all the Guns home games. A special thanks to The EJ Head Coach Chris Cosentino for letting the Guns take the EJ locker room for the remainder of the season and all through the playoffs. THANKS for a GREAT SEASON GOOD LUCK at tryouts hope to see everybody there!
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As Of March 11th,2009 |
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GUNS OFF TO FINAL FOUR CHA LEAGUE FINALS
The Apple Core Young Guns have moved to the next level, with a two game sweep of the Frederick Freeze in Bethlehem PA. The Guns are headed to the Final Four Playoffs in Pittsburgh. Apple Core defeated the Frederick Freeze the first of the three game series with a 7-1 blow out on Saturday. The tone of this game was set early as Captain Ryan Carroll on the first shift of game crushed three Frederick Freeze to create turnovers and scoring opportunities for line mates Lucas Kawa one goal and Alex Caruso one assist. The Guns first goal came on the power play by Ryan Scall from Craig Halpin and the Guns were smoking. The Core out shot the Freeze 12 to 4 in the first and added goals by Rob Dorgan from Bill Freely and John Novak from Caruso and Rullo (one goal one assist). The Core added three more tallies by Dom Rullo unassisted off a play created by a Genova body check that set the whole play up, then Paulie Molinari from Bill Freely (2assist night). The Core not done got a goal from Anthony Policastro from Mike Tsaskin before the Freeze broke the shut out bid by Jimmy Georgas. Apple Core held the Freeze to under twenty shots to take the first game. Coach Carroll always tells his players that if you can keep the other team under twenty shots you have a great chance to win the game.
Game two had a whole different feel as both teams were tight and the play was sloppy and mostly at center ice, half way through the period on a turnover in the defensive end the Freeze took a one nothing lead and gave them life and put the Guns on their heals. The Freeze lead did not last long as the Guns fired back three minute later on a quick one timer goal by Alex Caruso from Ambrose Plante (just back from the side lines) and the two teams ended 1-1 after one period. The Guns scored first at the mid-way point of the second and never trailed again off another goal by Ryan Scall from Ryan Dermody and Lucas Kawa, and gave the Guns a power play on a slash after the goal was scored. On the ensuing power play (Core 4h best in the regular season) converted when Paul Moliinari scored from Rob Dorgan .The Guns again scored when Dom Rullo roofed one on the short side off wing to make it 4 to 1. The Core scoring four unanswered goals until the Freeze broke through on the power play to cut the lead in half. The Guns came out hard in the third like game one and added another goal three minutes in by Rob Dorgan from Ryan Dermody to open the three goal lead. The Freeze who did not quit came back and scored to again cut the lead to two, and pressed in the third as they out shot the Guns in the third 15 to 11. The Guns with a little more than two minute left scored an empty netted by Alex Caruso to seal the victory and the trip to Pittsburgh, to have a chance to win the League Championship and a National bid. The Pittsburgh final four is a Round Robin Tournament with the Moose, Mass Maple Leafs and the Springfield Jr. Pics.
SPENT SHELLS The Guns want to congratulate the Empire team on its National playoff Berth.
Coach Carroll would like to thank all the parents who have stepped up to make this a very successful season. Special thanks to Tom Leprine for all his hard work and sacrifice taping our home and some away games as well as taking the team picture, Tom also made copies of all the game tapes and distributed them to whoever asked thanks Tom Leprine.. Thanks to Mr. Gobetz, Mr. Burchman and Mark DeBernardo Sr. for the time keeping and scoring at all our home games
Special thanks to Terry Genova and Carol Halpin for all the running around picking up warm-ups and uniforms not only for the Guns but for the entire Organization
Mr. Molinari for
taking care of the Boys at all the team functions and being a
chauffer to anybody who needed and ride Including Paulie (I’m
the Boss cause I have a hat that says so ) Jr. |
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As Of March 10th,2009 |
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Guns Head to Bethlehem PA After Home Stand Sweep
The Apple Core Young Guns after a two game sweep of the Virginia Express at the Core’s last home stand of the 2008 / 2009 season at Long Beach are headed to Bethlehem PA.. The Guns swept the Virginia Express this past weekend and for the season series out scored the Express 11 to 3 in the last home stand at the Arena at Long Beach. The Guns on Saturday beat the Express 6-2 on goals by Anthony Policastro, Ryan Dermody, Bill Freely, Lucas Kawa and two by Ryan Carroll. The Guns Dom Rullo had a three assist night and assists by Joe Ditizio, James Moyer returning “D” Mike Leprine and Paul Molinari each helped in the scoring. Game two had the Core on Sunday finish out the season at home on a high note as they defeated the Express 5-1 on goals by Bill Freely, Tim Genova, Lucas Kawa and two by Paul Molinari, also helping to make the last home game a success by chipping in with assists were Craig Halpin, Mike Leprine and two by Ryan Scall. The team played strong in front of Jim Georgas who got the call both days as Brian Burchman hurt in Philly the weekend before was side lined and nursing a lower body injury. The Apple Core coaching staff was happy with the play of the team bouncing back from the two losses in Philly one in OT the week before. Coach Scall said it was a big weekend as we get ready for the playoffs”you never want to enter the playoffs on a losing streak”. Strong play by Mike Tsaskin playing “D” has really chipped in from the back line, Alex Caruso, Lucas Kawa, Ryan Dermody and Dom Rullo all late season additions to the team have helped make the season be a success. The Young Guns all contributed in big ways and have helped the season be successful with all the manpower losses during the season with nagging injuries the team came together and all had a hand in it.
The Guns will be heading to Bethlehem P..A. to meet the Frederick Freeze for the first round of playoffs at the Steel City Center for a best of three match up. The Core during the regular season swept the Freeze all four games but as Coach Carroll told the team the playoffs are a new season and you throw out what happened in the regular season, every team has the same record 0 – 0 everybody starts fresh and anything can happen. The staff has constantly reminded the team not to be over confident and continue to work hard and play the last three weeks of the season as if it were the playoffs.
Good Luck in Bethlehem P.A.
SPENT SHELLS Welcome back to Ambrose Plante who is now eligible to play for the playoffs and a quicker recovery to Andrew Tchekalenkov the team forgets what you look like Hurry back! Good Luck to the Empire team! |
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As Of February 26th,2009 |
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YOUNG GUNS CLINCH PLAYOFF BERTH ! The Apple Core Young Guns with their sweep of the Frederick Freeze and split with the Jr. Penguins have clinched Fourth Place and a PLAYOFF Berth.
The GUNS will head to Bethlehem PA for the first round off playoff March 7th and 8th their opponent not yet settled as the remaining teams are close and battling for the last two spots. The Guns trying to land the third seed but came up short with the two losses in Philly this past weekend.
CONGRATULATIONS and GOOD LUCK on the rest of the JOURNEY
GO GUNS !!!!!!!!
Guns split with Penguins
After the two game sweep of the Frederick Freeze the Guns loaded up the bus and headed to Pittsburgh for two against the birds. The first game the Guns came out fast taking a one nothing lead three minutes into the first game on a goal by Paul Molinari his first of FIVE goals, from Jimmy Moyer and Mitch Camarda. The lead didn’t last long as the Penguins tied the score two and a half minutes later off run and gun hockey. The Young Guns answered back on two more goals by Paulie Molinari, one on the power play from Craig Halpin and Rob Dorgan, the other a short hander assisted by John Novak, those two have become a very strong penalty killing duo. The Core took that three one lead into the second which became four as Rob Dorgan got another short handed goal assisted by Bill Freely to open a three goal lead. The Core opened a four goal lead on a Ryan Carroll goal from Lucas Kawa and Alex Caruso and the Core was running away. A penalty in the offensive zone gave the Penguins life as they scored a power play goal and started to come on as they added another on the power play to close the gap too two. The Core got the three goal lead back on a power play of their own as Paul Molinari added his fourth of the game from Tsaskin and Dorgan and again the Guns were flying high. The Penguins again on the power play scored to close the gap, but Ryan Dermody opened the lead to three from Alex Caruso and Mitch Camarda. The Guns ended their scoring as Paul Molinari netted his fifth goal of the game from John Novak and Mark Gobetz, the Penguins added a late goal with two minutes left but the boys survived the bus legs and took the first game 8 to 5 with Georgas getting the victory.
The rubber match Sunday morning didn’t turn out the same as the Guns came in a little cocky and forgot to tell the Penguins. The Penguins fighting for a playoff spot came out hard building on the late game goal from Saturday and opened a four goal first period lead which the Guns never recovered from,as the Guns fell 6 to 3 in the rubber match which made for a long Bus trip home with Coaches Carroll and Scall as they both warned the team that the Penguins were not going to lie down they were playing to make the playoffs. Apple Core goals by Craig Halpin from Freely to start the second and another quick Core tally by Bill Freely from Rob Dorgan on the power play gave the Core some life but not for long as the Penguins answered right back a late goal by Tim Genova from Alex Caruso and Lucas Kawa made it seem closer than it was but the Core took the split and hopefully a lesson not to take teams light the next day.
Young Guns SWEEP FREEZE
The Young Guns headed South to Frederick for a two game series with the Freeze after a split with the Moose. The Guns took the ice Sat January 31st and came out blazing to take the first of two games four to one backed by strong Goal tending by Jimmy Georgas. The Core fell behind one nothing to the Freeze in the first period and some strong goaltending by Georgas kept the Guns in the game until they got their legs going. The Freeze took a one to nothing lead into the third period but the Guns came out smoking in this period and scored four unanswered goals, the first by Mark DeBernardo form Canadian import Lucas Kawa and Dom Rullo to tie the game. The second goal came two minutes later on the power play by Craig Halpin from Mark DeBernardo to take the lead for good. Paul Molinari added two of his own, one on the power play from Bill Freely and Halpin the other unassisted to close out the scoring and the four to one Guns win.
Game two on Sunday morning turned out to be a shoot out with the two teams totaling 79 shots on multiple power plays by both teams. The Guns opened the scoring on a power play goal from Bill Freely assisted by Paul Molinari and Rob Dorgan. The Freeze came right back and tied the score two minutes later and the two teams ended the first tied. Guns Goalie Brian Burchman playing in the second game of the weekend came under fire for about five minutes and the Guns fell behind five minutes into the second. The Core answered back on the power play to tie off a nice goal by Alex Caruso from Dom Rullo and Mark DeBernardo, the teams went into the third tied. The Core fell behind off a soft goal via the turnover in the defensive end one minute into the third. The Core came back as Mike Tsaskin again tied the score for the Guns off the rush from Tim Genova and Craig Halpin, but again the Guns were down as five minutes later the Freeze again took the lead. The Core then fired off three straight to take the lead for good Alex Caruso adding two more for the HAT TRICK from Dom Rullo twice and Craig Halpin and Debenardo again one on the power play, then Lucas Kawa netted what turned out to be the game winner from Mike Tsaskin and Dom Rullo who had the four assist night. The Core defense had a shaky game defensively but made up for it in the Freeze end of the ice, Mark DeBernardo had a two point night as did Craig Halpin and Mike Tsaskin both with a goal and an assist. Solid penalty killing by John Novak, Tim Genova, Ryan Dermody, Alex Caruso and Ryan Scall helped the Guns sweep the Freeze. Next up for the Young Guns a bus trip the play the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins
as the Core head to the playoffs. Spent Shells Looks like the Guns will be getting Mike Leprine back from his Ankle injury which will help shore up the Core “D” Quick recoveries to Andrew Tchekalenkov ,Ryan Carroll and Ambrose Plante all recovering from injuries and hopefully ready to play soon
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As of February 10th, 2009 |
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Applecore
Empire Team Knocking on On Saturday February 7 the Empire team led by Zach Lokeys 3 goals and 1 assist placed the team in a tie for the Divisional first place with Tri State. Zach’s performance was not the only spark that ignited the team, Frank Saad added tremendous amount of energy with two goals and assist followed by Scott Witmyers scoring his first goal as a member of the team. Mike Iacono, Mike Cambria contributed with assists and Bobbie Amrhein had his first point (assist) as a new member of the team. Strong Play by Matt Kavanagh, Rob Molinaro, Mike Mascaro, Mike Brennan, Captain Steve Romano, Dillon Scarpato and Marcus Mitchell made this all happen. Applecore entered the third period up 4-1, with two quick power play goals Tri State brought the score to 4-3, Applecore struggled trying to regain the momentum and found them selves in a 4-4 tie. With 1:25 left in regulation game time Applecore on a power play, Scott Witmeyer pounded in the go ahead goal and 39 seconds later Zach Lokey blasted a shot that sealed the victory 6-4 over Tri State. When the dust settled not only did the team come back strong but the maturity and stellar performance of goal tender Zach Gomiela was un measureable assisted with the help of his Defensemen Kevin Kavangh, Chris Joseph, Mike Iacono, Mike Smith and Kyle Zelanka. Sunday February 8, turned out to be a different story, with the flu bug going thru the team Bill Pascalli made a valiant effort getting back into the line up. But Captain Steve Romano was at the peak stage of the flu and was unable to compete. Number of players where feeling the effects and it showed in their performance. Applecore began the first period behind 1-0 and then at the 8 minute mark tied the game 1-1 with Scott Witmyers second goal as a member which was assisted by Mike Cambria and Marcus Mitchell. That would be all Applecore would be able to add. The final Tri State 6 – Applecore 1 Tri State regain first place but has played three more games than Applecore. Captain Kevin Kavangh and Steve Romano have took it upon them selves to assure that a Healthy Applecore team will take over First place for keeps in the upcoming weeks. Apple Sauce: To Henry Lazar our Leader, Friend and Mentor Our Prayers are with you and we feel for your Loss. The team is ready to move forward with your return. Tuesday Defensemen Andrew Balzafiore and Jesse Trap will be back off the injured list. Eat right, take a lot of Vitamin C and lets’ get this flu bug out of here. |
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As of February 9th, 2009 |
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Young Guns Split with Moose The Young Guns headed to Abe Stark to play the Metro Fighting Moose, one of the Top teams in the CHA after the All Star Game break. The ‘Core playing without some key players missing from the weekend in Mass and Rob Dorgan getting called up to the Empire Team. The Guns came out flying and pinned the Moose in their zone getting three (3) goals on fourteen shots. The first Core goal by Tim Genova from Bill Freely seven minutes into the game, the second three minutes later by Anthony Policastro from John Novak. The new addition to the Guns Lucas Kawa came in with Guns Blazing netting his first Core goal in his first game from Alex Caruso to close out the first three to zip. The second period the Moose came out with a mission beating Core tender Jimmy Georgas four minutes in to cut the lead to 3 to 1 the Core came right back with a Power Play Goal by Anthony Policatro netting his second of the game from Tim Genova and Mike Tsaskin. The Moose kept firing rubber at Georgas from all angles finally getting their second and last goal of the game. The third period was scoreless although the Moose fired another barrage of shots at the Core net for a game total of fifty. Solid play by Ryan Scall and Mark DeBernardo helped seal the victory for the Guns. Coach Scall said after the game the goaltender Georgas said he was not going to let up another goal in the third and he came through. Coach Carroll stated that Anthony Policastro, Jim Moyer as well as Mitch “Knuckles” Camarda all had their best games of the season at a time when the team needed it the most, the two teams took the ice the next day.
The rubber match on Sunday saw a totally different game as the two teams accumulated forty penalties, as the older Moose team came out hitting and trying to make the Guns back down, which did not work and caused the Guns to play the first period almost completely a man down. The Moose scored on a five on three to take the lead but never looked back as the Young Guns shot themselves in the foot with the rash of penalties. Coach Carroll after the game said that the Guns fell into the trap today that the Moose fell into on Saturday and the special team play won the game. The Core lost 6-2 with the Moose netting four in the first, two on the power play. The Guns goal by Dom Rullo from Freely and Tsaskin, gave the Core some life but a quick goal by the Moose on a turn over that beat Georgas playing back to back games was all the Moose needed in this one. Bill Freely netted another power play goal from Tim Genova and Mike Tsaskin but it was too late the game was over.
Next up for the Guns a trip to Frederick Maryland to meet the Freeze
Spent Shells Mike Leprine is now off crutches and was at the game in Brooklyn Thanks to Mr. Leprine for video taping and making the copies for all the players who have requested game copies Quick mend to Ambrose Plante who did not get off the track when the train came into the station. Quick mend to Alex Tchekalenkov who caught a different train at the same station Welcome to the Young Guns Lucas Kawa who netted his first in his first game with the Guns |
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As of January 27th, 2009 |
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Young Guns Send 2 To All Star Game
The Apple Core Young guns were well represented at the Annual CHA All Star game by Defensemen Craig Halpin and High Scoring forward Rob Dorgan, also selected for the event was Head Coach Tom Carroll. The three headed to New Hampshire after the road games in Mass. The Boys played well in their first Junior All Star event, getting both their names on the score sheet of the winning National team and also Rob Dorgan finishing second out of sixteen in the most accurate shooter event, in the Skills competition which the National team almost swept.
Congratulations to all three see picture on the CHA site from the weekend great job boys!
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As of January 27th, 2009 |
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GUNS HEAD NORTH The Young Guns headed north after the two game home sweep of the New Hampshire Monarchs at Long Beach Arena 8-5 on Saturday Jan, 10th and 10-4 Sunday Jan 11th , to play the Mass Maple Leafs. The 'Core got two goals from Rob Dorgan who also had two assists, other Core players contributing to the victory on Saturday were Alex Caruso, Paul Molinari, Tim Genova, Andrew Tchekalenkov, Mark DeBernardo and Bill Freely. The rest of the scoring assists came from Ryan Carroll, John Novak, Craig Halpin and Anthony Policastro each with one point. Game two saw the Dorgan, Freely, Paul Molinari line have a THIRTEEN 13 point Sunday with Molinari getting the hat trick and Freely and Dorgan netting two each. Dorgan having the big night with a six point night, Bill Freely added two assists for a four point night. The Guns rounded out the scoring on goals by Dominick Rullo’s two goal night from Ryan Carroll and Mark DeBernardo who had a three assist night, John Novak added one from Tim Genova and Mike Tsaskin. The Guns were back on the playoff trail.
The trip started in a small snow storm that got worse as the Core got closer to Massachusetts the snow storm reached about 10 inches. The first game on Saturday left the Core on the short end of the snow shovel 6-4. Newest Young Gun Dominick Rullo open the scoring from Mark DeBernardo, the Guns scoring on the power play two minutes later on a goal by Ryan Carroll, from Craig Halpin and Ryan Scall made it seem like the Guns would cruise to victory. The Leafs on a five on three power play came with in one on their power play, but the Core came right back with a power play tally by John Novak again from Craig Halpin and Ryan Scall. The Leafs came back and again came within one with two minutes left in the period. The second period put the Guns on their heals and the Leafs scored three unanswered goals to take the lead going into the third. The third period started with the Guns on the penalty kill again and again they failed to stop the Leafs. Apple Core made it respectable with an unassisted power play goal by Bill Freely to end the scoring.
Game two of the weekend found Ryan Dermody back in the line-up which gave the Guns another seasoned player to give the Guns added experience up front along with Dominic Rullo who was just added. The Guns fell behind late in a hard fought period giving the Leafs some momentum heading into the second. Again a hard fought period with only one goal scored, this time by the Guns John Novak on the power play on a great play set up by Rob Dorgan, and the teams headed into the third tied at one. The Core jumped out to the lead which they never gave back on a goal by Rob Dorgan started by goalie Jim Geoargas who found Bill Freely who fed Dorgan two to one Core. Rob Dorgan struck again on the power play from Craig Halpin and Bill Freely to open a two goal lead midway through the third. The Leafs came back and made it real interesting for the finish by scoring a shorthanded goal with a little more than seven minutes left. The Boys held on and took a split and ended the season series two and two against a much older and seasoned team. Coach Carroll was a little disappointed with the split as he felt the team was much better than the Leafs and they should have taken two.
The All Star Game was held the Monday after the Leafs games in New Hampshire hosted by the Monarchs. Apple Core wants to congratulate Craig Halpin and Rob Dorgan for being selected to their first All Star game also selected was Coach Carroll as the assistant Coach of the National team congratulations to all three. Next up for the Guns the road games continue as the boys face the Moose at Abe Stark arena.
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As Of January 1st, 2009 |
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Ruff December for GUNS The Young Guys after a big weekend Vs. the New Jersey Wildcats came home to play the Metro Moose at Long Beach Arena. The Moose a team with Ex EJHL and Empire players came into the Long Beach arena confident to hand the Guns their second loss against the Moose this season. Although the Moose won the contest 3-1 the game had a totally different flavor, the Guns the recipients of a 9-1 loss the last time the two teams met forced the Moose to work to win this one 3-1. The Apple Core boys came ready to play but again missed the net way too many times for the Core Coaching Staffs liking; Coach Carroll again told the team that if we hit the net as many times as we do the glass we win the game. Ryan Carroll returning to the line-up gave the Core the extra physical presence that has been missing against the older teams, strong games by Craig Halpin and Ryan Scall. The Young Guns forwards Tim Genova and John Novak had strong games as did returning forward and sniper Rob Dorgan who had the only Core tally assisted by Craig Halpin. Jimmy Georgas again solid in net for the Core, coaches Carroll and Scall are real happy with the play of both Core net minders as they give the team a chance to win every game. Next up for the Guns the Mass Maple Leafs at the Arena at Long Beach The Mass Maple Leafs came into town ahead in the standings, and again an older team with some solid forwards. The Young Guns just coming off the Moose loss were ready to go and played solid against the older Leafs team. The first period ended with the teams tied at 1 a piece on a goal by Zednek Petras from Bill Freely. The second period the Guns came out blazing and quickly scored three goals to take the 4 to 1 lead on a power play goal by Tim Genova from Scall and Halpin, followed by a goal to New Young Gun Ryan Dermody from Ryan Carroll and Mark Debenardo. The scoring didn’t end there as on the Dermody goal the Leafs took a cross checking penalty and Rob Dorgan buried a great feed from Ryan Carroll to put the Core up 4-1. The Core coming out on the power play to start the third made it 5-1 on Ryan Dermody’s second as a Gun from Rob Dorgan and the Core was cruising. The Maple Leafs turned up the heat and forced some mistakes and lazy penalties against the Guns which let the Leafs right back into the game. The Leafs with the goalie pulled scored two in the last minute and five seconds to tie the contest at five. The momentum going into OT was definitely on the Leafs side and the Core staff was concerned, but the Guns picked up their play and won the contest half way through the OT period on an unassisted tally by Bill Freely. The rubber game the next morning did not start the way the Guns had hoped, hobbling into the arena was defensemen Mark Debenardo who sprained his leg in the contest the day before but played through it, the Core now down two “D” now with Joe Ditizio not able to go forced the staff to drop back Mike Leprine who played solid on “D” and filled in nicely. At the drop of the puck “8” eight seconds into the game the Leafs scored off an unexpected screen shot. The Core went to center ice and the Leafs upset with the loss the day before came hard at the Young Guns and quickly went up 2 nothing in the first 43 seconds of the game. The staff pulled Brian Burchman who was left all alone to take the blame, Coach Carroll “told him that five things happened before the shots were taken so the blame is not all his” weak play and a strong Leafs start had the Guns on the heels. The Guns answered back and the score was two to one. The Leafs came down on the power play and put the Core down by two again. The second period the Core came right back on goals by Molinari (2 goals for the game)from Dorgan and Freely and a tally by Dorgan to close the gap, but two goals by the Leafs gave them a 5-2 lead going into the third. The Core came back hard to start the third on a quick unassisted goal by Mike Tsaskin in the first minute of the third. The new life quickly was gone as the Leafs scored on a power play, the Core came back again with the never quit attitude on a goal by John Novak from Ryan Carroll but to no avail as the Core dropped this one 9-5 a disappointing loss as the staff felt the Young Guns were the better team. Mike Leprine was lost to the Young Guns with a broken ankle caused by catching a rut in the corner while playing the puck, big loss for the Core as Mike has been filling in for missing “D” Joe Ditizio, and is used regularly on the point for power plays. The Guns saddled up and headed to Springfield to meet the second place PICS for a two game series. The Guns battling a snow storm on the way up were ready to go and were all over the PICS in the first period but the penalty bug again hurt the Core and fell one nothing, until Craig Halpin netted a power play goal for the Apple Core team. The two teams were evenly matched and the game was real close, but again the Boys playing against an older team fell 3-1 the Core lost Captain Ryan Carroll to a shoulder injury in the second period and he is day to day. The strong play of Tim Genova, Rob Dorgan, Ryan Dermody as well as Alex Tchekalenkov and John Novak up front kept the Guns in the game. Another solid effort from Jim Georgas in net with help from Halpin, Scall and returning to the line up Joe Ditizio after a two game missed injury have the Core getting back on track The Guns in the Rubber match came out smoking 8 seconds into the game off the rush Bill Freely rang one off the cross bar, and the Boys were in high gear, but as in every game the other team scored first although being out played. Returning Core forward Alex Caruso came back in style as he netted his first and hopefully many from Freely and Halpin. The PICS went up two to one and the Core never recovered losing 4-2 again out playing the PICS. Rob Dorgan netted a short hander off a great hustling play by line mate Bill Freely who had the JETS on FULL SPEED and probably had the best all around team game he has played this season. The Core again was given great goal tending by Brian Burchman and Jim Georgas . Next up in the New Year the Springfield PICS visit Long Beach for the New Your rubber match. Spent Shells The Young Guns want to wish Mike Leprine a speedy recovery from his Surgery, Get Well Soon!! The Guns want to welcome Ryan Dermody and returning player from last years team Alex Caurso WELCOME ABOARD. The Young Guns want to Congratulate the EJ Team as well as the EMPIRE team on Huge wins this past month and the Empire team taking over fist place Hoping Everyone has a safe and Happy Healthy
New Year !!!! |
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DECEMBER 2008 PLAYER OF THE MONTH # 4 - CRAIG HALPIN With 20 games under his belt rookie defensemen Craig Halpin, averaging almost a point a game from the back line is the Apple Core Junior CHA player of the month. Craig elected an Alternate Captain in his first year of Junior play is a major reason the Young Guns are one of the top four teams in the CHA. Craig averaging 33 minutes a game playing on the penalty kill as well as the power play is one of the players going to the All Star game to represent Apple Core this January. Craig who comes from Upstate Irvington N.Y. has quickly become one of the leaders of the Young Guns with his never quit attitude and great work ethic, he is definitely a player to watch.
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As of November 26th, 2008 |
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Guns Unloaded against Wildcats
The Apple Care Young Guns woke from a scoring drought this past Friday at the Union Sports Arena, VS. the New Jersey Wildcats. The game Friday night at Union arena started how the game the previous Sunday started with the Apple Core Gang having their guns holstered and ineffective for the first half of the period. The Coaching staff made some mid period line changes and they clicked in a big way as the Guns Paul Molinari killing a penalty scored the first of his three of the night off a speed kills play by Bill Freely who beat the Wildcat defender to the cleared puck and fed Molinari in the slot who ripped it over the shoulder for the short handed goal. The new line of new comer Zdenek Petras with Bill Freely and Paul Molinari caught fire as three minutes after the short handed tally the Guns fired again on the power play this time Freely netting one from Ryan Scall and Petras and the flood doors opened. The Core again on an unsportsmanlike penalty to the Cats off the previous goal were again on the power play and 35 second later Molinari netted number two from Craig Halpin off a play started by Freely and Petras. The Guns were not done as a minute and a half later Mark Debenardo blasted a one timer off a nice give and go feed from Mike Tsaskin and Mike Leprine to give the Guns a four to nothing first period lead. The second period found a new goal tender in net for the Wildcats, but this did not slow the rapid fire of the Guns as one minute and fifty two seconds in the Guns netted number five, on a nice give and go goal by Mike Tsaskin from Anthony Policastro and the Guns fired again. The new line of Petras, Freely and Molinari connected again as Bill Freely got his second of the game from new comer Zednek Petras who showed some great in tight hands and moves to feed Freely. The Guns speed put the Cats on their heels and the Core drew another power play and this time Anthony Policastro scored off a nice play from Craig Halpin to put Apple Core up seven nothing to end the second. The third period started with the Core on the power play again and it did not take long for the Guns to find the back of the net as Paul Molinari capped off the HAT TRICK off a great pass from Craig Halpin. The line of Petras, Molinari and Freely had a big night with eight points between them, and the Boys were still not done as the Core swarming netted another, this time Mike Leprine scoring off a pass from Anthony (Me Worry) Policastro and Debenardo. The Core finished the scoring when Mark Gobetz picked up the rebound in the corner from Mark DeBernardo’s point shot and walked out and roofed it over the Wildcat tender. The Core coaches were real happy with the found again offense and the puck movement and control that had been missing the last few games. It was nice that Brian Burchman got the goose egg as he and Jim Georgas have carried the team the last couple of games and have given the Guns every opportunity to win almost every game they have played this season.
Coach Carroll was extremely pleased with the way the team played as they have been nursing injuries and missing key players from the line up, Coach Carroll stated that the team has not been together since the second game of the season. Rookie Matt Votta making his return to the line up gave the team some needed grit and new life. The coaching staff was real happy with the ever improving play of Joe Ditizio and Ambrose Plant. Coach Scall is real happy with the development of the Cores young “D” it gets better every game.
Next up after the Thanksgiving break, the Metro Moose at the Long Beach Arena, should be an interesting game as the Guns are getting healthy and the Moose are coming on strong with the Ex Apple Core EJ and Empire players
Spent Shells:
The Young Guns want to congratulate the Empire team for its big weekend sweep and the EJ boys for their sweep as well this past weekend, it was a great weekend for the Apple Core Organization, with all the teams sweeping their perspective series.
The team with the Coaches wants to wish everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
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As of November 19th, 2008 |
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Guns escape Wildcats Claws The Guns travel again to New Jersey this coming Friday for the second of two at the Cats home rink before the holiday break. SPENT SHELLS The Guns injury list is even larger now as Dan Murphy has joined the walking wounded, some good news for the Core as Rob Dorgan and Matt Votta have been cleared to start skating and could be back right after the holiday. The Holiday lay off should give the team some time to get all healthy and ready for the drive to the playoffs Congratulations again to the EMPIRE team as they are on a roll taking two again this past weekend! Stay with your foot on the pedal. The Young Guns coaching staff again wants to thank Tom Leprine for taking the time to video the home games, and Tom and Joanne for the copies |
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As of November 19th, 2008 |
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Guns Miss Target The Apple Core Young Guns hobbled into a two game home stand at Long Beach arena against the Philadelphia Blazers. The Core getting back Captain Ryan Carroll were still short handed missing Rob Dorgan and Matt Votta still out with upper body injuries, as well as rookie defensemen Mitch Camarda with a hand injury. The Core came out flat and quickly fell behind one noting three minutes into the contest, on a blue line turn over. The Guns came right back on a goal by Mike Tsaskin off a nice play and great short side shot from the top of the circle. The Core on the power play took a short lived lead on an unassisted goal by Mark Gobetz, as the Blazers tied the score on an even strength goal just as an Apple Core penalty expired. John Novak off of the rush got a great feed from Bryan Caronia off the side wall to again give the Core the lead after two. The second period was up and down and both teams traded scoring chances and the period ended with a lone Blazers goal that left the two teams all even after two periods. The third period saw the Blazers come out hard and they quickly took the lead and continually caused Apple Core to miss cue, and make bad decisions with the puck. Coach Carroll said “it was like watching his team play in slow motion no emotion or flow “, as countless passes bounced off Core player’s sticks and gave the Philly team scoring chances. The Core evened the score late in the period off a Blue Line tally by Craig Halpin off of a nice feed from Rookie Alex Foxen on the Power play, and they went to over time where the core came to life but just could not score, and the Apple Core Young Guns had to settle for the tie. Game two brought more injury news as Mark Debenardo came limping into the rink with a knee bruise and was out of an already depleted back line crew. The Coaching staff had to shuffle lines and players again as they dropped Mike Leprine on to the back line. The Apple Core Guns came out fast and were all over the Blazers for the first six minutes but failed to score and the first period ended even. The second period again had the Guns come out strong but could not finish as too many shots sailed over and wide of the Blazer goalie. The Blazers broke the scoreless tie and took the lead mid-way through the period, which again caused the Guns to play from behind. The Guns finally put one past the Blazer net minder on a perfectly place shot by Ryan Scall from a great keep in at the Blazer blue line by Bill Freely, and again the two teams were tied. The second period ended with the two teams tied. At the start of the third the Blazers again drew first blood and the Apple Core was again playing catch up. The Blazer goalie Matt Pettiti felt the pressure as the Young Guns turned up the heat firing 21 third period shots at the Blazer net minder. But never converted and the Blazers got the hard fought two points. Coach Scall told the Core players that they let the Blazers steel three of four points from them this weekend, the Blazers came to Long Beach and out worked and wanted it more. The Bright spots from the weekend were again solid performances by both Core goalies Jim Georgas and Brian Burchman who have given the Guns the opportunity to win every game. The depleted Core “D” again was lead by Craig Halpin, Joe Ditizio and Ryan Scall with some solid play by Mike Leprine stepping in on the back line The Core coaching staff felt the boys let three valuable points slip away in a very tight and getting tighter every week standings, Coach Scall told the boys you can’t let points slip away, that the playoff race might be decided by these points we did not take this weekend. Next up for the Guns a road trip to Union Arena to play the NJ Wildcats Spent
shells Congratulations to the Empire and the EJ teams for sweeps of their weekend series up in Mass. |
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As of November 19th, 2008 |
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Young Guns Test the Seacoast Kings
The Guns limped into Connecticut to play the Seacoast Kings at the Terry Conner rink. The ‘Core, off a big weekend in Virginia came out flat against a Seacoast team which was ready to play. The Guns missing top scorer Rob Dorgan, with an upper body injury and Matt Votta and Ryan Carroll still out with injury, failed to muster any offense against a strong Seacoast team. The two teams played over the summer in which the Guns fell short 3-1, and the outcome Saturday was a little worse as the Guns fell 6-1. This one got ugly fast for the Guns as they fell behind 3-0 in the first ten minutes and never recovered. The two bright spots from the Saturday game was a stellar performance by Brain Burchman who stood on his head in goal to make the score closer than it really was, and the hot line of the weekend of Mark Gobetz, Anthony Policastro and Andrew Tchekalenkova. The trio played the best hockey of the season with the three having many chances off of some solid offensive zone play, the loan Core goal was an unassisted tally by John Novak. After the game the coaches told the players that they need to be better prepared to play and can’t give other teams any room even in exhibition games as the other teams all come to play and don’t take time off.
The game Sunday at the same location did not start any better for the Guns as the team fell behind 1-0 in the first three minutes of the contest. But this time the Guns fired right back less than a minute later on the first shift of the first game by rookie Alex Foxen, who scored to tie the score. The Guns played a much more controlled and focused game, but still had problems with the Kings constant pressure and gave up the Cardinal sin goal with two seconds left in the period. Again the Guns with a different look then the day before stormed right back to tie seven seconds into the second, from the new Trio on a Andrew Tchekalenkova goal from Policastro and Gobetz. The Guns shook the Kings by taking the three to two lead two minutes later on an unassisted tally by Anthony (ME WORRY) Policastro. The teams went back and forth shot for shot but the Kings again scored on Jim Georgas who played solid in goal for the Guns making 40 saves. The Guns again took the lead on a Paul (He is still not the Boss) Molinari from Mark (I don’t play too deep) DeBernardo. The Kings came right back to tie as they are a team full of Prep school stars that never quit and keep coming. Again the Guns took the lead with their own brand of never quit attitude that has made them very successful so far this season, off of Anthony (I never Worry) Policastro goal from ever present Craig Halpin. The Kings called a time out and worked a pick play the Guns have used plenty this season to tie the score which is how this one ended in a five all tie. Coach Carroll after the game was real proud of how the team bounced back after taking it on the chin on Saturday. He again said the boys keep raising the bar for success all on their own and that always leads to success.
Spent Shells The team is still waiting for the return of Matt Votta and Ryan Carroll who should return to the line-up next week hopefully with Rob Dorgan to face the Philadelphia Blades at the Long Beach arena next Saturday and Sunday. John Novak and James Moyer joined the walking wounded both with upper body injuries that hopefully are minor and they return to play real soon! |
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As of October 27th, 2008 |
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Guns Derail Express! The Young Guns hit the road this weekend, with a trip to Virginia to meet the Express for a two game series. The Guns headed into the series coming off a two game sweep of the Penguins. In the first game the Express came out hard and were all over the Guns for the first ten minutes of the first and jumped out to a one to nothing score. The teams settled down but the express on a two man advantage took the two nothing lead, one that Core tender Jim Georgas wished he had back. With four minutes left in the second the Guns fired back on a great play started at the point by a keep in by Joe Ditizio that Rob Dorgan picked up in the corner and cycled to Bill Freely who fed Paul (I think I’m The Boss) Molinari who buried it to cut the score to one. The Young Guns drew again and tied the score on hard fought tally by Dan (Big Man) Murphy from Mike Tsaskin who was all over the Express when he used his speed, which the coaching staff, have been on Tsaskin for all year. The second period ended in a two all tie and the teams started the third period each a man down, and the teams were back and forth with great opportunities. The Core “D” had a big up lift from the play of rookies Ambrose Plant and the best game of the season from Mitch Camarda. The Guns took the lead for good on their third unanswered goal of the game, by Andrew Tchekalenkova off of play started with a HUGE HIT by Anthony Policastro and a great play behind the net by Mark Gobetz off the hit which freed Policastro to feed Tchekalenkova. The Express came with the full press and threw everything at Jim Georgas who was rock solid to seal the first game for the Guns. Game two Sunday morning found the two teams playing on the Olympic sized rink, which Coaches Carroll and Scall felt gave the Guns an advantage with the speed and possession game the Guns coaches like to play. The Guns again found themselves in a fast up and down shot for shot out, where both goal tenders were excellent. Jimmy Georgas playing in his second game in a row between the pipes was again solid and steady. The two teams each having ten shots came away scoreless after one period. The second period again was back and forth with the two teams exchanging shots and odd man rushes. The Express again on the power play took the one nothing lead with six minutes left in the period. The Guns like a switch went on were firing shots from every where and causing all sorts of confusion in the Express zone which created a power play for the Guns. Dan (Big Guy) Murphy who had a big game with the body as well as with the stick got the Core even with his second goal of the weekend, from Craig Halpin on the power play. The two teams left the second period again deadlocked and giving each other the business with seven penalties in the second which carried over to the third. Tim (The Pest) Genova and Mike (always in the middle of it) Leprine were the two biggest pests for the Express and took it to the bigger older Express players totally off their game. Again the boys never gave up and kept trading shot for shot and hit for hit and the Guns got off the deciding shot which gave the Core the lead and the game. A great play which again started with the little check that Coach Carroll is always talking about, caused the turn over that let Craig Halpin gain control of the puck and feed Paul (Still not the Boss) Molinari in the house for the perfect screen shot with less then two minutes to play. Molinari playing with John Novak and Tim Genova due to injuries clicked well with the new line mates. Solid play by Mark Debenardo and partner Joe Ditizio and the rest of the back liners gave the Core a two way tie for first in the league. The excellent play of Andrew Tchekalenkova, Mark Gobetz and Anthony Policastro line gave the Coaches Carroll and Scall exactly what the team needed with great play and a goal while shutting down the Express. Great weekend as both games were come from behind victories. The Core has two Exhibition games this weekend up in Connecticut vs. the Seacoast Kings. Then return home for two vs. the Philadelphia Blazers at Long Beach Arena game times on the Web site. The Apple Core Young Guns players and families as well as the Apple Core Organization wish to extend their most Heart felt wishes to the Burchman Family for their recent loss of Mr. Burchman’s Mom over the weekend; our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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As of October 19th, 2008 |
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Guns Tie for First-- Taking Two from Birds The Young Guns continued the home stand at Long Beach Arena with two games vs. the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins Saturday and Sunday. The Penguins in for the weekend at the Arena at Long Beach brought the cold weather and a stingy goal tender. The Young Guns out lasted the Penguins goalie and took the first game of two 1-0, on an unassisted goal by defensemen Joe Ditizio in the third period. The Core came out still reeling from the Moose game and were real flat. Ryan Carroll returning to the line up this weekend brought back some physical presence and the Guns pressed all day long. The solid play early by Jim Georgas in goal kept the Guns even through the first ten minutes being called on to stop a break away and three odd man rushes. The game ended after two scoreless but the Apple Core gang was pressing and missing the net and hitting the Penguins goalie right in the heart of the LOGO, and missing the net on the other chances. Some solid power play chances and some unbelievable saves by the Birds goalie made for a very interesting afternoon. The “D” lead by the ever steady pair of Ryan Scall and Craig Halpin kept the Penguins at bay all afternoon. The forward line of Molinari, Dorgan and Freely were constantly pressuring the Penguins net. Carroll returning playing with John Novak and Tim Genova were a constant physical force that the Penguins could not get around. Mark DeBernardo playing with goal scorer Joe Ditizio are constantly improving and contributing not only in the Core end but stepping up into the offensive zone effectively according to Coach Scall. The guns playing the second game against the Penguins Sunday had something to prove as the team could not accept only getting the one tally the day before. The game started the same as the day before with the Penguins goal tender providing a solid wall to the Guns. The Gang broke through at the five minute mark of the first on a goal by Rob Dorgan from Bill Freely who are really firing on all cylinders playing together. The first goal turned on the switch that was off the day before as the boys really started to put on the pressure acquiring 12 quality shots in the first. The second goal of the period and second for Dorgan came on the power play on a great back door pass from Mitch Camarda from the point which Dorgan directed into the empty net. The Guns were not silent as Mike Tsaskin again on the power play scored on a great passing play started by Mark DeBernardo and the lone goal scorer from the first game Joe Ditizio, giving the Core a three to nothing lead going into the second. The Core added to the lead on the power play one and half minutes into the period on the second of the game by Mike Tsaskin from ever present Craig Halpin. Tim Genova (The pest) added another power play goal again from Mark DeBernardo and the Youngest Gun Ambrose Plant to give the Core a very comfortable lead. Rob Dorgan got his third goal again on the power play but this time from his other line mate Paul Molinari to give the Core a six nothing lead going into the third. The second shutout bid in two days ended for Brian Burchman as the Penguins finally broke through on the power play with five minutes remaining in the game, the Penguins never gave up as they out shot the Guns in the third 15 to 8 as the Core sat back on the lead and stopped attacking the Birds. After the game Coach Carroll said that the boys needed to come out strong after the last to games vs. the Moose and Penguins. The boys need to realize that you can’t take a shift or a period off that you have to be ready to play every game as they all count. The coaches Carroll and Scall are reminding the players that they have to prepare before the game and not just at the rink, that to excel you need to do the extra work on your own as 100% is average and is what is expected. The two wins moved the Core into a three way first place tie in the league! Next up the Guns hit the road down to Virginia to play the Express and then up to Connecticut to play an exhibition game against the Seacoast Kings but return the November 8 and 9 vs. the Philly Blades. Hope to see you all there. Guns Get Holstered
The Young Guns just back from the
weekend split in New Hampshire played a rare
weekday home game vs. the Metro Moose. The Moose -- a seasoned
team with a mix of older and Ex-Empire, and EJHL players
overwhelmed the Guns. The Moose came out hard and fast
and put the Guns on their heels after just five minutes of play.
The Moose took a commanding lead that the Guns could not answer
back to. Apple Core fell to the Moose by a
lop-sided score of 9-1. The Guns playing without injured
Captain Ryan Carroll and just returning from injury
Matt Votta were a play or to short this night. The Core
did have many a chance to change the game but could not convert
and missed plenty of net on the power play. The Guns were
a little flat and made some costly turnovers as they never got
on track. The high spots of the game were Andrew
Tchekalenkova scored his first of the year to break up the
shut out bid. Strong plays by Mark DeBernardo and
Craig Halpin on “D” were some of the only high lights from
this one. Next up for the Guns is the Jr. Penguins
in from Pittsburgh this Saturday and Sunday at Long Beach
as the remainder of the current three game home stand continues. |
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As of October 17th, 2008 |
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Guns Split in New Hampshire The Young Guns coming off the two big weekends headed north this weekend for a pair of games vs. the Monarchs in New Hampshire. The Guns coming off two solid weekends wins over the Wildcats and Freeze limped into New Hampshire but wound up splitting the two game series this weekend The first game the Guns came out sluggish and slow but took a two tone one lead going into the second period. Apple Core scored first on the one of the top ranked power plays in the league on a tally by Dan “BIG GUY” Murphy from Robbie Dorgan. The Monarchs came back six minutes later to tie and the teams traded shots and odd man rushes. Apple Core scored the go-ahead on Dan Murphy’s second form Bill Freely and that’s how the period ended. The second period again started slow and sluggish and this time the Monarchs struck first to tie the game, and two minutes later scored again on a deflection in front off of a Core defenseman, and then added another on a two on one break and the Monarchs were ahead for good. The Young Guns picked up their game and really started to put on the pressure, as Bill Freely fed Rob Dorgan who got the Guns with in one but could not tie. The Monarchs added an empty netter off of desperation clear that found the mark and closed out the game. Jim Georgas was solid in goal and made some big saves but some nice plays and bad bounces cost him the win. The second game of the weekend vs. the Monarchs started where the Guns left the first game attacking the Monarch net, but fell behind tow noting in the first three minutes of the first. The Guns kept working and the hard work paid off with a power play they got the ball rolling. The new line of Freely, Dorgan and Molinari got the Guns on the board with a Freely goal from his new line mates. The Guns on the power play got another from the Freely to Dorgan duo to tie the score at two. The Guns took the lead on a goal from Mike Leprine playing with Jim Moyer up front who got the puck to Leprine. The Monarchs answered right back to tie, the teams played even until the Trio of Freely scoring his second of the game from Dorgan and Molinari gave the lead to Apple Core for good. Jimmy Moyer playing forward on the patched up front line added his first as a forward on an assist by Anthony Policastro. Then the Hot hand jumped in again with Freely getting his third of the game from Robbie Dorgan no HATS from the home crowd were thrown! The Core ended the scoring on a Robbie Dorgan tally from Freely and Molinari, the line finished with 13 points between them. The boys worked hard and earned a hard fought split. Brian Burchman between the pipes was shaky the first five minutes but soon settled down to earn the victory. Solid games on D by Halpin, Scall and DeBenardo helped seal the win. Next up for the Guns-- area rival the Moose Wednesday night at Long Beach, and a home series vs. Jr Penguins on Saturday and Sunday. Great job by the boys.
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As of October 9th, 2008 |
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YOUNG GUNS STAY SMOKING IN WEEK TWO !!! The Young Guns finished their second set of league games this weekend at Abe Starke arena and again came out smoking. The Core took on one of the toughest teams to date and came loaded to play. The Freeze in from Maryland came into the game a little surprised when the puck dropped. The Core putting 54 shots on the Freeze goaltenders jumped out to a one zip lead half way into the period on a goal from Big Dan Murphy on a feed from Mike Tsaskin and the Guns never looked back. The teams took the ice in the second period and Ryan Carroll on the fore-check picked off a cross-ice pass and rifled one over the right shoulder of the Freeze net minder, to take a 2-0 lead. Two minutes later Robbie Dorgan added a power play tally from Freely and Halpin on a great passing play that left Dorgan shooting into the empty net. The two teams traded trips to the penalty boxes as the game became very aggressive and chippy, but that soon stopped when the Guns added another on the power play. The second goal of the game by Big Dan Murphy from Ryan Carroll and Matt Votta who again was constantly pestering the Freeze as he did the Wildcats a week earlier. With the period ending with the Guns up 5-0. The third period was fast and up and down with the teams both peppering each others goalie but Jim Georgas stayed tough to collect the shutout. John Novak with constant pressure on the fore-check added one more before the contest ended. Strong games by Ambrose Plant and Mitch Camarda with Mark Debenardo and Ryan Scall helped the Core reach the fifty (50) shot mark for the third straight game. The constant pressure on the Freeze goalie made the Coach swap out his net minder to rest him for game two on Sunday. All in all the Core played real strong and new Coach Ron Scall was real happy with the core of defensemen he is working with, “and stated we have to get ready for Sundays game as the Freeze are not going to lay down” we will need to be ready. The Young Guns came into the second game a little to confident and found themselves in a 2-0 hole in the first five minutes of the game. The Freeze came ready for the Guns in game two and were all over the Core team. The Guns finally got on track with a late period goal on the power play from Tim Genova from his partner Robbie Dorgan with 5 minutes left in the period. The second period started with the Guns on the power play from the result of a very penalty filled end to the first. The Apple Core players came out with a spark the 2nd period and peppered the Freeze goalie who was solid. The score stayed tied until the end of the period when Tim Genova got his second of the game on the power play off a quick shot from Ryan Scall and the teams went off the ice tied. The third period started the way the second began with Apple Core all over the Freeze and the hard work paid off on a nice goal by Paul Molinari assisted by the ever present Craig Halpin. The Guns didn’t stop there as they took a two goal lead on the power play on a goal by Anthony Policastro from Mike Tsaskin. That lead gave the coaching staff breathing room, so they thought only one minute later the Freeze came right back to cut it to one. The Game got real even as the Freeze on the power play came real close multiple times to almost tying the game but strong goal tending by Brian Burchman helped seal the victory, some strong defensive play by Joe Ditizio and his partner Mark Debenardo helped secure the win for the Core. The wide open empty net at the other end with the Freeze buzzing was found by Bill Freely with less than a minute to play, off a great steal at the Core blue line by Rob Dorgan. After the game Coach Carroll stated that his team played hard and never gave up after falling behind two nothing in the first, which was a great building block, he added the Freeze really tested the Guns commitment and character as they never stopped coming at the Core. Great job by the Young Guns, as they worked hard for almost 60 minutes, maybe the players are starting to catch on to what Coach Carroll and Scall are putting out there. The staff also added that it is real tough to beat a team twice in less than a twenty four hour period and that you can never take any team for granted as pride is a powerful motivator! Next up the Young Guns travel to New Hampshire for a three game Show Case / league game weekend. Heading up with the Guns are the Apple Core Empire team. The Guns will be playing the Monarchs twice and team North Carolina, another big test for Apple Core. The Coaching staff asked us to thank the
parents for the great work on the clock and the scoring the past
two weekends, Mark Debenardo Sr. Phil
Burchman and Mark Gobetz and a special
thanks to Tom Leprine for the Video great job by
all. |
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As of September 29, 2008 |
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Young Guns Come out Blazing Game two at the Arena started a little different as the Wildcats came out hard, playing the body and catching the Core this time by surprise! The first period ended in a 0 – 0 tie as the Guns were held at bay with only 12 shots in the first, The coaches between periods reminded the Guns that you can’t take anything for granted new Assistant Coach Ron Scall said he hates playing the same team back to back when it’s lopped sided the other team on the short end always comes back hard! The coaches made some adjustments and the Apple Core gang responded on a tally by Assistant Captain Mike Tsaskin off a forced play by Matty Votta in the Cats zone that gave the Core the lead they never lost. The game went to special teams as it got rough and the teams traded penalties and power plays, but Rookie Anthony Policastro picked by the staff for his heavy shot surprised the building with a top shelf backhander that sent the Cat goalie’s water bottle to the ice. The game was broken open by Apple Core on the 5 on 3 power play goals by Bill Freely from Rob Dorgan and then on the 5 on 4 by Rob Dorgan from Mitch Camarda playing the point on power play duty. The Core never looked back and added another with five minutes left by Mark DeBernardo from Anthony Policatro and Mike Tsaskin. This was a great weekend for the Guns as the boys played through some tough situations and adversity this weekend, playing through them all. Some standout games by the “D” which was solid Joe Ditizio and Mark DeBernardo had great games this weekend. Returning goaltender Brian Burchman with his first regular season game got the shut out victory while facing 16 shots, with help from Craig Halpin and Ryan Scall leading the way on the power play and the penalty kills. Young rookie defensemen Jim Moyer gave a solid effort. Dan Murphy had a solid weekend and the coaching staff is hoping that the BIG GUY is waking up and using his size. Mike Leprine played the point on the power play and was a big part of the two game sweep. Coach Carroll told the boys to get used to the intensity as all the games are for playoff spots and will have to be earned, no team is going to roll over we need to keep focused and working to reach the team goal. Next up for the Guns are the Fredrick Freeze who come up from Virginia for a two game Home stand at Abe Starke Arena Saturday at 4:15 PM and again Sunday at 8:00 AM come join the Guns on this home stand.
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As Of September 26th, 2008 |
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YOUNG GUNS ELECT CAPTAINS THE YOUNG GUNS AFTER A TOUGH PRE-SEASON CAMPAIGN HAVE COME HOME READY TO OPEN THE SEASON WITH THE LEADERSHIP IN PLACE, THE TEAM ELECTED THE CAPTAINS FOR THE 2008/09 SEASON ! The team spoke and they chose RYAN CARROLL to lead them this season, Ryan a returning hard hitting play maker was chosen by his teammates to lead them, he will be joined by MIKE TSASKIN the returning speedy tough goal scoring forward, and new comers ROOKIES skilled and shifty defensemen CRAIG HALPIN and gritty hard working non-stop forward TIMMY GENOVA The Coaching staff feels that they could not have come up with better choices as all the elected CAPTAINS proved themselves all pre-season as leaders and great teammates.
CONGRATULATIONS AND TO ALL THE PLAYERS HELP THE LEADERS YOU ELECTED HAVE A VERY SUCCESSFUL SEASON !!! The YOUNG GUNS want to also announce the new ASSISTANT COACH RON SCALL to the staff, Ron brings a great knowledge of the game to the CORE, as a former college player and still GM and Coach in the Suffolk H.S. hockey program, he is a GREAT ADDITION!! Welcome to APPLE CORE RON |
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As Of September 26th, 2008 |
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PRE-SEASON SUCCESS The Young Guns summer pre-season schedule came to an end last weekend the final games played were in Marlborough Mass. at the New England Sport Center, the Core finishing a tough schedule to prepare for the regular season which start Sept 27, against the N.J. Wildcats at home. The Young Guns finished the pre-season with one Tournament championship and an over all record vs. Empire, Met and CHA teams of 7-10-4 which the staff was very happy about. The final pre-season tournament provided the toughest competition they faced all summer as all the teams playing were getting in the last tournaments before their seasons started some real great fast hockey. Friday the Guns won their first game against the Falcons 6-1 on tallies by Mike Tsaskin off a great give and go from Mike Leprine, and Dan Murphy chipped in a goal with help from Craig Halpin and Mike Tsaskin. After a slow first period and sluggish start of the second, the Guns started firing, with two wicked goals back to back by Anthony Policastro which broke the game open and the Core was all over the Falcons. The line of Novak, Carroll and Molinari scored a tic-tac-toe beauty by Paul Molinari and thirty seconds later added another move the puck dazzler by Johnny Novak from Carroll and Molinari to close out the scoring. Excellent penalty killing and pressure from Matt Votta and Rob Dorgan kept the Falcons goalie and players on their heels as the Guns were on the attack killing penalties. Strong efforts by Tim Genova, Joe Ditizio and Mark Debenardo helped seal the victory. The second game the Apple got cored as they ran into a very seasoned and very aggressive Spartans team the Spartans had the Guns shut down from the drop of the puck. Apple Core goalies Brian Burchman and Jim Georgas were the bright spots of this game as the Core took it on the nose 6-zip, strong games by rookie Defenseman Ryan Scall and returning player Mark Debenardo with help from Joe Ditizio kept this one respectable. The third game of a long weekend found the Core against the Seacoast Kings the two matched up well, and when the game started there was plenty of action as the two teams were back and forth with shots and hitting. The Kings opened the scoring middle of the first, and the Core answered right back 2 minutes later off a pretty goal from Robbie Dorgan with help from Halpin. The game went to special teams and the Kings capitalized on a miss play at the point on the Cores power play and scored a short hander, and never looked back from there. Strong play by Andrew Tchekalenkova gave Coach Carroll a lot to think about for the Home opener. The Core put on tons of pressure but got caught attacking the net and gave up too many odd man rushes, which the Kings finished. The Seacoast Goaltender played very well and the Guns helped make his chest real sore, as they hit his LOGO and the GLASS and not the twine behind him. This will be a very interesting season as the Guns staff feels confident that the boys will have a real good season, and will surprise a few teams.
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As of September 1st |
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Well, the season is here! The Young Guns are in training
camp and working hard. The boys started this Monday with the
first of the five off- ice training camp sessions lead by
Islander Head strength and conditioning Coach Garret Timms,
he has the boys running on all cylinders already.
With Coach Timms helping to set up a great off ice program
for the Guns to use all year long will definitely not leave
anyone out of shape. Brian Burchman, Mike Tsaskin, John
Novak and Tim Genova seem to have worked their butts off,
but three surprises to the coaching staff not bending at all
during the off ice are all new comers who really did some
HOME WORK those being Bryan Caronia, Dan Murphy and Anthony
Policastro,
Coaches Carroll and Timms were impressed! Coach Carroll said
not to take away from the rest but you can see who went the
extra mile this summer to get ready for the season!
The on ice has been shaping up as well , the boys are
working hard and doing things they have never done before,
the staff is really working on the soft spots noticed during
the summer tournaments, and the staff is real happy with the
pace. The lines are starting to really come together. Rob
Dorgan and Tim Genova are really starting to click with Mark
"Gobby" Gobetz as well as the Carroll, Molinari, Freely
line, which has been flying. The line of Tsaskin, Leprine
and new comer Dan Murphy have really looked solid. Matt
Votta and his two mates are causing a stir with the constant
pressure and speed they all seem to have during chase down
drills. Jimmy Georgas and Brian Burchman are starting to
look shell shot with all the rubber they are seeing!
Craig Halpin working with Ryan Scall have been a solid pair
and returning "D" Mark DeBenardo is fitting right in after
coming back with Joe Ditizio, Ambrose Plant and Moyer are
sharing time with Mitch Camarda and all are starting to
grasp the systems the staff are looking for this season.
The boys have time off for a couple of days and the regular
practices start next week, as does the season. The team is
heading to Brewster for the first Tournament, then down to
New Jersey for the Titan Empire tournament. One week later
it's up to Boston for the Bruins tournament. Then the first
league game vs. The Wildcats. The whole Apple Core
organization can't wait to get going. The summer has been a
great starting and stepping stone to prepare, and now
the its the beginning of the 2008 / 09 season. Good luck to
all the Apple Core teams it's gonna be a great ride!
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As Of July 31st, 2008 |
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The Young Guns just back from the Summer showcase at Marlbourgh Mass .where they played in the Empire division and held their own. The first game against the Falcons the Guns came out flying and out played the Falcons for the first five minutes with scoring chances from Tim Genova and Mike Tsaskin up close. The Guns were all over the Falcons surprising them with the speed of new comers Rob Dorgan and Billy Freely another two with opportunities and just missed the net and the Falcon tender coming up big. The Falcons drew first blood on a broken play and the Core fell behind but kept attacking, big rushes from new defensemen Craig Halpin and Joe Ditizio caught the older team by surprise, the Falcon players should have bought dinner for their goalie the way he stole the first game of the tourney from the Guns. The second game the Guns came up against the Tri State Selects and held their own but were over powered by the Selects falling to them 6 to 1 but again having a solid game and the score not really telling the story. Brian Burchman played a great game stopping 44 of the Select shots many from power plays, that the Core found them selves killing on small break downs. Coach Carroll was please with the effort and the no quit attitude the boys showed. Coach said some of the boys are learning that it takes a big commitment to play at this level and it’s been trial by fire, that we need to finish and make the most out of the chances we get and it the net not the glass. Solid efforts from new comers Mark Gobetz, John Novak and Andrew Tchekalenkov had coach smiling as his team held its own against stiff compotition. The third game was a match up of the Guns vs. the local team the Huskies both teams loosing the first two games against the same opponents in the round robin Tournament, so both were hungry for victory and to not get shut out. The Guns came out firing from all barrels and pinned the Huskies in their zone for the first five minutes and took the lead on a Mike Tsaskin goal from a sweet pass from the corner from Bill Feely. The Core kept up the pressure with shots from Rob Dorgan and gritty play from Tim Genova. The gritty play put the Core on the penalty kill which the pairs of Novak and Dorgan, Freely and Tsaskin pinned the Huskies in their zone not allowing a shot on the penalty kill. Right after the kill the guns were firing again with shots from Anthony Policatro and Mark Gobetz immediately after the kill put the Huskies on their heals. The Core attack kept coming with shots from in front from Mike Leprine, Matt Votta and Spencer Mann in close but not finishing. The aggressive play caused the game to get bumpy and the boys were banging hard and finishing checks, all over the Huskies. Unfortunately the penalty box door opened too many times and the Guns again as throughout the tournament we digging out of a hole off of three Huskie power play goals, one put in the net by the Core D on a clearing play. But the score did not slow the Guns down they kept attacking and climbed back in and tied the game on another Tsaskin tally and one from a rocket shot top corner from Policastro. The Core thought they took the game on a beautiful rush to scramble play in front that Mark Gobetz buried but was waived off by the officials. The game slipped away from the Guns as the play got rough and again the penalty door swung and the Core wound up short. A quick goal started the end as the play got very physical and some of the boys we introduced the manly art of Fisty cuffs and got to watch from the spectators side of the glass. Coach Carroll after the game said the boys show great promise and that we just need a bounce to go our way and some of the chances need to hit twine not glass, but the boys did not quit or back down. Coach said that this is going to be a great season as we are competing with the older teams, and can’t wait to play teams in our league. The Team summer training camp starts the week of July 18, and runs the week the team is in for a different experience as some of the newer players never attended a training camp, |