New York Apple Core Junior B Empire
News Flashes 2009-2010 Season
News As Of May 17,2010
EMPIRE JR.'B' WINS EJ SPRING SHOWCASE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH 5-1 WIN OVER NE HUSKIES
EJ TEAMS GO 4-1 AND 3-1 RESPECTIVELY
 
MARLBORO, MA... In what is becoming the Empire Junior 'B' 's home away from home, (Marlboro, NESC), the Apple Core Junior B picked up where they left off sweeping the EJ Spring Showcase for the third year in a row with a  5-1 win over the NE Huskies. Apple Core's Empire team won the USA Hockey Junior 'B' Nationals there just a month ago. Apple Core sent up (4) teams to the showcase with many of the Junior 'B' veterans playing on the RED EJ team. The new Empire players showed their worth in the (4) wins. In the first game, the 'Core beat the Hitmen 6-1, the second game was a 7-2 whipping of the Jets,
the third a 6-1 victory over Rochester. This led to the Final Game vs. The NE Huskies. In that game goalie Ned Torrico played very well, and as a matter of fact Ned only allowed (5) goals in (4) games. Marco Ristic, the 'Cores other goalie played only in the Friday game before returning home for a family function and played well. The weekend scoring was led by Mike Goldstein, Ori Benyamini, Joe Naclerio, and Keegan Travers. In the 5-1 Championship game the line of Goldstein, Benyamini and Naclerio accounted for all (5) of the goals. Joe Naclerio netted (4) in the game to earn MVP honors. The team scored (24) goals in (4) games. "The Empire team looks ready to have another great season, stated guest Coach Larry Nastasi.". "When you add in the vets to what I saw this past weekend, it looks good". "Assistant Coach Jon Sandos was in North Carolina at a teacher conference for work and was not at the showcase. Jon watched the games on fast hockey and was very impressed with his team. "I can't wait to start" stated Sandos via conference call Sunday night. Head Coach GM Henry Lazar is very excited to be working with so many good young players. "There is a lot of untapped talent here and these kids want to learn" added Lazar.
 
In EJ action, the EJ group was divided into two teams, the Green (more veteran with players trying out) and the Red (rookies and players still trying out). Both teams swept through the preliminaries with 3-0 records. The Green team was led by newcomers Vin Buttitta (Cleveland), Maros Grosaft (Slovakia),  and Dillan Fox (PA.). The team went 3-0 in the Pre-lims, beating the Glades 8-2, the MASS Attack 5-2 and the NECDL 7-1. Veteran Remy Cholhan injured himself in the first game as did new comer Forrest Dell (Colorado). Both forwards will contribute highly in the new season. Goaltenders Chandler Long (Cleveland) and Jeff Molner (NJ) were stingy in net, allowing only (8) goals combined in the (5) games. The 'Core beat the Warriors 2 team 7-1 in the first playoff game, before bowing to the Revolution in the Semi's. The defense played well added Assistant Coach Larry Nastasi. "Vets Chris Staines, Dan Fortunato and Kevin Kavanagh played well all weekend"  stated Nastasi. Up front Nick Barbera played well as did rookie Nick Cipriano who was a key cog in the Nationals Championship Empire team last season. Newcomers Dan Meisselman (Chicago) and DF Andrew Pascal (NJ) also showed they will step into the EJ with little trouble. Overall, the team played well and easily could have won the semi-final game also. The 30 minute game was even, the Revolution has many good players also, and the 'Core had many chances to tie the score late in the game. The game was 2-1 when the Rev. added their two empty net goals to win 4-1. The RED team also did very well. This team was composed of mostly players trying out for the last few spots on the EJ team. The team did very well. They defeated the Beantown Bullies 4-0, the JETS 5-0, and Rochester 3-2. The RED team lost to the Bruins 3-2 in the first playoff game, a pretty good run for all rookies and guys trying out. Goalies Brian Walters and Ed Zdolcheck played extremely well. F's Brett Jackson and Mike Davie also played well as did DF Eric Basmajian and Criag Halpin.
Tom Carroll's CHA squad played well all weekend, going 1-2 with tough tight games. They lost to SS 4-3, beat Valley 1-0 and lost to the Huskies 3-1. Not bad for a lot of new players with no Jr. experience. "The CHA team will make a lot of noise this year" stated Assistant Coach Ron Scall.
 
The Coaches will now evaluate the entire program and complete roster selection and adjustments to the rosters shortly. The combined 11-2 weekend was excellent and the two (1) goal losses were hard fought losses. The 'Core will now look forward to the HUB CUP in June and the EJ Summer Showcase in July.

 
News As Of March 07,2010
EMPIRE 'CORE SWEEPS FIRST PLAYOFF ROUND,
 ADVANCES TO FINAL FOUR
 
Philadelphia, PA--- The 'Core traveled to Warwick Twin Rinks for the first round of the 2009-10 playoffs. As the first seed, the 'Core had a great regular season,  won the conference by a huge margin which included a (30) game winning streak. After a great week of practice, the Philly Revolution were the first opponent of the double elimination tournament. The game was a see-saw affair which saw both teams battle back and take 1 goal leads. With Philly
 leading 1-0, Ron Kokas tied the score on a Frank Musick assist. The 'Core took a 2-1 lead in the 2nd period on a Kokas assist. Philly battled back to take a 3-2 lead in the 2nd period. With :06 left in the 2nd period, John Defeo sniped home the tying goal on another Kokas assist. With the score 3-3 going into the third period, the team focused in to get the job done. Mike Davie made the score 4-3 at 8:06 on John Defeo and Craig Halpin assists. The Revolution tied the score at 4-4 late in the game forcing OT. In the OT both teams had several chances before Nick Cipriano scored the winner at 9:07 of OT on a great Rich Prunesti pass. The 'Core out-shot the Revolution 59-42 in the game. "Even though the Revolution were the 8th seed, they are a great team and after player additions during the season became as good as anyone in the Conference" stated special assistant Sean Edwards.

    Apple Core's 2nd playoff game was against the tough Pittsburgh Penguins who defeated the Hitmen 3-2 the day before to advance to the winner's bracket. The game began with quick Penguin goal just 1 minute into the
 game. Rich Prunesti tied the score at 1-1 on a Mike Brennan assist. The first period ended 1-1, but the 'Core played better as the period advanced. In the 2nd period, Nick Cipriano made the score 2-1, on Prunesti and Brennan assists. Mike Davie gave the 'Core a 3-1 lead on a Jesse Trap assist. The Pens made the score 3-2 late in the 2nd period. The 'Core totally dominated the third period out-shooting the Pens 19-3. Mike Smith scored the only goal of the period on
 the PP to make the score 4-2, on assists by Oleksii Malichenko and Rich Prunesti. Jeff Molner stopped 26 of the 28 shots he faced. The 'Core took 43 shots on net. The win in the 2nd game set up a winner's bracket final game vs.
the Syracuse Stars. The team was primed to move on to the Final Four with a win and came ready to play. Mike Davie opened the scoring early in the first period on assists Oleksii Malichenko and Jesse Trap. Rob Dorgan made the
 score 2-0, 'Core after 1 period. Mike Mascaro gave the 'Core a 3-0 lead in the 2nd, on Vin Morris and Jesse Trap assists. The 'Core out-shot Syracuse 42-28 for the game. The Stars made the score 3-1 in the third, but that was it. The win sent the 'Core to the Final Four next week in Foxboro, MA.
 

 
News As Of February 22, 2010
'CORE SWEEPS PHILLY REVOLUTION IN WEEKEND ACTION
 
Warwick, PA---- The Apple Core Empire team traveled to Philly over the weekend to play the tough Revolution. The team is preparing for the playoffs and Nationals. In Saturday's game, the PP was hot. The team scored (8) PP goals. Goal scorers were John Defeo (2), Oleksii Malichenko, Dylan Scarpato (2), Alex Caruso, Mike Smith, Frank Musick, Ron Kokas and Mike Brennan. Fran Musick had (3) assists for the 'Core. Jim Georgas stopped 19 of the 21 shots he faced in a 10-2 win. On Sunday, the game was much closer. With the Revolution winning 1-0, Ron Kokas tied the game at 1-1 on assists from Craig Halpin and Mike Cambria. Rob Dorgan gave the 'core a 2-1 lead on Cambria and Scarpato assists. Dylan Scarpato made the score 3-1 on Cambria and Dorgan assists. Oleksii Malichenko scored the 4th AC goal and was the game winner. The 'Core won the game 4-3. Jeff Molner stopped 30 of the 33 shots he faced.
 
APPLESAUCE..... The team travels to Elmira to complete the regular season......Playoffs begin March 5th with the Revolution as the first opponent.....On the injury front, both Pat Condon and Vin Morris should be ready to go by next week......Coach Lazar will be moving up to the EJ team next season......AC has (4) alumni in the Olympics....Jacob and Mikelis Redlihs, Martins Karsums for Latvia and Douglas Murray for Sweden. No other program can claim better.......Long Beach rink will be closing in July for renovations.....
Tryouts are set for April, please see the home page for details.

 
News As Of February 15, 2010
'CORE SWEEPS WEEKEND VS. MAKSYMUM
 
LONG BEACH, NY... The 'Core got back to it's winning ways with a weekend sweep of the tough Maksymum Hockey Club out of Rochester, NY. After a snowy week, the 'Core wanted to get back on track. In Saturday's game, Jim Georgas played great in net in a 2-1 win, stopping 33 of the 34 shots he faced. "The team responded well to adversity with (3) top players out of the line-up" stated Special Assistant Sean Edwards. "We handled a tough team and when we get our players back shortly, we will move forward quickly" added Assistant Coach Larry Nastasi. In the Saturday game, with the score 1-0, Maksymum, Ron Kokas tied the score at 1-1 on a Mike Cambria assist. Mike Davie scored the only other goal of the game in the 2nd period, on Kokas and Cambria assists. The 2-1 win was important for the team's confidence. "We have to get back to the way we were playing the first half of the year" stated Coach Lazar. In Sunday's game, the 'Core took a 2-0 lead after one on goals by Mike Brennan and Alex Caruso. With the score 2-1, 'Core, Mike Cambria scored the eventual game winner 4:13 into the third period. Rich Prunesti and Rob Dorgan added insurance goals for the 5-2 win. Jeff Molner stopped 27 of the 29 shots he faced for the win.
 
APPLESAUCE..... The 'Core travels to Philly this weekend to play the Revolution.......The team ends the regular season against Elmira.....Playoffs begin March 5th in Philly with Apple Core playing the 8th seed in the first game.... The Final 4 is in Boston March 12-14 and Nationals are at Marlboro again, March 26-30.

 
News As Of February 8, 2010
'CORE CLINCHES WESTERN CONFERENCE AND SEED TO NATIONALS
 
WAYNE, NJ.... An overtime loss gave the 'Core that last point needed to clinch the Western Conference Championship and automatic seed to the Nationals. With injuries, sickness and a slump, the 'Core has not played consistent hockey for the last 2 weeks. "The team showed the character needed to be champions with the third period comeback on Sunday" stated Coach Lazar. "We were down 3-0 and scored (3) late goals to tie the game. "A phantom tripping call did us in during the overtime" added Lazar. All in all, though, that last 10 minutes of the game gave the team a big boost and when we get back all our players soon, we will make our move in the playoffs. Apple Core moves into the playoffs as the First seed in the Western Conference playoffs which will be held in Warwick, PA. The playoffs begin March 5th.
 
APPLE SAUCE..... Apple Core alumni Doug Murray (Sweden) and Martins Karsums (Latvia) will play in the upcoming Olympics......The 'Core plays Rochester this coming weekend at home.....On the injury front, Vin Morris (shoulder) will be out 2-3 weeks, but be ready for the playoffs and Pat Condon (thigh bruise) is week to week......

News As Of January 19, 2010
'CORE SWEEPS NJ WILDCATS FOR 30TH STRAIGHT LEAGUE WIN
ALL-STAR GAME A SUCCESS
 
RANDOLPH, NJ--- The Jr 'B' team traveled to NJ to play the Wildcats this past weekend and left NJ with (4) points and two more
 wins. The 'Core swept the season series with the Wildcats. In the Saturday game, the 'Core scored (4) first period goals to take
 a 4-0 lead into the break. Alex Caruso opened the scoring on a nice pass from Ron Kokas. Kokas sniped home the second
 goal :40 later, this time on a Caruso pass. Rob Dorgan put home the third goal on assists from Dom Rullo and Mike Davie.
 Mike Cambria scored the 4th goal off Mike Mascaro and Frank Musick assists. With the score 4-1, Mike Davie scored (2)
 consecutive goals to give the 'Core a 6-1 lead in the second period. Oleksii Malichenko and Jesse Trap put home PP goals to
 give Apple Core an 8-1 lead. The team cruised to a 9-3 Saturday win. The 'Core had 53 shots on net. Sunday's game was a
 nail biter, but also showed that the team can handle adversity. "We cannot play great every game, but still can pull out wins"
 stated Assistant Coach Larry Nastasi. The Wildcats opened the scoring in the first period, but Dom Rullo tied the score at 1-1
 one timing a Ron Kokas pass. Alex Caruso scored on the PP to give Apple Core a 2-1 lead. The Wildcats tied the game at 2-2
 to end the period. Vin Morris gave the 'Core a 3-2 lead and John Defeo a 4-2 lead on the PP. With the score 4-3, Defeo
 scored his 2nd of the game to give the 'Core a 5-3 lead at the end of two periods. The Wildcats played very well in this game and
 tied the score late in the 3rd period 5-5. The players did not panic and just raised their level of play to dominate the last 6
 minutes of the game. With 1:43 left in the game, John Defeo completed his Hat Trick, tipping in a Vin Morris shot to give the
 'Core a 6-5 lead. Alex Caruso scored into the empty net to complete a 7-5 win. " The team handled the adversity and found a
 way to win" stated Coach Lazar. At the end of the day, 2 points is 2 points.
 
__________________________________________________________
 
Hookset, NH--- The Empire League held the annual All-Star game this past Monday in Hookset, NH. Representing the 'Core were
 Jim Georgas, Frank Musick, Mike Smith, Ron Kokas, Mike Cambria and Rich Prunesti. Musick was sick and could not
 play--Too much Taco Bell....But the line of Kokas, Cambria and Prunesti were a dominant force all game. Kokas and
 Cambria each scored goals, but the line had 10-15 good chances to score. DF Mike Smith played great on DF. Several
 Colleges spoke to our players after the game. The West beat the East 9-6.
 
Apple Sauce.......Dom Rullo lost his car keys at the rink in NJ, had to come back the next day to get his car. His keys were at
 the rink all the time.......Mike Smith left Hookset rink leaving his sticks there......Rich "Bigfoot" Prunesti Sr, footprint
 measured  30 inches in the snow......Jeff Molner made his debut for the 'Core in net......
 

News As Of January 15, 2010
JR 'B' DEFEATS MARIST COLLEGE 5-3 IN EXHIBITION TILT 

LONG BEACH, NY.... The Empire 'B' team played Marist College at Hockey town, LI in a Thursday night tilt and kept up their winning ways with a 5-3 win over the Pougkeepsie, NY based team. With Marist leading 1-0 in the first period, Mike Davie sniped a top corner goal to tie the score at 1-1 on assists by Nick Cipriano and Mike Brennan. The first period ended 1-1. It was all 'Core in the second. Davie scored again at the 5:14 mark, on a Cipriano assist to give the 'Core a 2-1 lead. One minute later, Mike Smith scored on the PP on assists by Vin Morris and Mike Mascaro for a 3-1 'Core lead and Alex Caruso put home a great Ron Kokas "pinky pass" to give the 'Core a 4-1 lead. Mike Brennan completed the scoring in the second with a nice deflection goal to make the score 5-2 at the end of two periods. The 'Core allowed a third period goal, but won the game 5-3 in front of a huge crowd.

 

Apple Sauce.....The 'Core next plays the NJ Wildcats in NJ this coming weekend......No injuries to report.....All-Star game next Monday in Hookset, NH. Apple Core will be represented by Jim Georgas, Mike Smith, Frank Musick, Ron Kokas, and Mike Cambria as well as Coach Lazar.......Did everyone notice how the scorer's booth filled up quickly with Rich "Cuddles" Prunesti keeping score?......John Mascaro caught scalping tickets to the game by special Long Beach agents......Oleksii give-away in third period may be part of Ukranian spy operation in US.....Coach Nastasi needs to do a better job sharpening skates. Mike Smith made Coach Lazar look like an expert skater last night...... The way Coach Nastasi sharpens skates he should be doing the oppositions skates before each game.Dom Rullo has huge cheering section last night, but missed break-away. All his friends and family left the rink after he screwed up the break-away......With cut tongue, maybe Frank Musick will be a little quieter now......Lake Placid tournament next week.......

News As Of January 11, 2010
'CORE JR 'B' SWEEPS WEEKEND, DEFEATS JR FLYERS & CD TWICE

 

TROY, NY----The Empire 'B' team welcomed in 2010 the same way 2009 ended, with (3) more victories and
 (26) goals in (3) games. After (2) weeks off, the team traveled to Marlboro to take part in the 2010 EJ Winter
 Showcase. The Empire team joined the EJ team for the event. On Friday, the Empire team played the
 Philadelphia Jr. Flyers of the MET League in an exhibition game. Ron Kokas opened the scoring, tipping in a
 Mike Cambria shot for a 1-0 lead. Mike Mascaro made the score 2-0 on a Vin Morris assist. Mascaro
 scored again to give the 'Core a 3-0 lead. The Jr. Flyers scored 2 goals lat in the first half to make the score
 3-2, 'Core, but Nick Cipriano connected on Rich Prunesti and Mike Davie assists. The second half was all
 'Core as Mike Davie, Rob Dorgan and Alex Caruso all scored to give the 'Core a 7-2 win. The 'Core out-shot
the Flyers 42-22.

 

On Saturday, the 'Core continued their road trip moving onto Albany for the two game set with the CD Selects
 at RPI. The Saturday game was all 'Core. In the first period, Dom Rullo scored on a nice Kyle Zelanka pass
 to give the 'Core a 1-0 lead. Nick Cipriano made the score 2-0 :20 after Rullo's goal. Rob Dorgan made the
 score 3-0 after 1 period on assists from Craig Halpin and Zelanka. In the second period, Mike Cambria
 scored on the PP on a Mike Davie assist. Pat Condon rifled in a point shot with 3:18 left in the second
 period to give the 'Core a 5-0 lead and with :11 left in the period, Mike Mascaro added the 6th goal for the
 'Core on a Vin Morris assist. In the third period the 'Core added (4) more goals, two by Mike Brennan. Kyle
 Zelanka and Alex Caruso added the other two goals in a 10-0 'Core win. Jim Georgas recorded the
 shutout. Georgas stopped all 17 shots he faced. With the temp. in Albany 4 degrees, the 'Core quickly made
 it back to the hotel and some warmth. In Sunday's tilt, CD took a 1-0 lead before Alex Caruso tied the game
 at 1-1. Mike Smith scored the 2nd goal on a low bullet from the point. The score was 2-1 'Core after 1 period
 of play. In the 2nd period, Vin Morris scored on the PP on a John Defeo assist. Morris scored again on
 assists by Ron Kokas and Mike Smith. Defeo then tipped in a Frank Musick point shot on the PP to make
 the score 5-2 'Core. Rich Prunesti made the score 6-2 after 2 periods. In the third period, goals by Ron
 Kokas, Rich Prunesti & Mike Cambria completed the 9-3 win.

 

The 'Core scored 26 goals over the weekend, and added 3 more wins to their total.
 

APPLE SAUCE..... No injuries to report.....The 'Core next plays Marist College in an exhibition game on
 Thursday at Long Beach, game time 7:20....In Empire action, the 'Core travels to the NJ Wildcats Sat and
 Sun......All-Star game Monday Jan. 18th in NH. Representing the 'Core will be Goalie Jim Georgas, DF
 Mike Smith and Frank Musick, and F's Ron Kokas and Mike Cambria...... Rich Prunesti Sr. looked like
 Big Foot with his heavy winter coat on. His "Double Gulp" froze in his car over night......Lake Placid
 Tournament 2 weeks away......

 

News As Of December 29,2009
EMPIRE ALLSTARS ANNOUNCED, 'CORE SENDS 5 PLUS COACH

 

LONG BEACH,NY.... The 2009-10 Empire Jr. 'B' Hockey League all-star team has been announced by the
 League and (5) 'Core players and their Head Coach have been selected. The game which will be part of the
 EJ -- Empire all-star festival which will be held in Hookset,NH on January 18th, will include the top players
 from each conference playing each other in a 60 minute game. The day's events include the Empire Futures
 game, the Empire All-star and EJ All-star games. "Having attended last year, I can assure you there will be
 over 100 scouts for the event" stated Coach Henry Lazar. Coach Lazar has been named Head Coach of the
 Western Conference All-Stars. Joining Coach Lazar will be Goaltender Jim Georgas (#3 in League, with a
 14-1 record and a 2.10 GAA and .916 save percentage), Defensemen Frank Musick ( #2 DF in League in
 scoring with a 8 goals and 17 assists for 25 points) and Mike Smith (# 5 in the League with 6 goals and 12
 assists for 18 points), Forwards Ron Kokas (Empire League leading scorer with 24 goals -30 assists for 54
 points) and Mike Cambria (# 6 in scoring with 17 goals -25 assists for 42 points). It should be a fun day for
 all. "Last year the placed was packed with scouts" stated League Commissioner Don Kirnan who will also
 be on hand. Assisting Lazar will be Coach Barling from the Hitmen. Goaltender Josh Blum, DF Craig
 Halpin, and forward Rich Prunesti were named as alternates for the team. Rich Prunesti will play in the
 Futures game preceding the regular all-star game. More info later........ 
 

News As Of December 21,2009
'EMPIRE 'CORE SWEEPS COYOTES FOR 25th & 26TH STRAIGHT WINS

 

LONG BEACH, NY....The Christmas break has arrived and although it will be a nice 2 weeks of relaxation, the
 team probably will be climbing the walls looking for hockey in a couple of days. The team has won 26 games
 in a row, good for a commanding lead in the Western Conference. The 'Core swept the NY Coyotes this past
 weekend finding a way to get past the bad weather and scoring many goals in the process. The two wins
 were aided by (6) goals by Mike Davie, (4) by Vin Morris, (4) by Mike Mascaro, (4) by Ron Kokas, and
 many others had goals also. The 'Core also had (8) PP goals over the weekend. Nick Cipriano had (6)
 assists.

 
The 'Core returns to action in 2010, with an exhibition game at the EJ Winter Showcase on Friday Jan. 8,
 before playing the CD Selects in Albany the weekend of the 9th and 10th of Jan. The Apple Core family
 wishes all of you a Happy Holiday season.

 

News As Of December 13,2009

'CORE RUNS WIN STREAK TO 24 WITH WEEKEND SWEEP AT HUSKIES SHOWCASE

DEFEAT MONARCHS, HUSKIES, RULLO HERO IN BAY STATE WIN

 

FITCHBURG MA--- The Apple Core Empire team traveled up to Fitchburg, MA to play in the Huskies
 showcase this past weekend. We all remember last year when an ice storm canceled the showcase. The
 'Core fresh off their sweep of Brewster, would play the arch rival Monarchs, the Huskies and tough Bay State
The team was short-handed for the Monarchs game with a couple of suspensions and Oleksii Malichenko in
 the Ukraine playing for his U-20 National team. As has been the story all year, great team play and different
 players coming thru each game, the Monarchs game would be no different. The 'Core would take a 1-0 lead in
 the first half on a Vin Morris rebound goal off a Frank Musick point shot. Late in the first half, John Defeo
 scored on the PP to give the 'Core a 2-0 halftime lead. Two quick goals to start the second half by Ron
 Kokas and Vin Morris gave the 'Core a 4-0 lead. The teams traded goals after that with Dylan Scarpato and
 Rich Prunesti also scoring for the 'Core. The 6-3 win was very emotional and well earned. For the Monarchs,
 ex-'Core player Steve Romano played well. Jim Georgas played well in net to get the win.
The Saturday morning game with the Huskies was next. The team came out flat, but the Huskies played great
 positional hockey in a very quiet first half. late in the period, the Huskies took a 1-0 lead and held it to the
 half. Each team only had 8 shots on net. "All our opponents are bringing their best effort with them when they
 play us" stated assistant coach Larry Nastasi. The 'Core wasted no time evening the score as John Defeo
  found the net on a Frank Musick assist. Nick Cipriano made the score 2-1 'Core on the PP on a Rich
 Prunesti assist. Prunesti scored short-handed 2 minutes later on a break-away while the team was 2 men
 short. "Rich is like a giant Squid with his long reach and gets many break-aways" stated Coach Henry
 Lazar. With the score 3-2, John Defeo scored into the empty net to secure the 4-2 win. Just 5 hours later,
 the 'Core was at it again against the big, tough Bay State Breakers. The Breakers have mostly older players
 and the 'Core knew they would be in for a tough game. Again, the 'Core was down 1-0 before Prunesti
 deflected in a Mike Smith point shot on the PP. With the score 1-1, the second half was very exciting. There
were only 4-5 penalties in the whole game as the teams went back and forth. Dom Rullo gave the 'Core a 2-1
 lead in the second half off a Craig Halpin point shot. "We work on that drill every week and it paid off for me
" said Rullo, a big, tough grinder from Oceanside NY. "Dom has made great progress as a player and works
 very hard getting in shape and learning the fine points of the game" stated Special assistant Sean Edwards.
 Mike Davie also assisted on the goal. Rullo wasn't done though. The Breakers tied the game at 2-2 with 2
 minutes left in the game. With 1:10 left in the game and looking like overtime, Rullo tore down the right wing
 and rifled a shot into the net to give the 'Core a 3-2 lead. Mike Cambria sealed the deal with an open net
 goal, on a very unselfish pass from Captain Ron Kokas. "That's why he is the captain. He is very unselfish
 and a great leader" stated Coach Lazar. The 4-2 win capped a 3-0 weekend and 24 straight wins. The team
 plays at home next week against the Coyotes before the Christmas break.
 

Apple Sauce...... Oleksii Malichenko doing well in U-20 tournament.....Team has no injuries......AC is # 1
 in PP and # 7 in PK......Rich Prunesti Sr. named team "Restaurant Coordinator"..... Team will be off from
 Dec 21 to Jan 5......
 

 

News As Of December 7,2009
'CORE SWEEPS BREWSTER BULLDOGS IN WEEKEND AT THE DOG HOUSE

 

Brewster, NY......In a battle of local rivals, it was Apple Core who ran their winning streak to (21) straight with
 a weekend sweep at the Dog House. Brewster was in 2nd place and this showdown was highly anticipated
 for weeks. "Many players know each other for years and that adds to the rivalry" stated special assistant
 Sean Edwards. Apple Core has now gone (10) games without a loss to Brewster, 9-0-1 dating back to 2008-
9. Fresh off the Thanksgiving vacation, the 'Core scored the first two goals :14 seconds apart with Ron Kokas
 and Oleksii Malichenko finding the back of the net. Brewster got busy on the PP scoring the next 3 goals to
 go up 3-2 after 1 period. Mike Cambria tied the game on assists by Alex Caruso and Ron Kokas. In a see-
saw game, Brewster took a 4-3 lead, but Rich Prunesti tied the score again at 4-4. Brewster took the lead
 again at 5-4, but Mike Mascaro tied the game again at 5-5 late in the second period on assists from John
 Defeo and Vin Morris. In the 2nd period, the 'Core out-shot the Bulldogs 26-8 as they dominated play. This
 carried into the third period, which the 'Core has dominated all season. Goals by Rich Prunesti, Mike Smith
 and Ron Kokas (short-handed) sealed the victory. The 8-5 victory was emotional and well deserved.
 Sunday's game was total domination from start to finish. Tough defense and solid goaltending by Jim
 Georgas led the way in an 8-1 romp. The 'Core scored (3) PP goals and one short-handed in the victory, the
 21st straight. "Every player is contributing" stated DF Coach Larry Nastasi. Alex Caruso scored the only
 goal of the first period on the PP with :13 left in the period. Tough work in front of the net by Dom Rullo drew
 the penalty. Mike Cambria assisted on the goal. Ron Kokas made the score 2-0, also on the PP on a tip in
 of a Frank Musick point shot. As the game went on the 'Core dominated in all phases of the game,
 especially PK, where they struggled on Saturday. Brewster had a 5 on 3 and a 5 minute advantage and only
 mustered 3 shots on net during that span. Vin Morris added goals 3 and 4, with Rich Prunesti, Kokas, Nick
 Cipriano and Mike Brennan joining the party. The 8-1 win capped a 4 game stretch with the Hitmen and
 Brewster in which AC scored 29 goals in those 4 games.
 

APPLE SAUCE....... The 'Core next travels to Fitchburg to play the Monarchs, Bay State and the Huskies in
 inter-conference play......OLeksii Malichenko left after the Brewster game to play for the Ukraine in the
 World U-20 Championships. Oleksii will return Jan. 3.......AC is still rated the # 1 Jr 'B' team in the country for
 the 6th straight week......Did you see Rich Prunesti Sr in the snow Saturday? He looked like Big Foot with
 the snow on him.......Florida boys Kokas, Cipriano & Morris scored plenty of goals this past weekend.
 Their week off in the Florida sun worked wonders for them.......Mike Mascaro picked up his new Infiniti G 37
 X and has been flying thru Long Beach. A speeding ticket is just "around the corner". .....No injuries to
report......New Dec. issue of Junior Hockey News has a two page AC article and the cover has all (7) of the
 AC NHL players on it.......Team all set for Lake Placid Tournament.
 

 

  News As Of November 22,2009

APPLE CORE WHACKS HITMEN IN WEEKEND SWEEP

 

LONG BEACH, NY--- The NY Apple Core showed their mettle in sweeping the second place NJ Hitmen 8-5 and 5-3 over the weekend. The 'Core had won (17) in a row up to this weekend and are ranked #1 in the Junior Hockey Rankings. That ranking will remain intact as the 'Core came back from a 2 goal third period deficit and won going away before a large crowd at Long Beach Arena, LI's version of Hockey Town East. The Empire B team has great chemistry and has the grit to handle adversity which is the mark of a Championship team. In the Saturday game, the Hitmen took a 2-0 lead in the first period before the 'Core got on the board with Alex Caruso scoring on a rebound off Ron Kokas and Mike Cambria assists. The 'Core tied the game at 2-2 as Dom Rullo scored from Rob Dorgan. Oleksii Malichenko scored on the PP to tie the game again at 3-3. The Hitmen took a 4-3 lead into the third period and during the break the team focused on what they had to do to win. The third period has been very good so far this season and the 'Core would need a good one in this game. The Hitmen made it 5-3 with 15 minutes left in the game. At this point the players stepped up to the plate and in the last 12 minutes scored 5 unanswered goals to win the game.

Pat Condon started the barrage with a PP goal from the point on a Cambria assist. With the score 5-4 Hitmen, Ron Kokas tied the game from in front of the net on a great Alex Caruso pass. Thirty seconds later

Oleksii Malichenko scored his second goal of the game on assists from Mike Mascaro and Vin Morris. With the score 6-5, 'Core and the team shorthanded, Mike Brennan scored a shorthanded goal on a nice pass from Rich Prunesti. Vin Morris added an empty netter to complete the scoring. The 8-5 win was the team's 18th straight and set the table for the Sunday tilt.

 

On Sunday, the 'Core dominated the entire game and was never behind in the game. Nick Cipriano opened the scoring on nice passes from Rich Prunesti and Mike Brennan. Pat Condon gave the 'Core a 2-1 lead on the PP with a nice point shot. Mike Mascaro and John Defeo assisted. The Hitmen played hard all weekend and tied the game at 2-2 before Ron Kokas and Mike Cambria combined on a great 2 on 1 play. The 'Core carried the 3-2 lead into the third period. Rich Prunesti scored a short-handed goal to make the score 4-2 and with the score 4-3 after a Hitmen goal with 4 minutes left, Mike Brennan scored an empty net goal to insure the win. The team now has 38 points and a .950 win percentage, tops in the Empire League.

 

Apple Sauce.....

The team has a well deserved week vacation for Thanksgiving....Next opponent is the tough Brewster Bulldogs....OLeksii Malichenko will play for his home country the Ukraine in World Championship U-20 Tournament. Oleksii will leave for home after the Brewster weekend and return Jan 2......There are no injuries to report.......Alex Caruso named alt. Captain........Rich Prunesti Sr. set a new 7-11 record by gulping down his 100th "Double Gulp" of the year.....Congrats to EJ team for their great start this year......

 

  News As Of November 17,2009
Applecore Junior B Empire Team goes head to head
with the Buffalo Stars

Saturday November 14, 2009--- The Applecore Junior B Empire team embarked on their last of three bus  trips within four weeks—this time to Buffalo. Saturday morning began as usual, players arriving at Ice Land for  the bus, Coach Henry Lazar pacing back and forth hoping everyone makes it on time, bagels delivered from John Mascaro’s Bagel Boss. Everything seemed to be in place. Then mysteriously when the bus trip started there were half a bag of bagels missing. Coach Larry was on the bus and 21 players so why was there stillbagels left.  Jesse Trap was quick to remind everyone that Dom Rullo was flying up and that his “share” of the bagels was being kept safe for him.  Dylan Scarpato took out his calculator and confirmed it, there were 13 bagels hidden for Rullo.

When the team arrived in Buffalo it was all business. Each player knew that the Buffalo Stars are a very solid team. Game preparation began 1 ½ hours before game time. The “Core” was ready for battle.  The first period proved that the Buffalo Stars also were serious, and came to play. At the end of the first period the “Core” out shot the Stars 12-9 but the score was 0-0. Goaltender Josh Blum made some strong saves to keep the Stars off the score sheet.  Six minutes into the second period Mike Smith was called for elbowing and the Stars had a power play opportunity.  Forty six seconds into the Star power play Mike Mascaro stole the puck and passed to John Defeo, John scored a shorthanded goal giving the “Core” a 1-0 lead.  Thirty seconds later the Star answered with a power-play goal.  At the 13:51 mark of the period the “Core “regained the lead with a power-play goal by Rich Prunesti assisted by Frank Musick and Mike Brennan.  After the Second Period the “Core” led 2-1.  Two minutes into the third period Mike Mascaro scored assisted by John Defeo and Vin Morris for a 3-1 lead.  The Stars battled back and scored their second goal with about 15 minutes left in the game.  At the 9 minute mark Vin Morris scored his first goal as an Applecore player.  Ten minutes later Rich Purnesti placed the cap on the bottle with his second goal of the game, an empty netter assisted by Mike Davie.  Applecore won the first game 5-2. After the game Food Coordinator Rich Prunesti Sr. found a pizza place in the middle of nowhere where the team ate, and I never Rich Prunesti’s  two slices of pizza disappear so fast. Just like in the cartoons.

 Sunday November 15, 2009

Applecore realizing that it is always harder to win the second game of a weekend, started to prepare
 themselves for game two against the Buffalo Stars at 10:30am for a 12:45pm start. The preparation paid off. Applecore opened the scoring one minute and 41 second into the first period with a goal by John Defeo assisted by Vin Morris. The ‘Core closed out the first period with a goal by Vin Morris assisted by Kyle Zelanka and John Defeo giving the core a 2-0 lead.  The first two goals of the second period were scored by Applecore’s Frank Musick assisted by Mike Mascaro and Mike Smith and John Defeo’s second of the game assisted by Mike Mascaro and Vin Morris. At the 10 minute mark the Stars finally scored on a breakaway.  After the second period the ‘Core led by a  4–1 score. In the third period the Stars lost their bite and the “Core” took total control with goals from Mike Mascaro, Ron Kokas and Mike Davie. The goals\ were assisted by Vin Morris, Dom Rullo, Rich Prunesti and two by Jesse Trap.  Applecore won the second game 7-1. Jim Georgas played solid in net only giving up a breakaway goal that deflected off hisglove and bounced in.   

Congratulations to the entire Applecore Team. Due to all the hard work and many hours of dedication each player puts in each week, the team earned its 17 straight League win and is currently ranked #1 in the United States at the Junior B Level according to the Junior Hockey Rankings.  Keep up the hard work and do not forget the ultimate goals.

 Applesauce: 

Thank you to the parents for supplying the bus for the trip home with bananas, oranges, apples and cases of water. When the bus arrived at Iceland, Coach Lazar was spotted bringing home all the extra fruit and water. He was caught scamming again…..After the team returned home the bus drive called Coach Henry Lazar to thank him for sharing the Chinese food dinner with him on the bus……The coaches were very happy with the team’s selection of movies and Coach Lazar went to Best Buy Monday to buy his own copies of all the movies shown on the trip…….On the injury front, Oleksii Malichenko is OK to go recovered fully from a shoulder injury….The ‘Core plays the tough Hitmen this coming weekend.....


Apple Core Junior B sends the Revolution back to Philly

Saturday 11/7/09
            The Philadelphia Revolution Junior B team rode into town not on horses, but in a
 school bus painted with their old logo and team name, last year they were known as Tri
 State. The Applecore Junior B team was ready and prepared to take on the team that had
 beaten them earlier in a preseason show case. The “Core’s” locker room was filled with an
 attitude of professionalism and a swagger of confidence for success.  Not only was each
 player ready for the challenge but also felt that they had come a long way since the pre-
season. “The team has really gelled” stated Assistant Coach Larry Nastasi. With a long trip
 to Buffalo next week, the team was happy to be home this weekend.

            The Saturday game began with both teams playing very physical with the drop of the
 puck. Applecore answered first with a power play goal by defenseman Mike Smith assisted
 by Rich Prunesti and Mike Brennan. The first period ended in favor of the “Core” 1-0.
  The Revolution fought back and within seven minutes of the second period tied the score 1-
1. Two in one half minutes later the Revolution would take the lead 2-1. As well as the “’Core”
 is playing, the feeling that the Revolution may be one of those teams that just seem to have
 “the ‘Cores’” number was starting to come into play. That theory would change at the 19
 minute mark when Ron Kokas scored, assisted by Mike Cambria and Rob Dorgan. The
goal tied the game at two apiece. With the score tied “Applecore” knew they had the
 Revolution lined up for defeat.  The “’Core” has only allowed (3) goals all season in the third
 period and has out played each of their opponents during the third period. Sure enough
 history repeated when Ron Kokas collected his second and third goal of the game giving
 him his first hat trick as a member of the team. Mike Cambria, Rob Dorgan and Pat
 Condon collected assists on those goals.  The “’Core” defeated the Revolution 4-2.  Josh
 Blum once again had a strong showing making 23 Saves and holding the Revolution to two
 goals scored.

 Sunday 11/8/09
               Sunday was a special day not only because of the return of Jesse Trap to the
 “’Core’s” defensive line up, but the team was able to show case their brand new fourth
 Jersey. The Jersey looks sharp. The pattern and color was the reverse of the team’s third
Jersey.  The fourth Jersey seemed to spark the “’Core”. Within the first minute of play Mike
 Cambria scored assisted by Ron Kokas and Alex Caruso. Six minutes later Dom Rullo
 dazzled the crowd by sniping the upper corner of the net to give the “Core” a 2 – 0 lead.
 Dom’s goal was assisted by Vinny Morris and Dylan Scarpato. Four minutes later Craig
 Halpin would blast a shot just inside of the blue line for the “Core’s” third goal assisted by
 Vinny Morris and Dom Rullo. Alex Caruso concluded the scoring of the 1st period giving
 Applecore a 4-0 lead after one period. In The second period Pat Condon was set up by
 Rich Prunesti and Mike Brennen for a 5-0 lead.   In the 3rd period Olexi  Malichenko
 scored assisted by Mike Smith and then turned to the crowd seeking his fan club in the
 stands only to witness three little girls clapping. The “Core” would dominate the third period
 with goals from Mike Brennan, Mike Davie, Mike Mascaro, and Nick Cipriano. John
 Defeo, Craig Halpin, Pat Condon, Dom Rullo, Rich Prunesti and Mike Mascaro
 recorded assists on those goals. The Philadelphia Revolution were defeated 10-1.  Jim
 Georgas made 30 out of 31 saves in another great effort.

Before Saturdays game Assistant Coach Larry Nastasi challenged the defensive core to
 improve their status in the league on penalty killing. When Sunday game was completed, the
 “Core’s penalty units killed 12 out of 12 penalties over the weekend.  On the flip side the
 offense posted up 5 power play goals. All in all a very successful weekend and a streak of
 15 League wins in a row.

 Applesauce:  Happy Birthday David Smith, we now know where Mike gets his graceful
 footwork from. After Saturday’s game defenseman Olexi Malichenko requested if he can
import his own refs from the Ukraine. Coach Henry is looking into it. In Jesse Trap’s first
 game back he was a plus three----- Welcome back. The ‘Core next plays at Buffalo against
 the tough Stars. The team is in first place in the Western Conference.
 

 
'CORE SWEEPS ROCHESTER FOR 13 IN A ROW

 As of November 3,2009

ROCHESTER,NY.... The NY Apple Core arrived in Rochester Saturday remembering the tough time we had
 last year. Maksymum is a quality organization with some very good players. Dom Trento, who played for
 Rochester last year, now plays on the AC EJ team. The 'Core was riding an 11 game winning streak and was
 primed for action. Mike Cambria opened the scoring in the 1st period netting a PP goal on assists from Ron
 Kokas and Rob Dorgan. With the score 1-1, John Defeo scored on a nifty move from a Nick Cipriano
 assist. Maksymum scored 3 second period goals to make the score 3-2 Maksymum at the 2nd ice cut. The
 team got themselves together in the locker room, and was primed for a good third period. Rich Prunesti
 scored on the PP on a Mike Davie assist to tie the game. With 8:51 left in the third period, Ron Kokas
 scored another PP goal to give the 'Core a 4-3 lead. Frank Musick and Mike Cambria assisted. Cambria
 scored near the end as insurance, from Vin Morris and Craig Halpin. The 'Core totally controlled the third
 period, out shooting Maksymum 26-6. The 'Core out shot Rochester 57-26 for the game. The 5-3 well earned
 victory was a tough game and gave the 'Core confidence for Sunday. Josh Blum played well in net for Apple
 Core.
 
In Sunday's game, the pace was a little less hectic, but the 'Core knew the game would be a big challenge as
 it is tough to win 2 games against the same team on the same weekend. "There are many splits in the
 Empire League" stated Coach Henry Lazar. "The team that lost Saturday works extra hard Sunday" added
 Larry Nastasi. Pat Condon opened the scoring for Apple Core on Sunday with a low point shot that found
 it's way into the net. With the score 1-1, Mike Smith's point shot somehow deflected off 2 players and past
 the Rochester goalie for a 2-1 'Core lead. Mike Brennan and Kyle Zelanka assisted on the play. The 'Core
 took a 2-1 lead into the third period. Apple Core has allowed only 7 goals all season in the third period and
 would keep that stat intact Sunday also. Mike Brennan added an insurance goal as did Mike Cambria to
 seal a 4-1 win. Jim Georgas made some great saves for the 'Core
.
 
APPLE SAUCE........The 'Core next plays the Philli Revolution next week at Long Beach. Team members
 wore their Halloween costumes on the bus, and in some cases was an upgrade in appearance.......On the
 injury front, Jesse Trap is almost ready to resume playing, Oleksii Malichenko is day to day (shoulder)....

 

Applecore Junior B Empire Team sends
the Syracuse Stars in to orbit. League Winning streak reaches 11 games

 Saturday October 24, 2009

              The Applecore Junior B Empire team started the day bright and early. The team met in New Hyde Park to catch the bus to Syracuse at 6:30 AM sharing the ride with the Junior A team.

Waiting for their arrival was head coach Henry Lazar shaking his head wondering if John Mascaro was going to bring the bagels for the bus. Tradition! Henry declared. At 6:29 AM the bagels where safe on the bus. At 6:30 AM the bagels were no-longer safe, the players led by assistant coach Larry Nastasi attacked and wiped the bagels out. During the journey to Syracuse captain Mike Smith supplied the weak selection of movie videos, only Mike Davie seemed to enjoy. The team couldn’t reach Syracuse fast enough. Finally at 11:40 the team arrived.

             1:00 PM Applecore took to the ice. Within the first five minutes of the game Mike Mascaro scored assisted by Craig Halpin and John Defeo. Nine minutes later Syracuse answered back with a goal to tie the score 1-1. Two minutes later Mike Cambria added a power play goal assisted by Ron Kokas and Frank Musick. Although, after the first period Applecore out shot Syracuse 12 to 7 and leading 2-1, their play was not the usual grind and hustle the coaching staff had come accustom to seeing. Concerns of the long bus ride might be an issue. During the second period Applecore added to their lead with an unassisted short handed goal by Rich Prunesti. After the second period Applecore had a 3-1 lead. Strong play by goaltender Josh Blum with a tremendous save on a breakaway kept Applecore in control. In the third period Applecore came alive out playing Syracuse in each end of the ice. Rich Prunesti and Mike Cambria each scored their second goal of the game and Ron Kokas picked up his second assist. Mike Brennan and Mike Davie also contributed with an assist. The ‘Core was back in form and the bus was not an issue after all. Syracuse began to get frustrated and taking poor penalties. Kyle Zelanka and Mike Mascaro had enough and decided to show some muscle, when they found it after a fifteen minute search Kyle was ejected with his first fight on the junior level and Mike had to serve 4 minutes in penalties for roughing. Applecore defeated Syracuse 5-1.

 Sunday October 25, 2009

             8:15 AM Applecore went head to head with Syracuse. The game remained 0-0 with shot for shot. Syracuse was playing a stronger and more in controlled game then the day before. At the 15:49 mark of the first period the ‘Core opened the scoring with a goal by Frank Musick who took the pass from Mike Brennan and brought it down ice on the right side and shot the puck low left side for the goal. The score was 1-0 in favor of Applecore after the first.  In the second period Syracuse could no longer keep up with the ‘Core. Goals by Ron Kokas, Mike Cambria, Alex Caruso and Mike Smith gave the ‘Core a 5-1 lead. Mike Cambria, Rich Prunesti, Ron Kokas contributed with assists and Mike Brennan had two assists in the period. Alex Caruso had a golden opportunity after being tripped in the offensive zone on a breakaway; he was awarded a penalty shot. Not to embarrass the Syracuse goaltender Alex felt it was necessary to shoot the puck over the net. Second period concluded with Applecore leading 5-1. I the third period applecore controlled the play out shooting Syracuse 15 – 6  added a goal by John Defeo assisted by Nick Cipriano and Mike Mascaro. Goaltender Jim Georgas solid play with 24 saves helped Applecore sweep the weekend with a 6-1 victory over the Syracuse Stars. The good news is Applecore continues its winning streak in the League to 11 games. The bad news is the team had to go back on the bus and watch the rest of Mike Smith’s movie video collection. The driver can’t drive fast enough to get us home stated Olexii Malichenko.

 Once again Applecore continues to lead the league in defensive categories and is starting to climb offensively as well.

 Applesauce:  Jesse Trap is one week away from returning. The Bagels hit the spot. Dylan Scarpato had another five page report in physics,his next research report will be low shots to the opposite corner of the net and why they are effective in the goal scoring process.

 

News As of10/20/09
Applecore Empire Team Tames N.J. Wildcats In Weekend Sweep
CONEY ISLAND, NY

On Saturday October 17 Applecore Junior B Empire team played the first of a two games series against
the NJ Wildcats at Coney Island rink. The ‘Core felt the pressure from the N.J. Wildcats within the first 3
 minutes of the game when the Wildcats took the lead 1-0. Three minutes later, Applecore answered back
 with a goal from Rob Dorgan, assisted by Alex Caruso to tie the game at 1-1. At the end of the 1st period
  the score was still tied 1-1.  The ‘Core had some golden opportunities while out shooting the Wildcats 15 –
 4. Coach Henry Lazar was concerned that the scoring production may have gone a little stale and the lines
 just might need a change in order to energize and increase production.  “Lines are constantly being changed
 until the right combinations are found” added Coach Lazar. The coaching  staff switched some players around
 from the original game lines, knowing that the changes are a hit or miss situation.  “On this team, the core
 players are very similar and are interchangeable throughout the lineup” added Coach Nastasi.
 

During the second period the core came out and answered the call.  Leading the way was Dom Rullo
pounding the puck into the net giving the core a 2-1 lead. Rullo’s goal was assisted by Dylan Scarpato and
 Alex Caruso. At the 8 minute mark of the period Mike Cambria scored giving the core a 3-1 lead thanks to
 the nifty puck movement of Ron Kokas and Mike Smith who assisted on the goal. When the dust settle
 after the second period the Wildcats were looking at a 5 goal deficit. Rob Dorgan had scored his second and
 third goal of the game giving him his first hat trick on the Junior B Level. Ron Kokas, Mike Cambria and
 Kyle Zelanka assisted Dorgan on his hat. John Defeo with a feed from Mike Brennan closed out the
 scoring of the second period. The ‘Core out-shot the Wildcats 20 – 7 in the second period.

In the third period the Wildcats gave it one more swipe with the first goal to make it 6-2 in favor of the ‘Core.
  After the Wildcats scored the ‘Core answered back with goals from Rich Prunesti, Ron Kokas, Nick
Cipriano and from newly acquired Russian defenseman Olexi Malichenko’s 1st Empire Junior B goal of his
 career. The Wildcats add one more goal and Rob Dorgan answered back with his fourth and final goal of the
 game. Josh Blum had another solid performance in net. Final score Applecore 11 Wildcats 3. Rob took his 4
 goal game in stride; his main goal was that the team continued its winning streak in the Empire League to 8
 straight.

The Applecore Defense lead by Mike Smith, Frank Musick, Kyle Zelanka, Pat Condon, Olexi
 Malichenko, and Greg Halpin along with the defensive play of the forwards have the ‘Core leading the
 Empire league in defensive categories including goals allowed.

Josh Blum and Jim Georgas has been an unstoppable tandem between the pipes.

Sunday October 18, 2009

Applecore’s new look offense is becoming very explosive. The ‘Core opened up the scoring at the 10 minute
 mark with a goal by Left Winger Mike Mascaro assisted by Nick Cipriano and Line mate John Defeo.
 During the second period a power play goal through the goalie’s five hole by Kyle Zelanka gave the ‘Core a 2
 goal lead. Ron Kokas who assisted on Zelanka’s goal would himself score during the third period with an
 assist from Mike Cambria and Rob Dorgan. During the third period Defensman Mike Smith patiently
 moved the puck around a sliding defending player in the offensive zone and blasted a shot to the upper left
 corner of the net to give Applecore a commanding lead. To cap off the third period a crafty goal by Mike
 Davie assisted by Rich Prunesti and Mike Brennan gave the ‘Core a 5 -0 victory over the Wildcats and a
 complete game shut out by goaltender Jim Georgas.  The ‘Core was able to extend its winning streak to 9
 games Thanks to the gritty play of Mike Brennan, Mike Mascaro, and Dylan Scarpato along with their
 teammates the ‘Core continued the winning streak to 9 wins.

Next up for the Applecore Empire team will be Syracuse, in Syracuse October 24 and 25th.

Notes: Defenseman Jesse Trap is on schedule to re-join the team within two weeks and Defenseman Dylan
 Larkin’s surgery on his hip was very successful and he is working very hard in Physical Therapy so he can
 resume his hockey career. Thanks go out to Matt Davie for allowing our team to use their facility this past
 weekend……

 
News As of10/12/09
'CORE SWEEPS WEEKEND IN NH--GOES 3-0
 
HOOKSET,NH..... The Empire Jr B team swept their (3) League games this past weekend at the Tri-Town
 Sports Arena in NH. The 'Core defeated the Springfield Pics, Bridgewater Bandits and Salem Ice Dogs over
 the Columbus Day weekend showcase, giving the 'Core it's 7th straight League win. In the first game, power
play goals by Dom Rullo, Mike Davie and Mike Mascaro led the way in a 6-2 win. Mike Cambria, Dylan
 Scarpato & Alex Caruso tallied the other goals. Ron Kokas had (2) helpers in the contest. In the
Bridgewater game, goals by Rob Dorgan & Ron Kokas 1 minute apart led the way in a 5-4 win. The team
played a smart 2nd half to seal the win. Rich Prunesti, Alex Caruso & Frank Posillico scored the other
 three goals. In the third game, goals by Nick Cipriani and John Defeo led the way in a 3-2 win over Salem.
 With the score tied at the half, the team focused in on a good second half. Rich Prunesti scored on a break-
away on a great pass from Pat Condon to give the 'Core the win. The 'Core only allowed 9 shots in the
 second half. The 'Core is 7-1 with their next opponent the tough NJ Wildcats.
 

APPLE SAUCE......Jesse Trap--day to day with a finger injury....Welcome new players Oleksii Malichenko
 from the Ukraine (DF) and Frank Posillico (F).....
 

 
News As of10/5/09

 EMPIRE BOYS SWEEP PITTSBURGH AT LONG BEACH
 
LONG BEACH, NY---- The NY AC Empire team won it's 3rd and 4th games in a row, sweeping the Pittsburgh
 Penguins at Long Beach by 7-2 & 4-2 scores this weekend. The 'Core is now 4-1 in the young season
 and moving up in the standings. In Saturday's game, power play goals by Ron Kokas, Rob Dorgan and
 Mike Cambria led the 'Core to a 7-2 win. The 'Core out shot the Penguins by a 44-20 margin. Dylan
Scarpato, Frank Musick, Kokas and Dorgan scored the other goals. Alex Caruso had (2) assists in the
 game. Jim Georgas played well in net.

In Sunday's tilt, goals by Alex Caruso, Dom Rullo, Frank Musick and Mike Cambria led the way in a 4-2
 win. Rob Dorgan and Dylan Scarpato had (2) assists each in the game. The 'Core out shot the Penguins
46-15 in the game.
 
The team is playing well and staying out of the penalty box. In the 5 games, the team has been short-handed
  only 15 times. The 'Core PP at 35% is tops in the League for teams which have played more then 4 games.

The team next plays in the Monarchs Showcase against Springfield, Bridgewater and Salem.

 

   News As of 9/7/09
 EMPIRE BOYS WIN BREWSTER TOURNAMENT
                                                                 

BREWSTER, NY... The NY Apple Core Empire team reached the finals of a tournament for the second
straight weekend, this time defeating the Brewster Bulldogs 3-2 in the finals. The team played well most of the
 weekend, only allowing 5 goals in 4 games as the defense and goaltending were very good. AC defeated the
 Moose 4-1, tied Brewster 1-1, beat the Wildcats 3-1 and in the Finals, Brewster 3-2.
 

 
 

EMPIRE BBQ A HUGE SUCCESS, CAMP RUNNING SMOOTH
 
PORT WASHINGTON, NY-- The Empire Jr 'B' team held it's annual BBQ this past Sunday, hosted by the Caruso family. With all the players, family, and team staff there, it was a fun afternoon for all. Players and parents got to know each other before pre-season camp. The Caruso house is huge with something for everyone. The "boss of the house" Linda Caruso had everything under control.

There is a huge pool, soccer net, lacrosse net, hockey rink in the

 basement, ping pong table, pool table and about 15 huge screen TV's all over the place. The players had no trouble finding things to do. Coach Larry Nastasi runs a cooking school and after his "help" with the food, Larry should enroll as a student, rather then an administrator. John Mascaro, who runs a bagel cafe flunked hot dogs and hamburgers. No wonder we can use his bagels as spare pucks. The theme song from "Jaws" was playing when Rich "Great White" Prunesti  Sr. was filling his plate with hot dogs. Dom Rullo might have a second career as a soccer goalie. First, he takes up a lot of net, then he was pretty good on the lousy shots from the team. Sean Edwards was in attendance and handled all the fruit set-ups. He was lecturing on the recessive genes of the yellow watermelon. Jesse Trap, a lifeguard at Coney Island (can you believe he saves lives?) could not handle the deep end of the pool. Don't go to Coney Island if you can't swim. Matt Davie Sr. was spotted putting all the left-overs in his car. After sampling Lisa's cooking first hand, I don't blame him. He wanted to know where to buy the Chef-Boy-Ar-Dee. Did you see Dylan Scarpato trying to figure out the "angle of spin" while playing Frisbee? He had his calculator and slide rule out to figure the landing spots. Nick Cipriano and Mike Davie have gotten real "close". Nick is billeting with the Davie family (counseling will be needed to keep him sane), but they are always "together". I know where the missing phone books went. Now that Mike Davie is driving the truck, he needs to sit high in the saddle. Did you see Mike Smith play ping pong? The paddle was hitting him back. He missed at least 4 in a row. The camp has also been a great success. The players are all working hard with work ethic an A plus. The coaches feel this is an extremely focused, mature and hockey savvy team. The flat screen TV in the Empire game room is a big success also. The team starts their exhibition schedule with games in Philly this weekend.
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