|
As of Nov 10, 2011 |
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LONG BEACH, NY- AppleCore is proud to
announce that left-handed defenseman Zander Masucci (92’) has
committed to Williams College for next fall. The Far Hills, NJ native has been in the AppleCore system for the past 2 seasons after graduating from Taft. “Williams is a great opportunity for
me to be a part of something up and coming”, remarked Masucci.
“I’m very excited about the direction of the program “I want to thank my teammates, Coach Bretti, Henry and especially my family for their support in giving me the opportunity to play 2 years of juniors which allowed me to grow as player”. Current Head Coach Frank Bretti commented, “We as an organization are extremely proud of Zander and this accomplishment. I personally have enjoyed working with him witnessing the way he carries himself both on and off the ice. He is a great leader who has a great work ethic and competes at a high level. The coaches respect him, the players respect him and we feel there are great things ahead for him at Williams College both as a student and athlete.” Zander’s coach last season and current AppleCore GM, Henry Lazar stated, “I am very proud that Zander will be going to Williams College, one of the top academic Colleges in the country. I think one day Zander will be running his own company and I’ll be working for him”. Williams College is located in
Williamstown Massachusetts and competes in the highly competitive
NESCAC conference. |
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|
Long Trip not a Factor as Empire ‘Core sweeps Buffalo |
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|
As of Nov 10, 2011 |
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|
This past weekend, the Apple Core Empire team got on a bus and traveled all the way to Buffalo for two games against the Stars. Things got off to a shaky start when the bus driver was dispatched to the wrong location to pick the team up, but after an hour of waiting at Iceland, an eight hour ride, and a team meal, the team finally got to the rink and left with four points for the weekend. Saturday’s game got off to a quick start when Michael Conslato (’95 Locust Valley, NY) made a great pass to Brandon Fusaro (96 Elmont, NY) for a tap in goal barely 6 minutes in to the contest. The ‘Core’s second goal game 90 seconds later after a great 3 on 2 by the blue line ended with Joe Naclerio (92 Mamaroneck, NY) shooting low and in the corner to beat the Stars’ goalie. Mark Luciano (94 East Chester, NY) would add a third unanswered goal in the period before Buffalo scored to cut the lead to 3-1 after the first period. Buffalo would cut the lead to 3-2 two minutes in to the second period, but that was as close as they would get. Mark DeVaughn (93 Sacramento, CA) made a great drop pass on a 3 on 2 to Ilya Yavtuhovich (93 Keyport, NJ) who scored the ‘Core’s fourth goal and gave the team some breathing room. Joe Naclerio would add his second goal of the game at the end of the third period to make the score 5-2, which ended up being the final. Sunday’s game didn’t see scoring right away, but once Brandon Fusaro scored after intercepting a Stars pass the goals came quickly. Fourty-three seconds later Ilya Yavtuhovich scored his second goal of the weekend off a great feed from Jon Kaszuba (95 Hewlett, NY), and then 11 seconds after that Liam Pues (94 Long Beach, NY) shot a rocket past the Stars goalie. In a span of 54 seconds the ‘Core jumped out to a big lead and had all the momentum. Apple Core would get two more goals in the game thanks to Joe Naclerio and Mark Luciano in the third period before allowing Buffalo to score with two minutes to go. Justin Kapelmaster (95 Coral Springs, FL) made 27 saves for his second win of the weekend. The Defense was solid as usual all weekend, limiting Buffalo to only three goals the whole weekend and giving up only a handful of quality scoring chances. APPLE SAUCE:
Kapelmaster leads the league in Wins (11) and Saves made
with 407. He is also in the top ten in GAA and Save%... Speaking of
goalies, the team is happy to have Alex Harwood back from his
knee issues… The team cooked dinner at the Ronald McDonald house on
Monday night and so far no food related illnesses have been
reported… The team travels to the Valley Warriors Showcase this
weekend to play Valley, the Bandits, and Palm Beach. |
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| Apple Core Jr. cruises past Hitmen; 7-1 | ||||
|
As of Nov 10, 2011 |
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WAYNE, NJ – In the team’s second road game in as many nights, AppleCore received solid goaltending and explosive scoring to defeat the NJ Hitmen 7-1 putting them a tie for 3rd place with Boston in the EJ’s Southern Division. It was a night for the rookies as AppleCore received 6 goals combined via two hat-tricks from first year players Mike Bronzo and Tyler Young. Not to be outdone, in his first season with the club, netminder Sal Magliocco kicked away 58 Hitmen attempts backstopping his team to the victory. The first period opened with the Core’ firing 12 shots on Hitmen goaltender Erik Rohrkemper however were not able to break through, hitting two posts and missing the net with other chances.The game was played with quick pace as both teams displayed skill and grit as the first period wore on. AppleCore’s persistence would pay off as Bronzo netted his first of the game finishing off a breakaway that was started by a flip up ice by Frank Musick with just over 2 mins remaining in the first. One minute later, it was Young who was able to tuck the puck past Rohrkemper off a nifty feed from Mike Mackie-Kwist. The goal would send the Core’ to the locker-room with a well-deserved 2-goal lead. The Hitmen would continue to pressure the AC defense and pumped more rubber on goal as the second period began. Magliocco was up to the challenge making stop after stop until 7 mins into the stanza, when forward Ryan Connolly worked a beautiful 2 on 1 with Bronzo and buried his 2nd goal of the season pushing the lead out to 3-0. Five minutes later, the Core’s offense continued its impressive period as all 3 forwards touched the puck in a 3-man rush up ice allowing Bronzo to slam the puck home into a virtual open net. The assists were given to Mike Davie and Connolly. The second period would come to an end with the score 4-0 in favor of the road team. The third period would pick up where the second left off as both teams exchanged opportunities on the offensive end. An early penalty-kill by AppleCore after a high-sticking call just 12 seconds in proved critical in stemming any momentum that the Hitmen were hoping to generate. Two mins after the kill, NJ forward Devin Loe was able to end the Magliocco shut-out bid as his tally made the score 4-1 with 13 mins to play in the period. That would be all the Hitmen offense could muster up on this night. The unselfishness would continue for AC as Young added his second of the night off a beautiful pass from line-mate Justin LaCorte. Mackie-Kwist found LaCorte who backhanded a pass to Young for the finish, 5-1 NY. All that was left was for the rookies to finish off what they started. Bronzo gathered the puck off the backboards and tucked home his 3rd of the night and 2 mins later Young re-directed a Musick point shot that found the net completing the hat-tricks and giving NY AppleCore its 3rd road win in a row. “We got off to a good start, got good goaltending and made some great offensive plays in this game” concluded Coach Bretti in the postgame. “This team has shown great character of late and winning 3 road games in 4 nights is proof of that”. Justin LaCorte finished with the game with 3 assists. The win moves the AppleCore record to 8-5-1 and a tie with Boston for 3rd place in the division. Looking Ahead This weekend
AppleCore concludes its busy game week by playing in the Warrior
Showcase in Haverhill, MA. The Core’ will play 3 games in 2 days.
On Friday they matchup with the Rochester Stars and Saturday they
battle with Boston Jr Bruins and the New England Huskies. All games
will be played at the Haverhill Valley Forum Arena in Haverhill, MA. |
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| Apple Core defeats Revolution 6-2; earns 2 big road points | ||||
|
As of Nov 9, 2011 |
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – A three goal outburst with less then 10 minutes to play in the third period propelled AppleCore to a decisive 6-2 victory over the Revolution. The road win was the team’s second in three days and moved the season mark to 7-5-1 overall heading into Wednesday’s matchup with the division rival Hitmen. The opening period was controlled by AppleCore as the road team pumped 13 shots and scored two goals on the Revolution goaltender Reed Schlender. After two successful penalty killing efforts by the Core’, it was Rich Prunesti who put NY ahead 1-0 gathering the puck off the boards in the neutral zone and beating Schlender on the forehand off the rush for his first of two goals in the game. AppleCore would add to the lead late in the period after a good keep by Alex Aetev at the offensive blueline led to a Keegan Traves goal as the first period came to a close. Traves was a call-up from the Empire team given the current injury situation with the EJ club and he was able to contribute immediately scoring in his first game. The game would open up a bit in the second period as both teams would find the back of the net. The Revolution struck first as John Hotchkiss scored just 2:50 in making the score 2-1. A Frank Musick slap shot would push the Core’ lead back to 2 goals, 3-1. The goal was Musick’s first of the season and was assisted by Kyle Zelanka. Shortly thereafter, some sloppy play in the AppleCore end led to the second Revolution goal as CJ Cruz beat Sal Magliocco (32 saves) with a snapshot making the score 3-2. The Core’ would get chances as the period went on as Revolution forward Ben Pulley was called for a 5 min major. The power-play worked the puck well however was unable to break through. Magliocco was called upon to make some quality saves on the man advantage keeping the score 3-2 as the horn sounded on the second. The shots were 25-19 in favor of AppleCore. As the third period began, the Revolution pressed to get the equalizer. Magliocco was up to the task making a number of big stops many of which were in close below the faceoff dots. AppleCore was able to defend well until Prunesti carried the puck through the neutral zone, split two Philly defenseman and buried the puck on the backhand through the legs of the Revolution netminder making the score 4-2. The goal seemed to take the air out of the Revolution’s attack as less then two minutes later, it was Mike Davie who finished off a 2 on 1with a beautiful shot raising the deficit to three and all but icing the game for the Core’. Defenseman Jimmy Brown’s first goal of the season on a wrist shot from the point with three minutes remaining would conclude the scoring and AppleCore would skate off with a well-deserved 6-2 win. After the game Coach Bretti was quick to point out the play of his blueline, “I thought our defense did a great job of getting shots through to the net. We talked about that before the game as being one of the keys to winning and we were able to accomplish that today, a big road win”. Shots were 39-34 in favor of AppleCore. The win places the Core’ in a 4th place tie with the Hitmen in the Southern Division. Looking Ahead No rest for the
Core’ as they travel to Wayne, NJ for a matchup with the Hitmen on
Wednesday, gametime is 5:15pm. After the Hitmen game, the team will
travel to Massachusetts and will play 3 games in 2 days. On Friday
they matchup with the Rochester Stars and Saturday they battle with
Boston Jr Bruins and the New England Huskies. All games will be
played in Haverhill, MA at the Haverhill Valley Forum Arena. |
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| EMPIRE TEAM COOKS UP A WINNER FOR CHARITY | ||||
|
As of Nov 8, 2011 |
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QUEENS, NY... The
Empire team had their annual Ronald
McDonald House cooking
dinner for the residents event this past Monday and it was huge
success both in the kitchen and fun for all. RMH helps
families with sick children cope with the high costs associated
with long stays while children receive treatment for serious
diseases. RMH also
helps families with emotional help needed as their child is
across the street at the hospital. The AC Empire team is also
the defending RMH
CUP Champion
and is looking to repeat the success achieved last year when
they beat PAL for the CUP. The 'Core will face off against PAL
next Tuesday (Nov. 15) 6 PM @ the RINX in Hauppogue, NY. The
winner of that game will face the LI Royals for the RMH
CUP in
January at the Nassau Coliseum. The 'Core was represented in the
kitchen by Chief Chef Henry
"Henri' Lazar, Salad Master Matt
Bavaro, Hot
Dog and Hamburger experts Keegan
Travers & Ryan Cheng, Special
appearance by world renown Pasta Expert Mike
Dellatto, Rice
and Stove Master Ed
Shinnick, French
Fry Innovator Jon
Kaszuba and "Special
Guest Chef Joe Bochichio who
has taught cooking worldwide to top cooks such as Pierre
from the Ritz and Jose from
the Waldorf.
Joe cooked a"Mystery Dish" for
the guests. Assistant
Coach Brian Johnston stayed
out of the way of the experts and cleaned the pots and pans when
we were done. Chief Chef Henry
'Henri' Lazar, who is the USA based Chef
Boy Ar Deeofficial taster of new products to be
distributed in the US expertly prepared the appetizers such as
Honey dipped Ham with Le Crackers, and Cheese a la Tuscany.
Passersby on the street were trying to break into the RMH to
get at those appetizers as the windows in the kitchen were left
open. Crowd control experts kept the outside moochers away from
the superbly prepared appetizers. Unlike last year when the Hot
dogs and Hamburgers were grilled outside and the cooks ate most
of the fixing's, there was plenty left for the residents. The
players were very proud to have helped out for a great cause and
exchanged new recipes with each other before leaving for the
talk show circuit. Jon
Kaszuba has
just published his new book---"French Fry Heaven--It's
Not Just Another Potato". He
will be at Shoprite tomorrow to sign autographs. Joe
Bochichio was
rushed to JFK to catch a flight to London to join the Queen for
private lessons on the correct way to Bake Chicken Fingers. Keegan
Travers and Ryan Cheng are
ready to open a Burger
King. Mike Dellatto has
signed a (3) year deal to train all the Chefs who work for Bertucci's.
Matt Bavaro will
miss some games in December as he tours the Mid-West and
demonstrates his new way to make Salad. His Book "Lettuce
& Tomatoes" has
sold over 5 million copies in China alone as he has perfected a
technique where the tomatoes do not fall to the middle of the
WOK. Ed
Shinnick who
was the worlds leading expert on wrap arounds to the forwards in
hockey has signed a new deal with GE to
teach salesmen the wrap around finger technique to turn on the
Stove. Assistant
Coach Brian Johnston rushed
home to do the dishes. Master Chef Henry
Henri' Lazar rushed
to Kam Sheng to
get the #17 Combination Dinner (Spare Ribs and Fried Rice) and
then to watch Hockey at it's best (Long Beach HS vs. Levittown)
at Long Beach. The residents of RMH enjoyed
the gourmet meal prepared by the 'Core and we look forward to
next year's cooking spectacular.
|
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| Apple Core Jr. responds for important road split with Pics | ||||
|
As of Nov 7, 2011 |
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|
SPRINGFIELD, MA – On Saturday night AppleCore faced off with Springfield in a matchup of Southern Division rivals. The Pics used three second period goals to break the game open and finished with a 9-3 victory over visiting AppleCore. The Core’ jumped out early when Rich Prunesti combined with John DeFeo and Tyler Young 35 seconds into the game to put AC ahead 1-0. Springfield would then score 8 of the game’s next 9 goals including two on the power-play and anchored by the goaltending of Linus Lundin (27 saves) took the first game of the weekend series. Alex Ataev and Kevin Szopa scored the other goals for the Core’ in the loss. Sal Magliocco took the loss for AC facing a total of 56 shots. Springfield would go 3-6 on the powerplay and the Core’ went 0-4 on their man advantages. On Saturday afternoon, the same two teams faced-off in what would be a spirited affair that included 17 penalties combined. AppleCore again jumped out to an early first period lead rattling off three un-answered goals including Kevin Lohan’s first of the campaign and this time was able to make them stand as the team battled to an important road split wining the game 3-2. Matthew Noreen got the call in net for the Core’ and was solid with 34 saves earning his first victory of the season. Mike Mackie-Kwist tallied 2 assists and Tyler Young and Joe Mitchell scored goals in the victory. The win marked the third time in the last 3 series that AppleCore earned a split by winning the second game of the weekend. The first 2 series were home games. “This was a huge win for our club” remarked coach Bretti. “After losing the way we did on Saturday to be able to bounce back the next day and respond with that type of performance to avoid being swept was big”. AppleCore ended the weekend with a 6-5-1 record and has games in-hand with the other teams in the EJ’s Southern Division. Fishman, Mascaro, Krotz and Reilly remained out of the line-up this weekend, rehabbing injuries. Looking Ahead The road games
continue this week for the Core’ with 2 mid-week games. The team
travels to Philadelphia for a Tuesday afternoon tilt against the
Revolution at 2pm and then head back south on Wednesday for a 5:15pm
game against the rival NJ Hitmen. On Friday, the team will travel
to Massachusetts and will play 3 games in 2 days. On Friday they
matchup with the Rochester Stars and Saturday they battle with
Boston Jr Bruins and the New England Huskies. All games will be
played in Haverhill, MA at the Haverhill Valley Forum Arena. |
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| Apple Core Jr. and Valley split weekend series | ||||
|
As of Nov 2, 2011 |
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LONG BEACH, NY – Apple Core received timely goals and stellar goaltending on Saturday night to earn a hard fought 3-2 victory over the visiting Valley Jr. Warriors. Goaltender Sal Magliocco made 43 saves and John DeFeo’s goal half way through the second period lifted the team to their second consecutive home win. After some sloppy play to start the period, both teams settled in and exchanged scoring chances towards the end of the stanza. Each team went on the power-play once in the period and both goalies were forced to make quality saves. Valley starting goaltender Noah Klag finished with 18 on the night, which included 8 in the first period. The first period would end scoreless with Valley outshooting AC 11-8. Apple Core would come out of the gates quickly in the second period. Off the opening face-off the puck was sent into the Valley zone when Mike Bronzo was able to chip the puck behind the net to Mike Mackie-Kwist who quickly found Justin LaCorte in the high slot area for a laser-like one-timer to the top corner of the net. The snipe would come just 11 seconds into the frame and gave Apple Core the lead, 1-0. Six minutes later, a cross-checking call on Core’ defenseman Alex Ataev would put Valley on the power-play. Valley winger, Josh Woody, would eventually tie the score on the PP after he put the puck past Magliocco at the 7:40 mark of the second. The Warriors would end up outshooting the Core’ 29-13 through the first 2 periods. With the score tied at one, the stage was set for an exciting third period of hockey. The third period opened with both teams getting scoring chances on the power-play. Apple Core forward Kevin Szopa was stopped on the doorstep of an odd-man rush opportunity. Shortly thereafter, with the play in the Apple Core end, a heads-up play by AC defenseman Kevin Lohan lead to instant offense. The righty broke up the play just inside the defensive blueline and started the counter-attack. The puck would be picked up by Rich Prunesti who after some nifty passing with line-mate Tyler Young, fired a pass over to DeFeo who buried the puck behind Klag, giving the home team a 2-1 advantage. Less then a minute later, Apple Core would find themselves on the power-play and the first unit of Mackie-Kwist; Prunesti and DeFeo with Masucci and Musick on defense, worked the puck well looking for an opening. The puck would end up down low where a goalmouth feed gave Mackie-Kwist the opportunity to hammer home his 3rd goal of the season. The goal would put the Core’ up 3-1 with 11mins to go in the period. Valley would not go quietly and continued to press to get the game to 3-2. Magliocco was forced to make a number of quality stops as the period wore on. The Warriors pumped 16 shots in all at the netminder for the period until Mark Meads was able to crack the wall with 21 seconds to go. The Core’ would hold on earning the 3-2 victory. Apple Core ended the game 1-2 on the man-advantage while Valley went 1-4. In the second game of the weekend held Sunday morning, Valley scored 2 short-handed goals in the first period and eventually skating off the island with a 6-0 win. John Rogeri scored 2 goals and added an assist to lead the scoring and goaltender Fabian Sivnert kicked away all 30 shots to buoy the Warriors to a solid road victory. Matt Noreen (27 saves) got the call in net for AC and performed well making stops early and often. Second opportunity shots were abundant and Valley was able to jump on lose pucks keeping the Core’ on their heels most of the game. The early short-handed goals proved too much to overcome for the home team. Apple Core was able to generate decent scoring chances however were unable to solve Sivnert. The Core’ would end the game going 0-3 on the power-play. Apple Core continues to be bitten with the injury bug as both Ron Fishman and Kurt Krotz missed the weekend’s action with health issues. Mascaro and Reilly continue to rehab their injuries as well. After the game Coach Bretti commented, “I thought we competed well. They capitalized on some of our mistakes; we dug too deep a hole for ourselves surrendering to shorthanded goals against a quality team like Valley”. The win moved Valley’s record to 9-6-1 in league play good enough for 2nd place in the EJ’s Northern Division. Apple Core finished the weekend with a record of 5-4-1. Looking Ahead This weekend
Apple Core travels to Massachusetts for an important series with
Southern Division foe, Springfield Pics. Games will be held on
Saturday at 6:20pm and Sunday at 12:20pm. |
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| 'CORE EMPIRE SWEEPS SYRACUSE IN TWO GREAT GAMES WINS 4-3 AND 5-4 | ||||
|
As of Oct 30, 2011 |
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|
LONG BEACH, NY.... The
Empire team looked forward to the Syracuse weekend, as this
would be a great test for the team playing one of the top
teams in the Empire League. The Stars have some of the best
young talent in the Western Conference and the two game set
proved to be a great weekend of hockey for the 'Core. In the
Saturday game, the Stars took a quick 2-0 lead on goals by Yule and Kirwin.
mark DeVaughn answered
back on the PP off assists from Mike
Dellatto & Ed Shinnick. With
the Stars leading 3-1, "General" Brandon Fusaro made
the score 3-2 Stars converting on a scramble. Keegan
Travers & Connor Finocchio assisted
on the play. The game was tied 3-3 when Ryan
Cheng scored on the PP, assisted by Mike
Dellatto & Ed Shinnick. The
game went into the third period tied at 3-3. With 15 minutes
left in the game, Matt
Bavaro scored
what would be the winner on assists from Mark
Devaughn & Jon Kaszuba. Justin Kapelmaster shut
the door for the rest of the way to preserve the 4-3 win.
"The team showed tremendous character in coming back from
the (2) goal deficit and playing a great 3rd period" stated
Coach Henry
Lazar. Sunday's
game was loaded with action also. Goals by Keegan
Travers, Matt Bavaro, Joe Bochichio (2), &Philipp
Kreuzer led
the way for a 5-4 win. "The (4) points move the 'Core closer
to first place, and when the games are equal we hope to be
on top" added Assistant Coach Jon
Sandos.
APPLE SAUCE.....On
the injury front, Mike
Conslato (2 weeks), Alex
Harwood (1 week) and Ben
Sorkin (3-4
weeks) all should be back for December......The team travels
to Buffalo to play the Stars next weekend, then heads to
Boston to play in the Warriors Classic Showcase.....
|
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|
2011
GOLF OUTING A HUGE SUCCESS
THE 'CORE RAISED MONEY
AND ALL HAD A GREAT DAY
HOLE IN ONE INCLUDED
LIDO BEACH, NY... The
NY Apple Core hosted their 3rd annual Golf Outing at the Lido
Country Club and the results couldn't have been better. The
weather was perfect and the course in great shape. The recent
hurricane did considerable damage to the course which is a few
hundred yards from the ocean and borders the inlet. With Lisa
Davie & Kathy Hurley leading
the check-in process, the 90 golfers smoothly prepared for
tee-off. Included in the foursomes were President Bob
Santini and
his "old fogies" foursome, The 1996 National
Championship players Derek
Kern, Billy Acker, John Sullivan, Mike Hagens & Steve Cavallaro,
Bob Scheer, Rob Scheer & the Prime Automotivebunch,
current EJ players Mike
Davie, Justin LaCorte, Mike Mascaro, Joe Mitchell, Zander
Masucci & Mike Mackie-Kwist, Liam Pues, Nolan Pues, Nicolas
Jasmin & Justin Kapelmaster from
the Empire team, Kiernan
Hurley, Brian Hurley, Matt Cohen from
the ESHL team, Steve
& Dave Santini, Alumni players Vin Hellemeyer, Erik Nates, CJ
Tozzo, Archie Kalezic, The referees with Geno Binda, Greater
NY Stars Matt
Davie & George Clark, Apple
Core trainer Scott
Muggeo, Billy and Sean Pues foursomes,
and the
top foursome of Ed
"Herman Munster" Shinnick, John Mascaro, Henry Lazar & "Top"
Golfer, EJ Head Coach Frank Bretti. Coach Bretti shot
a 75 (just his tee shots alone) ---& 14 lost balls on his way to
a 146.
Frank had to stop at the Pro-Shop at the ninth hole to buy
another dozen ball. He was Terrible, Terrible, Terrible. The
best golfer was Jay
Durfee (one
of Geno's deaf, dumb and blind referees) who shot a 71. Longest
Drives of the day were by Archie
Kalezic & Ed Shinnick. The
straightest drive was by Justin
LaCorte whose
shot hit a tractor on the 3rd hole and bounced right onto the
white line. Mike
Diamond (Long Beach) hit
a hole in one on the 7th hole (about 200 yards). Chris
Lombardo (Brewster
ESHL Coach) shot a 74 to record the 2nd best score of the day.
The 50-50 winner received $440 and the raffle prizes were great.
Prizes such as Luxury Box for Islander game, numerous tickets to
Islander games, Ranger games, Foursomes at other Golf courses,
Gift certificates, Islander signed Jerseys and sticks,
Pro-Performance gift certificates, vintage AC jackets, sweat
suits, hats, signed Islander hockey stick, and many others
topped off by a BIG Screen TV. The dinner was very good and
plenty of beer and booze for everyone. Thanks to Henry
Lazar, Kathy Hurley, Lisa Davie, John Mascaro, Tom Carroll and
Matt Davie for
making the event a total success. The 2012 outing will be the
last Monday in October.
|
||||
|
'CORE ROUGHS UP BREWSTER 7-2
IN THURSDAY NIGHT GAME AT LONG BEACH |
||||
|
As of Oct 28, 2011 |
||||
|
LONG BEACH, NY.... The
'Core got back to winning with a convincing 7-2 win at home
Thursday night. The team has been hit with injuries, but the
line combinations last night clicked. The only goal of the 1st
period was scored by Nolan
Pues who
converted off assists by Ryan
Chang & Joe Naclerio. Liam Pues scored
on the PP to give the 'Core a 2-0 lead, rifling a "high shot"
into the net. Cheng
& Naclerio assisted
on that goal also. With the score 2-1 Joe
Bochichio scored his first of (3) goals scoring on a
rebound of a low shot by Mark
Luciano. "We work on crashing the net in each practice
and it paid off today" stated Assistant Coach Brian
Johnston. With
:18 left ion the second period, Ryan
Cheng scored
on the PP on assists from Mike
Dellatto & Joe Naclerio. In
the third period, Bochichio scored
(2) goals :30 second apart to give the 'Core a 6-2 lead. Connor Finocchio scored
the 7th goal on assists from Matt
Bavaro & Jon Kaszuba. Justin Kapelmaster recorded
the win stopping 39 of the 41 shots he faced.
APPLE SAUCE..... The
'Core plays host to first place Syracuse Saturday and
Sunday...... The team will show it's support to Breast Cancer
awareness by wearing their special jerseys on Sunday........On
the injury front, Mike
Conslatois about 1 week away, Ben
Sorkin is 4
weeks away, Ed
Shinnick will
return to the line-up on Saturday and Alex
Harwood is
one week away.......The Golf outing was a huge success and The
Pues cousins
along with Nicolas
Jasmin represented
the 'Core on the course. Each of them shot around a 145.
Terrible, Terrible, Terrible................
The 'Core travels to Buffalo next
weekend.......The Ronald McDonald charity game will be held at
the Rinx --Nov. 15...6:30 Game time.......
|
||||
|
BRANDON FUSARO TO BE A BLACK
KNIGHT
COMMITS TO WEST POINT 2014/ 2015
|
||||
|
As of Oct 21, 2011 |
||||
team and is improving as a player each week as he
competes against older players. Fusaro attends the Portledge
School, where he is a Sophomore. "The academics at Portledge
will totally prepare Brandon for the academics at West Point"
stated Jon
Sandos, the
Dean of Students and an Assistant Coach at Apple Core.
"This is a dream come true. My goal was always to play D 1
hockey and go to a great school" stated "General" Fusaro as his
teammates call him now. "Brandon is one of the hardest workers
on the ice in the entire organization, a great teammate who will
become a great leader of men" stated Head Coach Henry
Lazar. Brandon
will be the fifth Cadet from the 'Core with Tim
"The Spy" Quinlan, Brad Roberts, Biff McNally and Ryan Cruthers rounding
out the 'Core platoon. " I am grateful to Coach's Lazar, Sandos
and Johnston, all my previous coaches for their parts in my
development, and my parents, sister and little brother for their
sacrifice given to me"
" I can't wait to be a Black Knight".
|
||||
| 'CORE EMPIRE RUBS OUT HITMEN 4-1 IN NJ | ||||
|
As of Oct 21, 2011 |
||||
|
WAYNE, NJ.... The
Empire team began their latest round of rivalry games with the
Hitmen with a 4-1 win in NJ. With injuries and sickness taking a
toll on the team, the team battled through the adversity to post
a convincing win. During the game another 'Core player was
injured as Ben
Sorkin got cut severely in the foot and will miss 6-8
weeks.
The 'Core jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first period on a Joe
Bochichio goal,
with Keegan
Travers & Nolan Puesassisting. Ilya
Yavtuhovich scored
the 2nd goal on assists from Mark
DeVaughn & Matt Bavaro. In the second period, Keegan
Travers scored
on the PP for a 3-0 lead. Ed
Shinnick & Brandon Fusaro assisted
on the play. With the score 3-1, Mark
"Lucky" Luciano scored
the "insurance" goal to complete a 4-1 win. Nolan
Pues & Jon Kaszubaassisted. The defense played great
all game. Justin
Kapelmaster was
excellent in net.
The 'Core next plays the Philly Revolution in Philly this
weekend.
APPLE SAUCE.... Congrats
to Brandon
Fusaro on
his commitment to West Point for the 2014 / 5 season.....On the
injury front, Mike
Conslato (shoulder) ---2
weeks, Alex
Harwood (sick)
---1 week, Ben
Sorkin (foot)---6-8
weeks,Philipp Kreuzer (foot----day
to day)......The AC Golf Outing is this Monday the 24th at Lido
Golf Club. A fun day is in the cards for all.....
|
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|
Apple Core Jr.
avoids sweep, earns 2 points in split with South Shore |
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|
As of Oct 17, 2011 |
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|
LONG BEACH, NY - The South Shore Kings got a 4 point night from the EJHL’s leading scorer, Jimmy Vesey and held on to defeat NY AppleCore 6-4 in the opener of the two game series on Saturday night at the Long Beach Ice Arena. The visiting Kings had two first period power-plays and carried the play early before Joe Prescott got them on the board 5 minutes in. Tyler Young would respond a minute later for AppleCore after some solid work below the hashmarks by John DeFeo. DeFeo was able to move the puck to the point where defenseman Alex Ataev fired a hard shot on net which was re-directed by Young. The game would remain tied until Vesey netted his first of the night off a nice feed from Nick Bligh. The second period opened with the score 2-1 in favor of the Kings and just 2 minutes in, AppleCore found themselves with a two-man advantage. The Core’ moved the puck well and created good scoring chances however were unable to beat South Shore goaltender Derick Roy (32 saves) who was good all night. AppleCore center Rich Prunesti was stopped on the doorstep towards the end of the power-play and the penalty kill would give the Kings the momentum. One minute after the kill, Tyler Cook beat Core’ goalie Sal Magliocco with a shot from inside the blueline that seemed to fool the AppleCore netminder and may have been deflected on its way to into the net. Forward Justin LaCorte would score his second goal of the season on a nice rush up ice by AppleCore. Tyler Young received a pass from Ataev, fired a low, hard shot on goal which was kicked away by Roy to the stick of a streaking LaCorte who buried the puck on the forehand bringing the home team to within one as the second period ended. Shots were 25-24 in favor of the Kings as the third period began. AppleCore would come out of the gates with good jump in the third stanza however were not able to get the tying goal. Kings goalie Roy was up to the task and fended off quality chance after quality chance for AppleCore. Defenseman Zander Masucci took a hooking penalty at the 6:38 mark and Dean Niezgoda took a hard pass from Jonathan Mleczko and beat Magliocco blocker side with the shot from the slot. The power-play marker would put the Kings up 4-2. South Shore stretched the lead to 6-2 with an empty net goal before AppleCore fought back with two late goals by Mike Davie and Ryan Connolly bringing the score to 6-4 as the final buzzer sounded. The Kings ended the game going 1 for 6 on the power-play and 38 shots on net while AppleCore went 2 for 8 generating 36 shots on goal. In the second game of the weekend, AppleCore broke through twice in the first period and Sal Magliocco made the goals stand up backstopping the Core’ to an exciting 3-1 victory over the Kings. Sunday’s game included a little bit of everything for the casual hockey fan. A quick pace, scoring chances at both ends, penalties, strong physical play in all three zones and top flight goaltending were all present in what amounted to a very entertaining junior hockey game. A satisfied Coach Bretti explained after the game, “I thought it was a fun game to watch. The game was played at a high level and it was a good experience for both teams to play in this type of game that came down to the wire”. It was evident from the start that both clubs were focused on putting the prior night’s game behind them. AppleCore was determined to get off to better start then they did on Saturday night and the Kings were looking to continue to take the game on the offense firing 17 shots on net in the opening 20 minutes. The Core’ would indeed get off to a better start as Rich Prunesti found the back of the net hammering the puck past Kings starter Robert Levin (29 saves) at the 11:28 mark of the first period. The goal was a result of some gritty work by line-mates Mike Bronzo and Kevin Szopa. The teams would then exchange opportunities until Justin LaCorte found himself in alone on Levin and with a quick deke to the back-hand, the Core’ found themselves with a well-deserved 2-0 lead. The rush up ice was started by winger Mike Mackie-Kwist who passed the puck to Alex Ataev who in turn fired a perfect pass onto the tape of the streaking LaCorte. The goal was LaCorte’s second of the weekend and the assist by Ataev was his second helper of the series. The first period would end with the shots 17-11 in favor of the Kings and it was clear that AppleCore netminder Magliocco was up to the challenge.
With the start of the second period, so started the parade to the penalty box for AppleCore. Five penalties in all for the Core’ including three in consecutive fashion which proved to be slightly more then the home team could kill off as Jimmy Vesey converted on a rebound off a Tyler Cook point shot. The goal, scored on the PP with 20 seconds to go was his 13th on the season good enough for first in EJHL scoring. The goal cut the AppleCore lead in half heading into the second intermission. An interference call on Kings forward Nick Cruice at the end of the second period would be the start of the Kings parade to the penalty box as they earned the next four consecutive minors. AppleCore put tremendous pressure on looking to get that all important 2-goal lead back but the Kings penalty killers, including Levin, were up to the task killing off each of the penalties gaining momentum for the final ten minutes of the period. Enter AppleCore goaltender Sal Magliocco whose 39 saves, many of the spectacular variety, enabled the Core’ to earn the split, not allowing his team to get swept at home. When asked what the difference was from his point of view from Saturday night’s game, the goaltender was quick to cite the team effort, “the defense did a great job letting me see the puck, they battled the entire game from the first shift on. This was a big split for us”. Joe Mitchell was able to put the icing on the cake with his empty-net goal and AppleCore improved their record to 4-3-1 on the year. The loss was only the Kings 4th in 13 games and they maintain their division lead in the EJ’s South Division. Looking Ahead
AppleCore is
off until Saturday October 29th when they resume their 4-game
home-stand against the Valley Junior Warriors. Game one will be
held at 8pm on Saturday and the puck drops for the second game of
the series at 11am Sunday, October 30th. |
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|
EMPIRE 'CORE SWEEPS NJ WILDCATS TO CREEP CLOSER TO TOP OF DIVISION |
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|
As of Oct 17,2011 |
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LONG BEACH, NY.... The
NY AC Empire team played their home openers this past
weekend and came away with two wins to move closer to
the top. The 'Core hasn't played the same number of
games, but they will be battling for the top spot all
season. The Wildcats, by virtue of playing more games
were ahead of the 'Core in the standings, but now have
(3) losses with many of their conference games coming
up.
In the first game of the weekend, a Hat Trick by Joe
Bochichio & two
goals by Ryan
Cheng led the attack. The other goal scorers
were Joe
Naclerio, Keegan Travers, Matt Bavaro, Liam Pues,
"General" Brandon Fusaro, & Ben Sorkin. Nicolas Jasmin tallied
(3) assists. The game was close until the third period
when the 'Core scored (5) unanswered goals to put the
game away. On Sunday, the game was much more close
checking. The 'Core took a 2-0 lead in the first on
goals by Keegan
Travers and Ryan
Cheng. Travers added
a 2nd goal and Joe
Bochichio added
the insurance in the 3rd period. Justin
Kapelmaster recorded
the shutout, stopping all (27) shots he faced. The 'Core
next play the Hitmen in NJ on Wed. before traveling down
to Philly over the weekend to play the Revolution in a
two game set.
Apple Sauce-- Thanks
to the Bochichio
family for
hosting the home opener dinner at the rink. The food was
good and we all survived to the next day.
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Magliocco pitches shut-out; |
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As of Oct 14,2011 |
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WEST POINT, NY – Looking to build on Monday’s solid win in Rochester, AppleCore took to the ice against the CD Selects on Wednesday and one thing was evident, the offense was ready. Goaltender Sal Magliocco (30 saves) was good early, allowing his team to adjust to the larger ice surface and 4 minutes into the second period the offense broke out scoring 3 goals in 3 minutes leading the Core’ to an 8-0 road victory, the team’s second in three days. The duo of John DeFeo and Rich Prunesti continued their strong play of late combining for 7 points including a second period hat-trick for DeFeo. The scoring began 6 minutes into the second as DeFeo converted his first Prunesti set-up on the forehand after some nice passwork down low involving Tyler Young (2 assists) . He would add another tally shortly thereafter. Prunesti then tucked home his 4th of the season on the backhand. Ryan Connolly would get on the board as well and then it was Prunesti & DeFeo hooking up again as Prunesti hit a streaking DeFeo with a perfect strike up the center of the ice sending the righty in alone on Selects goaltender Joe Lynch (37 saves). The goal would complete the hat-trick for the winger and stretched the lead to 5-0 at the end of the second. The offensive onslaught would continue for the Core’ in the third period with 2 goals by Mike Davie and a goal by Kyle Zelanka, his first of the campaign. Michael Mackie-Kwist played a solid two-way game and set-up Zelanka with an open-net late in the third. Prunesti lead the scoring with 4 points, DeFeo, Connelly & Davie each ended the night with three points. The game was not all positive for the Core’ as late in the third period forward Mike Mascaro went down with a shoulder injury and is expected to miss some time. He joins fellow forward Colin Reilly who is on the mend recovering from a finger injury.
After the game
Coach Bretti commented, “Overall I was pleased with all
phases of our performance tonight. I thought we had great puck
possession throughout the game and were able to break through with
some goals in second period”.
Looking Ahead:
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|
'CORE SWEEPS MAKSYMUM
IN ROCHESTER
NACLERIO HERO OF THE WEEKEND
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|
As of Oct 13,2011 |
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|
ROCHESTER, NY..... The
'Core traveled to Rochester, NY to play the always tough
Maksymum Hockey team. After a long bus trip with some of Coach
Lazar's favorite movies being shown, the team prepared for the
first of two games on the weekend. In the first game, Justin
Kapelmaster stopped
all (26) shots he faced in recording a 5-0 shut-out. The defense
led by vet Mike
Dellatto forced
the Maksymum shooters to take mostly bad percentage shots. "The
defense is really coming on" stated DF Coach Jon
Sandos. The
goal scorers in the first game were Joe
Naclerio (2), Joe Bochichio, Brandon Fusaro & Mike Conslato. "The
team is playing much better team hockey" stated Assistant Coach Brian
Johnston. In
the second game of the set, the game was hard fought and back
and forth. Mike
Conslato opened
the scoring on a nice wrist shot off assists from the
foreign "spy ring" of Ilya Yavtuhovich & Ryan Cheng.
With the score 2-1, Maksymum Joe Naclerio tied
the score at 2-2 off Nolan Pues
and Ryan Cheng assists.
The "KGB agent" Ilya
Yavtuhovich (maybe not his real name) gave the 'Core a
3-2 lead converting a Mark
DeVaughn"low shot from the point" with 11 minutes left
in the game. Maksymum would tie the game at 3-3 and the last 6
minutes were tight and tough for both teams. In OT, both teams
had a few chances but no one lit the lamp. In the shoot-out Joe
Naclerio scored
the only goal on a nice LOW shot and goalie Justin
Kapelmaster stopped
all (3) attempts to give the 'Core a 4-3 win and a sweep of the
weekend. "The team is starting to gel and the offense and
defense are working together" stated Coach Henry
Lazar. "We are getting some good leadership from vets Keegan
Travers & Mike Dellatto" added Lazar.
APPLE SAUCE......The bus ride was a lot of fun
with the EJ and Empire teams bonding. EJ Coach Frank
Bretti insisted
on watching Cartoons on the bus, but Coach Lazar insisted
on some of his favorite movies like Wedding Crashers and Mr.
Deeds......Mike Bochichio is
preparing a home opener after game dinner at the rink for the
players. Please make sure you bring your Rolaids
and Pepto Bismol.......Cowboy Harwood was
voted best Karaoke singer on the trip home. Some of the "acts"
should have been "gonged" immediately. Our "friendly" bus driver
got a headache, so we encouraged more players singing......Team
plays the NJ Wildcats this coming weekend in EJ / Empire double
header at Long Beach......This past week, the team played (2)
exhibitions defeating both the Seacoast Kings 7-4 and the
Hartford Wolfpack 3-2. In the Wolfpack game, Mike
Conslato scored
the winner with 2 minutes to play.......
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Apple Core Jr. bounces back, |
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|
As of Oct 11,2011 |
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|
ROCHESTER, NY - In the first of two games against the Rochester Stars, goaltender Gordon Ceaser was the story stopping all 35 shots he faced leading the Stars to a 2-0 shutout victory. Ceaser had to be good early and he was turning away 19 first period shots including a couple of very good chances for the Core’ in tight. The Core’ would carry the majority of play in the first but the Rochester penalty killers successfully killed off two Apple Core power-plays to end the stanza scoreless.
“I thought we had our best period of the season but couldn’t come
away with any goals to show for it. Rochester did a good job of
packing it in tight but at some point we have to convert”, explained
Coach Bretti in the postgame. “Give their goaltender credit,
he was the difference”. A late third period tally by Dylan Shapiro gave Rochester the insurance they needed putting them ahead 2-0, locking up the victory. Both teams would finish the game 0-5 on the power-play and the loss dropped Apple Core to 1-2-1 going into game 2 of the weekend held on Monday afternoon. The second game of the weekend was a game of “firsts” for Apple Core as Mike Davie, Tyler Young and Zander Masucci each scored their first goals of the season. In addition, Joe Mitchell tallied the first point of his season earning an assist on Apple Core’s first goal. The Core was able to find their grove offensively rattling off five unanswered goals, from five different players resulting in a 5-2 victory and weekend split with the Stars. After a scoreless first period in which the Stars were held to only one shot on goal, Core’ forward Mike Davie got NY on the board as he combined on a nice pass play with Mitchell burying the puck igniting the bench. Apple Core would then find themselves on the Power-Play and Rich Prunesti made no mistake with the goalmouth feed from DeFeo hammering the puck past Stars goalie Josh Opladen (26 saves). The scoring would continue just 44 seconds later for Apple Core as forward Tyler Young earned his first goal of the season. Young displayed great patience as he fired a quick snapshot past Opladen from the slot. The goal would put a cap on a good weekend for Young who had some effective PK shifts on Sunday as well. Fishman earned assists on both goals. Five minutes later, Zander Masucci potted his first tally on a great shot, putting the puck just inside the post as he cut from the boards to the high slot area shooting against the grain. Rochester made a goaltending change to start the third period and Justin LaCorte greeted the new Stars goalie with a hard snapshot to the upper portion of the net. The goal was a result of some good work with linemate Mike Mascaro and would wrap up the scoring for Apple Core making the score 5-1. Sal Magliocco (17 saves) got the call again in net for the Core’ and was there when needed providing key saves not allowing the Stars to gain momentum. The Core’ averaged 38 shots per game over the weekend, firing 43 on net in Monday’s game. The team will need to continue to work on finishing opportunities as the season progresses. The win gives Apple Core a .500 record through 5 league games. After the game, Coach Bretti was pleased that his team finally was able to break through, “for the second game in a row I felt we came out and had an impressive first period but again were held scoreless. I thought our team responded well to some of the adjustments we made with our lines and we’re all happy that we were finally able to put the puck in the net scoring 5 unanswered”. Looking Ahead Tomorrow, the Core’ will return to action for a mid-week road game against the Capital District Selects before returning to Long Island for two home games against the division leading South Shore Kings on October 15 & 16. The Selects game will be held in West Point, NY on the campus of the US Military Academy. The game will mark the second time the teams face each other this season with the Selects having won the first game 6-5 in OT. Apple Core looks to even the score, puck drops at 5:15pm. |
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| Guns Ricochet | ||||
|
As of Oct 11,2011 |
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|
The Apple Core Young Guns got back on track after a ruff three game swing in Marlborough Massachusetts where the Young Guns got a welcome to the Junior level for real! Not only taking it on the chin but seeing the scouts from the colleges and pro teams was an eye opener all around the arena’s watching for the next player or players. The Core playing three games in two days were greeted with a not so welcomed greeting losing their first game 3 to 0 and being totally flat; the Coaching staff was not happy with the effort and chalked it up to nerves. The later game that night found the Guns in a better frame of mind but due to some big saves and too many penalties found themselves under 500 after the first three games. The Sunday morning game did not work out any better as the Guns fell behind 3 to noting on the first 7 shots and had a big hole to climb from, the staff told the young players to just play a shift at a time and get back into the game, but fell short and limped home with a 1 and 3 record after 4 games. Next up was the Brewster team in Brewster and things did not start off as well as planned, the Bulldogs beat the Guns in the preseason and were all over the Guns in the first period and taking a 1 to nothing lead into the second session. Coaches Carroll and Scall were not happy with the effort and made some changes to the lines and the team woke up in the second period, although they had to wake up on the penalty kill scoring a Shorty by Mark DeVaughn to get the teams even. The Guns were then unholstered and the team picked up the level of play and three minutes after scoring on the PK the Guns converted on the power play with Rob Delury getting the tally from Mark DeVaughn to give the Guns the lead 2 to 1. The Core entering the third period opened a two goal lead on a strong play to the net by Artie Aymong fighting through a back checker to put the Bennett O’Donnell rebound into the back of the net. The GUNS not done as three minutes later Rob Delury got his second of the game off a nice breakout started by Charlie Fosso. The Core kept pressing and added another on the power play by Rookie Joe Quinn again from Mark DeVaughn, Joe staying in front powered the puck past the Bulldog goalie to end the scoring. The Guns got great efforts from rookie defenseman James Loglisci and Mike Rodriquez and another solid effort from rookie goalie Matt Almengor who stopped 33 shots. The Guns new captain Jon Novak was a one man show on the PK and the team fed off the effort, Eric Krupka again solid on the blue line helping the rookies to settle into the Junior ranks Next up the Guns face off against Suffolk PAL at the Arena in Long Beach, to renew the Long Island East West rivalry Thursday night 10-13 at 7:10 PM. Spent Shells The Core taking their first bus trip of the season had a great time and a great bus driver who got into the team and watched all the games and was our biggest cheer leader, The Guns would like to thank Mr. Cohen for the DD donuts and munchkins the boys actually ate them! On the injury front Brandon Gaynor is skating again and hopefully cleared to play PAL The Young Guns added some more youth as they picked up forwards Kieran Hurley and Dillon Radin to hopefully add some more scoring and enthusiasm with the fresh faces
The Guns
also want to thank Five Star Electric for sponsoring
the bus trip. |
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| Empire Team opens Season 1-1-1 | ||||
|
As of Oct 3, 2011 |
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|
In the regular season opener, the ‘Core had to face a tough Jr. Bruins team, who are the defending USA Hockey National Champions. A good low shot from Eddie Shinnick (’92 Merrick, NY) caused the Bruins goalie to leave a rebound in the slot, and Keegan Travers (’93 Long Beach, NY) deposited the puck in the back of the net for a lead just four minutes in to the game. Three minutes later, Joe Bochichio (’94 Massapequa, NY) “buried the biscuit” after some great cycling by the red line to give the ‘Core a 2-0 lead. The team seemed to have all the momentum going in their favor until a few trips to the penalty box late in the half squashed their momentum and allowed the Bruins to tie the game at two with two power play goals. Three goals by the Bruins in the second half were enough to put the game out of reach and the game ended 5-2. “Playing man down as much as we did takes you out of your groove” stated Assistant Coach Jon Sandos, referring to the fact that the team only gave up one goal at even strength. With another game later that night, the team came out flying on all cylinders against Tampa Bay. The ‘Core jumped out to a 6-1 lead in the first half thanks to goals from Keegan Travers, Joe Bochichio, Joe Baccicheti (2) (’94 Royal Palm Beach, FL), Nolan Pues (94 Long Beach, NY), and Ilya Yavtuhovich (’93 Keyport, NJ). The Second half didn’t feature as much scoring, but saw Keegan Travers score his second of the night, and also saw Brandon Fusaro (’96 Elmont, NY) net his first goal of the season as well. The final was 8-1. Not only were all of the forwards generating high quality chances, but the D was stingy as well. Led by veteran defenseman Mike Dellatto (‘94 Elmont, NY), the D suffocated Tampa’s offense, allowing only 15 shots during the game. Alex Harwood (’94 Larchmont, NY) made 14 saves and picked up his first win of the season. On Sunday, the ‘Core played another tough Eastern Conference team, the Bay State Breakers. The Breakers scored the games first goal, but that was all that Justin Kapelmaster (’95 Coral Springs, FL) would let them score as he turned away the rest of the 16 shots Bay State sent his way. Ryan Cheng (93 Howard Beach, NY) scored his first goal of the year when he buried a Joe Naclerio (’92 Mamaroneck, NY) rebound to tie the game. The score remained 1-1 the rest of regulation and through overtime, forcing the game to be decided in a shootout. The Breakers scored the shootout’s only goal, and the final score was 2-1.
News and Notes: Joe Baccicheti and Mike Dellatto
are tied for the team lead in plus/minus at +10; Mark DeVaughn
(’93 Sacramento, CA) has rejoined the team in Long Beach
after recovering from off-season knee surgery, and will begin
skating this week; Head Coach Henry Lazar will be taking
suggestions for a new Chinese Take-out restaurant in the Marlborough
area now that the one in the mall is closed; The team plays an
exhibition game Saturday against the Sea Coast Kings, and will
return to Empire League Action October 9th and 10th
at Rochester. |
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| Apple Core Jr. completes opening weekend with 3 pts going 1-1-1 in Boston Jr. Bruins Shootout | ||||
| As of September 28,2011 | ||||
|
After the game, Head Coach Frank Bretti commented, “I thought the game was evenly played for the most part. We got a strong effort from our PK unit which included some big stops by Magliocco. It was great to see some of our players score some nice goals in the shoot-out, lifting us to the win” In Apple Core’s second game of the weekend held on Saturday morning, the host Bruins jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and held on to defeat the Core’ 5-3 handing Apple Core its first league loss of the season. Both teams came out of the gates exchanging early scoring chances until a defensive zone turnover by Apple Core led to a Zach Luczyk goal for the Bruins, his first of two in the game. Thirty-four seconds later, a hard Bruins forecheck led to the second goal of the game as winger Thane Heller scored from the doorstep, slipping the puck past AppleCore goaltender Sal Magliocco putting the Bruins out in front to an early two-goal lead. Apple Core demonstrated good character by striking back four and a half minutes later after a slashing call against the Bruins gave the Core’ a 2-man advantage. Mike Mackie-Kwist scored his first of two goals in the game as he re-directed a hard pass from Rich Prunesti pulling the Core’ to within a goal. Three minutes later Apple Core would again find themselves up a man and Prunesti buried a centering pass from John DeFeo tying the game with 8 mins to go in the half. With 2:30 remaining in the first half, another slashing call against the Bruins put the Core’ on its third power-play of the game. The strong power-play of DeFeo, Prunesti, Mackie-Kwist, Fishman, Mascucci and Musick generated quality scoring chances with solid work along the boards however were unable to find the back of the net. The first half would draw to a close with the score tied at 2 and Apple Core outshooting the Bruins 20-17. The second half opened with both teams skating at full strength. The Bruins would score the next two goals of the game in a span of 2:30 essentially putting the game away. A breakdown in the Apple Core defensive zone off a face-off led to Luczyk’s second goal of the game making the score 3-2 and 1:30 minutes later on the power-play, the game-winner making the score 4-2. Apple Core would continue to battle and was able to cut the deficit in half after a strong penalty kill. Core’ forward Mike Mascaro gained the offensive blueline along the boards and fired a pass to a streaking Mackie-Kwist who buried the puck past Bruins goalie, Brendan Leahy. That would be all for the Core’ as the Bruins would add to their lead with four minutes to go eventually going on to win the game 5-3. Throughout the game for the Core’, the trio of Davie; LaCorte and Mascaro did a solid job possessing the puck and confidently controlling the play on each of their shifts. Offensively, Apple Core was led in the game by the line of DeFeo, Prunesti and Mackie-Kwist who accounted for 6 points. Mackie-Kwist was the leader with 2g, 1a Magliocco ended the game with 31 saves and the Bruins outshot the Core’ 36-34. Coach Bretti was relatively pleased after the game, “I was real happy with our team’s performance in the game despite the loss. We made a few mistakes and the Bruins were able to capitalize on those errors. I was happy with the power-play unit, they moved the puck well and more importantly, were able to finish some nice goals” In Apple Core’s final game of the weekend the team faced off against EJHL foe the Capital Districts Selects. Matt Batis’s goal 1:48 into the OT period gave the Selects their first win of the weekend, 6-5. Matthew Noreeen got the call in net for the Core’ and concluded the game with 22 saves. John Defeo continued to build on his strong play offensively this season putting Apple Core up 1-0 just 1:25 into the first stanza. Michael Mascaro was able to steal the puck from a Selects player and found DeFeo in alone. DeFeo made no mistake on the play lifting the puck on the backhand over CD’s goalie, Peter Mason. The Selects would even the score on the PP before Apple Core scored the next two goals 60 seconds apart to take a 3-1 lead. The Core’s second goal was a result of good pressure down low in the offensive zone. Defenseman Alex Ataev scored his first goal of the season when his pointshot was able to find it way through to the back of the net. Apple Core would continue to carry the play with good puck pursuit which led to their third goal, 60 seconds later. Rich Prunesti netted his second of the weekend as he banged home a forehand off a nice feed from Defeo. Capital Districts would respond reeling off the next 4 goals of the game including 2 on the power-play making the score 5-3 Selects late into the second half. The last 5 mins of the game would prove to be action packed. Right-handed Apple Core defenseman Ron Fishman would score the next two goals in dramatic fashion and the game was tied 5-5 as the horn sounded on regulation time. Fishman’s first of two would come off a nice feed from Prunesti firing a wrist shot past Mason with 1:20 seconds remaining. One minute later, after the Core was called for the team’s tenth penalty of the night (compared to three minors called on the Selects), the smooth skating Fishman would again strike, this time short-handed on the backhand as the final horn sounded off a breakaway pass from DeFeo. The game however would end abruptly for the Core’ just under 2 minutes into OT when Batis connected off a pass from Sean Spero ending the game and handing Apple Core its second loss of the day. Apple Core was 0-1 on the man advantage and Capital Districts were 3 for 8 which proved to be the difference in the end. “We were lucky to come away with a point in this game”, explained Bretti. “I thought we showed great character with Fishman scoring 2 goals with under 2 mins to play in the game but give Capital Districts credit, they battled and deserved to win the game. Their energy level was higher then ours and that showed on the power-play, we go 0 for 1 and they go 3 for 8, usually that leads to a loss and it did tonight. This is learning process for a young team and I feel we can and will make those adjustments as the season moves on”. John Defeo ended the weekend with 6pts, including a 4pt performance against the Selects, which leads the Core’ in scoring. Looking Ahead: Apple Core will be off next weekend before traveling to Rochester for two games on October 9th at 8:30pm and October 10th at 12:30pm. On Oct 12th, the Core will play a mid-week game against the CD Selects in West Point’s Tate Rink on the campus of the U.S. Military Academy at 5:30pm.
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|
Apple Core
Junior concludes pre-season |
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|
As of Sept 20, 2011 |
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WAYNE, NJ – In the Core’s opening game of the Jersey Hitmen Classic against the Florida Eels (EJ South), winger Mike Mackie-Kwist scored what turned out to be the game wining goal six minutes into the second period with assists by John Defeo and Rich Prunesti and AppleCore outshot the Eels 37-10 enroute to a spirited 3-1 victory. On Saturday afternoon, the Core’ matched up against the Vermont Green Mountain Glades (EJHL) in the team’s second game of the weekend. Goaltending and special teams proved to be the keys as goaltender Sal Magliocco stopped all 29 shots faced leading NY AppleCore to a 3-0 victory over the Glades. AppleCore winger Mike Bronzo’s power-play tally with 1:37 left on the clock in the first period proved to be the game winner as he fired a wrist-shot over the shoulder of Glades goaltender Jeremy Eck as the first stanza drew to a close. The second period opened with a number of solid scoring chances by a quick-skating Vermont team. Magliocco stood strong stopping all shots including a number of quality chances while Vermont had the man advantage. The Core’s penalty killing effort, which was highlighted by an impressive SH tally by Justin LaCorte, proved to be the difference. In a tremendous individual effort, LaCorte tipped the puck past a Glades defenseman at center ice, won a race to the puck and beat goaltender Eck on the backhand through the legs, putting the Core’ up 2-0 with 12 mins to go in the second. As a unit, the work of forwards LaCorte, Mike Mascaro, Mike Davie and Tyler Young as well as defensemen Ron Fishman and Zander Mascucci helped pave the way to the shutout for Magliocco. After the game, AppleCore Head Coach Frank Bretti was quick to point out how he felt of the effort, “No question about it, our goaltending, defense and the PK were instrumental in getting this victory”. On Sunday, in the final non-league exhibition game of the season for AppleCore, goals by Mike Mackie-Kwist, Mike Bronzo, Tyler Young and John Defeo powered New York to a 4-3 victory over the Hampton Junior Whalers (Hampton, VA). The victory was the Core’s third in four days allowing them to complete the Hitman Classic with a perfect 3-0 record. Forward John Defeo led the team in scoring for the weekend with 4 pts (2g, 2a). At the conclusion of the weekend, Coach Bretti commented on the team’s young season to this point, “Overall I have been pleased with our progress beginning with the first spring showcase leading up to the final exhibition games this past weekend. We are all anxious to get the regular season underway. The preseason has served its purpose in that the team has gotten to know one another while allowing me to get a better understanding of our personnel. I’ve been impressed with the team’s focus and commitment to this point and look forward to continued improvement in all areas as we strive for a high standard of play throughout the season.” EJHL League play
opens this weekend at the Boston Jr Bruins Showcase in Marlboro, MA.
AppleCore will open the weekend with a matchup against the Vermont
Glades on Friday at 4pm. Saturday the team will play two games.
The first at 11am verses the host Boston Jr Bruins and the second
game wraps up the weekend against the Capital District Selects at
8pm. |
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| The New York Apple Core Empire Junior B team | ||||
|
As of Sept 19, 2011 |
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The New York Apple Core Empire Junior B team finished up their exhibition play with a trip over the George Washington Bridge to Wayne, NJ for the Jersey Hitmen Classic. Their first game, Friday night, was a match up against the Florida Eels, an EJ South team. Playing against an older opponent, the Core was led by the “Green” line of Brandon Fusaro, Mike Conslato, and Keegan Travers. Each of these players had 2 points on the night. The Core battled all night and was able to come away with a 3-2 victory. The Saturday morning opponent was the DC Capitals of the NAPHL. They were a young, skilled squad that moved the puck extremely well. The ‘Core jumped out to a 3-1 lead at halftime playing probably one of their best periods of hockey all season long. Unfortunately for Apple Core, they took many stupid penalties on a parade to the box in the second half and surrendered three power play goals in the 5-3 loss. The team bounced back Saturday night in a contest against the Mass Maple Leafs of the CHA totally dominating and handling the play in their 9-2 victory. Leading scorers in the game were Ryan Cheng (2-2), Joe Naclerio (2-1), Ilya Yavtuhovich had 2 goals, one of which was a sure high light reel goal, Keegan Travers (1-1), Joe Baccicheti (1-1), and Matt Bavaro and Liam Pues had 2 assists each. Apple Core finished their pre-season play with a record of 10-1-3. The ‘Core travels to Marlboro, MA next weekend for the Junior Bruins Shootout where they begin league play with 3 games. Saturday they will play the Junior Bruins in a rematch of last year’s Empire League Championship game, Saturday night they face the Tampa Bay Juniors, and on Sunday they will face off against the Bay State Breakers. |
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| New Set of Guns | ||||
|
As of Sept 16, 2011 |
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The 2011/12 Hockey season is just around the corner, and the Apple Core Junior B Young Guns of the Eastern States Hockey League are reloaded for the season. The Guns starting the season with almost an entire new roster showed great promise in the Spring and Summer Show Cases they attended. The team lead by returning defensemen Eric Krupka, Artie Aymong and Brian Hurley looked real comfortable with new defensemen Brandon Gaynor, Mike Rodriquez, James Loglicsi and California import Cameron Giertych at the games, Associate Coach Ron Scall stated this looks like the best group of defensemen we have ever started with. This year’s Young Guns are loaded up front at forward also with returning veterans Ryan Carroll, John Novak, Pat Donahue, Charlie Fosso and Matt Cohen adding in Derek Caruso, Tarou Duffy, Rob Delury, Shane Higgins and Joe Quinn who have shown a nose for the net and have been lighting the lamp. Head Coach Carroll said there were some pleasant surprises in forwards Bennet O’Donnell, Anthony Intravia who are joining the Junior ranks this season and worked hard and impressed the Apple Core Coaching Staff. General Manager and Empire Head Coach Henry Lazar at the Boston Showcase stated after the weekend the young group of players has a bunch of future Empire players and it looks like all Three Apple Core team’s will be able to copy last year’s accomplishment of getting players to the next level and having successful seasons lots of promise! The Guns playing in just Empire and EJ Show Case games all spring and summer competed and won games turning some heads around the league and the Show Case. The Guns all new goaltending duo of Matt Almengor and Mark Zapson look like they will give the new Apple Core Guns a chance to win every game which brought a smile to the Guns coaching staff, Coach Scall stated “it all starts from the net out!”. The all new Young Guns playing in the first pre season Show Case in Philly competing against Metropolitan and Empire teams tied with the Empire team for the cross over spot but lost on the head to head format with the 5 – 3 loss to the NJ Empire Wildcats team. Apple Core rookie forwards Rob Delury, Joe Quinn and Derek Caruso showed the coaching staff that they are ready to play lighting the lamp over the tournament weekend. The defensive core lead by Eric Krupka, Brian Hurley and rookies Mike Rodriquez and James Loglicsi with back stops Matt Almegor and Mark Zapson have given the staff a great feeling heading into the inaugural season of the Eastern States Hockey League formerly known as the Continental Hockey League (CHA). Spent Shells: The Young Guns training camp started with the help of New York Islanders Head Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Coach Garret Timms, the Apple Core Staff and players would like to thank him for his help on getting the players started in the right direction for the season and their Junior careers. The players were introduced to what the Pros are exposed to. The players worked real hard and impressed the Islander trainer with the effort.
On the injury front the Guns have a
couple players on the mend; Ryan Carroll still recovering from a lower body injury and still on the mend hopes to be back soon The Young Gun players, parents and Coaching Staff want to wish the Empire and EJ teams a successful season and to the former Young Guns players continued success with the Empire, EJ, AJ and Met league teams they have graduated to, WE will be keeping an eye on you
GOOD LUCK! |
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| Apple Core CHA Players On The Move | ||||
|
As of Sept 16, 2011 |
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The 2010-11 season was a very successful one for the New York Apple Core Young Guns, both in terms of results and player development. The Core finished the season 13-2-1 over the final sixteen games, and clinched a post season berth. Although the Young Guns did not reach their ultimate team goal of making it to Nationals, Coaches Tom Carroll and Ron Scall accomplished what they set out to do each and every season....develop players to move on to the next level, and this past season proved to be their most successful yet. A total of fourteen players from last season's squad have made the jump to the next level. Three players will be moving on to play college hockey in the ACHA. Jimmy Georgas will be between the pipes for nationally ranked Division 1 Stony Brook University, and Matthew Scarpato will be skating for D1 Villanova University. Sean Duffy will be patrolling the blue line for D3 University at Albany. Jeff Sumcizk will be playing with AJHL perennial power New York Bobcats, and Joey Petrizzo will be moving down south to skate with the Space Coast Hurricanes, while Jimmy Diamond will be with the Hampton Roads Junior Whalers, both in the newly formed EJ South Division. Mark DeVaughn, Jon Kaszuba, Liam Pues, Nolan Pues, Ed Shinnick and Ben Sorkin have all moved up to Apple Core's Empire Junior team, while Dyaln Stuart and John McCabe will be making the jump to the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League, playing with the Metro Fighting Moose and New Jersey Rockets, respectively.
Best of luck to all, we will be watching! |
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As of Sept 16, 2011 |
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The 2011-12 New York Apple Core ESHL team recently wrapped up a very successful preseason exhibition schedule against Empire, Met and ESHL teams. The Young Guns moved 15 players from last year’s squad on to the next levels of junior and college hockey. There are six players returning from last season’s playoff team; forwards Matt Cohen and Charlie Fosso will be counted on heavily to put the puck in the net, and defensemen Artie Aymong was gladly welcomed back as a late arrival, while Brian Hurley has already shown that he is aiming to take his game to the next level. The two other returnees are newly named team captain Jon Novak, and alternate captain Eric Krupka. Krupka will be called upon to anchor the defense, while Novak, one of the top penalty killers in the league, will also be the mainstay up front. The rest of the team is a solid group of young rookies. Up front the aptly named “Kid Line” is comprised of Joey Quinn, Derek Caruso and Tarou Duffy. The trio has already shown a terrific knack for putting the back in the net, and will be relied on heavily on the power play. Bennett O’Donnell rejoins the Core, and looks as though he hasn’t skipped a beat owning the corners and being a major presence in both the offensive and defensive zones. Forwards Robert Delury and Shane Higgins also scored their share of goals in the preseason, and both are skilled puck handlers as well. On the blue line Cameron Giertych from the left coast, and Mike Rodriguez both had a terrific camps and preseason showing they can more than handle time on the power play, as well as play steady in the defensive zone. James Loglisci, yet another newcomer on the blue line has been the steadiest of the defenders, with a willingness to play the body. Brandon Gaynor was a having a great preseason, but was cut short with a broken wrist. Gaynor should be back by mid October, and will be sorely missed. In between the pipes are Mark Zapson and Matt Almengor, both of whom had very solid camps and played well against some strong competition. All in all the
coming season brings with it much anticipation of the Young Guns
reaching their goal of gaining a birth to Nationals. |
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'CORE
GOES 1-0-2 AT TITANS SHOWCASE
|
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As of Sept 13, 2011 |
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HOWELL, NJ.... The
Empire team traveled to Howell Ice World, the NJ Titans new rink
to play (3) games against the MET League. The opponents were the
Central Penn Panthers, NJ Titans and Suffolk PAL. These three
teams are always at the top of their conferences and are very
good teams. In the first contest, the 'Core was up against the
Central Penn team. In a game where the 'Core dominated play, it
took a late goal by Philipp
Kreuzer to
tie the game at 2-2. The 'Core out-shot the Panthers 32-12 in
the game. The second game was a great game which featured back
and forth action. The 'core had the scoring chances late in the
0-0 tie and had (3) good chances with less then one minute left
in the game. Justin
Kapelmaster recorded
the shut-out stopping all 30 shots he faced. The third game was
against LI rival PAL and Suffolk scored the first goal 5 minutes
into the game. The 'Core responded with goals from Ryan
Cheng (2), Nolan Pues (2) Joe Bochichio & Ben Sorkin. The
6-2 final score ended an undefeated weekend for the 'Core. The
'Core next plays in the Hitmen Showcase against the EJ Eels,
Washington U-18 Elites and Mass Maple Leafs.
The regular season opens the week after in the Bruins shoot-out.
|
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JUNIORS
CAP OFF FIRST WEEK OF TRAINING CAMP ON HIGH NOTE
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As of Sept 8, 2011 |
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Wednesday the team traveled to Brown University in Providence, RI to play exhibition games where they completed a two game sweep, beating the Neponset Valley River Rats U18 and Connecticut Bobcats U18 Elite. A handful of college scouts were in attendance to speak with a few of our players. The Core would return home for practice on Thursday, followed by another off ice training session at the PAPC. Friday brought the final practice of the week. On the weekend, they were off to Cromwell, CT for a series of three games in the Hartford Wolf Pack Showcase. Facing the host Wolf Pack in the opening game, the team went on to a 3-1 victory led by strong goal tending by Sal Magliocco. The Core received another strong showing in goal in the second game by Matt Noreen and held off Wilkes-Barre, PA 2-1. The team would face a tough opponent on Sunday’s second game, the Springfield Pics of the EJHL. After a 2-2 tie in the first half, the Core outscored the Pics 4-1 in the second half in route to a 6-3 victory. Goals by Rich Prunesti, John Defeo, Mike Davie, Mike Mackie Kwist, and Ryan Connolly proved to be the difference. Ron Fishman and Zander Masucci commanded the defense throughout the weekend. Tyler Young, Mike Mascaro and Justin Lacorte put in solid efforts with great set up plays to aid in the goal scoring. Sal Magliocco had another strong performance, especially in the first half when the Pics seemed to be on top of their game. First year coach Frank Bretti comments on his opening week, “ I was very pleased with our overall effort and focus throughout the week. I was impressed with our second half play in the Pics game where we outscored a good team 4-1. It was an encouraging sign considering this concluded a tough seven day work week. ” The team will be idle this weekend and will resume its exhibition schedule participating in the New Jersey Hitmen showcase on Thursday, September 15th at 6:00 pm in Wayne, NJ. Games on Saturday and Sunday finalize this three game showcase.
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| 'CORE EMPIRE SWEEPS BREWSTER SHOWCASE | ||||
|
Sept 5, 2011 |
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DANBURY, CT.... The
location was different then in past years, but the results the
same, the 'Core sweeping their opponents en route to winning the
Brewster Showcase. Because of the hurricane, Brewster Ice Arena
lost power and there was no ice. The games were moved to the
Danbury Ice Arena in Ct. The 'Core had just come off a Philly
Championship and continued to win close games this past weekend.
"The team is very inexperienced, and their learning curve huge,
but the players will get better and better as the year goes on"
stated Assistant Coach Brian
Johnston. In
the first game, the 'Core defeated the NJ Wildcats 4-1. The
second game was close between the 'Core and the Seacoast Kings
Prep. team. With the score 4-4, Keegan
Travers scored
with 1 minute left to give the 'core a 5-4 lead, and Travers
then scored into the empty net to give the 'Core the hard fought
6-4 win. In the Sunday game, Ben
Sorkin scored
late in the second half to give the 'Core a 2-1 win. Alex
Harwood played well in net. The 'Core next travels to
NJ for the Titans Showcase and games against the Central Penn
Panthers, NJ Titans and the Philly Jr. Flyers all of the MET
League.
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EMPIRE 'CORE WINS PHILLY TOURNAMENT TO START SEASON
|
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|
August 29, 2011 |
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WESTCHESTER, PA.... The
NY Apple Core Empire 2011-12 team got off to a good start in the
new campaign with a Championship in the Jr. Flyers Kick-off
Tournament. With the Hurricane bearing down on Philadelphia and
their homes on LI, the players and parents had a lot on their
minds this past weekend. The team had practiced well at Camp and
was ready to play some exhibition games. The team has (6) vets
back from the 2010-11 Empire League Triple Crown team. Vets Mike
Conslato, CJ Delvaglio, Mike Dellatto, Joe Naclerio, Keegan
Travers & Joe Bochichio will
be counted on for leadership. Goaltenders Justin
Kapelmaster and Alex Harwood will
be counted on to provide quality starts in goal. The defense
consisting of Ed
Shinnick, Mike Dellatto, Connor Finocchio, Joe Baccicheti, Liam
Pues, Marc DeVaughn and Nicolas Jasmin have played
well, allowing few shots and along with the goalies have allowed
an average of 1 opposition goal in the 9 pre-season games the
team has played in the EJ Summer showcase and the Philly
Tournament. In addition to the vets above, forwards Ryan
Cheng, Philipp Kreuzer, Nolan Pues, Mike Tardino, Matt Bavaro,
Ben Sorkin, Brandon Fusaro, Jon Kaszuba and Ilya Yavtohovich will
all be called on to contribute. The tournament started out
slowly in the first game as the 'Core fell behind 1-0 to the NJ
Renegades (MET). Mike
Conslato toed
the game at 1-1, with the score 2-1 Renegades, Mike
Tardino tied
the score at 2-2, the eventual final score. The second game was
against the Washington Nationals (MET). Goals by Liam
Pues, Joe Naclerio & Philipp Kreuzer led
the way to a 3-0 shutout of the Nationals. Alex
Harwood recorded
the shut-out. In the third game, the 'Core defeated the East
Coast Eagles (Empire) 5-1. Brandon
Fusaro (2
goals, 1 assist), Keegan
Travers, CJ Delvaglio & Matt Bavaro tallied
the goals. Ryan
Cheng tallied
(3) assists for the 'Core. The semi-final game featured the
'Core against the Renegades again. Goals by Mike
Bochichio and Mike
Tardino led
the way to a 2-2 tie after regulation. In OT, Ed
Shinnick scored
on the PP to win the game. The Final Game was against the Moose
and the 'Core dominated the game winning 2-0 with Justin
Kapelmaster recording
the shutout. The goal scorers were Nolan
Pues & CJ Delvaglio. The
'Core next plays in the Brewster showcase vs. Brewster, The
Wildcats and Seacoast Kings.
APPLE SAUCE.... Injured Mark
DeVaughn (knee) should
be ready to play around Sept 15.......Florida players just
couldn't live without their Hurricanes, brought "Irene" here
with them......Mrs. Fusaro's crazy
driving coming home from Philly caused many problems on the road
including trying to go through Cash lane with E-Z pass and
causing all kinds of trouble at the toll booth, then going 90-95
on turnpike leaving the Lizard Car and Dellatto in the
dust......Big explosion in rink 3 Saturday was Mike
Bochichio jumping
on stands on son Joe's goal......Kapelmaster black
eye is rumored to be from Little Pues (8-9 years old) working
him over. Then Justin hurt his finger picking up pucks. Trainer
will now have to travel with the team to keep Justin
healthy......Conslato getting
picked up from practice by unauthorized distractions is under
investigation. What is going on there?.....
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|
EMPIRE 'CORE
GOES 3-1 IN SHOWCASE TO COMPLETE SUMMER PLAY |
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|
August 6, 2011 |
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|
MARLBORO, MA.... The 2011-12 version of the AC Empire
team got off to decent start on the season, going 3-1 at the EJ
Summer Showcase. There were 24 teams in the event, and the 'Core
had about 70% of their fall team playing. In the first game the
'Core defeated the tough HOA Canadians 2-1 as Justin
Kapelmaster was great in net, stopping 28 of the 29
shots he faced. "Justin was the difference in the game" stated
Head Coach Henry Lazar. In the 2nd game, 2
goals each by Keegan Travers, CJ Delvaglio & Ben Sorkin
led the way to a 10-1 victory over the Bruins White
team. In game 3, the 'Core played the Hartford Wolfpack and
skated away with a 1-0 win. "The team played great team defense
without having had any practices together as a team" stated DF
Coach Jon Sandos. Coming in first over-all
earned a bye into the semi-finals for the 'Core against
Rochester. The game ended 2-2 after OT, and 3-3 after the
shoot-out round. Rochester won the game in a sudden death
shootout. Overall, the Coaches were very happy as the team only
surrendered (4) goals in (4) games. "The outlook is very
exciting" stated Assistant Coach Brian Johnston.
There are many new and young players who have talent.
With hard work and dedication, many of these players will make
the jump to the EJ team.
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|
Apple Core Falls in the Semi-Finals at the EJHL Summer Showcase |
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|
August 6, 2011 |
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|
Marlborough MA- New York’s Apple Core
had a strong showing at EJHL Summer Showcase by railing off four
straight wins in Division A before being In Sunday’s Quarterfinals the Core would advance against undefeated South Shore Kings with a victory of 2-1. The Core would fall in the Semifinals against the NJ Hitmen in a well-played contest, 2-1. Apple Core Coach
Frank Bretti was pleased with his team’s performance during the EJHL
Summer Showcase. “I was happy with our entire team’s performance
starting from goal tending to our young forwards. We are at a state
with our program where establishing a team culture and identity will
guide how we will go about our everyday business. This Showcase
provided us, as a team, another opportunity. I feel the players are
buying into it; I was pleased with our overall effort and attitude.” |
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|
EMPIRE LEAGUE ANNOUNCES LEAGUE
AWARDS FOR 2010-11
MASUCCI NAMED MVP, CONDON BEST
DF
|
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|
July 15,2011 |
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|
LONG BEACH, NY.... The
Empire League announced the end of season awards today and
AC's Zander Musucci was named League MVP.
Zander was the "glue" for the team and controlled many games
from the back line. Also recognized was Pat Condon
who won the League's Best Defenseman award. The team
won the Empire Triple Crown, winning the Regular Season by 9
points, winning their conference easily and sweeping the
playoffs. In addition to the individual awards, the
all-conference teams were announced. For the 'Core, the Western
Conference's First team included DF Pat Condon and
Zander Masucci, Forward Mike Mascaro and Goaltender Brian
Walters. The second team included Forward Mike
Davie & Goalie Ned Torrico. Congratulations on these
players being recognized by opposition coaches.
|
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|
EJ PLAYERS JOHN DEFEO, RICH
PRUNESTI, RON FISHMAN
AND ZANDER MASUCCI TRYOUT FOR THE RUSSIA BOUND SPECIAL EJ ALL-STAR TEAM |
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|
July 15,2011 |
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|
BOSTON,
MA..... Congratulations are in order for (4) members of
the 2011-12 EJ team on their invitations to tryout for a special
all-star team that will play in the first annual Russian Gold
Cup which will be held in Omsk, Russia Aug, 28-Sept 4. The team
will feature only current rostered players for the 2011-12
season and will be coached by League Champion Coach Sean
Trembley. The players will all meet just before the EJ
Summer Showcase and tryout with 42 of the League's top players.
The final roster of 23 will be announced shortly after the
tryout in Haverhill, MA. The tournament is completely free for
the players and the experience will one the players will not
forget any time soon. League Commissioner Bob Mainhart
and League Director of Operations Jack Sweeney
spent many hours getting this together. The games will
be on a Computer based forum such as our Fast Hockey. Details
about that will be sent out soon. The 'Core nominated 5 players
in all. Nominated were John Defeo, Rich Prunesti, Ron
Fishman, Zander Masucci and Pat Condon. Again,
congratulations to all the players and hopefully they will all
make the team.
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|
APPLE CORE WINS HUB CUP TOURNAMENT |
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|
The team was comprised of players from this year’s EJ team as well as players trying out for the team. Head Coach Frank Bretti and Assistant Coach Jon Sandos were pleased with the effort that was displayed throughout the weekend. The effort in the D-zone and extra effort put forth allowed Apple Core to beat three very good teams throughout the playoff round on Sunday. They first defeated the #3 seed Bridgewater Bandits EJ team. In the semis the Core was matched up against the #1 Beantown Bullies who were made up of top prep school players as well as players from BU, BC, and Harvard. The Core kept things simple and clawed their way to victory. In the Championship game Apple Core faced the #2 seed Hartford Wolfpack AJ team. Apple Core controlled the game from the opening faceoff en route to the Championship. Congratulations to the Apple Core National Team for winning this prestigious Spring Junior Hockey Tournament. The Core will be in action next in the EJ Summer Showcase in Marlboro, MA the weekend of July 22. The New York Apple Core National team was victorious in the Annual Hub City Junior Hockey Tournament this past weekend. They posted a 5-0-1 record on their road to the Championship. The team was comprised of players from this year’s EJ team as well as players trying out for the team. Head Coach Frank Bretti and Assistant Coach Jon Sandos were pleased with the effort that was displayed throughout the weekend. The effort in the D-zone and extra effort put forth allowed Apple Core to beat three very good teams throughout the playoff round on Sunday. They first defeated the #3 seed Bridgewater Bandits EJ team. In the semis the Core was matched up against the #1 Beantown Bullies who were made up of top prep school players as well as players from BU, BC, and Harvard. The Core kept things simple and clawed their way to victory. In the Championship game Apple Core faced the #2 seed Hartford Wolfpack AJ team. Apple Core controlled the game from the opening faceoff en route to the Championship. Congratulations to the Apple Core National Team for winning this prestigious Spring Junior Hockey Tournament. The Core will be in action next in the EJ Summer Showcase in Marlboro, MA the weekend of July 22.
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| BRETTI TO BE NEW EJ COACH FOR 2011-12 SEASON | ||||
|
4/5/2010 |
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|
LONG
BEACH, NY....
On behalf of the NY Apple Core, I am proud to announce the hiring of Frank
Bretti as
the new EJ Head Coach. Frank is a true professional and will bring years of
experience at the higher levels of hockey to the 'Core.
Frank Bretti arrives at Apple Core with thirteen years of college
coaching experience, including ten years at the Division I level. He spent
two seasons as an assistant coach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).
Prior to that, he was the head coach at Iona college for six years. Bretti
lead the team to two consecutive MAAC Final Four appearances and a
championship game, as well as coaching a Hobey Baker Award finalist. Before
being named head coach at Iona, he served as an assistant coach at the
University of Alaska-Anchorage for three seasons.
Coach Bretti has been involved in the USA Hockey Player Development Program at the both the national and state levels. He served as the head coach of the New York State Select 16 team three times. In addition, he coached at three national camps for USA Hockey. Bretti has been a presenter at the USA Hockey Advanced Coaches Seminar and worked at numerous hockey schools throughout his coaching career. "I appreciate the opportunity that has been given to me by owner Bob Santini and General Manager Henry Lazar. I am excited to work with them and uphold the great tradition that has been established at New York Apple Core hockey over the years. I look forward to developing a structured environment that will maximize our players potential and prepare them for their goals of playing college hockey at the highest level possible. I feel there are great things ahead for our program." |
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|
DELL COMMITTS TO PENN STATE,
SANTINI MOVES ON TO THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
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|
4/3/2010 |
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|
LONG BEACH.... Congratulations
are in order for Forrest Dell and Steve
Santini who have
finalized their plans for 2011-12. Dell has
committed to Penn State and
will get in on the ground floor of their new D1 program which will start up
soon. Forrest is a great skater with great hand skills and a very good shot.
Forrest was one of AC's leading scorers and was their all-star selection
this past season. Forrest is a '90 birth year from Colorado. Steve
Santini, a '95 birthdate
and the only '95 in the EJ last season has committed to the NTDP in Ann
Arbor, MI for the next 2 years. Steve is already committed to BC for the
Fall of 2013. Steve is a big body DF who can think the game. "Steve is as
good as any of our DF that reached the NHL" stated Coach Henry
Lazar. Those names
include Rob Scuderi, Mark
Eaton, Doug Murray & Matt Gilroy. Steve
lives in Westchester, NY and drove 150 miles round-trip to play at the 'Core
last year.
We wish both of these fine players the best of luck for the coming season.
|
||||
|
'CORE CROWNED
EMPIRE 2010-11 CHAMPIONS
SWEEP PLAYOFFS
NATIONALS NEXT
|
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|
3/13/2010 |
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|
WAYNE,
NJ..... The
NY Apple Core Empire team continued their storied season by sweeping the
playoffs to win the League Championship this past weekend in NJ. The Final
Four was hosted by the Ice Vault in Wayne, NJ. The 'Core who were Regular
Season Champions concluded their path to the Nationals by sweeping both
rounds of the playoffs. The Final Four included the (4) best teams in the
Empire League in a much anticipated weekend. The Four teams included Apple
Core, The Jr. Bruins, the Monarchs and the Hitmen ---all name brand teams.
All four of these teams had earned their way into the Final Four by
finishing 1-2 last week in their respective Conference Championships. As for
the 'Core they swept the Philly playoff round defeating the Wildcats 7-0,
Brewster 4-0 and the Hitmen 4-3. After a good week of practice the team was
ready to finish their Empire season on top where the team has been all
season. "The team went wire to wire" stated Special Assistant Benny
Benyamini. All four of
the Final Four teams will be going to the Nationals on March 25-29 in
Marlboro. The seeding for the Nationals is complete with the 'Core earning
the # 1 seed for the Empire League. the 'Core (59-1-2-1) for the season
opened the Final Four against the NH Monarchs. Earlier in the season the
'Core defeated the Monarchs 6-3. The game was tight in the first period. The
'Core's DF only allowed (4) shots to the Monarchs and controlled most of the
play in the period. The second period was all 'Core as Justin
LaCorte & Zander Masucci supplied
the goals for a 2-0 lead after (2) periods. The Monarchs scored early in the
third period to make the score 2-1, but the 'Core shut down the Monarchs the
rest of the way for the 2-1 win. Brian
Walters stopped 22 of
the 23 shots he faced in the win.
"The team was totally focused and ready to play" stated
Assistant Coach Brian
Johnston. The next
opponent for the 'Core was the always tough Jr. Bruins. The 'Core defeated
the Bruins in September 4-1, but the teams hadn't seen each other in 5
months. "The younger Bruins are the most skilled team in the League" stated
AC Media Director Don
Scarpato. The 'Core
opened the scoring on the PP as Pat
Condon's point shot was
put in by Brett "Tex"
Jacobson. Ori Benyamini also
assisted on the play. Mike
Davie deflected a Condon point
shot to give the 'Core a 2-0 lead after 1 period. In the 2nd period the
Bruins closed the lead to 2-1, but Mike
Mascaro gave the 'Core a
two goal lead again scoring on the PP. Justin
LaCorte and Zander Masucci assisted
on the play. The Bruins scored late in the period to close in 3-2. The only
goal of the third period was scored by the Bruin's Cook forcing
the game into OT. With only 4:45 gone by in OT, Mike
Davie picked up the puck
behind the Bruins net and stuffed it in the far side to give the 'Core a 4-3
OT win. Mike Mascaro assisted
on the play. The win was big and allowed the 'Core to go home and rest up
for the final on Sunday, while the Bruins had to play the Hitmen for the
right to advance from the loser's bracket. The Sunday re-match with the
Bruins was for all the marbles. The 'Core players wanted to complete the
Empire Triple Crown-- (Conference, Regular Season and Playoff Champions)
with the win. They also wanted to beat the Bruins, always a tough opponent.
The Bruins scored the 1st period's only goal, converting on the PP. The
period was pretty even, with the 'Core out-shooting the Bruins 9-8. The 2nd
period was all 'Core as they scored (3) goals to take a 3-1 lead after (2)
periods. Brett Jacobson opened
the 'Core barrage with a wrap around off assists from CJ
Delvaglio & Ori Benyamini. Then Mike
Mascaro went to work
with two goals in (4) minutes, the second a chest high deflection to make
the score 3-1 after two periods. The third period featured the 'Core in
shutdown mode, making smart plays and getting the puck deep allowing only
(6) shots on net in the period. Brett
Jacobson scored into the
EN to insure the win. Just a great weekend. The 'Core now prepares for the
Nationals and a great experience. Injured winger Alex
Caruso will return to
practice and will be ready for the Big Show. The 'Core are defending
Champions and will arrive in Boston very confident in their chances to
repeat. The formula for success is maturity, good goaltending and staying
out of the penalty box. The defense played great all weekend and goaltender Brian
Walters played great in
both playoff weekends. Keep viewing this site for Nationals articles and
features and updates.
|
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|
New York Apple Core Wins Empire
Playoff Championship by Sweeping Playoffs Next Stop Marlboro, MA Apple Core’s Record Stands at 59-1-2-1 |
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3/14/2010 |
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Wayne, NJ – New York Apple Core finished off their wire to wire run atop the Empire Junior Hockey League Sunday afternoon with a Championship Game victory over the Junior Bruins by a score of 4-1. The Bruins opened up the scoring on the power play at 14:46 of the first period. Mac Cook connected on the first tally of the afternoon with assists going to Jack Eichel and Matt Manzella. The Bruins took the 1-0 lead into the locker room at the end of the first period. Apple Core would answer with a three goal second period to take the lead and control of the game. Brett Jacobson scored once and Mike Mascaro scored twice in an eight minute span to put Apple Core ahead. The Apple Core defense would shut down the Bruins attack in the third by limiting them to only 6 shots on goal. Brian Walters stood tall and made 19 saves on the afternoon. Brett Jacobson added his second goal of the afternoon, an empty netter, at 18:58 of the third. With the win Apple Core has earned the #1 Empire Seed at Nationals. The Bruins will be the #2 seed. The Jersey Hitmen, New Hampshire Junior Monarchs, South Shore Kings, and Syracuse Stars will also represent the Empire Junior Hockey League in the USA Hockey Junior B National Championships in Marlboro, MA from March 24 through March 29. The back and
forth nature of the Championship Game Sunday, as well as the entirety of the
Final Four over the course of the weekend, illustrated the depth of talent that
is found in the Empire League. |
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| "WE WAS ROBBED" -- EJ TEAM LOSES TO HITMEN IN SUDDEN DEATH MINI GAME AFTER TAKING OPENER 3-2. | ||||
|
3/7/2010 |
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|
WAYNE, NJ.... After getting clobbered on Saturday by the first place Hitmen 9-2, the 'Core got it together on Sunday and showed what they were capable of achieving. In the quarterfinal round, the 'Core traveled to the Ice Vault to play the Regular Season Champion Hitmen. Saturday's game was all one sided as the Hitmen scored many finesse goals and totally dominated the game. "They showed why they were the League's best team" stated Assistant Coach Larry Nastasi. The 'Core goals were scored by Forrest Dell and Nick Barbera. Anyone who thinks they can figure this sport out is wrong. You would assume that the 'Core would have no chance at all on Sunday. I'm sure our parents and friends thought that. That's what makes sports so exciting...the unknown and the underdog winning against all odds. Not in many Leagues can the 8th seed knock off the # 1 Seed. But the EJ has many good teams and a few great teams. A good team can beat a great team on any given day. Sunday was that day. Goaltender Chandler Long stepped up to the plate and stopped 40 of the 42 shots the Hitmen threw at him including a great glove save 1 minute into the game to set the pace. The Hitmen led 1-0 at the end of 1 period, but the 'Core was getting many good chances. The team gained confidence. At the 3:08 mark of the second period, Mike Mackie-Kwist scored on a 2 on 1, taking a Mike Debello pass and beating Nauta. Three minutes later Vin Buttitta scored on a scramble with assists going to Steve Santini & Cam Banwell. Apple Core controlled most of the 2nd period, out-shooting the Hitmen 12-9. With 3 minutes left in the 2nd period, Forrest Dell scored off a Vin Buttitta pass to make the score 3-1 after 2 periods. The Hitmen would add their second goal with 1:40 left in the game, but the 'Core held the lead and gained the 3-2 win to even the series at 1 game each. Time for the mini-game. A 20 minute period, winner take all. The Hitmen dominated a huge portion of the OT, but a phantom call put the 'Core down a man with 7 minutes left. "The Fast Hockey shows our player did not do what he was called for" stated Associate Coach Larry Nastasi. Vin Buttitta came out of the AC zone on a 2 on 1 and passed it over to Dillan Fox who buried the puck for a short-handed goal and a 1-0 lead with 5:44 left in the game. Everything looked great for the 'Core. With less then 1 minute left in the game, the Hitmen as evidenced by video and still pictures, had 7 then 8 players on the ice and even though the entire building was yelling for 20 seconds about the extra players "all three refs" paid no attention. The Hitmen scored with 7 players on the ice and tied the game forcing a sudden death OT. "In 25 years in hockey and over 2900 games I have never seen a travesty such as this" stated Coach Lazar. " The hearts were ripped out of our chests" added Bretti.
The team has received 20-30 call already telling us what to do with protests
and such, but all agree that the balance of the playoffs are tainted and a
sham. It is one thing to lose on a bad tripping call or a missed off-sides,
but to have happen to us what happened is what movies are made of.
Unbelievable. The Hitmen scored in OT to win. The players deserved their day
in the sun and they "was robbed". I want to thank all the coaches and
players who proved Sunday what pride means and what can happen if you really
believe in each other. The Defense really stepped up to the plate today and
the forwards worked their behinds off. What a shame!!!!! |
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| EMPIRE 'B' SWEEPS FIRST PLAYOFF ROUND, FINAL FOUR NEXT | ||||
|
3/7/2010 |
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|
WARWICK, PA... It's
off to the Frozen Four in NJ next weekend as the 'Core punched their ticket
with a convincing weekend sweep of the Wildcats, Brewster and the Hitmen.
The 'Core team had earned the # 1 seed with a (75) point Regular Season
Championship. The Playoff Championship is now the team's next goal. Playing
down in Philly the team was ready for the playoffs. "We have been waiting
for the playoffs since Christmas" stated Assistant Coach Brian
Johnston. The first game was against the Wildcats who finished with
the 8th seed. The 'Core had swept them during the regular season, but in the
playoffs anything can happen. Mike
Davie opened the scoring
in the first period as he would tally the 'Core's only goal. He was assisted
by Justin Lacorte and Mike
Mascaro. The 'Core out
shot the Wildcats 15-2 in the first period. In the second period, Eric
Basmajian sniped the
'Core's second goal, putting a wrist shot low in the far corner. Tim
"Lobster Hands" Genova & Pat Condon assisted
on the goal. Jake Gaynor made
the score 3-0 on assists from Justin
LaCorte & Mike Mascaro. Jake
crashed the net to put the rebound in. The 3-0 score carried into the third
period where it was all 'Core. Mike
Brennan, Mike Mascaro (2) and Mike Conslato all tallied goals in
the third. The 'Core out-shot the Wildcats 12-2 in the third and 39-10 for
the game.Pat Condon, Justin LaCorte & Tim
Genova each had (3)
assists in the tilt. First star of the game Mike
Mascarohad 2G and 2A to lead the offense. Brian
Walters recorded the
shutout in the 7-0 win stopping all (10) shots he faced. On Saturday, the
'Core would face the tough Brewster Bulldogs. The 'Core came out storming
the walls. The team scored 2 PP goals and an even strength goal to take a
3-0 first period lead. Goals were scored by Mike
Mascaro, Eric Basmajian & Brett Jacobson. On
the Jacobson goal, Zander
Masucci threaded a great
cross the goal mouth pass to feed a wide open Jacobson who easily scored the
third goal of the first period. Joe
Nacleriowould give the 'Core insurance as he scored mid-way through
the 2nd period to give his team a commanding 4-0 lead. The third period
featured a lot of time eating dump ins and good tight checking by the 'Core
only allowing (4) shots in the third, (3) of them on long dump ins by the
Bulldogs. The 4-0 win was Brian
Walter's second shutout
of the weekend. The third game of the double elimination tournament featured
the 'Core against their arch rivals the NJ Hitmen. The season series has
tightened after the 'Core easily won the first two games, the Hitmen
defeated the 'Core in a shootout before losing again in the last game of the
(4) game regular season series. Both teams were 2-0 in the Playoffs coming
into the third game. The winner would advance to the Final Four. The game
would start off as great for Apple Core. The team dominated the first period
out shooting the Hitmen 15-7. Zander
Masucci opened the
scoring on the PP on an assist from Eric
Basmajian. Veteran Mike
Brennan netted the 2nd
'Core goal of the first period, assisted by Dylan
Scarpato. In the second
period, the Hitmen out-played the 'Core netting two goals early in the
period. With the score tied 2-2, goalie Brian
Walters stopped a
Penalty Shot to preserve a 2-2 tie. Moments laterMike Mascaro in
one of the best PK shifts of the year, chipped the puck out of the DF zone
and raced down on a break-away. Goalie Shapiro stopped
the break-away and rebound shot and the puck went into the corner. Mascarodug
the puck out from (3) Hitmen players, cut into the slot and rifled a LOW
shot into the net for a 3-2 'Core lead. "Mascaro has
been shooting the puck low and in the corners" stated Special Assistant Matt
Davie who has been
charting shot selection for the team. In the third period, the Hitmen would
tie the game at the 11:53 mark. The 'Core showed Championship form after
that, dominating the remaining 10 minutes of the game. With 3:55 remaining
in the game Mike Davie scored
on Mike Mascaro and Justin
LaCorte assists to give
the 'Core a 4-3 win and a ticket to the Final Four. Brian
Walters stopped 28 of
the 31 shots he faced. The Final Four in NJ features four of the top 4 teams
from this season--- Apple
Core, The Hitmen, The Bruins & The Monarchs. This
will be an action packed weekend for the 'Core and with all teams going to
the Nationals a great tune-up for all the teams concerned. The 'Core opens
next Friday at 7 PM vs. The Monarchs.
Apple Sauce.... Injured
/ Sick players Ori
Benyamini, Jake Gaynor, & Mike Brennan returned
to the line-up this weekend. Only Alex
Caruso (broken lobster
claw) is still out, but may return this coming weekend. He is going to the
vet today for x-rays....Philly did a great job hosting the playoffs this
year. Apple Core sends it's condolences to the family of statistician and
Director Of Operations George
Kelly on the passing of
his Brother......Thanks to Philly for giving us the prime locker room and
allowing us to keep our equipment in the room for the weekend.....The 'Core
will be playing against ex-players Steve
Romano and Mike
Iacono Friday
|
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| "WE WAS ROBBED" -- EJ TEAM LOSES TO HITMEN IN SUDDEN DEATH MINI GAME AFTER TAKING OPENER 3-2. | ||||
|
3/7/2010 |
||||
|
WAYNE, NJ.... After getting clobbered on Saturday by the first place Hitmen 9-2, the 'Core got it together on Sunday and showed what they were capable of achieving. In the quarterfinal round, the 'Core traveled to the Ice Vault to play the Regular Season Champion Hitmen. Saturday's game was all one sided as the Hitmen scored many finesse goals and totally dominated the game. "They showed why they were the League's best team" stated Assistant Coach Larry Nastasi. The 'Core goals were scored by Forrest Dell and Nick Barbera. Anyone who thinks they can figure this sport out is wrong. You would assume that the 'Core would have no chance at all on Sunday. I'm sure our parents and friends thought that. That's what makes sports so exciting...the unknown and the underdog winning against all odds. Not in many Leagues can the 8th seed knock off the # 1 Seed. But the EJ has many good teams and a few great teams. A good team can beat a great team on any given day. Sunday was that day. Goaltender Chandler Longstepped up to the plate and stopped 40 of the 42 shots the Hitmen threw at him including a great glove save 1 minute into the game to set the pace. The Hitmen led 1-0 at the end of 1 period, but the 'Core was getting many good chances. The team gained confidence. At the 3:08 mark of the second period, Mike Mackie-Kwist scored on a 2 on 1, taking a Mike Debello pass and beating Nauta. Three minutes later Vin Buttitta scored on a scramble with assists going to Steve Santini & Cam Banwell. Apple Core controlled most of the 2nd period, out-shooting the Hitmen 12-9. With 3 minutes left in the 2nd period, Forrest Dell scored off a Vin Buttitta pass to make the score 3-1 after 2 periods. The Hitmen would add their second goal with 1:40 left in the game, but the 'Core held the lead and gained the 3-2 win to even the series at 1 game each. Time for the mini-game. A 20 minute period, winner take all. The Hitmen dominated a huge portion of the OT, but a phantom call put the 'Core down a man with 7 minutes left. "The Fast Hockey shows our player did not do what he was called for" stated Associate Coach Frank Bretti. Vin Buttitta came out of the AC zone on a 2 on 1 and passed it over to Dillan Fox who buried the puck for a short-handed goal and a 1-0 lead with 5:44 left in the game. Everything looked great for the 'Core. With less then 1 minute left in the game, the Hitmen as evidenced by video and still pictures, had 7 then 8 players on the ice and even though the entire building was yelling for 20 seconds about the extra players "all three refs" paid no attention. The Hitmen scored with 7 players on the ice and tied the game forcing a sudden death OT. "In 25 years in hockey and over 2900 games I have never seen a travesty such as this" stated Coach Lazar. " The hearts were ripped out of our chests" added Bretti.
The team has received 20-30 call already telling us what to do with protests
and such, but all agree that the balance of the playoffs are tainted and a
sham. It is one thing to lose on a bad tripping call or a missed off-sides,
but to have happen to us what happened is what movies are made of.
Unbelievable. The Hitmen scored in OT to win. The players deserved their day
in the sun and they "was robbed". I want to thank all the coaches and
players who proved Sunday what pride means and what can happen if you really
believe in each other. The Defense really stepped up to the plate today and
the forwards worked their behinds off. What a shame!!!!!
|
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|
EJ BEATS HUSKIES 3-1 TO WIN SERIES, HITMEN NEXT
|
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|
3/03/2010 |
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|
TYNGSBORO, MA.... The EJ team traveled to Tyngsboro, MA
to play in the first round of the playoffs and the team came away with a
3 point series win over the Huskies. The 'Core finished 5th during the
regular season in the Southern Division and was tied for 7th overall in
the League of 14 teams. The preliminary series was a 2 of 3 with the
third game being a mini-game if needed. In the Tuesday's first game of
the series, Mike Debello opened the scoring after some
good down low work by Mike Kim & Maros Grosaft. The
first period ended 1-0, with the 'Core out-shooting the Huskies 18-12.
The second period featured many chances for both teams. Debello
made the score 2-0 on assists from Mike Mooney
and Maros Grosaft. The Huskies scored late in the 2nd
period to make the score 2-1 after 2 periods. Shots in the 2nd were
19-19. AC Goalie Jeff Molner was great in net stopping
many good Huskie chances. The third period opened well for the Huskies
as they tied the score at 2-2 at the 14:59 mark. At the 10:53 mark,
Mike Kim snapped a wrist shot into the far corner to
give the 'Core a 3-2 lead. Mike Mackie-Kwist & Forrest Dell
assisted on the play. The Huskies tied the game again with 9
minutes left in the game. They then took the lead 4-3 with 2:57 left in
the game. With the goalie pulled and :29 left in the game, Nick
Barbera scored on a scramble to tie the score again at 4-4.
Vin Buttitta assisted on the tying goal. The OT saw the
'Core dominate the 5 minute session. The 'Core out shot the Huskies 5-1
in the extra session, but the game ended 4-4. The 'Core out-shot the
Huskies 52-43 for the game. Both teams had many good opportunities in a
very exciting game. The goaltending was excellent at both ends. The tie
game set up a winner take all second game on Wednesday.
The teams traded good chances in the first period, but it was the
Huskies who opened the scoring as Lemire scored on a
short-handed breakaway to give the Huskies a 1-0 lead. Late in the first
period, Nick Barbera tied the game at 1-1 with an
unassisted goal. The second period was mostly 'Core as the peppered the
Huskie goalie Drost with 19 shots. Goals by
John Defeo off a nice pass by Dillan Fox gave
the 'Core a 2-1 lead and was the game winner. Nick Barbera
also assisted on that play. With 1:19 left in the period,
Mike Mackie-Kwist scored the third 'Core goal off a
great play by Forrest Dell as he one timed a cross
crease pass. The 3-1 lead after 2 periods would hold as the 'Core
tightened their DF in the third. Goalie Jeff Molner
stopped 38 of the 39 shots he faced in one of his best performances of
the year. "Jeff came up big" stated DF Coach
Larry Nastasi. The win gave the 'Core the series victory 3
points to 1. The 'Core will now play the # 1 seed Hitmen in NJ starting
Saturday afternoon at the Ice Vault. The Hitmen swept the season series
and were the #1 team in the EJ this year.
APPLE SAUCE.... Rich Prunesti (Flu)
should be back for the quarter-finals......The 'Core will practice
Friday at Brewster and have a team dinner afterwards courtesy of the
Santini family.
|
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| 'CORE EMPIRE COMPLETES REGULAR SEASON WITH 4-1 WIN OVER BREWSTER, PLAYOFFS START FRIDAY IN PHILLY | ||||
|
3/01/2010 |
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|
LONG BEACH, NY... The
NY Apple Core Empire team completed a very successful Regular Season
with a 4-1 win over Brewster. The team finished (13) points ahead of 2nd
place Syracuse and is the first seed in the playoffs which begin Friday
in Philly. In tonight's game, the 'Core came out strong and completely
dominated the entire game. The shots were 44-16 and many of those shots
were from far out or bad angles. "The DF really stepped up and played
like they are capable" stated DF Coach Jon
Sandos. The 'Core
opened the scoring in the 1st period on a PP goal by Pat
Condon. Eric Basmajian & Mike
Mascaro assisted on
the goal. Joe
Naclerio scored the
2nd goal on Mike
Conslato & Joe Ditizio assists.
The 2-0 lead held until the third period. With the score 2-1, CJ
Delvaglio scored on
a break-away assisted by Ori
Benyamini & Keegan Travers. Mike Davie added
the insurance on a nice 3 on 2, assisted by Mascaro & Basmajian.
Brian Walters played
well in net.
The 'Core welcomed back injured DF Zander
Masucci who miss a
few weeks with a hand injury. Also on the injury front, Mike
Brennan should be
back by Friday & Alex
Caruso in about 2
weeks. The 'Core opens the playoffs vs. The Wildcats Friday at 4 PM in
Philly.
|
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| EMPIRE 'B' DEFEATS HITMEN 5-3, MASCARO SCORES A PAIR | ||||
| 2/25/2010 | ||||
|
LONG BEACH, NY...... The
NY Apple Core Empire team moved a step closer to regaining some it's earlier
season form with a 5-3 win over the Hitmen last night at home. Despite
missing (4) key regulars, the team put together a nice game.Mike
Mascaro opened the
scoring in the first period on assists from Justin
Lacorte & Mike Davie. The
Hitmen took a 2-1 lead later in the period to lead 2-1 at the end of 1
period. The second period has been all 'Core all year and last night was no
exception. Goals by Tim
"Lobster Hands" Genova, CJ Delvaglio & Eric Basmajian gave
the 'Core a 4-2 lead after 2 periods. Lacorte had
(2) assists in the period, including a nice drop pass on a three on two
rush. The third period saw both teams trade 1 goal each. Mike
Mascaro scored on a
break-away putting in a "high percentage' shot under the cross-bar. Ori
Benyamini also had (2)
assists for the 'Core who improved to 52-1-1-1 on the season. There are two
regular season games left before the Playoffs start next Friday in Philly.
Apple Core plays Brewster Sunday in Brewster at 4:40 PM and ends the regular
season at home Monday night at 7 PM, also against Brewster. By winning the
Regular Season Championship, the 'Core will be no worse then the third seed
at the Nationals which begin March 25th in Boston. The 'Core players are
totally focused in winning the playoffs, but there are many top teams in the
Empire who also want to win it.
|
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|
EMPIRE WINS REGULAR SEASON TITLE WITH (3)
POINT
WEEKEND VS. REVOLUTION EJ TEAM CLINCHES PLAYOFF SPOT AND PREPARES FOR PLAYOFFS |
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| 2/21/2010 | ||||
|
LONG BEACH, NY.... The
EJ and Empire teams had their last home weekend double header this past
weekend vs. The Philly Revolution. With the regular season winding down and
the playoffs around the corner both teams had a lot on the line in their
games. In the EJ, the 'Core clinched the 5th playoff spot by taking 3 of 4
points from Philly. Since the 'Core won the season series from the Bandits,
the 'Core is solid in 5th place, and 7th over-all in the EJ. The playoffs
will start March 1 and 2 at either the Warriors or the Huskies. In the
Saturday match-up, the 'Core's offense was clicking with many scoring
chances but the Philly goalie stopped 58 of the 61 shots he faced to stone
the 'Core in a 3-3 tie. The 'Core took a 2-0 first period lead on a PP goal
by Mike Mackie-Kwist assisted
by Dillan Fox & Nick
Barbera. John Defeo put the 'Core up 2-0. Philly tied the score in
the 2nd period, but Rich
Prunesti gave the 'Core
a 3-2 lead on the PP on assists from Steve
Santini & Craig Halpin. The
game ended 3-3 after an exciting OT session. The 'Core has (7) ties on the
season, and (11) of their 42 games have gone into OT. In the Sunday game the
'Core scored the first two goals on the PP as Steve
Santini & Nick Barbera scored
goals. With the score 2-1, goals by Mike
Mackie-Kwist, Rich Prunesti and Mike Cambria gave
the 'Core a 5-1 lead. John
Defeo, & Forrest Dell had (2) assists in the game. Jeff
Molner played well in
net stopping 46 of the 48 shots he faced in the 5-2 win.
In Empire action, the 'Core clinched the Empire Regular Season title
with it's (3) point weekend. The 'Core has earned 70 of a possible 74 points
on the season. The Regular Season title ensures the 'Core will have no worse
then the Empire 3rd seed at the Nationals. The Nationals start March 25th in
Boston. In the Saturday game tight checking and good goaltending kept the
scoring opportunities at a minimum. The 'Core lost in OT 3-2. The goal
scorers were Joe Naclerio
and Pat Condon on the
PP. Ned Torrico stopped
31 of the 34 shots he faced. In the Sunday game the 'Core played better. The
goal scorers were Ori
Benyamini, Joe Naclerio, Mike Mascaro (shorthanded), Keegan Travers, & Eric
Basmajian. Pat Condon had
(2) assists. The team plays the Hitmen at home Thursday and Brewster Sunday
and Monday in a home and home to end the regular season. Playoffs begin
March 4th in Philly.
|
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|
JANUARY
2011 APPLE CORE JUNIOR PLAYER OF THE MONTH JOHN DEFEO Jr. 'A' EJHL |
||||
|
LONG BEACH, NY... Congratulations to John Defeo on being named Junior Player of the month for January 2011. John has gotten better and better as the season has progressed and will be a key player for the 'Core down the stretch. John moved up to the EJ team this year after helping the 'Core Empire team win their National Championship last year. John has been at the 'Core for (4) years, playing Bantams and Jr. 'B' before the EJ. John is smart with the puck and has a accurate shot. John is going to make a good College player. John, a '92 lives in Glen Head, NY with his parents Jay and Christine. John also has a sister Lindsay who attends SUNY Geneseo. Congratulations again to John Defeo--EJ for his being named AC Junior Player of the Month for January 2011. | |||
| EJ TEAM GETS CLOSER TO A PLAYOFF SPOT WITH (3) POINT WEEKEND VS. BANDITS | ||||
| 2/14/2010 | ||||
|
BRIDGEWATER, MA.... The
EJ team traveled up to Bridgewater to play the Bandits this past weekend
with a playoff spot on the line. AC had beaten the Bandits at home earlier
in the season, and after the two OT wins the week before vs. Baystate, the
'Core came into this past weekend with confidence. The offense is starting
to click, scoring 18 goals. With (6) games left a playoff spot is very
close. "When the playoffs start, anything can happen in a short series"
stated Special Assistant Steve
Santini. In the Saturday
game, things did not start off well for the 'Core. Seven minutes into the
2nd period, the team was down 5-1. It did not look good. To the team's
credit, they did not give up, get negative or point fingers. The team
started to chip away. Mike
Debello scored the first
goal on a Mike Kim assist.
With the score 5-1 Bandits, Nick
Barbera made the score
5-2. Mike Debello and Mike
Mooney assisted on that
goal. The teams traded goals 2 X after that and with the score 7-3, the
'Core dominated the game for the last 1/2 of the contest. Goals by Nick
Barbera on the PP,
assisted by Frank Musick, and Brett
"Action" Jackson closed
the gap to 7-5. In the 3rd period, Goals by Debello and Dillan
Fox tied the game at
7-7. The 'Core had some good chances toward the end, and in OT, but the game
ended 7-7. The comeback was an example of the new character the team has
developed recently. On Sunday the team played a solid game from beginning to
end. The goals came in bunches and many players got onto the scoring page.
The score was 3-0 after one period on goals by John
Defeo, Brett Jackson & Dillan Fox. With
the score 3-1, the 'Core erupted for (5) un-answered goals to end the 2nd.
Goals by Mike Kim, Fox,
Rich Prunesti, Mike Mackie-Kwist, & Steve Santini gave
the 'Core an 8-1 lead going into the third period. In the third period, the
team added (3) more goals by Vin
Buttitta (2) & Nick Barbera to
make the final 11-2. Jeff
Molner stopped 23 of the
25 shots he faced for the win. John
Defeo, Dillan Fox, Forrest Dell, and Vin Buttitta all
had (2) assists each.
The team plays Wednesday vs. the Hitmen and then plays at home vs. Philly
this weekend. The playoffs start March 1-2 in one of the Northern Division
cities. All injured players have returned.
|
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|
Of Bulls & Bears… Vin “The Bull” Buttita Becomes Vin “The Polar Bear” |
||||
| 2/10/2010 | ||||
|
Fellow teammate Mike Debello and Vin saw a flyer for the event. Mike soon made a bet going with Vin (the bet involved food) that landed Vin in a “Spedo” swim suit heading into the Atlantic on Super Bowl Sunday. Vin braved the icy water twice along with billet parents Chuck & Denise Long but he could not convince teammates Mike Debello, Michael Mackie-Kwist and Chandler Long to even take off their sweat shirts let along plunge into the water. Mike, Michael and Chandler stayed on the beach taking in the scenery. Since Vin eats like the sharks he swam with, looks like Mike & Vin will be hitting the local restaurants to pay off the bet. To date the Long-Buttita team
has raised over $500 for Make-A-Wish and donations are still being accepted on
their donation web site Click Here : |
||||
| YOUNG GUNS END MOOSE 22 GAME WIN STREAK | ||||
| 2/10/2010 | ||||
|
On Saturday the Young Guns came out fired up and took it to the Moose early. Jon Kaszuba opened the scoring 3:32 into the opening period, with Joey Petrizzo picking up the assist. The Guns held onto the lead through the period, and went into the dressing room up 1-0, after one period. The Core played a solid period, but between periods the coaches reminded the team that the second period has been their achilles heal all season. Sure enough the Moose came out strong to start the period, netting the tying goal 1:53 into the period. Just under seven minutes later the Moose struck again and took a 2-1 lead. The Guns dug their heals in and skated stride for stride with the Moose and with 37 seconds left in the middle stanza, and on the power play Nolan Pues tied the game at two off a feed from Mark DeVaughn. The second period ended, and it was a brand new game heading into the third. Between periods the coaching staff felt that the Guns had played one of their weaker periods in quite a while, but all things considered being tied with twenty minutes to play was a nice position to be in. They implored the boys that if they took it to the Moose the way they had in the first period that they could grab the two points. The message got through and the Guns came out strong in the third and Jeff Sumcizk scored a shorthanded goal, with Nolan Pues picking up the assist at the 4:25 mark. The shorthanded goal was the Core’s league leading thirteenth of the season. Just over seven minutes later Jimmy Diamond went bar down, to give the Core a two goal lead, off assists from Dylan Stuart and Ryan Carroll. With 1:01 left in the game Nolan Pues cemented the win with his second tally of the game, an unassisted goal on the power play. Jimmy Georgas was stellar in net, stopping 36 of the 38 shots he faced. Georgas made several spectacular saves, and really picked the team up in the second period. In the Sunday game everyone knew that the Moose were going to come out fired up, and sure enough they were all over the Guns from the opening faceoff. Jimmy Georgas started off the way he ended on Saturday, standing tall to a barrage of Moose shots, until finally the Moose were able to beat him, taking a one goal lead on the power play with just under five minutes to play in the first period. The period would end with the Moose up by a goal. The second period saw the boys from Long Beach bounce back strong peppering the Moose goaltender with shots until Ed Shinnick finally scored the equalizer, with Jeff Sumcizk picking up the assist. 5:24 into the period. The score would remain knotted at one, with the teams really taking it to one another. With the Guns shorthanded the Moose scored with 1:01 in the period to regain the lead, and the second period ended 2-1. The Moose came out very strong in the final period jumping out to a 3-1 lead just 29 seconds into the period, and then increased their lead to 4-1 two minutes later. There was a definite letdown on the Core bench, but the coaches settled the boys down letting them know there was a lot of hockey left. With just under seven minutes left Matthew Scarpato scored on the power play with Jon Novak picking up the assist. Down 4-2 the Guns took it hard to the Moose, outshooting the opponents 14-7 for the period, but were unable to put anymore pucks in the net. All in all this was a very strong weekend for the Young Guns, proving to themselves and the rest of the league that they can compete and win against anyone. Spent shells…Nolan Pues and Jeff Sumcizk continued their torrid scoring. Pues who had 7 points in last Sunday’s game vs Frederick picked up another 3 points, and Sumcizk who had 9 points in the same game against Frederick added another 2 points. On the injury front, Pat Donahue (shoulder) is practicing with the team and is hopeful to be cleared for contact this week. Ben Sorkin (foot) is skating again and is probable for next weekend, and Captain Sean Duffy (chest) is day to day. Next up for the Guns is a pair of games against Eastern Conference foes Bay State and Springfield at the Brewster Showcase.
|
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| 'CORE EMPIRE DEFEATS WILDCATS 7-1 | ||||
| 2/7/2011 | ||||
|
Randolph, NJ.... The
Empire team moved closer to the Regular Season Championship with a
7-1 win over the NJ Wildcats. The team now needs only 1 point to
clinch the title. The Apple Core goal scorers were Ori
Benyamini, Justin LaCorte, Tim Genova, Pat Condon, Keegan Travers
and (2) by Mike Mascaro.
Brett Jacobson recorded
(3) assists. The win was the 'Core's 50th of the season. The 'Core
next plays the Brewster Bulldogs Thursday night at Long Beach.
|
||||
| 'CORE EJ SWEEP BAYSTATE WITH TWO OT WINS.....MR. OT DILLAN FOX CONNECTS FOR BOTH GAME WINNERS | ||||
| 2/5/2011 | ||||
|
Long Beach, NY.... The
Yankees had Mr. October and Mr. November and the 'Core now has Mr.
OT. Within the last three weeks, 'Core sniper Dillan
Fox has
connected on (3) OT winners to help the playoff push along. Fox
attributes his extra session stamina on his "workout regimen", good
food and "healthy" drinks. The four points earned this weekend
against the Breakers gave the 'Core 32 for the season, good for 5th
place for now in the Southern Conference, 6 points behind the Pics
for 4th. In the Friday night game, goals by Mike
Debello, Rich Prunesti, Pat Condon (1st goal for the Empire
call-up), Frank Musick (2) and
the OT winner by Fox led
the way to a 7-6 win. The game was back and forth and both teams had
chances in OT. In the Sunday game, the goaltending was much tighter
as Chandler Long
stopped 38 of the 39 shots he faced in a 2-1 'Core victory.
After a scoreless first period, and the Breakers leading 1-0 in the
second period, Nick
Barbera tied the
score on the PP assisted by Frank
Musick & Mike Mackie-Kwist. The
third period was scoreless and led the way for Mr. OT to do his
thing again with :58 left in the game. Offensive Coach Frank
Bretti was happy
to see the offense doing some of the little things it takes to win a
lot better this weekend. "Keeping things simple and stress-free for
the DF is critical in the success we had this weekend".
APPLE SAUCE.... The
team plays the Bandits next weekend in MA.......On the injury front, Forrest
Dell is week to
week with a knee and Mike
Mooney & Kevin Kavanagh (concussions) should
be back soon also.....
|
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|
DESPITE
SHOOTOUT LOSS, 'CORE EMPIRE PUNCHES TICKET TO NATIONALS, WINS CONFERENCE
|
||||
| 2/4/2011 | ||||
|
Long Beach, NY... The
'Core Empire's team's (21) game winning streak came to an end last
night as the Hitmen prevailed in a shootout to win 5-4. The game was
all Hitmen in the first period as they took a 3-0 lead. "We had too
many turn-overs and were not ready to play" stated Coach Henry
Lazar. "We have
to do a better job beginning games". The second period was all 'Core
as they stormed back to tie the game at 3-3 after two periods. Goals
by Pat Condon,
Ori Benyamini & Alex Caruso showed
the team can handle adversity. Many teams would have folded after
the 3-0 deficit, but this team has character. The teams traded goals
in the third period with Mike
Davie connecting
for the 'Core.Mike Mascaro played
inspired hockey and two of the goals were rebounds of his drives to
the net. The overtime was scoreless. The Hitmen won the shootout
1-0. The point earned in the shootout loss catapulted the 'Core into
the Nationals for the third year in a row. The 'Core will come into
the Nationals as defending Champions. The 'Core also clinched the
Western Conference with their 65th point on the season. The magic
number to win the Regular Season Championship is (3). Any
combination of South Shore losses and 'Core wins adding up to three
points clinches that title as well and a no worse then 3rd seed at
the Nationals in March. "The team handled adversity very well and
showed the character necessary to be Champions" stated Assistant
Coach Brian
Johnston.
Apple Sauce..... The team will have a Super Bowl Party at
the Caruso House on Sunday......The team next plays the Wildcats
Sunday.
|
||||
|
'CORE EMPIRE SWEEPS POTOMAC FOR 21ST LEAGUE
WIN IN A ROW MAGIC NUMBER NOW AT (4) TO CLINCH REGULAR SEASON LEAGUE TITLE
|
||||
| 1/31/2011 | ||||
|
POTOMAC, MD--- The
Empire team traveled down to Maryland this past weekend to take on the
Potomac Patriots in a two game set. The trip was delayed as the bus got
stuck in the snow. Thanks to Mr. Dellatto and his tow truck, the bus got out
and they were on their way. The Russian driver could have been a Red Agent
for Atlanta, but Oleksii monitored all the calls and it seemed legit. In the
first game, it was all 'Core as Brett
Jacobson registered
another Hat Trick en route to a 9-1 win. Other goal scorers were Joe
Naclerio (2), Mike Mascaro, Pat Condon, Keegan Travers, & Alex Caruso. Joe
Ditizio & Pat Condon had
(2) assists each. Brian
Walters stopped 18 of
the 19 shots he faced to record the win. On Sunday, the 'Core took a 4-0
lead and then cruised to a 6-4 win. The goal scorers were Mike
Mascaro, Dylan Scarpato, Joe Bochichio, Alex Caruso, Mike Brennan & Pat
Condon.
The team next plays the Hitmen at Long Beach Thursday at 7:10 PM......The
team leads the Empire League in Wins, most goals scored, fewest allowed,
power play percentage and penalty killing efficiency.
|
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|
'CORE EJ SPLITS WITH SPRINGFIELD AS FOX
SCORES GAME WINNER IN OT,
EMPIRE ROLLS OVER WILDCATS 9-3
|
||||
| 1/24/2011 | ||||
|
SPRINGFIELD, MA--- The
EJ team traveled to Springfield, MA this past weekend to play the tough PICS.
In the previous meeting earlier in the year, the teams split the two games
at Long Beach. The Friday night game was tough for the 'Core as we got
clobbered 7-1. On Saturday though the team was much more focused. The PICS
took a 2-0 lead in the first period, but Nick
Barbera scored on the PP
off a John Defeo assist
to make the score 2-1. Rich
Prunesti tied the score
at 2-2, also on the PP. Frank
Musick & John Defeo assisted
on the goal. With the score 3-2 PICS in the 2nd period, John
Defeo scored to tie the
game on Barbera &
Prunesti assists. The
PICS scored (3) unanswered goals to make the score 6-3 late in the 2nd. With
one second left in the 2nd period Empire call-up Mike
Mascaro scored on a
scramble off assists by Dillan
Fox & Vin Buttitta. "That
goal was Big" stated DF Coach Larry
Nastasi. "It gave us
momentum going into the final period" added Nastasi. The
third period was all 'Core. At the 13:36 mark, Nick
Barberamade the score 6-5, and with 3:40 left in the game, John
Defeo scored the tying
goal. Defeo had
2(G) and (3) assists in the game. In OT, Mike
Debello passed the puck
over to Dillan Fox who
deflected the puck into the top corner of the net for the game winner. The
7-6 win gave the 'Core their 11th win of the year and (2) big points in the
standings."Chandler Long came
into a tough situation for the team and shut the door for the last 25
minutes stopping all 14 shots he saw to give the team the chance to win"
stated Coach Henry Lazar. "The
breakaway save in OT might have been a season changer" added Lazar.
"The players did some great things on the ice and made high percentage
thinking plays" added OF Coach Frank
Bretti. "I think we can
make a big run at the end of the season" added Bretti. The
team played short-handed this past weekend. Key forwards Forrest
Dell & Mike
Kim are still
side-lined, but might be ready for this weekend. The team plays the South
Shore Kings this coming
weekend at Long Beach.
RANDOLPH, NJ--- The
Empire team only had one game this past weekend, but they kept the bus
rolling along with an easy 9-3 win at the Wildcats. Brett
Jacobson recorded
another Hat Trick with Tim
"Lobster Hands" Genova, Mike Dellatto, Jake Gaynor, Ori Benyamini, Eric
"Lizard Tongue" Basmajian, and Mike Mascaro netting
the other goals. Benyamini had
(3) assists in the game with Genova,
Mike Davie, and Pat Condon adding
(2) assists each.Ned Torrico stopped
28 of the 31 shots he faced. The team's magic number to clinch the
Conference is now (4) points and the Regular League title (9) points. The
team has (9) games left. They travel to Potomac this weekend for a two game
series against the Patriots. They return home for a Thursday Feb 3 game vs.
the Hitmen at 7:10 PM. The team is now 47-1-1 on the season and has been the
# 1 ranked Jr 'B' team in the Country for 3 months now.
|
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|
Young Guns Continue Unbeaten Streak |
||||
| 1/24/2011 | ||||
|
Long Beach….The Apple Core Young Guns swept the weekend series from the Jersey Wildcats, and extended their unbeaten streak to 8 games, and winning streak to 5. On Saturday the Guns came out strong putting tremendous pressure on the Wildcats, controlling the puck for minutes at a time in the visitor’s defensive zone, but were unable to net the game’s opening goal until 9:03 in the period when Jon Novak converted a bounce off the end boards on a wide shot from the point. That would be the only goal of the opening frame. Between periods the coaches gave the team an earful, telling the players that they were one bad bounce away from a tie game, and the longer they let the Cats hang around the tougher the game was going to be. The team was challenged to go out and in the second period and play the system, and most importantly finish. Coach Scall challenged the team to put a five spot on the board, and apparently the messages got through loud and clear when just 1:19 into the period Liam Pues scored, and 1:07 later Nolan Pues gave the Core a 3-0 lead. Novak added his second goal of the game, and Ben Sorkin and Joey Petrizzo also scored as the Guns netted 5 goals in the period to jump out to a 6-0 lead after two. The third period began as the second ended as Jeff Sumcizk scored his 13th of the season 30 seconds into the final period. Just over 6 minutes later Jimmy Diamond was pulled down on a breakaway, and awarded a penalty shot. This was Diamond’s second penalty shot of the season, and as he did the first time Jimmy made a nice deke and extended the Guns’ lead to 8-0. Nolan Pues would add his second goal of the game to close out the scoring, and Jimmy Georgas picked up his first shutout of the season as the Guns blanked the Wildcats 9-0. Sunday Coach Carroll reminded the team that they’ve been in the same position of winning the first game of a series, and struggling in the second game. He told the boys that the Cats were not going to roll over and die, and that it would take hard work and focus to finish off the series. Mark DeVaughn opened the scoring 2:42 into the game with the Guns on a power play. With good puck movement Devaughn found himself with open space at the point and blasted a slap shot into the net giving the Guns an early 1-0 lead. As Coach Carroll warned this was a different day, and just 22 seconds later the Core gave up a 3 on 1 rush and Jersey made no mistake in converting and tying the game at one. However Nolan Pues continued his torrid scoring giving the Core a 2-1 lead 1:08 later. This was the beginning of what would be a 5 point game for the team’s leading scorer. The period ended at 2-1, and once again the team was given an earful in between periods, and once again they rose to the challenge. Ryan Carroll, Jeff Sumcizk and Pues scored three unanswered goals before the Wildcats scored a goal late in the period, but the damage was already done and the second period ended with Apple Core leading 5-2. Nolan Pues opened the scoring 1:30 into the final period netting his hat trick, and team leading 20th goal of the season. The teams would trade goals, with Sumcizk closing out the scoring with his third goal of the weekend. With a birth to Nationals still the goal of the season, the Guns are working hard to climb as high as possible in the standings before the playoffs begin. The team is off next weekend, and then hit the road for a pair of games against the Freeze in Frederick, MD. Spent
Shells…..Assistant Captain Pat Donahue continues rehabbing a separated
shoulder, and the team is hopeful he will be able to return in three weeks
against rival and league leading Metro Moose. Leading scorers for the weekend
were Nolan Pues with 8 points and Jeff Sumcizk with 6. Pues has
moved up to 10th in the league in scoring. Congratulations to CHA
All-Stars Pues, Ed Shinnick and Captain Sean Duffy. |
||||
|
||||
|
'CORE EJ EARNS SPLIT
WITH HUSKIES,
EMPIRE SWEEPS POTOMAC |
||||
| 1/18/2011 | ||||
|
LONG BEACH, NY.... The
EJ team earned a split with the Huskies this past
weekend at Long Beach. In a hard fought game on Saturday
the EJ team lost to the Huskies 3-2. In that game, the
game was tied 1-1 going into the third period, but the
Huskies found a way to win 3-2. Mike
Cambria & Mike Mooney had
the 'Core goals. The Sunday game produced (2) points for
the 'Core. The 'Core opened the scoring on a goal by Mike
Debello followed
shortly thereafter by one by Dillan
Fox. With
the score 2-1, still in the first period, Mike
Mooney scored
on the PP to give the 'Core a 3-1 lead. The PP goal was
assisted by Dillan
Fox and Craig Halpin. Brett Jackson made
the score 4-1 in the 2nd period, also on the PP assisted
by John
Defeo & Mike Cambria. The
Huskies came back to tie the score late in the third
period, but with 5:06 left in the game, John
Defeo netted
the game winner assisted by Cambria
and Jackson. Mike Mackie-Kwist provided
the insurance for the 6-4 win. The team persevered
playing without Forrest
Dell, Nick Barbera, & Mike Kim a
major part of the offense. "Players stepped up" said
Associate Coach Larry
Nastasi. On
the injury front, all of the above will be out a while
longer with DF Kevin
Kavanagh also
out with a concussion. The team has a tough stretch of
games with the Hitmen and Springfield as their next two
opponents.
In Empire action, the team just keeps rolling with 6-1
and 9-0 wins over the Potomac Patriots. In the Saturday
game, PP goals by Mike
Mascaro, Joe Bochichio and Pat Condon led
the way. Brett
Jacobson, CJ Delvaglio and Alex Caruso also
scored for the 'Core. Pat
Condon had
(3) assists also, with Mike
Davie adding
(2). Brian
Waltersstopped 16 of the 17 shots he faced.
In the Sunday game, it was all 'Core. Pat
Condon & Justin LaCorte led
the way with (2) goals each, with Brett
Jacobson, Zander Masucci, Dylan Scarpato, Mike Mascaro,
and Mike Davie also
adding goals. Justin
LaCortehad (3) assists, Dylan
Scarpato, Alex Caruso, Eric Basmajian, & Mike Brennan all
added two assists each. Ned
Torrico recorded
the shutout.
The team next plays the NJ Wildcats next Sunday in
NJ.....The team's Magic number to clinch the Conference
is (9) points and (11) to clinch the League Regular
Season Title. Any combination of South Shore losses and
AC wins adding up to 11 points wins the title. The 'Core
has (10) League games left.... Center Ori
Benyamini (hip)
who has missed 4 weeks will return next Sunday to boost
up the line-up. There are no other injuries to report.
|
||||
|
December 2010
APPLE CORE JUNIOR PLAYER OF THE MONTH Mike Mackie-Kwist Jr. 'A' EJHL |
||||
|
LONG BEACH, NY... Apple Core is proud to announce that Mike Mackie-Kwist has been named Apple Core Junior Player of the Month for December 2010. Mike is from Cleveland, OH and is a '91 right wing for the 'Core. Mike is a hard working, lunch box type of player that gives the same great effort in every game. "You can always count on Mike to play hard and tough" stated Coach Lazar. Mike has scored some key goals and is getting better each week. Mike played up in Canada last year for the Burnaby Express in the BCHL. Mike is getting interest with Colleges and will be a key player down the stretch for the 'Core. | |||
| Mike is an honor roll student with good grades. His Father is Jeroen and Mother Amy. Good luck to Mike down the stretch and congratulations on being named the AC Junior Player of the Month for December 2010. | ||||
|
'CORE EJ TIES SOUTH
SHORE 2-2 AND 6-6
EMPIRE FINISHES STRONG WITH 4-0 WIN VS. BREWSTER
|
||||
| 12/20/2010 | ||||
|
FOXBORO, MA.... The
EJ team finished strong at the break and will be heard from in
the second half of the season. Coming into the two game series
with South Shore, the 'Core played well vs. the Monarchs and
Bruins at the Fitchburg Showcase. With many new Empire players
and inexperienced players on the team, it has taken a while to
gain the confidence and composure to compete on a weekly basis.
This past weekend against tough South Shore, the team showed a
lot of character and the ability to finally handle adversity. In
the first game on Saturday, the 'Core trailed 1-0 after the
first period but felt they had many chances to bury the puck.
That did happen 2:20 into the second period as Mike
Mackie-Kwist tied
the game on assists from Mike
Debello & Vin "The Bull" Buttitta. Later
in the period, Forrest
Dell converted
a rebound of a Mike
Mooney low
shot on goal for a 2-1 'Core lead. SS tied the game at 2-2 late
in the period. The third period and OT were mostly 'Core as they
out-shot the Kings 22-12 during that stretch. Chandler
Long played
excellent in net stopping 43 of the 45 shots he faced.
The Sunday game was a fun game to watch if you were a fan. There
were plenty of goals, comebacks and an exciting OT. The Kings
came out hard in the Sunday game and went out to a 2-0 lead. Mike
Debello sniped
a nice shot in to make the score 2-1, but the 'Core gave back
the goal to trail 3-1 at the end of 1 period. Last month the
adversity would have been too much to handle, but the team
regrouped and came out scoring (3) goals in the first 10 minutes
of the period. Maros
Grosaft, Mike Kim and Nick Barbera teamed
up for the second 'Core goal 2:12 into the period. John
Defeo scored
the tying goal 2 minutes later on assists by Rich
Prunesti & Mike Cambria. Kevin Kavanagh scored
the go ahead goal 10 minutes in on a assist by Mike
Mackie-Kwist. The
Kings tied the game at 4-4 before the period ended. The Kings
took advantage of a 5 minute major scoring twice on the power
play to make the score 6-4. A month ago, the team would have had
a problem focusing and competing after the 2 goals against, but
the team is much more resilient now. Late goals by Mike
Kim and Mike Debello tied the game at 6-6 and sent it
into OT. The OT was pretty even until Kevin Kavanagh made
a very good play on a 2 on 1, joined the rush for a 3 on 1 the
other way. Dillan
Fox made a
great decision and dropped it to Kavanagh who came in for a
point blank shot with 10 seconds left but the SS goalie made a
great save to preserve the 6-6 tie. The second half will be
interesting. The team play the Revolution after the break at the
Winter Showcase event.
Brewster, NY.... The
Empire team finished the first half with another shut-out, this
time a 4-0 win over Brewster. Brewster put up little opposition
getting only 18 shots for the game including only (7) in the
first two periods. The team was without all-star DF Pat
Condon and a
top center Ori
Benyamini who
are nursing minor injuries. Both will be back healthy after the
break. "Nothing matters to this team" stated Associate Coach Jon
Sandos. "Other
players do whatever is necessary to keep the tempo and
effectiveness the same when players are out of the line-up"
added Sandos. The
'Core totally controlled the opening period out-shooting the
Bulldogs 12-2 and taking a 1-0 lead on a Brett
Jacobson goal. Tim
Genova and Eric
Basmajian assisted
on the goal. Mike
Davie gave the 'Core a 2-0 lead converting a Mike
Mascaro back
door pass on the PP. Zander Masucci also
assisted on the goal. Joe
Naclerio sealed
the deal with a third period insurance goal. Joe
Bochichio & Alex Caruso assisted
on that goal. Tim Genova scored a empty netter
to make the score 4-0. Brian
Walters recorded
the shut-out. The 27-1 record gives the 'Core a 10 point lead in
the Western Conference.
APPLESAUCE.... The team has 2 weeks off now and
will return for games in the Winter Showcase in Marlboro Jan.
7-8. The next League game is against the Hitmen at Long Beach
Jan. 13. have a great Holiday season.......
|
||||
| 'CORE EMPIRE SWEEPS FITCHBURG SHOWCASE WITH (4) WINS TO TAKE COMMANDING LEAD IN WESTERN DIVISION. | ||||
| 12/17/2010 | ||||
|
FITCHBURG, MA..... The
'Core Empire team traveled to Fitchburg to complete the
competition with the Eastern Conference until playoffs.
The Fitchburg Showcase had the 'Core against CD,
Bridgewater, Salem and Bay State. The team has been
playing well-- mixing potent offense with stingy
defense. In the first game vs. CD, the 'Core scored
early and often. It was the Tim
Genova show
in the first half as the right winger connected on (4)
goals. Brett
"Tex" Jacobson, Eric Basmajian & Ori Benyamini each
assisted on (2) of them. "I was really focused in the
first half" stated Genova. The
'Core took a 5-1 lead into the second half. In the
second half goals by Brett
Jacobson, Pat Condon, Mike Goldstein, CJ Delvalglio &
Jake Gaynor sealed
a 10-3 win. The 'Core out-shot the Selects 49-15 in the
contest and went 2-5 on the PP. Goaltender Ned
Torrico assisted
on the Condon goal.
In the second game, the 'Core played the Bridgewater
Bandits. The offense in this game was supplied by the
defense. To goals apiece by Eric
Basmajian & Zander Mazucci led
the way. Brett
Jacobson added
two assists in the 5-1 win. Tim
Genova scored
his 5th goal of the weekend also in the tilt. In the
Salem game, goals by veterans Mike
Mascaro, Mike Davie & Alex Caruso led
the way to a 5-1 win. Eric
Basmajian again
tallied (2) goals for the 'Core. "His quick stick --like
a Lizard's tongue" fools the goalies" stated Assistant
Coach Brian
Johnston. Mike Brennan recorded
two assists. The 'Core went 3-7 on the PP. The Sunday
game vs. the Breakers was a tough game. Mike
Davie and Alex
Caruso scored
1st half goals as the game was tied at the half 2-2. In
the second half, PP goals by Justin
LaCorte & Brett Jacobson gave
the 'Core a 4-2 lead. The Breakers scored with 12
minutes to play, but the 'Core held off the Breakers in
the last 12 minutes to record the win, their 4th of the
weekend. Ned
Torrico made
some big saves in the last few minutes to preserve the
win.
The 'Core finishes up this Sunday vs. Brewster, then
enjoys a 2 week vacation. Congrats to all-stars Mike
Mascaro, Mike Brennan, Mike Davie, Brett Jacobson, Pat
Condon, Zander Masucci & Brian Walters.
The all-star game will be held at Tri-Town arena on Jan.
17th.....At this point in time the 'Core has clinched a
playoff spot.
|
||||
|
'CORE EJ AND EMPIRE SWEEP
WEEKEND SERIES AT HOME
EJ MOVES INTO 6TH PLACE OVERALL
IN PCT., EMPIRE CRUISING IN FIRST
|
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| 12/05/2010 | ||||
|
LONG BEACH, NY..... In another double header at Long Beach, the EJ and Empire teams swept their weekend sets and gained (4) points each in the standings. The visitors were the Bridgewater Bandits in the EJ and the Buffalo Stars in the Empire. The EJ team got back to the .500 mark with two convincing wins over the Bandits. In the Saturday game, with the Bandits ahead 1-0, Nick Barbera scored to tie the game 1-1 on assists by Forrest Dell & Dillan Fox. Later in the first period, Vin Buttitta scored on the PP on assists from Mike Kim & Craig Halpin. The 'Core took a 2-1 lead into the second period. Goals by John Defeo & Brett "Action" Jackson gave the 'Core a 4-1 lead in the 2nd. The Bandits scored (2) goals to make the score 4-3 after 2 periods of play. The third period was all 'Core. The team scored six goals in route to the 10-4 win. Goal scorers in the 3rd period were John Defeo (2), Dillan Fox, Mike Mackie-Kwist, Mike Debello & Vin Buttitta. The 'Core out-shot the Bandits 49-31 for the game. "Our offense played well together with all lines contributing" stated Associate Coach Larry Nastasi. The Sunday game was tight for the first period. The 'Core out-shot the Bandits 15-3 in the first period, and missed several good chances as the game remained scoreless. The offense took over in the second period with (4) goals. Forrest Dell (PP), Dillan Fox, Brett Jackson (short-handed) & Rich Prunesti (PP) all netted goals. Mike Kim scored in the third period to make the score 5-0, but the Bandits scored 3 quick goals to make the score 5-3. The team got it's composure back and controlled the balance of the game, with Forrest Dell & Nick Barbera scoring near the end to make the final 7-3. Dillan Fox assisted on the last 2 goals. The team welcomes new DF Cam Banwell. The 'Core plays the Warriors, Monarchs and Bruins in the Fitchburg Showcase this coming weekend.
In Empire play, the team just keeps rolling. This
weekend's opponent was the Buffalo Stars. In the
Saturday game, six different players lit the lamp in a
6-4 win. Goals by Mike
Mascaro, Pat Condon (SH), CJ Delvaglio, Mike Davie,
Justin LaCorte & Eric Basmajian led
the way. In the Sunday game, the 'Core took a 1-0 lead
on a goal by Justin
LaCorte. Dylan Scarpato & Pat Condon assisted
on the goal. With the score tied 1-1, Mike
Mascaro (PP) gave
the 'Core a 2-1 lead in the last minute assisted by Mike
Davie & Pat Condon. Keegan Travers gave
the 'Core a 3-1 lead on assists by Scarpato
& LaCorte. The
Stars tied the score in the 2nd period---3-3. The third
period was tight and with the game looking like it was
going to OT, Mike
Brennan scored
the winner with about 4 minutes left on a nice Mike
Davie feed. Mike
Mascaro provided the insurance with a goal a
minute later. Zander
Masucci & Mike Davie assisted
on the goal. The 5-3 win gave the 'Core 22 wins for the
year vs. 1 loss --good for 1st place overall in the
League and a (4) game bulge in the Western Conference.
The 'Core plays Salem, Bay State, CD and the Bandits
next weekend in the Fitchburg Showcase, which will
conclude it's games vs. the Eastern Conference. The team
welcomes Jake
Gaynor (DF) to
the team.
|
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|
November 2010
APPLE CORE JUNIOR PLAYER OF THE MONTH Pat Condon Empire Jr.'B' |
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|
LONG BEACH, NY... Apple Core Empire DF Pat Condon (Merrick, NY) has been named AC Junior Player of the Month for the Month of November 2010. Pat has been at the 'Core from his Mite days all the way through Juniors with a stop or two along the way. Pat, a '93 is a mobile, excellent skating DF who can control the game. Pat is excellent at the point and can shoot the puck well. Pat is currently moving up in the scoring for DF in the Empire League, with 23 points is in 3rd place in scoring. Pat goes to Portledge Prep and is the middle brother of three. His parents are Tom and Elizabeth. Tom coached Pat at the 'Core in his | |||
| youth hockey days. Pat will be a sure shot D1 player in the future and has the chance to go beyond that in his hockey career. Congratulation to Pat Condon on being named AC Junior Player of the Month for November. | ||||
| 'CORE EMPIRE SWEEPS FREDERICK FREEZE AS FIRST HALF OF SEASON ENDS, EMPIRE TEAM RANKED #1 JUNIOR 'B' TEAM IN COUNTRY | ||||
| 11/21/2010 | ||||
|
FREDERICK,
MD----- The
first half of the season is over and defending National Champion NY
Apple Core is primed for a repeat run at the 2011 Championship. At
the halfway point, the team is 20-1 in League play and 36-1-1
overall for the season, good for # 1 in the National Rankings. The
team has beaten all the teams that played in last year's Nationals
during this season. "The players all get along great and work
extremely hard to better themselves" stated Assistant Coach Brian
Johnston. This
past weekend, the 'Core played the Freeze in Maryland. In the first
game the 'Core had (77) shots and (7) PP goals in route to a
12-0 win. Joe
Naclerio (3), Alex
Caruso (2), led
the way. Ned
Torrico stopped
all (17) shots he faced. In the Sunday game, Naclerio scored
again, as did Mike
Brennan, Brett Jacobson, Tim Genova and Justin
Lacorte in a 5-1 win.
The team will now enjoy a nine day break for Thanksgiving. Key
games in the 2nd half include (2) vs. the Hitmen, (2) vs. Philly and
(3) vs. Brewster. Other important games include Buffalo, Baystate,
Salem and Bridgewater. The team will welcome back Keegan
Travers who has
missed (5) weeks with a leg injury. "It will be nice having our
entire team back after the break" stated Coach Henry
Lazar. "Our
defense and goaltending have been outstanding" stated Associate
Coach Jon Sandos. In
(21) League games, the team has surrendered only (29) goals.
|
||||
|
'CORE EMPIRE WINS FIRST ANNUAL RONALD McDONALD
CUP WITH VICTORY OVER SUFFOLK JUNIORS.
|
||||
| 11/17/2010 | ||||
![]() LONG BEACH, NY..... In the 1st annual Ronald McDonald Cup, the NY Apple Core Empire team took on the Suffolk PAL Juniors at Long Beach in a charity game for a great cause. The Ronald McDonald House helps families of sick children with the financial burden of hospital stays and is critical for many families in their time of need. Ex-AC Coach Chris Cosentino who works at RMH set up the game between the two perennial Jr 'B' powers on LI. AC and PAL won the previous two National Championships and have been at the top of their respective Leagues for years. The idea for this game was developed in August and the two organizations also took part in cooking dinners for the residents. Many sponsors came through with nice donations, including the players who each solicited their own share of donations for the RMH. In attendance last night was Ronald McDonald himself and the Islanders' mascot also. Approximately 250 people were in attendance and the game was covered by Fast Hockey (TV) and MSG Varsity (Interviews). FastHockey.com is a pay per view hockey computer access service and they donated all proceeds from last night to the RMH. Both teams looked forward to this game and the atmosphere was really exciting. Citifield public address announcer Alex Anthony graciously donated his talents to the cause also. After the opening ceremonies which included Ronald McDonald dropping the ceremonial first puck added to the atmosphere of the game. The game started off well for PAL as Nikita Sokolov scored the first goal of the game just :53 seconds into the game. It was all 'Core after that as they scored the next (14) goals of the game. Brett Jacobson & Mike Mascaro registered Hat Tricks, with Jacobsonreceiving Player of the Game. Mike Brennan, CJ Delvaglio, Joe Naclerio all scored (2) goals each with Pat Condon, Justin LaCorte, & Tim Genova all adding goals also. Mike Goldstein had (5) assists, with Ori Benyamini, & CJ Delvaglio adding (3) apiece. The final score was 15-3. The RMH raised a lot of money and it certainly goes to a great cause. The game next year will be hosted by PAL at the Rinx in Hauppague, NY. |
||||
|
'CORE EMPIRE SWEEPS WEEKEND AT
WARRIOR SHOWCASE
TAKES OVER FIRST PLACE IN WESTERN
CONFERENCE
|
||||
| 11/15/2010 | ||||
|
HAVERHILL, MA..... The
'Core Empire team continues to roll as they swept the three League
games in the Valley Warrior Showcase. Opponents NE Huskies, Valley
Warriors and NH Monarchs were primed to take on the League leading
'Core. The first opponent was the tough Huskies who are right at the
top of the Eastern Division. In a tight first half, the 'Core scored
the only goal as Mike
Davie sniped a
high shot under the cross bar. Dylan
Scarpato & Zander Masucci assisted
on the play. In the second half, Mike
Mascaro gave the
'Core a 2-0 lead at the 10 minute mark assisted by Mike
Davie & Mike Brennan. That
2-0 lead would hold up as Brett
Jacobson added
an empty net goal to make the final score 3-0, 'Core. Brian
Walters recorded
his 2nd straight shutout and played well in net. The second game of
the showcase had the 'Core against the Valley Warriors. CJ
Delvaglio opened
the scoring on assists by Joe
Bochichio & Pat Condon. Alex Caruso scored
the 'Core's 2nd goal one timing a Justin
LaCortepass in the slot. Dylan
Scarpato also
assisted on the play. With the score 2-1, Mike
Davie made it
3-1 on assists from Mike
Mascaro & Mike Brennan. Ori Benyamini scored
on the PP to give the 'Core a 4-1 lead on assists fromTim
Genova & Brett Jacobson. Mike Mascaro completed
the scoring on assists from Davie
& Eric Basmajian. Ned Torrico made
some very good saves when the game was close. The final game of the
weekend featured the 'Core against arch rival NH Monarchs. "The
teams have many players that know each other well" stated Assistant
Coach Brian
Johnston. The
game started off all 'Core as goals by Mike
Goldstein & Mike Davie gave
the 'Core a 2-0 lead. Joe
Naclerio assisted
on the first goal and Justin
LaCorte & Mike Brennan the
2nd. The Monarchs roared back to take a 3-2 lead in the 2nd half.
With the score 3-2 - Monarchs, PP goals by Mike
Brennan & Dylan Scarpato 2
minutes apart gave the 'Core a 4-3 lead. Four minutes later, Justin
LaCorte scored
on a nice Mike
Goldstein pass
to give the 'Core a 5-3 lead. "Justin is coming into his own" stated
Coach Lazar. "Justin
has a lot of skill and his scoring touch is very valuable" added
Lazar. Alex
Caruso added an
empty net goal to complete the 6-3 victory.
APPLESAUCE...... The
team is now 18-1 in League play and 33-1-1 overall, good for the
best record in the country.......The team will play in the Ronald
McDonald Cup charity
game vs. PAL Tuesday at Long Beach......The team travels to
Frederick, MD this coming weekend to take on the Frederick Freeze in
a two game series......It was nice seeing ex-'Core players Steve
Romano, Mike Iacono and Dom Rullo, who
now play for the NH Monarchs. Romano scored a nice short-handed goal
against us.......In the "What's wrong with this picture?" news
section, Dylan
Scarpato was
seen throwing water balloons and chasing coaches with a bucket of
water Saturday. "When Dylan got that mild concussion a few weeks
ago, it activated his recessive gene for craziness" stated Coach
Lazar who is anexpert in
player injuries. Dylan now takes his rightful place in the "3 ring
circus"......On the injury front, Keegan
Travers and Mark DeVaughn are
ready to return very shortly.... Mike Genova spotted
taking "long" walks with Rachel Benyamini. "What's going on
there?"......Congrats to Frank
Musick as he
received his trophy for DF of the Year in the Empire League for 2010
and to Coach Lazar
who also received his Coach of the Year Trophy.......
|
||||
| 'CORE SHUTS OUT HITMEN 5-0 TO TAKE OVER FIRST PLACE IN WESTERN DIVISION | ||||
| 11/11/2010 | ||||
|
WAYNE, NJ.....Apple
Core regained the top spot in the Western Division with a convincing
5-0 win over the Hitmen last night in Wayne, NJ. The 5-0 win gave
the team (30) points in (16) games and a tie atop the standings with
the Hitmen. The 'Core has (5) games in hand though. The game started
off slow for the 'Core as the Hitmen had some early chances. Goalie Brian
Walters was
there to stop the 3-4 good scoring chances the Hitmen would have in
the first period. Midway through the first, Mike
Davie sniped a
"high" shot into the net to give the 'Core a 1-0 lead. Justin
Lacorte & Mike Brennan assisted.
In the second period, Dylan
Scarpato scored
on the PP to give the 'Core a 2-0 lead. Dylan was out for 2 weeks
with a mild concussion and played very well in his first game back. Alex
Caruso and Pat
Condon assisted.
This was Alex Caruso's first
game of the year with the team. It was great having him back again.
Just 3 minutes later,Mike Davie scored
his 2nd of the game to give the 'Core a commanding 3-0 lead after 2
periods. Zander
Masucci & Mike Dellatto assisted
on the play. The third period started off very good for the 'Core as DF
Eric Basmajian ripped
a low shot between the goalie's pads to give the 'Core a 4-0 lead
just :22 into the third period. Pat
Condon assisted. Joe
Bochichio completed
the scoring on assists from Mike
Goldstein & CJ Delvaglio. "The
team did the little things very well in the third period" stated
Assistant Coach Brian
Johnston.
APPLESAUCE....... On
the injury front Keegan
Travers will
rejoin the team next week in Frederick, and DF Mark
Devaughn will
also be ready to go after a broken collar bone. The team will be at
full strength by next Tuesday......The team travels to Haverhill,
NJ to play in
the Warrior Showcase this weekend. Opponents will be the Huskies,
Warriors and NH Monarchs.......The Ronald
McDonald Charity Game will
take place next Tuesday at 7:30 PM at Long Beach. Please come down
and support this great cause. The opponent will be PAL.
|
||||
| 'CORE EJ TIES BOTH GAMES WITH ROCHESTER STARS AND EMPIRE TEAM SWEEPS MAKSYMUM IN WEEKEND ACTION AT LONG BEACH | ||||
|
11/08/2010 |
||||
|
LONG BEACH, NY... The
EJ and Empire teams squared off against Rochester this past weekend
at Long Beach and there were 4 close and hard fought games played.
In the EJ, the teams skated to two 3-3 ties. Both games featured
excellent goaltending and good back and forth action. In the
Saturday game Forrest
Dell opened the
scoring on assists from Dillan
Fox & Frank Musick. The
Stars tied the game later in the first period and the 1-1 score
carried into the third period. With the Stars leading 2-1, Nick
Barbera ripped a
wrist shot in the top of the net to tie the game at 2-2. Dillan
Fox & Remy Cholhan assisted
on the goal. John
Defeo gave the
'Core a 3-2 lead on a nice play set up by Maros
Grosaft & Remy Cholhan. The
Stars tied the score at 3-3 and after a scoreless OT, the game ended
3-3. Chandler
Long played well
in net. On Sunday, the teams would trade goals all the way through
the game. Goal scorers for the 'Core were Nick
Barbera, Dillan Fox & Remy Cholhan. Jeff Molner played
well in net. Forrest
Dell had (2)
assists for the 'Core. "We have to learn as a team how to finish
games" stated Coach Lazar.
In Empire action, the 'Core swept Maksymum in the two game
series. In the Saturday game, Mike
Mascaro opened
the scoring on the PP on assists from Mike
Davie & Joe Ditizio. With
the score 1-1, Mike
Goldstein scored
on a nicePat Condon pass
to make the score 2-1. Justin
Lacorte also
assisted on the play. Brett
"Tex" Jacobson scored
the next (2) 'Core goals on the PP with assists going to Ori
Benyamini, Eric Basmajian on
the first and Pat
Condon & Mike Davie on
the second. With the score 4-3, Benyamini scored
into the empty net for the 5-3 win. On Sunday, it was "Tex" again,
scoring (2) goals in a 4-2 win. Mike
Davie (good low
shot) and Eric
Basmajian scored
the other two goals. Joe
Ditizio had two
assists as did Ori
Benyamini. The
Empire team plays the Hitmen Wednesday in NJ and the EJ plays in the
Warrior Showcase next weekend.
|
||||
|
October 2010
APPLE CORE JUNIOR PLAYER OF THE MONTH Nolan Pues CHA JR 'B' |
||||
|
LONG BEACH, NY.... Apple
Core is proud to announce that Nolan
Pues (CHA
Junior 'B' team) has been named AC Junior Player of the Month for
October, 2010. Nolan, a rookie forward has been the team’s most
consistent performer since the first day of the season. A
tenacious forechecker and backchecker, Nolan has shown an uncanny
knack for always winning the battles in the corners and coming away
with the puck. His “play every shift as if it were your last”
attitude has propelled Nolan to lead the team in scoring with 8
goals and 10 assists for 18 points in 13 games, which also puts him
11th in the CHA in scoring. Nolan also has 3 game winning game
winning goals, tied for 2nd most in the league. "Nolan has set the
bar high for his teammates to follow”, say Coach Ron Scall. The
entire Apple Core organization is proud to have Nolan Pues as one of
our own, and congratulates him on this honor. |
||||
| Apple Core Empire Team Splits Weekend Series in Vermont | ||||
|
11/01/2010 |
||||
|
The Apple Core Empire
team traveled to Burlington, Vermont for the weekend for a pair of out
of conference match ups with the Green Mountain Glades. After a long bus
ride Saturday, the Core came out flat and fell behind early. Penalties
and uninspired play left Apple Core trailing 4-1 heading into the third
period. After regrouping during intermission, Apple Core came out and
scored two early goals in the third to cut the deficit to 4-3. Penalties
again hurt the Core as they surrendered another power play goal late in
the third and ultimately fell by a 6-3 score. Goal scorers on Saturday
were Michael Goldstein, Mike Davie, and Mike Mascaro. Like all good
teams do, Apple Core rebounded with a dominating effort on Sunday. The
Core came out flying and dominated from the drop of the first puck.
Apple Core peppered the Glades goaltender with a 40+ shot effort. Ori
Benyamini scored twice with Mike Davie and Joe Ditizio each scoring
once. Ditizio’s goal was his first as a member of the Core. Apple Core
is 12-1 in league play and returns to action Saturday with a home series
against Maksymum. |
||||
| Young Guns Push Winning Streak To 5 | ||||
| 10/31/2010 | ||||
|
Long Beach….The CHA Jr. B team swept their weekend series against the Potomac Patriots, and are now unbeaten in their last 6 games. In Saturday’s action the Core dominated the opening period, outshooting the Patriots 14-4. Ryan Carroll opened the scoring 4:25 into the game, and Matt Scarpato doubled the lead with a shorthanded tally 45 seconds later. Nolan Pues and Preston Rogers would add a goal apiece, and the first period ended with the Guns taking a 4-0 lead into the locker room at intermission. In between periods the coaches reminded the team that the Patriots were not going to roll over and die, and sure enough the second period saw the team from Maryland score the only goal, and gain some momentum going into the third period down 4-1. Potomac would score with 11:57 left in the third period to cut the lead to 4-2. After hitting the post which would have cut the deficit to one goal, Dylan Stuart netted the third goal of his rookie season to give the Guns a 5-2, which would be the final score. The Core outshot Potomac 50-22, the third straight game of 50 shots or more. On Sunday the Young Guns would look to continue their winning ways. Coach Carroll warned the boys before the game that it’s never easy to win the second game of a weekend series, and Potomac was going to give them all they could handle. The Core’s newest arrival via a trade from Suffolk PAL, Josh Kogan opened the scoring with his first goal for his new team, just over 5 minutes into the game. Before the game would end, Kogan would add 3 assists for a 4 point performance. The first period ended with the Core leading 1-0. Kogan’s linemate Ryan Carroll increased the lead to 2-0 just 2:13 into the second period, but the Patriots stormed right back scoring the next three goals in a span of 2:31, to take a 3-2 lead. The Guns regained their composure and rattled off 4 unanswered goals of their own before the period would end. A rejuvenated and motivated Jimmy Diamond sandwiched two goals around scores by Nolan Pues, and Sean Duffy, and the Core took a 6-3 lead into the locker room after two periods. Five minutes into the third period Matt Scarpato would finally get the “breakaway monkey” off his back with a nifty move to increase the Guns lead to 7-3. The teams would trade goals, with Carroll’s second goal, and third of the weekend securing an 8-4 win. Once again the Young Guns broke the 50 shot plateau, outshooting Potomac 54-22.
Spent Shells….The
line of Pues-Carroll-Kogan combined for 6 goals, and 12 points in
the two games. The Guns have taken 224 shots in the last four games.
On the injury front Jon Novak’s broken arm is now in a short
cast, and he is targeting the weekend series in Pittsburgh November 20th
for his return to the lineup. Next up for the Young Guns is a series at
Suffolk PAL next weekend. |
||||
|
'CORE EMPIRE IMPROVES TO
11-0 WITH WEEKEND SWEEP IN PHILLY
WIN STREAK REACHES (25) |
||||
| 10/25/2010 | ||||
|
PHILADELPHIA, PA.... The
Empire team continued to roll this past weekend with two victories
against the Revolution. Philly had been in first place because they
played more games, but after the weekend, the 'Core was solidly in
first place with an 11-0 record. What is really great is that in the
(11) games, the team has given up only (13) goals. The Saturday game
was back and forth with the 'Core controlling most of the game, but
sometimes that is not enough. With the Revolution leading 1-0, Mike
Conslato batted
a puck out of mid-air to tie the score at 1-1 in the first period. Justin
Lacorte & Mike Dellatto assisted
on the goal. The Revolution took a 2-1 lead in the second period,
but just :24 later,Mike Mascaro tied
the game at 2-2 on Mike
Brennan & Mike Davie assists. Justin
LaCorte scored
the game winner early in the third period and the team shut the door
the rest of the way for the 3-2 win. The 'Core out shot Philly 41-16
for the game. "Their goalie (Wenner) was
excellent" stated Assistant Coach Brian
Johnston.
In the Sunday game, the Revolution again scored the game's first
goal just 1:25 into the game, but it was all 'Core after that as the
team out-shot the Revolution 67-30 for the game. Brett
Jacobson tied
the score at 1-1 on Tim
Genova andOri
Benyamini assists.
The first period ended 1-1. In the second period, Tim
Genova scored to
make the score 2-1,Benyamini & Jacobson assisting
on the goal. "This line worked hard all weekend and got many good
chances to score" stated Associate Coach Jon
Sandos. In the
third period, it was all 'Core --who out shot the Revolution 22-8.
Goals by Mike
Brennan, Mike Mascaro and CJ
Delvaglio sealed
the (4) point weekend. Ned
Torrico played
well in net. The team travels to Vermont next weekend to play the
Glades. On the injury front, Keegan
Travers (cracked
bone) is two weeks away, Dylan
Scarpato (minor
concussion) is out for next weekend and Mark
Devaughn (shoulder) is
out for two more weeks.
|
||||
| 'CORE EMPIRE KEEPS ROLLING WITH 7-1 WIN OVER HITMEN | ||||
| 10/22/2010 | ||||
|
WAYNE, NJ.... The
'Core Empire team played the Hitmen Thursday night at the
Ice Vault in a match-up of two of the best teams in the
Western Conference. Apple Core and the Hitmen have become
good rivals and the games have been pretty exciting.
Thursday's game though was all 'Core as they trounced the
Hitmen 7-1 to go 9-0 to start the season. The first period
was tight checking as neither team could get going early. At
the 8:10 mark, Mike
Mascaro came
down the right side on the PK and hit a cutting Mike
Brennan who
one timed a great shot to the corner of the net for a 1-0
lead. Later in the period, the 'Core scored short-handed
again, this time Mascaro scored
on a break-away on a Brennanpass. Mike
Dellatto also
assisted on the play. With :50 left in the period, Zander
Masucci ripped
a point shot in onMike Davie and Mike
Brennan assists.
That gave the 'Core a 3-0 lead at the intermission. The
second period was all 'Core, as Mascaro and CJ
Delvaglio (on
the PP) lit the lamp for a 5-0 lead after 2 periods of play. Pat
Condon assisted
on the play. With the score 5-1, Justin
Lacorte scored
the 6th goal on assists from Ori
Benyamini & Zander Masucci. "Tex" Jacobson completed
the scoring on a nice passing play with Tim
Genova and CJ
Delvaglio assisting on the goal. The 7-1 win was
well earned. Brian
Walters played
excellent in net stopping 21 of the 22 shots he faced. The
team next plays in Philly this weekend against the front
running Revolution.
|
||||
| EJ TEAM TAKES 3 OF 4 POINTS VS. BAYSTATE | ||||
| 10/18/2010 | ||||
|
KINGSTON, MA... In
a battle of old foes, the 'Core came out on top taking (3)
of a possible (4) points from the home team, The Baystate
Breakers. The Breakers were one of the hot teams in the
League but the 'Core focused on playing well and doing the
little things needed to win. In the Saturday match, the
'Core opened the scoring in the first period as Remy
Cholhan scored
on the PP to give the 'Core a 1-0 lead. The period ended 1-0
with Goalie Jeff
Molner stopping
all (17) shots faced. The Breakers then scored the only two
goals of the second period. Trailing 2-1 in the third
period, with 1:42 remaining, Mike
Kim tied
the game at 2-2 on the PP off assists from Remy
Cholhan & Frank Musick. Regulation
ended 2-2, but the Breakers scored in OT to get the 2
points. Apple Core earned a point in the game. Sunday's game
would be a different ending. Again the 'Core would open the
scoring, also on the PP as Forrest
Dell connected
off Dillan
Fox & Nick Barbera assists.
The first period ended 1-0 'Core as Goalie Chandler
Long stopped
all 17 shots he faced. The second period was all 'Core as
they outshot the Breakers 25-10. On the PP Mike
Debello connected
off Vin
Buttitta & Forrest Dell assists.
The score after (2) periods was AC 2 Breakers 0. The third
period saw each team score (3) times as the teams lost a lot
of their discipline. Rich
Prunesti opened
the scoring also on the PP on assists from Craig
Halpin and Remy
Cholhan. The
Breakers made the score 3-2. Vin
Buttitta made
the score 4-2 just :30 after the Breakers made it 3-2 on
assists from Mike
Mooney & Mike Debello. The
Breakers closed in with 4:50 left in the game, but AC
tightened their DF allowing only a couple of shots in the
last 5 minutes. Forrest
Dell scored
into the empty net for the 5-3 final.
The 'Core next plays Green Mountain in Vermont in two weeks.
|
||||
| Apple Core Empire Team Continues Unblemished Start | ||||
| 10/15/2010 | ||||