NY APPLE CORE JUNIOR B EMPIRE TEAM

News as of 03/02/08

Junior B Season Ends in OT
Syracuse Wins Game Three 1-0, Head to Pittsburgh

Long Beach, NY - The NY Apple Core Jr. B Empire team's season came to an end with 1:17 left in overtime in Game 3 of the 1st Round of the Empire League Playoffs. Syracuse forward Joe Wilson tucked in the game-winner past AC goaltender Ryan Lazarus advancing the Stars to Pittsburgh for Round 2 against the Penguins.

Apple Core battled back from a tough Game 1 loss in Long Beach to win Game 2 and force a Game 3 mini-game on Saturday in Coney Island. In Game 1, Apple Core received goals from Matt Kavanagh and Stevie Romano. Goaltender Carl Rappa made 26 saves in the loss. Syracuse scored three unanswered goals in the 3rd period to take Game 1.

In Game 2, Apple Core came out hard with their season on the line. AC won Game 2 5-2, receiving goals from Rudy Sulmonte, James Shea, Andrew Balzafiore, Robbie Beggi, and Tim Condon. Goaltender Ryan Lazarus was spectacular once again making 28 saves in the big win.

The 3rd Game was a 20 minute mini-game that went into a 4-on-4 5-minute sudden death overtime. Lazarus made 11 saves before Joe Wilson ended AC's season. Syracuse goaltender Bryan Jones made 22 saves in the Game 3 mini-game.

News as of 02/25/08

APPLE CORE CLINCHES 1^st PLACE IN EASTERN DIVISION
FACE SYRACUSE IN 1^ST ROUND

Pittsburgh, PA- With Sunday’s come-from-behind 5-2 win against the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins, Apple Core snaps a 6-game losing streak and clinches 1^st Place in the Eastern Division. In the game, forward Tim Baxter recorded a hat trick and an assist, while goaltender Ryan Lazarus was spectacular in net making 34 saves. The team now prepares for a tough 1^st round playoff series against the Syracuse Stars. Apple Core won 3 out of 4 contests against Syracuse during the regular season.
“Syracuse is a fast team that has a ton of offensive firepower,” said AC Head Coach Chris Cosentino. “This week we will focus on our defensive game and make sure we are well prepared for a tough 1^st round opponent.”

Apple Core wrapped up the regular season with a respectable 24-17-2-1 record. With five call-ups this season and several injuries, Apple Core’s Jr. B Empire team has battled through a ton of ups and downs. Sunday’s win against Pittsburgh could be just what the team needs to have the confidence needed to succeed in the playoffs.

“I have confidence in this group,” said Cosentino. “These guys have been through a lot this year but never stopped working and believing in each other. I looked at our guys very closely when we were going through some rough patches, and I was proud of the way they conducted themselves. We now appreciate winning and do not take it for granted. I am confident that we will have the right mentality needed to be successful in playoff hockey.”

Team Notes

Forward Tim Baxter led the team in scoring with 21 goals and 23 assists for 44 points in 43 contests…Forward Sal Lucania is out for the remainder of the season with a torn MCL…Defenseman William Choi is out for the remainder of the season with a torn ligament in his hand…

News as of 02/09/08

Despite Five Call-ups, Apple Core Still Has Plenty of Fire Power

Long Beach, NY- The Apple Core EJHL team has officially called up five players for the remainder of the season, marking the most mid-season call-ups in Apple Core history. Frankie Posillico (the team’s leading scorer), Brendan Tracy (the team captain), Rui Encarnacao (team leader in game-winning goals), goaltender Dan Sullivan (arguably the best goaltender in the Empire League), and defenseman Anthony Bitetto (who has become one of the top defensemen on the EJ team) have all been called-up and playing big roles on the EJHL team. Despite the call-ups, the Apple Core Empire team is all but negative. With a new look and attitude, the Junior B team is ready to make its run at an Empire League Championship.

“At the beginning of the season we had a good handful of guys chomping at the bit to get the big time minutes,” said Apple Core Head Coach Chris Cosentino. “Now, it’s their opportunity to get in those key situations, and I have 100% confidence in them to get the job done.”

Apple Core replaced the five with players who will not only keep the team in good shape but they also mix in well with the team chemistry. Apple Core signed forwards Matt LeClair and John Kelly, two players that played instrumental roles in last season’s run. The team also acquired versatile speedster Ben Kramer, who will be a huge asset to the team’s offense. Defenseman Chris Joseph was called-up from Apple Core’s CHA team and has been logging some big time minutes on the blue-line. And finally, All-Star goaltender Carl Rappa makes his return to the Empire League and quickly won all three of the games he started.

Defenseman Danny Honovic has taken the reins as team leader, while Chris Leonard heals an injured knee. Forwards Rudy Sulmonte, Tim Baxter, and Tim Condon will continue to put points up and contribute to the team’s offense.

“I believe that our team character alone will get us further than any other team’s skill down the road and into playoffs,” said Cosentino.

News as of 02/03/08

JUNIOR B APPLE CORE SWEEPS SYRACUSE
Ends four game losing streak

Long Beach, NY- The New York Apple Core Junior B Empire Team defeated the Syracuse Stars this past weekend 6-3 and 5-3, respectively. Apple Core ended a four-game losing streak and still sits in 1^st place atop of the Eastern Division standings. Goaltender Carl Rappa started both games and played strong in net.

“Syracuse is a dangerous team offensively but we were able to limit their scoring chances and put up some offense on our end,” said AC Head Coach Chris Cosentino. “Our defensemen played real strong this weekend and will be the difference in our success this season.”

On Saturday, Apple Core received goals from six different players. Rudy Sulmonte, Danny Honovic, Joe Mugno, Robbie Beggi, Ben Kramer, and Kevin Gaughran all lit the lamp on Saturday. Rappa made 27 saves in the win.

On Sunday, James Shea picked up two goals in the contest, while William Choi, Tim Baxter and Tim Condon picked up the other three goals, respectively. Rappa made 30 saves in the winning effort.

TEAM NOTES
Empire League record: 22-11-2-1…Defenseman Chris Leonard is recovering from a knee injury and will be back by playoffs…Forward Sal Lucania is recovering from a knee injury and will be back by playoffs…Forward John Kelly is listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury…Brendan Tracy, Dan Sullivan, Rui Encarnacao, and Frankie Posillico have all been called-up to the Apple Core EJHL team for the remainder of the season.

News as of 01/02/08

AC Sends Four Players to Empire All-Star Game
Head Coach Chris Cosentino also selected to coaching staff

Long Beach, NY – The New York Apple Core Jr. B team is proud to announce that goaltender Dan Sullivan, forward Frankie Posillico, and defensemen Danny Honovic and Chris Leonard have all been selected to represent Apple Core at the 2008 Empire Hockey League All-Star game on January 21^st in Hooksett, New Hampshire. Apple Core head coach Chris Cosentino has also been selected to be a part of the American Conference coaching staff.

Goaltender Dan Sullivan (6’2” 195lbs 1989 birth year) has proven to be one of the best goaltenders in the entire Empire Junior Hockey League. In 20 games this season, Dan has an impressive 14-4-2-2 record. He leads the league in wins by a goaltender. He has recorded a .930 save percentage and a 2.23 goals against average. Dan has also recorded 2 shutouts this season.

Forward Frankie Posillico (5’10” 165 lbs 1991 birth year) is ranked 7^th in Empire league scoring with a respectable 20-22-42 stat line in 32 contests. He has also recorded 49 PIMs and 4 game winning goals. 4 of his 20 goals have come while shorthanded.

Defenseman Chris Leonard (5’8” 170 lbs 1987 birth year) is tied for 8^th in scoring by a defenseman with 19 points in 29 games. He has picked up 3 goals and 16 assists and racked up 77 PIMs this season.

Defenseman Dan Honovic (6’3” 190lbs 1990 birth year) has had a very solid season on the Apple Core blue-line thus far. He has recorded 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points in 24 games this season. He has proven to be one of the best defensive defensemen in the Empire League.

News as of 12/21/07

Apple Core Blasts PAL 6-2

Long Beach, NY- On Thursday, Apple Core squared off against their long-time rival Suffolk PAL in an exhibition game at the Arena of Long Beach. Apple Core came out hard and physically dominated the game from the first drop of the puck. Tim Condon tallied 3 goals in the contest, one of which coming while shorthanded and Rudy Sulmonte had a 3 point night (1g 2a). Brendan Tracy, and Andrew Balzafiore also scored for Apple Core. Dan Sullivan made 28 saves in the win.

“Our boys played with a lot of passion,” said AC Head Coach Chris Cosentino. “Even though it was an exhibition game, we were blocking shots and finished all our hits. That shows the pride that these guys have in being a part of this great organization.”

News as of 12/18/07

Encarnacoa’s 3^rd Period Heroics Win it for AC
AC Beats Brewster 5-4 in dramatic fashion

Long Beach, NY – Rui Encarnacao’s goal with :7 seconds remaining in the third period proved to be the game-winner against the Brewster Bulldogs on Tuesday night in Long Beach. Encarnacao netted his 2^nd goal of the game off a great pass from Frankie Posillico. Kevin Gaughran also assisted on the play. Dan Sullivan made 31 saves in the 5-4 Apple Core win. Tim Condon, Andrew Balzafiore, and Tim Baxter also scored for Apple Core. Encarnacao scored his first goal of the game on a penalty shot 7-minutes into the 3^rd period.

“This is the third time this season Rui came up big for us when we needed a goal,” said AC Head Coach Chris Cosentino. “The kid is a gamer and when the game is on the line he wants that puck.”

Exactly one month earlier, Encarnacoa scored on a great shot with just :10 seconds remaining against the Tri-State Selects. Apple Core won that game 4-3. Back in October Encarnacoa scored the game-winner in over-time to beat the Salem Ice Dogs 4-3.

Team Notes:
Apple Core improves to 20-7-2-1 in Empire League play…

News Release 12/10/07

APPLE CORE GOES 3-0 AT HUSKIES SHOWCASE
& ALLOW ONLY 2 GOALS AGAINST
TEAM IMPROVES TO 19-7-2-1

Fitchburg, MA –The NY Apple Core Jr. B Empire team went 3-0 this past
weekend at the Huskies Showcase in Fitchburg, MA. In front of several college
scouts, the Core only allowed two goals against in their three league games.

On Friday, AC pounded the Green Mountain Glades 6-1. Apple Core received
two goals from Rui Encarnacao, while Brendan Tracy, Tim Baxter, James
Shea, and Tim Condon all added one goal. Tim Baxter had a three point
game, and John Kelly and Rudy Sulmonte both had two assists. Goaltender
Ryan Lazarus was great in net as he
made 15 saves in the victory.

On Saturday, Apple Core shut-out the New England Falcons by a score of 4-0.
Goaltender Dan Sullivan recorded his 2^nd shutout of the season as he made
24 saves. Kevin Gaughran, Tim Baxter, Tim Condon, and Will Manchester
all scored for Apple Core. Forward Robbie Beggi picked up two assists in the
game.

In Sunday’s game, Apple Core left Fitchburg in dramatic fashion as they
defeated the hometown Huskies 2-1 in overtime. John Kelly scored both goals
for Apple Core and Dan Sullivan once again proved why he is the best
goaltender in the Empire League as he made 15 saves in the win.

“Both our goaltenders are playing very well and our defense is starting to come
together,” said Head Coach Chris Cosentino. “As long as our forwards keep
producing offensively, I am expecting a great second half to the season.”

Team Notes

Forward John Kelly has rejoined the Empire team and picked up 4 points (2g
2a) in his first 3 games…Goaltender Dan Sullivan who leads the Empire League
in goals against (1.94), save% (.938), and wins (13) received a ton of attention
this weekend from the college scouts. “In my opinion, Sully is going to be a star
at the D1 college level,” said Head Coach Chris Cosentino…Defenseman Chris
Leonard is very close to finalizing his college deal at Franklin Pierce University…
Forwards James Shea and Rui Encanaracao both went on college visits this
past weekend as well…Forward Stevie Romano is expected to be back in
action after the New Year…

Hellemeyer Still Has Game
AC assistant coach suits up in minor league game and
scores goal

Trenton, NJ – When AC Jr. B assistant coach Vin Hellemeyer decided to hang
up the skates in August he thought his playing days were over; until he received
a call last week from the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL inviting him to fill
a spot in the lineup against the Trenton Devils on Friday night in Trenton.
Not only did Vin suit up, he scored an impressive one-time goal and logged a
ton of ice time in the Nailers 3-1 loss to Trenton.

“To be honest, my main goal going into the game was to not embarrass myself,”
said Hellemeyer. “I knew all the Jr. B guys would have been watching so I just
wanted to go out and do the best I could. It was a pretty good feeling knowing
that I was able to put the skates back on and help the team knowing that I
haven’t suited up in while.”

The former Yale University captain scored 8 goals and 7 assists for Wheeling
last season. Prior to playing in Wheeling, Vin played for Toledo and Reading
in the ECHL, Flint and Port Huron in the UHL, and Topeka in the CHL. In 174
professional games, Hellemeyer tallied 26 goals 35 assists and 76 PIMs.

“Going into the weekend I knew it was only going to be a one game deal. At
least I can say that in my last season of pro hockey I averaged a goal-a-game,”
he said jokingly.

December 02,2007
2^nd Annual Toy Drive A Huge Success
Apple Core Jr. B Empire Team raises over $2000
worth of toys

Long Beach, NY- The New York Apple Core Jr. B Empire Team was able to
help raise over $2000 worth of toys for the Dylan Cruthers Kid Helping Kids
Toy Drive on Saturday, December 1^st 2007. All toys will be donated to the
Children’s Avocacy Center and will be given out to underprivileged children
just in time for the holiday season.

“This is a great charity that Dylan Cruthers has started and I am just grateful
that he gave me and my players the opportunity to be a part of it,” said AC
Head Coach Chris Cosentino. “Dylan is a young man who is looked up to by
many and I feel he is a great role model for young people looking to help
make a difference.”

Holes Dug Too Deep Against Maksymum
Apple Core goes 0-1-1 in weekend series

Long Beach, NY – Despite a late surge in the third period against Maksymum
Junior Hockey on Sunday morning, Apple Core lost 8-5. AC was down 7-2 going
into third period and then received three quick goals from Sal Lucania,
Frankie Posillico and Tim Condon. When the score was 7-5, Maksymum
was able to score a shorthanded goal with just under 10-minutes remaining
to seal the victory.

“We had the opportunity to get back into the game despite the big deficit,”
said Head Coach Chris Cosentino. “That shows that we have the tools and
heart to come from behind. We just have to stop putting ourselves in the
situation where we have to come from behind late in a game.”

Goaltender Ryan Lazarus started the game allowing 7 goals on 30 shots.
Dan Sullivan came into the game in the third period and allowed 1 goal on
11 shots. Frankie Posillico added another goal for Apple Core in the game
and Rui Encarnacao opened the scoring for Apple Core when he picked up
his 11^th goal of the season in the first period.

On Saturday, Apple Core and Maksymum skated to a 3-3 tie. Apple Core
dominated the entire game until Maksymum scored with just over 1 minute
remaining in the third period to tie the game at three. Goaltender
Dan Sullivan made 39 saves in the game. AC received goals from
Robbie Beggi, Luke Morrel, and Sal Lucania.

“Maksymum is a good team, but I feel we definitely let four points slip away
from us this weekend,” said Head Coach Chris Cosentino. “We are a good
team and the only team that can beat us is us. We lose games because we
are beating ourselves, and you better believe that is something that is going
to be corrected sooner than later.”

Team Notes
Season record: 16-7-2-1…Since becoming a defenseman Luke Morrel has
picked up 10 points in his last 7 games and has a 7 game point scoring streak
going…Forward Stevie Romano will begin skating in the next couple weeks
as he rehabs from a broken leg.

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