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.
 

 

COACH LAZAR RETURNS TO EJ HELM 
APPLE CORE ANNOUNCES STAFF CHANGES FOR 2010-11 EJ TEAM
 
Long Beach, NY.... Apple Core owner Bob Santini is proud to announce that
 long time AC Junior Coach Henry Lazar will return to the helm of the Eastern
Junior Hockey League team for the 2010-11 season. Coach Lazar has been
 involved in our Jr. program for (17) years, so his experience and success are
 well known by the College Community. Coach Lazar will also serve as the
 entire Junior program Coordinator and GM.
 
I want to thank departing Coach Chris Cosentino for his (6) years of service to
the program. Apple Core hates to see Chris leave as he has been an integral
part of our success.
 

More details and changes will be announced shortly. I wish Coach Lazar the
best of luck in 2010-11 and look forward to him continuing the development of
players & sending them to the next level as he has done in the past.

 COSENTINO STEPS DOWN AS
APPLE CORE HEAD COACH AT SEASON’S END 

Long Beach, NY – It was announced  Friday that Chris Cosentino has decided to step down as head coach of the New York Apple Core EJHL team at season’s end.

“I would like to thank Mr. Santini, the Santini family, Henry Lazar and the entire Apple Core organization for their continued support over the years,” said Cosentino. “My ten seasons as both a player and coach have left me with so many unforgettable memories and for that I am forever grateful.”

Cosentino, 27, currently in his second season as Apple Core’s Jr. ‘A’ head coach, also spent three seasons as head coach of the Apple Core Jr. ‘B’ Empire team and one season as the assistant coach of the Empire ‘Core.

Coach Cosentino has not decided on his next move, but has indicated that he intends to stay involved in coaching.

“We are going to miss Chris a lot” stated GM Henry Lazar, Cosentino’s  coach for four years when he played in the EJ. There will always be a spot for Chris at Apple Core in the future.  We hope to have Chris involved in some capacity for the 2010 – 2011 season.  
 

3/5 APPLE CORE DEFENSEMAN ARTHUR GRIEM TO THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT
2/28 APPLE CORE DEFENSEMAN RANCE VUKOVIC TO WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE
2/21 Schaeffer, son of former St. John's hoops star, hopes to climb Rangers' ladder
2/22 'CORE SWEEPS PHILLY REVOLUTION IN WEEKEND ACTION
2/15 APPLE CORE FORWARD CORY LILLIE TO WENTWORTH 
2/15 'CORE SWEEPS WEEKEND VS. MAKSYMUM
2/8
1/28

APPLE CORE GOALTENDER NICK THERRIEN TO UTICA COLLEGE 
1/28 APPLE CORE FORWARD MIKE GARLASCO TO CLARKSON UNIVERSITY
1/18
11/23

JR B CHA:: Guns Sweep Philly
11/4 JR B CHA:  YOUNG GUNS FINALLY FIRE!
11/1

JR B CHA: Young Gun Makes Buffalo D-1 Team

APPLE CORE FORWARD CORY LILLIE TO WENTWORTH 

Long Beach, NY – The New York Apple Core Junior Program is proud to announce that forward Cory Lillie (Southampton, NY) has committed to Wentworth Institute of
Technology.

 In 40 EJHL contests, Lillie has recorded 15g & 19a for 34pts and he was selected to
represent Apple Core at this year’s All-Star game.

Wentworth, located in Boston, is coached by RJ Tolan and competes in the ECAC Northeast
conference.
 

APPLE CORE GOALTENDER NICK THERRIEN
TO UTICA COLLEGE 

Long Beach, NY – The New York Apple Core Junior Program is proud to announce that goaltender Nick Therrien will attend Utica College in the fall.  

In 22 EJHL contests this season, Nick has recorded a 3.17 GAA and a .916 save percentage en route to winning 12 games for the ‘Core. Therrien is a ’90 birth year hailing from Rochester, New Hampshire.

 The Utica College Pioneers, located in Utica, NY, compete in the highly competitive ECAC West Conference and are coached by Gary Heenan.

 

APPLE CORE FORWARD MIKE GARLASCO
TO CLARKSON UNIVERSITY

 Long Beach, NY – The New York Apple Core Junior Program is proud to announce that forward Mike Garlasco has committed to play for
Division 1 Clarkson University in the fall.  

Garlasco, a ’90 birth year from Mahwah, New Jersey, is the Apple Core
 leader in points with 37pts (10g 27a) in 34 games. Mike, who stands in
 at 5’11” 175lbs, represented Apple Core at the 2010 EJHL All-Star Game.

 Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY and competes in the
Division 1 ECAC Conference. Mike looks to make an immediate impact on
Coach Roll’s Golden Knight roster next season.
 

APPLE CORE FORWARD LOUIE BALZANO TO MANHATTANVILLE

 Long Beach, NY – The New York Apple Core Junior Program is proud
to announce that forward Louie Balzano will attend Manhattanville
College in the fall.  

In 34 EJHL contests, the Staten Island native has recorded 13g and 21a
for 34pts and has racked up 51 PIMs. Balzano, a ’90 birth year who
stands in at 5’11” 190lbs., will join former Apple Core standout Mickey
Lang on Coach Levinthal’s Valiant roster. 

Manhattanville College is located in Purchase, NY and competes in the
highly competitive ECAC West conference.
 

NEW YORK APPLE CORE JUNIOR HOCKEY TEAM
COOK DINNER FOR FAMILIES AT THE RONALD McDONALD HOUSE OF LONG ISLAND

New Hyde Park, NY– The New York Apple Core Jr. A hockey team is
currently experiencing their best season in over 5 years in the Eastern
Junior Hockey League, but it has been off the ice where they have made
a much bigger impact. Since October, Apple Core players have taken
time out of their busy schedule to cook dinner for the resident families at
The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island (RMH-LI).

“This shows the character of the young men who make up the New York
Apple Core hockey team,” said RMH-LI Executive Director Joanne Reda.
“Not only did they cook, but the players purchased and donated all the
necessary food and supplies. They are all gentlemen and they are always
welcome at RMH-LI. We wish them the best of luck throughout the
remainder of their hockey season.”

 Apple Core, one of the top junior hockey programs in the United States,
is made up of players between the ages of 16-20 and their home rink is
Long Beach Arena. For more information and photos, you can log on to
www.applecorejunior.com.

“To say that I am proud of my players is a major understatement,” said
Apple Core Head Coach Chris Cosentino. “This was an experience that
our players will remember forever.”

RMH-LI is a ‘home-away-from home’ for families who are caring for
seriously ill children undergoing medical treatment in area hospitals.
Located on the campus of Schneider Children’s Hospital in New Hyde
Park, NY, the House accommodates families in a warm and supportive
environment. Since opening in 1986, approximately 13,000 families from
the United States and more than 80 countries around the world have been served.  Many of the families are from Queens, Suffolk and Nassau
Counties, as well as the surrounding metropolitan area. For more
information about RMH-LI you can log on to
www.rmhlongisland.org.         

                               CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS
 


Apple Core Junior 'A' Head Coach Chris Cosentino
featured on HockeyOnCampus.com.
Click here to listen to interview. http://hockeyoncampus.com/
 

Apple Core Forward Oliver Koo To Bowdoin

 Long Beach, NY – The New York Apple Core Junior Program is proud to announce that forward Oliver Koo has committed to attend Bowdoin College in the fall.

In 23 games this season, Koo has tallied 13g 15a 28pts for Apple Core. The second year forward fromGreenwich, CT is a 1990 birth year. Other Apple Core alumni who have attended Bowdoin include, Rich Leahyand Steve Thompson.

Bowdoin College, located in Brunswick, Maine, competes in the New England Small College Athletic Conference(NESCAC). Bowdoin College is ranked #15 on Forbes.com’s America’s Best College list.

 

APPLE CORE SENDS FOUR PLAYERS,
PLUS COACH TO EJHL ALL-STAR GAME

 Boston, MA –The Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL) announced today that Apple Core
 forwards Mike Garlasco and Cory Lillie along with defensemen Jake Hoefler and Arthur
 Griem have been named to the 2010 EJHL Southern Division All-Star team. Head Coach
 Chris Cosentino will serve as assistant coach on the Southern Division All-Star coaching
 staff. The EJHL All-Star Game is scheduled to take place on Monday, January 18th at Tri-
Town Ice Arena in Hooksett, NH at 2pm.

Garlasco, a ’90 birth year from Mahwah, New Jersey, is the team’s leader in points with
36pts (10g 26a).

Lillie, an ’89 birth year from Southampton, New York, leads the team with 15 goals.

Griem, a ’90 birth year from Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, leads the team with a +21
plus/minus rating.

Hoefler, a ’90 birth year from Hampstead, New Hampshire, stands in at 6’5” 215lbs. and
 has recorded 2g 11a while playing in all 30 games for Apple Core. Hoefler is committed to
 play for Division 1 Northeastern University.

 

APPLE CORE DEFENSEMAN KEVIN REICH TO CONNECTICUT COLLEGE

Long Beach, NY – The New York Apple Core Junior Program is proud to announce that defenseman Kevin Reich has committed to play for Connecticut College in the fall.

In 26 EJHL contests this season, the native of Montvale, New Jersey has tallied 7g & 16a for 23pts and 46 PIMs. Reich, who is a ’90 birth year, is currently ranked 4th in the EJHL amongst defensemen. He will join former Apple Core goaltender Andrew Margolin on Coach Ward’s Camels roster. Other Apple Core alumni who have attended Conn College include: Tad O’Had, Bryan Jaeger and Peter Helfer.

Connecticut College is located in New London, CT and competes in the very competitive New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC).  Conn College is one of the country’s most prestigious colleges and is ranked #51 on Forbes.com’s America’s Best College list. Prior to joining Apple Core, Reich attended the Taft School.
 

APPLE CORE DEFENSEMAN JACOB HOEFLER COMMITS TO NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

 

Long Beach, NY – The New York Apple Core Junior Program is proud to announce that defenseman Jacob Hoefler has committed to attend Division 1 Northeastern University in the fall.
 

The 6’5” 215-pound blueliner is from Hampstead, New Hampshire and is a ’90 birth year. In 29 EJHL contests this season, Hoefler has recorded 2g & 11a for 13pts and 44 PIMs. He will join former Apple Core captain Anthony Bitetto (Indiana Ice) and former Apple Core forward Zak Stone (NH Monarchs) on Coach Cronin’s Huskies roster next season.

 

Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA and competes in the Division 1 Hockey East Conference. Other Apple Core alumni who attended Northeastern: Steve Birnstill and Louis Liotti.
 

The Apple Core Junior Program would like to congratulate Jake and the entire Hoefler family on this great accomplishment.  

 

  
APPLE CORE DEFENSEMAN JACOB HOEFLER EARNS EJHL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS

 The New York Apple Core is proud to announce that defenseman Jacob Hoefler was named Defensive Player of the Week in the EJHL. The 6'5" 215lb '90 birth year has been labeled as “one of the league's best defensemen” by multiple Division 1 college recruiters. In this past weekend's sweep over the Huskies, Hoefler played a huge role both defensively and offensively. He recorded 4 assists in Sunday's win and was a +5 rating on the weekend. Along with defense partner Arthur Griem, Apple Core has established a defense unit that can shut down the opposition's top lines. Hoefler looks to make his Division 1commitment soon.

 

 

‘Core Sweep Huskies 

Tyngsboro, MA - The Apple Core EJHL team defeated the New England Huskies, 3-2 and 9-2 this past weekend  in Massachusetts and improved their regular season record to 18-5-3-3.

On Saturday, the ‘Core scored twice in the third period to comeback from being down 2-1. Greg Strootman scored the game’s first goal for New York, with assists going to Mark DiFruscio and Remy Cholhan. Patrick  Guerriero tipped in a great shot from Kevin Reich to tie the game at two. Kevin Kavanagh also assisted on the play.  With just over 5-minutes remaining in regulation, Christian Tasker scored the game-winning goal. Patrick Guerriero and Mike Garlasco assisted on the play. Nick Therrien made 33 saves in his 11th win of the season.

On Sunday, Apple Core came out with guns blazing and defeated the Huskies 9-2. Forward Nick Barbera scored three goals and added an assist to cap off a four-point game. Jacob Hoefler recorded four assists in the game. Christian Tasker picked up two goals, while Dominic Trento, Kevin Reich, Cory Lillie and Greg Strootman all scored once. Trento, Oliver Koo, Arthur Griem and Louie Balzano also picked up two assists in the contest. Patrick Guerriero, Mark DiFruscio, Remy Cholhan, Mike Kim and Kevin Reich recorded one assist each. Ryan  Benitez made 39 saves in his 7th win of the season.

Team Notes

Regular Season Record: 18-5-3-3…Apple Core is off for two weeks and returns home on Wednesday, January 6th to faceoff against the Hitmen at 8pm…Forward Chris Buquicchio missed the Huskies weekend due to injury…Defenseman Mike Basist made his Apple Core debut with the AC Jr. B team and recorded 1g and 3a in the two game series. Mike looks to join the EJHL team after the Holiday break…Forward Remy Cholhan is on a 9-game  point scoring streak…Forward Christian Tasker has recorded 9g in his last 11 games…
 

 

APPLE CORE FORWARD LOUIE BALZANO
EARNS OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS

Long Beach, NY – The New York Apple Core Junior Program is proud to announce that
 forward Louie Balzano has been named EJHL Offensive Player of the Week. He played a
 huge role in Apple Core's sweep of the Valley Warriors last weekend as he picked up 5
 points in the two-game set (1g 4a). Louie is currently sporting a 9-game point scoring
streak where he has registered 7 goals and 7 assists for 14 points over the 9-game span.
 In 23 games this year he has 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points. Balzano is a '90 birth
 year who hails from Staten Island, NY and stands in at 5'11" 180 lbs.
 

APPLE CORE SWEEP VALLEY
Eleven goals by ten different players 

Long Beach, NY – You can score four more points for the ‘Core!  New York continued its
 winning ways as they swept the Valley Warriors 6-1 & 5-3 this past weekend in Long
 Beach.

In Saturday’s 6-1 win, Apple core received goals from six different players:  Mike Garlasco,
 Christian Tasker, Louie Balzano, Matt Kavanagh, Cory Lillie and Jake Hoefler . Balzano and
 Lillie both added 2 assists to cap off three point nights. Mark DiFruscio and Remy Cholhan
 also picked up two assists in the game. Chris Buquicchio, Kevin Kavanagh and Patrick
 Guerriero all recorded one assist. Ryan Benitez was sharp in net as he won his 6th game
 of the season making 34 saves.

On Sunday Apple Core’s penalty killers and goaltender Nick Therrien were able to preserve
 the win and get the two big points. With Chris Buquicchio’s empty net goal with two-
seconds remaining Apple Core finished off Valley with a 5-3 victory. Apple Core received
 goals from five different players: Christian Tasker, Remy Cholhan, Kevin Reich, Dominic
 Trento and Chris Buquicchio. Louie Balzano recorded two assists in the game, while Oliver
 Koo, Mike Garlasco, Cory Lillie, Patrick Guerriero and Matt Kavanagh all recorded single
 tallies. Nick Therrien made 43 saves to capture his 9th win of the season.

“On the weekend we were able to score eleven goals from ten different players, which
speaks volumes about our depth,” said Apple Core Head Coach Chris Cosentino. “But once
 again bad penalties late in games made our job harder and if we do not correct that part
 of our game it will come back to bite us soon enough. Players like Patty Guerriero, Chris
 Buquicchio and Greg Strootman have been our biggest penalty killers all season long and
 continue to get the job done when we need them.”

TEAM NOTES

Apple Core regular season record: 15-4-2-3…With the weekend sweep over Valley, Apple
 Core has registered 35 points in the standings tying last season’s total… Mike Garlasco,
 Cory Lillie and Louie Balzano are on a 9-game point scoring streak…Chris Buquicchio is on
 a 7-game point scoring streak…Patrick Guerriero is on a 5-game point scoring streak…
Christian Tasker has a 3-game goal scoring streak…Apple Core heads up to the Huskies
 Showcase in Fitchburg where they will square off against the Jr. Bruins, Valley Warriors
 and Bridgewater Bandits…

 

APPLE CORE DEFENSEMAN CHRIS STAINES EARNS ROOKIE OF THE WEEK HONORS IN THE EJHL

Long Beach, NY - The New York Apple Core Junior Program is proud to announce that
 defenseman Chris Staines has earned Rookie of the Week Honors in the Eastern Junior
 Hockey League. The 1991-born blueliner from Glen Rock, NJ, played an integral role in
 Apple Core’s 9-4 win over the Bridgewater Bandits on Sunday as he recorded 4 assists in
 the game. Staines currently boasts a +10 rating on the season and has become one of the
 most improved players on the Apple Core roster.
 

APPLE CORE EARNS 3 OUT OF 4 POINTS VS. BRIDGEWATER &
CLIMBS INTO 2ND PLACE 

Bridgewater, MA – All season long, the gritty New York Apple Core EJHL team has done
 a great job rebounding from tough losses and this past weekend in Bridgewater was no
 different. After blowing a two-goal lead in a 5-4 overtime loss on Saturday, the relentless
‘Core were able to collect themselves and pound Bridgewater the next day, 9-4.

On Saturday, Apple Core received 2 goals from Chris Buquicchio, who also added an assist.
 Patrick Guerriero and Louie Balzano also scored in the game. Guerriero and linemate Mike
 Garlasco both recorded 2 assists, while Cory Lillie and Nick Barbera also added assists.
 Nick Therrien made 33 saves in the loss.

On Sunday, rookie defenseman Chris Staines turned in a four assist game and was great
 on the blue-line. Mike Garlasco and Louie Balzano each scored 2 goals in the game, while
 Dominic Trento, Christian Tasker, Cory Lillie, Greg Strootman and “Sniper” Dan Fortunato
 all added single tallies. Mike Kim recorded 3 assists in the game, while Jake Hoefler, Dan
 Fortunato, Chris Buquicchio, Louie Balzano, Dominic Trento, Christian Tasker, Patrick
 Guerriero, Matt Kavanagh and Nick Barbera all recorded one assist in the contest. Ryan
 Benitez made 47 saves in his 5th win of the season.

“Our penalty killers did a great job for us this weekend and they deserve a lot of credit,”
 said Head Coach Chris Cosentino.

 Team Notes

Regular Season Record: 13-4-2-3…Forwards Louie Balzano, Cory Lillie and Mike Garlasco
are on a 7-game point scoring streak…Forward Chris Buquicchio is on a 5-game point
scoring streak…Apple Core will host the Valley Warriors on 12/5 at 4:45pm & 12/6 at
9:30am at Long Beach Arena…HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
 

APPLE CORE FORWARD MIKE GARLASCO EARNS
EJHL OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS

Mike Garlasco, a '90 birth year from Mahwah, New Jersey, recorded 10 points (2 goals and 8 assists) in his last four games with Apple Core and is riding a five-game point scoring streak. His dynamic skill set has been on display all season long and he now leads Apple Core with 27 points and is currently ranked 7th amongst the league leaders. Due in large part to the hard work and execution from Mike and linemates Chris Buquicchio and Patrick Guerriero, Apple Core has won four straight games. Garlasco has been receiving serious interest from several top Division 1 programs and looks to make his college commitment soon.
 

APPLE CORE FORWARD PATRICK GUERRIERO
TO ATTEND BABSON COLLEGE IN THE FALL

Long Beach, NY – The New York Apple Core Junior Program is proud to announce that forward Patrick Guerriero will attend Babson College in the fall.  

Guerriero, a 1990 birth year from Manhattan, has played 20 games and recorded 11 goals and 6 assists for 18 points. Guerriero becomes the 2nd player from Apple Core to commit to Babson in the organization’s history (Defenseman Alex DiPietro, younger brother of Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro, is the other player).

 “Patty is one of those heart & soul players that brings an energy to a team that is contagious,” said Apple Core Head Coach Chris Cosentino. “Babson has a great program and, more importantly, it is a great school academically. Babson is getting a very special player and person.”

 Babson, a located in Massachusetts, competes in the ECAC East conference and is coached by Jamie Rice.
 

Red Hot ‘Core Win Four Straight

Haverhill, MA – The NY Apple Core went into the Valley Showcase this past weekend
 coming on the heels of a 7-3 win over the Philadelphia Revolution where team captain
 Mark DiFruscio netted a hat trick while Kevin Kavanagh, Kevin Reich, Louie Balzano and
 Patrick Guerriero also picked up goals on the night.

 In Haverhill, Apple Core’s scoring did not slow down as they defeated the CD Selects 7-2,
 Bridgewater Bandits 5-2 and the Syracuse Stars 7-5.  

In Friday night’s win versus the CD Selects, Apple Core received 2 goals from forward Greg
 Strootman, while Patrick Guerriero, Oliver Koo, Chris Buquicchio, Cory Lillie and Louie
 Balzano all added one goal apiece. Koo also added 2 assists (to cap off a three point night)
 as did Kevin Reich, Mike Kim and Mike Garlasco. Christian Tasker, Remy Cholhan, Chris
 Buquicchio, Kevin Kavanagh ad Patrick Guerriero all added one assist each. Nick Therrien
 made 40 saves in his 7th win of the season.

 On Saturday morning, Apple Core squared off against division rival Bridgewater Bandits
 and was able to hold off a late game rally to get the 5-4 win. Mike Garlasco picked up 2
 goals in the game while Christian Tasker, Louie Balzano and Kevin Reich also scored.
 Oliver Koo registered 3 assists on the night and Kevin Reich, Chris Buquicchio, Kevin
 Kavanagh, Cory Lillie, Matt Kavanagh and goaltender Nick Therrien all added one assist
 each. Therrien made 32 saves in his 8th win of the season, which has him currently tied
for 3rd amongst the league’s best goaltenders. With about a minute left, Therrien was an
 absolute rock in net and saved the day for his team.

 Only a few hours later, Apple Core had to suit up once again to face a tough Syracuse
 Stars team. With Syracuse coming out and scoring two early goals, the ‘Core were able to
 collect themselves and score 3 goals in just over one minute to take the 3-2 lead and
 eventually go on to win 7-5. Cory Lillie and Patrick Guerriero each scored two goals, while
 Kevin Reich, Oliver Koo and Christian Tasker also scored.  Mike Garlasco and Chris
 Buquicchio each picked up 3 assists in the game, while Remy Cholhan had 2 assists and
 Kevin Reich, Kevin Kavanagh, Louie Balzano, Mike Kim, Greg Strootman and Matt Kavanagh
 all added one assist. Ryan Benitez made several huge saves throughout the game as he
 made 26 saves.  

“The boys are working hard and are filling the net due to that hard work,” said Apple Core
 Head Coach Chris Cosentino. “We definitely need to improve our play in our own end, but
 right now there is a great buzz in our locker-room and the team is ready to rock n’ roll
 every night.”

TEAM NOTES

Regular Season Record: 12-4-2-2…Apple Core travels up to Bridgewater this weekend for
 a huge two-game set. Defenseman Mike Basist suffered a minor set-back in his
 rehabilitation and is looking at a Christmas return to action.
 

Apple Core Goaltender Ryan Benitez Commits to Princeton University for 2011 

Long Beach, NY – The New York Apple Core Junior Program is proud to
 announce that goaltender Ryan Benitez has committed to play for Princeton University
in 2011.

Benitez, a ’90 birth year from Denver, becomes the 16th Ivy League commitment in the
 prestigious history of the New York Apple Core.

"I would like to thank the Apple Core coaching staff, my teammates and my family who
 have made this a possibility for me and I look forward to a productive second half of
the season with Apple Core,” said Benitez.

In 8 appearances this season, he holds a record of 3-3-1 with 1 shutout and a 3.25
 GAA and a .913 save percentage. Last month he earned Defensive Player of the
 Week honors after his 42 save performance vs. the CD Selects. 

“Princeton combines a top-notch hockey program with an excellent academic
 reputation and I am very excited to be a part of it,” Benitez added. “I can’t wait for the
 first time I can pull on the Princeton jersey and continue my hockey career at such an
 esteemed institution.”
 

The New York Apple Core Junior Program would like to congratulate Ryan and the
Benitez family on this great achievement.

 

     Apple Core Stymied by Springfield Goaltender 
                                                                                                                               Long Beach, NY – The New York Apple Core Jr. A team hosted the Springfield Pics this past weekend and skated to a 1-1 tie on Saturday and lost 6-4 on Sunday. Despite firing 90 shots over the two-game series, Apple Core had a difficult time beating newly acquired Pics goaltender Courtney Lockwood.

On Saturday Apple Core’s Remy Cholhan scored a 3rd period power play goal to tie the game 1-1. Cholhan’s 9th goal was assisted by Christian Tasker and Jake Hoefler. Apple Core goaltender Nick Therrien made 33 saves in the tie, while the Pics Lockwood stopped 44 shots.

On Sunday, Apple Core received two goals from Cory Lillie – one coming while shorthanded. The line of Matt Kavanagh, Patrick Guerriero and Greg Strootman provided the other offense as Strootman and  Guerriero each recorded 1 goal & 1 assist and Matt Kavanagh registered 2 assists. Kevin Reich, Kevin  Kavanagh, Louie Balzano and Mike Garlasco all recorded one assist each. Ryan Benitez gave up 5 goals  before being replaced by Nick Therrien in the 6-4 loss.

“It was one of those weekends where you have to tip your cap to a great goaltender and a hard working team,” said Apple Core Head Coach Chris Cosentino. “There is honestly not too much I would change  from this past weekend’s games, but we have to rebound and keep moving forward.”

TEAM NOTES

Apple Core season record: 8-4-2-2…Forward Chris Buquicchio will return to the lineup this weekend vs. Northwood…Mike Basist is skating well and still on schedule to make his Apple Core debut after  Thanksgiving…Apple Core squares off against Northwood on Sunday November 8 at the RPI Houston  Fieldhouse in Troy, NY – Game time is 11:15am.
 

‘Core Splits Weekend Series in Syracuse 

Syracuse, NY – Despite a late rally, the New York Apple Core EJHL team lost 4-3 on Sunday and were unable to earn a weekend sweep of the Syracuse Stars.

On Saturday Apple Core defeated the Stars 7-4. Rookie Matt Kavanagh turned in a 4 point game (2 goals 2 assists). Kevin Kavanagh, Oliver Koo, Kevin Gaughran, Louie Balzano and Dominic Trento also scored for AC. Patrick Guerriero picked up 3 assists in the game, while Kevin Reich and Greg Strootman each recorded 2 assists. Arthur Griem, Louie Balzano and Dominic Trento also added 1 assist each. Goaltender Nick Therrien made 33 saves in his 5th win of the season.

On Sunday, Apple Core came out very flat and might have played one of their worst games of the season as they lost 4-3. Syracuse goaltender Anthony Cadieux was able to fend off a late flurry and shut down the ‘Core as he made 39 saves. Apple Core received goals from Remy Cholhan, Kevin Kavanagh and Cory Lillie. Oliver Koo picked up 2 assists while Kevin Kavanagh, Mark DiFruscio, Mike Garlasco and Arthur Griem also recorded 1 assist each. Apple Core goaltender Ryan Benitez made 35 saves in the losing effort.

“We are not going to win any championships giving up four goals a game while we take penalties all night,” said Apple Core Head Coach Chris Cosentino. “When we play our game there is not a team in the league that can skate with us, but we keep giving teams countless opportunities to take control and it is making our job a lot harder than it has to be. We are not here for moral victories. We need to get the job done in every shift of every period in every game – and once we can do that consistently then I will look at us as a championship caliber team. But we have a lot of work to do before we get to that point and we need to continue to get better every day and move forward.”

Team Notes

Regular Season record: 8-3-1-2…Forward Mike Kim is listed as day-to-day with a shoulder injury…Forward Chris Buquicchio is listed as day-to-day with a head injury…Defenseman Michael Basist should be back from off-season knee surgery by Thanksgiving…The team has announced the signing of  forward Nick Barbera.
 

APPLE CORE DEFENSEMAN KEVIN REICH EARNS
EJHL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS

The hard-nosed defenseman from Montvale, NJ scored two goals against the Jr. Bruins in a 5-5 tie, but it was his defensive prowess that has helped Apple Core to their red-hot start. Along with defense partner Kevin Kavanagh, the former Taft School captain has stepped into one of the top parings in the entire league. Reich, a true competitor, played a pivotal role in shutting down the Jr. Bruins, Jersey Hitmen and New Hampshire Monarchs at this past weekend's showcase in Hooksett. Reich is currently tied for 6th among the defensemen scoring leaders with 8 points (2 goals & 6 assists) in 12 games. Reich, who earned a 4.5 high school GPA and scored 1840 on the SAT, is proving to be one of the top defensemen in the entire Eastern Junior Hockey League and hopes to commit to a top collegiate program this season.

 

STRONG SHOWING AT MONARCHS SHOWCASE
HAS SCOUTS, LEAGUE BUZZING

 Hooksett, NH – After earning 4 out of 6 points at the Monarchs Showcase this past weekend against the Jr. Bruins, Hitmen and Monarchs, the New York Apple Core has established itself as a team to beat in the Eastern Junior Hockey League and has college and pro scouts buzzing.

On Friday, Apple Core squared off against the Jr. Bruins and skated to a 5-5 tie.  Boston was able to score three late goals to catch the ‘Core and earn a point. Apple Core received 2 goals from defenseman Kevin Reich, while Greg Strootman, Remy Cholhan and Cory Lillie also recorded goals. Louie Balzano and Mike Garlasco picked up 2 assists in the contest while Cholhan, Christian Tasker, Mark DiFruscio, Dominic Trento, Kevin Kavanagh and Jacob Hoefler all added one assist. New York goaltender Ryan Benitez made 28 saves in the contest.

On Saturday, Apple Core fell 3-2 in overtime to the Jersey Hitmen. Forward Chris Buquicchio scored both goals for Apple Core (one coming while shorthanded).  Dan Fortunato and Patrick Guerriero recorded assists in the game. NY goaltender Nick Therrien made 32 saves.

On Sunday, Apple Core defeated the New Hampshire Monarchs 8-4. Forward Oliver Koo recorded an impressive 5 goals in the contest. Mark DiFruscio scored 2 goals and Cory Lillie also scored. Christian Tasker and Mike Garlasco recorded 4 assists in the contest while Lillie also added 3 assists and DiFruscio 2 assists to cap off 4 point games.  Remy Cholhan picked up 2 assists and Jacob Hoefler recorded 1. Goaltender Nick Therrien dazzled in net as he defeated his former team making 25 saves and one incredible glove save late in the game.

Despite the tough schedule Apple Core was able to earn a point in each game at the heavily scouted event and improved their season record to 7-2-1-2.

TEAM NOTES

Apple Core travels up to Syracuse to take on the Stars in a two game set this weekend. Forward Kevin Gaughran is day-to-day with a broken hand. Forward Mike Kim is day-to-day with a shoulder injury. Forward Chris Buquicchio is out at least a week with a head injury. Defenseman Mike Basist continues to skate and is working hard to return from off season knee surgery.

 

 APPLE CORE GOALTENDER RYAN BENITEZ EARNS EJHL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS

Ryan, a 1990 birth year, is currently leading the EJHL in GAA (1.88) & Save % (.951). The Denver, CO, native is also a phenomenal student who boasts a 4.05 GPA, 2150 SAT and 33 ACT. This past weekend he made 42 saves in Apple Core's 9-1 victory over the CD Selects. Due to his strong play and impressive academic background, Benitez is proving to be one of the most highly sought after players in the league.

 


'CORE Jr. B SWEEPS WEEKEND IN NH--GOES 3-0
 

‘CORE SWEEP CD SELECTS
Improve to 6-2-0-1

 Albany, NY – After a hard-fought, yet disappointing, series the week before where Apple Core only picked up one-point in an overtime loss to the Baystate Breakers, the ‘Core bounced back and swept the CD Selects 4-3 and 9-1 in Albany.

On Saturday, Nick Therrien made 37 saves in his 3rd victory of the season. Forward Patrick Guerriero scored 2 goals, while Mike Garlasco and Chris Buquicchio added single tallies. Rookie Matt Kavanagh recorded 3 assists in the game. Buquicchio, Guerriero, Dominic Trento and Kevin Reich all added 1 assist each.

On Sunday, Apple Core found their scoring touch as they defeated CD 9-1. Forward Oliver Koo scored 4 goals and added an assist to cap off a 5 point game. Mark DiFruscio, Remy Cholhan, Dominic Trento, Corey Lillie and Louie Balzano also scored for AC. Christian Tasker recorded 4 assists in the game. Jake Hoefler and Corey Lillie both recorded 2 assists each while Dan Fortunato, Mark DiFruscio, Kevin Reich, Chris Buquicchio, Remy Cholhan and Mike Garlasco all added 1 helper in the contest. Goaltender Ryan Benitez was great in net as he made 42 saves. Benitez now leads the EJHL in goals-against-average (1.88) & save percentage (.951).

Apple Core heads up to the Monarchs Showcase to square off against the Jr. Bruins, Jersey Hitmen and NH Monarchs.  

TEAM NOTES

Forward Kevin Gaughran is out 2-3 weeks with a broken hand…Defenseman Michael Basist is getting closer to making his EJHL debut as he recovers from off-season knee surgery. 

 
APPLE CORE WIN TWO OUT OF THREE IN MARLBORO
 
Marlboro, MA – At this past weekend’s Jr. Bruins Shootout the New York Apple Core Junior A team defeated the Green Mountain Glades 3-2 and New England Huskies 8-0, but lost to the Jr. Bruins 7-1 in the team’s 2nd game of the weekend.
 
On Friday vs. the Glades, the ‘Core came roaring back from being down 0-2 and received two late game goals from Remy Cholhan and one from Christian Tasker. Tasker recorded a three point night. Goaltender Nick Therrien made 24 saves in his 2nd win of the season. Mark DiFruscio tallied two assists in the contest while Arthur Griem and Jake Hoefler each added one helper a piece.
 
“We showed our character coming back late in our third consecutive game against Green Mountain,” said Head Coach Chris Cosentino. “I think we had a rough first half, but were mature enough to pick up our game and get the job done which was nice to see.”
 
On Saturday morning the ‘Core lost to the Jr. Bruins, 7-1. Apple Core’s lone goal was scored by Louie Balzano on the power play from Kevin Reich and Remy Cholhan.
 
“We got an old-fashioned butt kicking,” said Cosentino. “The Bruins are a good team, but we just were not prepared to compete against their speed and talent level. It was a good eye opener for our guys.”
 
On Saturday night, New York bounced back from their 7-1 loss to the Jr. Bruins and beat the Huskies 8-0. Goaltender Ryan Benitez made 17 saves in the shutout. Mike Garlasco scored twice in the game while, Chris Buquicchio, Louie Balzano, Mark DiFruscio, Christian Tasker, Corey Lillie and Patrick Guerriero all picked up single tallies. Garalasco had a four point night while Remy Cholhan added three assists in the game and Kevin Reich added two assists.
 
“Every coach always wants to see how their team will bounce back from a tough loss and I was happy with the way we responded in that game,” said Cosentino. “We have a very good foundation of character in our lockerroom. We just have to be more prepared to handle grind and compete hard every shift.”
 
Apple Core has a big series at home this weekend vs. the Bay State Breakers. Both teams will be battling for sole possession of 1st place in the Southern Division. Game time on Saturday, October 3rd is 7:30 pm and Sunday, October 4th at 10 am at Long Beach Arena.
 
Team Notes
Defenseman Mike Basist has begun light skating and his rehabbing well from off season knee surgery. Forward Kevin Gaughran is listed as day-to-day as he recovers from an upper body injury. Forward Greg Strootman is listed day-to-day with a groin injury.

 

APPLE CORE SWEEP GLADES 

Long Beach, NY – The New York Apple Core Junior ‘A’ team came out of the gate firing on all cylinders as they swept the Green Mountain Glades, 3-2 & 6-1, respectively. Apple Core received excellent goaltending performances in both games from newcomers Nick Therrien and Ryan Benitez.

 In Saturday’s 3-2 win, Therrien made 41 saves in his first win in an Apple Core uniform. Patrick Guerriero netted two goals and Chris Buquicchio also added a goal for the ‘Core. Greg Strootman recorded two assists while Mike Garlasco and Corey Lillie registered one assist each.

 “Nick (Therrien) was great in net and we received some timely goals,” said Head Coach Chris Cosentino. “We did a good job controlling the game in the third period.”  

In Sunday’s 6-1 win, Benitez made 41 saves as he defeated his old team. Apple Core received goals from six different players: Patrick Guerriero, Remy Cholhan, Mike Garlasco, Chris Buquicchio, Christian Tasker and Dominic Trento. Dan Fortunato, Mark DiFruscio and Louie Balzano all recorded two assists each. Mike Kim, Corey Lillie, Greg Strootman and Matt Kavanagh all picked up one assist each in the game. Buquicchio and Tasker also added one assist each to each of their goals.  

“It was a big win for Ryan (Benitez),” said Cosentino. “I think we found success in our aggressive puck pursuit, which is still an aspect of our game we will be improving all season long.”

 Apple Core will squares off against Green Mountain once again on Friday at the Jr. Bruins Shootout in Marlboro, MA. The ‘Core will also play the Jr. Bruins and Huskies at the Showcase. .

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.
 

MARK DiFRUSCIO NAMED EJHL CAPTAIN
EJ Team finishes training camp, preps for pre-season 

Long Beach, NY – EJHL head coach Chris Cosentino announced that forward Mark DiFruscio has been named team captain for the 2009-10 season. DiFruscio, who hails from St. David’s, Ontario, was the team’s leading scorer last season with 17 goals and 25 assists for 42 points in 43 EJHL contests.

 The EJ team recently completed the most challenging training camp in the organization’s history. Over the course of five ten-hour work days, the team

underwent more than 10 hours of on-ice training, intense dry-land training (which included an exhausting four mile run on the Long Beach boardwalk) and numerous video and team meetings.

The team’s pre-season schedule includes the Hartford Wolfpack Showcase (9/5-9/6) and Woodchuck Showcase (9/11-9/13). The Apple Core 2009-10 EJHL season begins at home on September 19th and 20th against the Green Mountain Glades.

 “The boys are working hard,” said head coach Chris Cosentino. “We still have a lot of work to do, but I like the way we are developing as a team.




MARK DiFRUSCIO

 

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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FORMER APPLE CORE CAPTAIN ANTHONY
BITETTO COMMITS TO NORTHEASTERN

Long Beach, NY – The New York Apple Core is proud to announce that defenseman Anthony Bitetto has accepted his scholarship offer and committed to Northeastern University for 2010.

Anthony played his entire youth and junior career with Apple Core until this year when he was sent to the Indiana Ice of the USHL at the trade deadline to prolong his season. Anthony played a critical role in Indiana’s Clark Cup 2009 Championship.

“I want to thank my parents, Coach Cosentino and everyone else at Apple Core for everything they have done for me over the past 14 years,” said Anthony Bitetto. “Apple Core will always be home for me and I am thankful for the opportunity.”

Prior to going to Indy, Anthony served as the team captain for the Apple Core EJ team where he played 30 games and tallied 11 points and 50 PIMs in the 2008/2009 season. In each of the past three seasons, Anthony was a mid season call-up in the Apple Junior Program. In ‘06/’07 he began the season on the AC CHA Jr. C team and was called up to the AC Empire Jr. B team in November of that year. In ‘07/’08 he began on the AC Empire team and was called up to the AC EJHL Jr. A team in October. In 47 career EJ contests with Apple Core, he recorded:  4G 15A 19PTS & 78 PIMs. 

“Anthony is an outstanding young man who really deserves this opportunity,” said EJHL Head Coach Chris Cosentino. “Because of his work ethic and great attitude I know he will never stop working hard to make himself the best athlete he can be. When Anthony was with us this year he was receiving a ton of Division 1 interest and when we knew he had an opportunity to extend his season and receive more exposure it was a no-brainer for us to send him to Indy. This is the perfect example of how important player advancement is to the Apple Core organization and I am so happy for Anthony and the entire Bitetto family.”
 


 APPLE CORE GOLF OUTING HUGE SUCCESS

LIDO BEACH, NY---The NY Apple Core held it's inaugural AC Junior Golf outing at Lido Beach and it was successful beyond original expectations. At the end of the day, every golfer and friend of AC had a great time and the Junior program raised a lot of money to help defer the costs of running the best College Development Junior program on LI.  Alumni, parents, players and guests all had some great weather for a change, well, the sun always shines on the 'Core, we know that, and

  included in the alumni were many players from the 1996 National Championship team.  Included were Steve Cavallaro, Sean McQuade and Billy "The Hacker" Acker. With all the rain, the course was wet, but it dried up as the day went on. Included in the group were notables, Anthony Bitetto, the latest AC D1 signing Northeastern, Dan Bedard- AC Goaltending coach, and Nunzio Alborea one of the Brooklyn boys. Nunzio will handle AC collections this year. Golf highlights included Anthony Bitetto's Longest Drive, Dima Dubro's Closest to the hole, and Ryan Cruthers lowest score ---80. Now I had Ryan as a player, so his "80" is under investigation. Other highlights included Larry Nastasi actually shooting a 120, John Mascaro with the shot of the day --an 80 ft. chip into the hole---the ball has to land somewhere, and my LEGITIMATE Birdie 2 on the 17th hole. Steve Santini and the Brewster crew were caught moving balls all day and Steve's 110 should have been higher. Erik Nates from "Euro Hockey" camps, took a day off from " I won't say scamming" let's call it running his camps, to join us. Erik and his wife are expecting their first child --maybe today.

Tim "The Spy" Quinlan was in a foursome with Chris Cosentino, but we couldn't find him all day on the course. Chris had a great time, but his hockey hands are no better in golf, balls were flying into the water, bushes, into people's back yards, everywhere but the fairways. Chris lost at least (10) balls in the round and stopped keeping score. No one came close to winning the car on the hole in one hole. Par three--215 yards, --right.....The mosquitos had a lot to be thankful for, plenty of customers. Mike Lazzarera's "Downey drier fresheners" theory did not work, ask Larry Nastasi. Larry was a "big target" all day. The Kavanaghs were golfing as a family. Fortunately, they were near my group and we were entertained all day. Kevin Sr. carried on all day after bad shots. Now we all know how quiet Kevin Sr. is when watching his sons play, so it was totally out of character to see him carry on during Golf. Mary Kavanagh is the best out of the bunch anyway. Dylan Scarpato and Matt Scarpato played. Dylan is a caddy during the summer, the rest of the year plays hockey and goes to Chaminade. He is a very good student there, but when he needed all that math to figure out angles and distance, all that Geometry and Calculus studying was rendered useless. He should have gone to St. Mary's like Cruthers. Cruthers who used to mix Kool-Aid in the test tubes in Chemistry class easily figured out the angles and geometry needed to get the lowest score. Dylan's first application of Chaminade's education received an F. We still don't know who Dima Dubro is. John Mascaro had the best shot of the day, but used up the entire Golf cart battery chasing his lousy shots all over the course. John was able to see almost all the other foursomes as his ball was always on the other fairways. Matt Davie Sr. claimed he was a "top golfer" before the event, after the event, he will be a healthy scratch at the next outing. His play caused all 18 foursomes to back up an extra 1 hour. What a stiff.....Big Ed Shinnick hit some 300 yr drives, but couldn't make a 2 ft. putt. Talk about creative score-keeping, John Mascaro is the only golfer who can lose 2 balls, putt 4 times, get a 10 on a hole and claim a 5. But, that's how he does his accounting at his Deli too. Instead of tees he should have driven off some of those stale bagels he sells. AC owner Bob Santini's only concern was "where's the Beer"? During the raffle, Matt Davie Jr,

Nunzio Alborea, Dima Dubro and yours truly schemed to rack up the prizes. The Brooklyn boys went home with half the prizes. Sean McQuade "Matty's Toy Stop", weaseled one of the Rob Scuderi signed jerseys. He will probably sell the jersey on E-Bay as a "Game worn Stanley Cup Jersey".

All in all, it was a fun day and we have already reserved the same first Monday in August for next year's event. I want to thank the Golf Committee of Mary Ellen Fosso, Phyllis Gill, Pina Nastasi, Tom Carroll, Chris Cosentino, Bob Santini, Ron Scall, Kathy Scarpato, Larry Nastasi, Steve Cavallaro and John Mascaro for all they did. We want to thank all the people that donated prizes for the raffle, there were (60) of them, but we especially want to thank all of you for making it a great day for the "Core. See you at the rink and next year. Mark it on your calendar, the mosquitoes have!!!!

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SCUDERI BRINGS CUP HOME

LONG BEACH, NY-- Stanley Cup Champion Rob Scuderi brought the CUP home to LI with a beach party for friends and family July 17th. The event held at Lido Beach was attended by around 200 people. Rob posed with each party goer and signed all kinds of autographs in a fun afternoon. Representing Apple Core were Henry Lazar and Larry Nastasi. Ex-players Kevin Schaeffer and Ken Scuderi were also there. Each player on the Penguins gets to bring the CUP home for 1 day. The keeper of the CUP follows the CUP everywhere and never loses sight of it. He has had the job since 1995 and loves it. Rob played for Apple Core in '95-'96, our National Championship year and then Captained the '96-'97 team before going to Boston College. Rob won a NCAA National Championship at BC, before going to the show. Rob has won a Jr, College and Pro Championship. Rob recently signed a huge (4) year contract with the LA Kings and will anchor their DF.Rob, a defensive defenseman, gained notoriety, by containing Ovechkin in the playoffs.

 
The entire Apple Core family is proud of Rob's accomplishments and wish him well with the Kings. Rob is married with 2 children.  Apple Core is also very proud of Mark Eaton who resides in RI in the off-season and how many organizations can boast of 2 alumni winning the CUP in the same year. Apple Core has (6) players in the NHL now and more to come, and has sent over (160) players onto College and Pro careers. Apple Core continues to be, by far the best route to College hockey and the pros in this area.

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Kings add Stanley Cup-winning defenseman Scuderi
NHL.com

Rob Scuderi became the latest defenseman to take his Stanley Cup ring and move along to a new challenge, as the Los Angeles Kings agreed Thursday to a four-year contract with the 30-year-old veteran. The Kings did not release salary figures, but TSN reports the deal will be worth $13.6 million.

Scuderi has played 300 regular-season and 49 playoff games in his career, all with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He collected one goal and 15 assists in 81 regular-season games and one goal and four assists in 24 postseason games this past season as the Penguins beat the Detroit Red Wings in seven games for their first Stanley Cup in 17 years.

"After I just won the Stanley Cup with the Penguins I was hoping to stay with Pittsburgh," Scuderi told the Kings' Web site. "But after taking a look at the Kings roster

 
and some of the young talent they have, Los Angeles was one of my top choices. And I’m very confident in my choice that we can move ahead and become a better team."
The 30-year-old went through free agency for the first time.

"It was a little bit crazy," he said. "I’ve never been through it myself, so it was definitely an eye-opening experience. Offers come in and go and you think you may have one, but then it’s off the table.

"But I was impressed with the way L.A. handled it. They were interested from the start and stayed with it and I enjoyed them because they felt I would fit well into their system and what they’re trying to do., I'm happy with my decision.

Scuderi was the second Pittsburgh defenseman in two days to sign elsewhere. Hal Gill, a shutdown defender for the Penguins in the same mold as Scuderi, signed a two-year deal with Montreal on Wednesday, the first day of the free-agent signing period.
SCUDERI AND EATON LEAD PENS TO STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONSHIP SCUDERI FIRST LI NATIVE TO WIN CUP

Video Links ::  Click here for Scuderi with cup        Click here for Eaton with cup

Click here to view photo gallery!
DETROIT, MI  --- Former Jr. Apple Core standouts Rob Scuderi and Mark Eaton have realized every hockey player's ultimate dream, ---to hold Lord Stanley's Cup over their head in victory. This great feat was accomplished Friday night in Detroit as the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated Detroit 2-1. All the alumni and friends of these two great players are beaming with pride for their accomplishments. "It is the ultimate achievement in hockey and these two players deserve it" stated Team President Bob Santini. Eaton, originally from Delaware drove the 146 mile trip to play at the 'Core in the days when there were no billets. "Mark played in the summer with me when he was 12 and came to Apple Core to play Juniors" stated Coach Henry Lazar. Mark is a '77 birth year, and went to the USHL's, Waterloo Blackhawks the year Rob joined the team. "Mark was a great offensive defenseman and comes from a great family" added Lazar. Rob Scuderi, a '78 birth year joined the 'Core in '95-'96 and was instrumental in our National Championship team of '96. Scuderi was teamed with Kevin Mitchell and together formed a "steel curtain" on DF. The team only allowed 40 goals all year and Rob showed as a 17 year old the defensive defenseman capabilities that have made him one of the NHL's top defensemen. Rob then went to Boston College and has been in the Penguin organization his entire pro career.
 
Rob and Mark are (2) of the (6) NHL players who have graced Apple Core's locker room over the years and are (2) of over 150 who have gone onto great College careers. Doug Murray, Ryan Vesce (San Jose Sharks), Eric Nystrom (Calgary) and Martins Karsums (Tampa Bay) are our other NHL players. Others may someday get the chance also. "Apple Core has sent the most players to the NHL, the Ivy schools, Div. 1 and many of the alumni were Captains on their College squads" stated Chris Cosentino current Apple Core Jr 'A' Head Coach. "I played with many of these great players when I was an AC player, and now I am honored to be part of this family of heroes" added Cosentino. Events like the Aug. 3 Golf Outing, and the alumni game TBD, add to the comraderie the players established. There is no organization on LI that even comes close to the accomplishments of the Apple Core and the EJ.
 
Hopefully, Rob and Mark will be able to bring the CUP to the Golf outing in August and come home to their roots. Rob's parents still live on LI.

 
                                                                                                              6/10/09
SCUDERI SAVES THE DAY FOR PENS AND
 FORCES A GAME 7
 
PITTSBURGH-- Apple Core alum Rob Scuderi saved the day (see video) for his Pittsburgh Penguins and was a major factor in their 2-1 win over Detroit Tuesday night. Rob, who made (3) saves with the goalie out of position in the last minute of play forced a game 7 on Friday in Detroit.

 
Rob played on AC's 1996 National Championship team, was a star at Boston College and now is arguably the NHL's best defensive defenseman. Hopefully, the Pens will win Friday and LI's first home grown Stanley Cup Champion will bring the CUP home for viewing.  Click Here To See Video!

 

                                                                                                              6/10/09
NICK GRASSO COMMITS TO AIC

Long Beach, NY – Former Apple Core defenseman Nick Grasso has committed to American International College for the fall. AIC is a Division 1 program that competes in the Atlantic Hockey Conference.

Grasso, a versatile player who can play both forward and defense, tallied 3 goals and 22 assists in 36 games with Apple Core where he received a ton of Division 1 interest.  

Apple Core traded Grasso to the Jersey Hitmen at the trade deadline to ensure Nick receives more college exposure throughout the playoffs. The coaching staff and organization are proud of Nick and wish him well in his promising college career.
 
                                                                                                               6/8/09
 APPLE CORE TEAMS GO COMBINED 7-2 AT HUB CUP
EMPIRE 'B' TEAM MAKES IT TO SEMI-FINALS
 
BRIDGEWATER, MASS--- The EJ and Empire teams participated in the HUB CUP Showcase this past weekend and went a combined 7-2 for the weekend. Both teams played well in the (3) game preliminary round, going 3-0. Coaches Cosentino and Lazar were still evaluating various players and experimenting with line combinations in preparation for the season.
 
The Empire team made it to the semi-finals where they lost to the EJ Bridgewater Bandits 2-1 in OT. Coaches Lazar, Nastasi and Edwards were very impressed with many of the players. "The players are buying into team hockey quicker then we expected" stated Coach Nastasi. The scoring was spread out all weekend and the team received great goaltending from Jim Georgas and Josh Blum. The defense was stingy allowing only (10) goals in the (5) games. The offense was strong scoring (24) goals over the weekend.
 
The EJ team was just as stingy on DF allowing only (6) goals in (4) games while scoring (13).
 
Both teams will now prepare for the EJ Summer Showcase in July.

 
WORCESTER SHARKS SIGN FORMER NY APPLE CORE DEFENSEMAN
LOUIS LIOTTI TO PRO CONTRACT  6/02/09
Worcester, MA
        Former Apple Core EJ defenseman Louis Liotti a member of the Apple Core EJ Triple Crown 2003 Championship team has been signed to an AHL contract with the Worcester Sharks. Former Apple Core star
Ryan Vesce is a top Shark player also and played some games this past season with the NHL Sharks.
Liotti developed fast as an Apple Core EJ player and then went the USHL route before ending up in Hockey East's Northeastern University where he played with another former Apple Core Star Steve Birnstill.

Louis, a stay at home defenseman will hopefully advance in the Shark's system and become Apple Core's 7th NHL player.

    In his press release, Shark GM Wayne Thomas stated that Louis will be a "great addition" to the Sharks back line and will develop quickly as a Professional hockey player.
    Apple Core GM Henry Lazar, who coached Louis on the Triple Crown Championship EJ team stated " Louis always handled every situation in a mature way and I am proud of his personal accomplishments".
    The entire Apple Core family of alumni wishes Louis well.
EMPIRE JR 'B' WINS EJ SPRING SHOWCASE
DOMINATES FINALS 7-0
 
HAVERHILL, MA...
    The NY Apple Core 2009-10 Empire Jr 'B' team traveled up to Haverhill, MA to compete in the annual Eastern Junior Hockey League Spring Showcase. With several roster spots still being competed for, the players played hard and disciplined hockey all weekend. The 'Core outscored the opposition 31-2 in the 4 games played. In the opener against the Bridgewater Bandits, the 'Core scored quick and often in a 14-0 win. the forwards which included Mike Mascaro, John Defeo, Nick Cipriano, Mike Davie, Mike Brennan, Dylan Scarpato, Chris Goransson, Alex Caruso, Dom Rullo, Ryan Carroll, Andreas Johansson, Anthony Delzotto, and Beau Roeder all got involved in the scoring. Over the weekend the defense which consisted of Craig Halpin, Pat Condon, Ludwig Eriksson, Kyle Zelanka, CJ Stellabotte and Frank Musick stifled the opposition forwards. Goaltenders Josh Blum, Jimmy Georgas and Jeff Molner stopped all the shots that got through.
 
In the 2nd preliminary game, the 'Core played the CD Selects. The game was fast paced and close for the first half. The 'Core took a 1-0 lead into the break, but 4 second half goals clinched a 5-1 win. In the 3rd game, the 'Core beat the Philadelphia Revolution (formally Tri-State) by the same 5-1 score and completely dominated the game.
 
In the Championship game on Sunday, the 'Core played the Springfield Pics who won their division with a 3-0 record only allowing 2 goals in their three games played. In the first half, Frank Musick scored the first 'Core goal on a hard low point shot. Mike Brennan assisted. Beau Roeder scored the 2nd goal on a Mike Davie assist. Christoffer Goransson tallied the third 'Core goal in the first half, with Alex Caruso assisting. The 'Core led 3-0 at the half. In the 2nd half, Dylan Scarpato made the score 4-0 and Mike Brennan made it 5-0 on assists from "Bull" Rullo and Ryan Carroll. CJ Stellabotte and Mike Mascaro completed the scoring. The new Apple Core Empire Junior goalie tandem of Jimmy Georgas and Josh Blum stopped all 20 shots they faced.
 
The 'Core will next compete in the Hub Cup Showcase June 5-7 in Bridgewater.
 
   'CORE ALUM MATT GILROY WINS HOBEY BAKER AWARD  
       
 Apple Core alum Matt Gilroy is the first Long Island born hockey player to win the Hobey Baker Award as College Hockey's best player. Matt played for Apple Core from 2000-2002 before moving up to the Boston area. Matt had been a 4 year player at St Mary's and helped lead the Gaels to 4 State Championships in his 4 years at the Manhasset Prep school. Apple Core is proud of being a part of Matt's hockey development and when he signs his pro contract will be the 7th Apple Core alum to play in the NHL. Mark Eaton & Rob Scuderi (Pittsburgh), Ryan Vesce & Doug Murray (San Jose), Eric Nystrom (Calgary) & Martins Karsums (Tampa Bay) are the other (6). No other Junior program on the East Coast can boast of this success. With his team in the Finals of the NCAA Championship, Matt may end his storybook college career with a National Championship
 




Newly acquired Apple Core goaltender, Andrew Margolin,
at the White House with President George W. Bush.
Also pictured, Apple Core Alum and BC captain Mike Brennan


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