EMPIRE 'B' TEAM GOES 5-1 AT EJ SUMMER SHOWCASE
 
                                                                                                              7/28/2010
MARLBORO, MA... The Apple Core Empire 'B' team --minus some of the new players, played up in the EJ Summer Showcase this past weekend. There were (20) teams in the 'B' bracket and the action was excellent, especially on Sunday. The first game was against the Frederick Freeze, the newest team in the Empire League. The 'Core shut them out 5-0 with goalies Brian Walters and Jeff Molner splitting the shutout. Keegan Travers led the way with (2) goals for the 'Core. John Defeo, Mike Goldstein and Joe Bochichio tallied the other goals. In the second game vs. the Valley Warriors, goalies Brian Walters and Jeff Molner combined for their second shutout, this time it was 7-0.Keegan Travers again tallied (2) goals, with Rich Prunesti (2), Justin LaCorte, Joe Bochcihio and Mike Goldstein all chipping in as well. Mike Mascaro tallied (3) assists in the game. The third game of the prelims was against the Bridgewater Bandits. Justin LaCorte (2 goals) and Rich Prunesti (2 goals) led the way in a 6-1 victory.Ori Benyamini and Mike Goldstein tallied the other goals for the 'Core who wound up the prelims with a 3-0 record and a seed into the playoffs. The first playoff game (30 minute games) was against the CD Selects. The 'Core overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat the Selects 4-1. Ori Benyamini (2), CJ Delvaglio and John Defeo tallied the goals for the 'Core. The 4-1 win sent the team to the semi's against the Hartford Wolfpack (MET). IN a very tough- hard fought game, Apple Core held on for a 2-1 win. With the team trailing 1-0, Mike Goldstein tied the game at 1-1.Keegan Travers scored the game winner about 2 minutes later off assists from Dylan Scarpato and Justin LaCorte. The team toughened on DF and held on for the win. In the Final Game against South Shore, both teams traded goals throughout but shoddy back checking and neutral zone play doomed the 'Core in a 5-4 loss in the game. The 'Core took the lead with 5 minutes to play on a Keegan Travers goal, but the SS Kings found a way and won the game. Good job by them. Overall, the Coaches were happy with most of the play, but key items like DF zone, correct forechecking, and good back checking are areas that will be drilled in when the practices start. Not a bad weekend though with (28) goals scored and only (8) against in (6) games.-----and this without (4) top DF not being there.
 
APPLE SAUCE..... We wish Rich Prunesti's grandmother a speedy recovery from her illness......Apple Core also sends their sympathies to Chris Cerrella's family for the loss of his Mother last week. Chris is an alumni of our Junior program playing here for 3 years before becoming a star at Quinnipiac College.......The locker rooms are being spruced up and the ice has been re-done at the rink.......The 'Core will host the First annual Ronald McDonald Charity CUP at Long Beach as the Empire team will play the PAL MET League team in a battle of the last two National Champions. The date is NOV. 16th......The trophy case for the Silver Cup (National Championship Trophy) has been installed in the lobby of the rink. The team has won the trophy 2 X now.......The Golf outing is coming up---a week from Monday (AUG 9 TH) at the Lido Golf Club. Please help support the organization.......Congrats to Steve Santini, JR. on his commitment to Boston College and Coach Jerry York.





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Former Apple Core standouts Ryan Cruthers and Jon Pelle are now offering shooting lessons at the Professional Performance Athletic Center in Garden City.  Ryan and Jon are both entering their third professional season of hockey.  While playing for Robert Morris University, Ryan was named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award.  Ryan led the ECHL in play-off scoring this past season for the Reading Royals and was called up to the American Hockey League's Norfolk Admirals.  During Jon's senior season at Harvard University, he was named a semi-finalist for the Walter Brown Award, presented annually to the top American born Division I hockey player in New England.  More recently, Jon won a CHL Championship with the Rapid City Rush.

Both Ryan and Jon have years of experience working with younger players on shooting ability and technique.  Athletes will be exposed to innovative and effective drills emphasizing power, accuracy, passing, release, body positioning and timing.  Ryan and Jon will offer their advice and connections to assist players in further developing their junior, college and professional hockey careers.  
 
For pricing and scheduling please contact Ryan and Jon at  topshelfli@yahoo.com.
 
MATT KAVANAGH COMMITS TO NOTRE DAME FOR LACROSSE




ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY... Matt Kavanagh  has always been a great player in two sports, hockey and Lacrosse, and has received a scholarship from one of the most storied Universities in the country to play Lacrosse there starting in the fall of 2011. Matt played on the EJ team last year and was torn between the two sports. "I couldn't pass up this great opportunity" stated Kavanagh, who will be a Senior this fall at Chaminade HS, Mineola, where he is a star Lacrosse player. Matt, a '92, has been at Apple Core for (2) years, playing Empire 2008-9 and EJ 2009-10. Matt's brother Kevin is an Apple Core EJ player. Matt lives in Rockville Centre with his parents, 4 brothers and 1 sister. So, when you turn on Notre Dame Football, look closely in the stands, you might see him.
Good luck Matt!!!!!!!
APPLE CORE JUNIOR PLAYER OF THE MONTH - JUNE 2010
VET MIKE KIM EXCELS AT HUB CUP
 
LONG BEACH, LI....
    Mike scored (11) points in (4) games during Apple Core's recent Hub Cup tournament to lead the team to the playoffs. The team lost in a shootout to the eventual winner. Mike who had a very good spring EJ Showcase also, is a '90 from Fort Lee, NJ. Mike, a veteran of the 2009-10 Apple Core EJ team, will be a key player for the 2010-11 team, and is working very hard to play top hockey in College. Before Apple Core, Mike played for the Avalanche and attended Bergen Catholic where he was a go to guy. "Mike is like a water bug on the ice and should scurry his way to a big season" stated Associate Coach Larry Nastasi. "Mike will be one of our leaders" added Head Coach Henry Lazar
 
APPLE CORE ALUM MARK EATON
SIGNS WITH THE ISLANDERS
                                                                                                              7/06/2010

UNIONDALE, LI..... Ex- Apple Core Junior alum Mark Eaton has signed a 2-year contract to play for the NY Islanders. Mark played for Apple Core for two years 1993-4, 94-95, commuting 146 miles each way from Wilmington, DE. Mark then proceeded to play at Notre Dame where after 2 years, the Philly Flyers signed him as a free agent, after playing for the Flyers, Mark signed with the Nashville Predators and then as a free agent, signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he was a member of the 2009 Stanley Cup Champions. Mark played with Rob Scuderi, another AC alum and first born and raised LI player ever to hoist the CUP. "Hopefully, Mark will live in Point Lookout, near our rink and in some of his off time come back to where it all started for him" stated Apple Core Head Coach Henry Lazar who coached Eaton back in the 90's". "Mark is a great guy who is one of the pillars of our great success as an organization" added
Lazar who picked Eaton up at the Verrazano Bridge on Fridays and returned to the bridge on Sunday night for Mark's return trip. There were no billets in those days and very few outside players on LI based Junior teams. We all thought Sandy Eaton (Mark's mother) was crazy to do all that driving, but it certainly paid off. Mark was an excellent baseball player in HS and there was a time when he was considering playing College baseball instead. Obviously, his hockey decision has paid off for Mark. Good luck Mark in your new home.....

                                                                                                              7/03/2010
FIRST ANNUAL RONALD McDONALD HOUSE
CHARITY CUP GAME TO BE HELD
AT LONG BEACH ARENA NOV. 16 TH
Long Beach, NY.... The NY Apple Core and Suffolk PAL Hockey will team up to battle for the Ronald McDonald Cup in the first annual charity classic. Ronald McDonald House help families with critically sick children make their stays easier as the families care for their child's health problems. Former EJ Coach Chris Cosentino who works in the Marketing division of the House heads the project up. "Chris wanted the two storied organizations on LI to play annually for the CUP" stated Apple Core Associate Coach Jon Sandos. The game hopes to raise a lot of money for the House. All proceeds will go toward the Ronald McDonald House. Ice, refs and trainers will be donated and both organizations will work behind the scenes to raise additional funds. Hopefully, MSG Varsity will televise the annual game and it will also be on Fast Hockey. Suffolk Hockey spokesman Ron Kinnear is pleased his Jr. 'B' team will compete against Apple Core's. "We have the last two National Champions on the ice together for a good cause" stated Kinnear.
The game will be held at Long Beach Arena on Tuesday Nov. 16th at 7:30 PM. Apple Core and Suffolk are quality teams and between the two organizations have at least (10) NHL alumni.
    "It is a great opportunity for the players to give back to the community and to such a great cause" added Apple Core Head Coach Henry Lazar. The 2010 game will be at Long Beach, the 2011 game at the Rinx.
"The best two organizations on LI will battle for the kids" added Assistant Coach Brian Johnston.
 
Event Head Chris Cosentino will also issue newsflash regarding the game.

                                                                                                              6/27/2010
FORMER APPLE CORE CAPTAIN ANTHONY BITETTO SELECTED IN 6TH ROUND BY THE NASHVILLE PREDATORS AT 2010 NHL DRAFT

Long Beach, NY – The New York Apple Core Junior Program is proud to congratulate Anthony Bitetto and his family for being the 8th player in Apple Core’s history to be drafted into the National Hockey League.

 He might not have had his name called from the podium in Los Angeles, nor did he get the chance to shake Gary Bettman’s hand and take a photo in an NHL hat and jersey with team executives, but Anthony Bitetto never looked for the spotlight – the spotlight always found him.

On Saturday,  the former Apple Core captain received a phone call from the Nashville Predators informing him that he was selected in the 6th Round of the 2010 NHL Draft.

 The Island Park native spent 13 years playing for the Apple Core youth and junior program. Anthony quickly climbed the organization’s ladder as he began his junior hockey career with AC’s Jr. C CHA team in 2005/2006.  

In 2006/2007, he caught the eye of the Apple Core Empire Jr. B team and was called-up half way through the season. Anthony adjusted to the higher level and developed into the team’s best defenseman by the end of the season.

 The following year, Anthony was promoted to the Apple Core EJHL team at mid season and, once again, quickly turned into the team’s top defender – scoring in his first game.

Anthony began the 2008/2009 season as the Apple Core EJHL team captain. At the trade deadline it was clear the team was not going to make the playoffs and the organization knew what was best for Anthony.

 “I knew he had a great opportunity to play for one of the best teams in junior hockey and, at the time, the decision was simple to send him to Indiana,” said former EJHL Head Coach Chris Cosentino.  “He was always dedicated and loyal to the Apple Core organization and it was time for him to move on and be challenged at the highest level possible.”

 Anthony, who has always been a tremendous teammate, at first turned down the deal to send him to the USHL because he wanted to finish the season with his teammates, but the AC coaching staff convinced him and his family that this was the right thing for his career as he quickly proved to be the missing piece for Indy’s championship season.

 “I want to thank my parents for all the sacrifices they made for me to play hockey and my two brothers for all their support,” said Anthony. “At the end of the day none of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for Apple Core. I want to thank everyone at the ‘Core who helped me along the way.”

From www.nashvillepredators.com:

Another U.S.-born defenseman heard his name called by the Predators at No. 168 (sixth round). Island Park, N.Y., native and Indiana Ice blueliner Anthony Bitetto was a 2009-10 All-USHL Second Team selection after ranking fourth among United States Hockey League d-men in points and sixth at the position in goals (11g-29a-40pts) in 58 games. The 6-1, 210-pounder, who is headed to Northeastern University (alma mater of Poile) in the fall of 2010, is characterized as a two-way defenseman with a booming point shot.

“Bitetto is a good, strong, physical defensemen,” Predators North American Amateur Scout David Westby said. “He makes a good first past, plays an in-your-face style of defense, finishes checks and has good jam defensively.”

Bitetto’s 13.6 shooting percentage was also second-best among USHL defensemen, while his 99 penalty minutes ranked among the Top 15 at the position. Bitetto started the 2008-09 campaign with N.Y. Apple Core of the Eastern Junior Hockey League, before joining the Ice in January, then proceeded to help the club to its first Clark Cup title that spring.

CONGRATS BITTY!
 
MAY 2010
Apple Core Junior Player of the Month
 JOE NACLERIO FORWARD 
EMPIRE JR.'B'
 LONG BEACH, NY.....  Rookie Empire winger Joe Naclerio has been named Apple Core Junior Player of the Month for May 2010. Joe is from Mamaroneck, NY, a '92 birth date and began his AC career in a big way scoring (4) goals in the EJ Spring Showcase Championship game. Joe will play with the defending National Champion Empire 'B' team for the 2010-11 season. The 6'1" winger has very good hands and is deadly around the net. Joe along with tournament line-mates Ori "Little Rocky" Benyamini and Mike Goldstein scored all the goals in the 5-1 Championship game win over the NE Huskies. Joe is graduating from Mamaroneck HS. As a high school player, Joe was All-Section, All League, and League MVP. Apple Core is very proud to have Joe as part of their 2010-11 family. "We are very proud to have Joe as an Empire player and he will develop into a great player as he gains experience" added Head Coach Henry Lazar.
 ___________________________________ 6/16/2010
 APPLE CORE HUB CUP SUMMARY
AMERICAN TEAM LOSES IN SHOOTOUT,
NATIONAL TEAM COMPETES HARD
 
BRIDGEWATER, MA.....  Apple Core entered (2) teams in the Hub Cup, a veteran team (American) and a younger Empire (National) team. Both teams played well and many players showed they have what it takes to be top 'Core players. The American team was led by EJ goalies Jeff Molner and Chandler Long. Defensemen Frank Musick, Brad Jones, Dan Fortunato, Steve Santini and Gieni Brothers (Laurie and Geoff) played well all weekend and shut down most of the opposition. The offense was potent. The team scored over (30) goals during the tournament with players such as Mike Kim, Dillan Fox, Remy Cholhan, Vin Buttitta, Rich Prunesti and Brett Jackson scoring goals in bunches. The team lost 2-1 in the playoffs in a shootout after a great game with the Beantown Bullies. The Beantown team which won the tournament was loaded with college players, which provided great experience for the team. The new players gain confidence with the experience they get in these games. The National team had a very tough preliminary schedule playing 2 teams that made the semi-finals of the tournament. They lost to a finalist 5-3 and to a semi - finalist 8-6. Many of the National players had never played against College and Jr. 'A' players before. The veteran empire players more then held their own, competing hard. The rookies gained valuable experience and will be top players soon. Players such as Ori Benyamini, Mike Goldstein, CJ Delvaglio, Tim Genova, Keegan Travers and Joe Naclerio will adapt quickly at the next level. "These players are all willing to learn. That is the formula for success stated Assistant Coach Jon Sandos. The 'Core will participate in the EJ Summer Showcase in July.
 

                                                                                                                            6/03/2010

BRIAN JOHNSTON ADDED AS
 NEW ASSISTANT COACH / VIDEO ANALYST 
FOR EMPIRE JR. 'B' FOR 2010-11 SEASON
LONG BEACH, NY--- Apple Core is proud to announce the addition to the Empire staff of Brian Johnston as Assistant Coach and Video Analyst for the 2010-11 season. Brian will join Head Coach Henry Lazar and Associate Head Coach Jon Sandos next season as the Empire Jr. 'B' Selects defend their National Championship Title. Brian is currently a student at Adelphi University in Garden City where he is set to graduate in 2011 with a degree in Sports Management. After graduating from Garden City HS where he played goal, Brian joined the coaching staff for both Garden City Middle School and High School teams. For the past two seasons, Brian worked with Coach Cosentino handling game day operations and video tape analysis. "I am very excited to join Henry and Jon on the Empire team's bench and look forward to helping guide the team to another successful season", Johnston said.
 
                                                                                                  6/03/2010
 
RING CEREMONY PARTY AT THE CARUSO'S
 
 
PORT WASHINGTON, NY...... The Apple Core Empire Jr.'B' 2010 National Champions will receive their rings at the team's Ring Party next Wed. June 9th at the "Caruso Mansion" in Port Washington. This should be a great night of memories and good times for all. The rings, designed by Jostens will include a Red AC stone on the top with an AC in silver, surrounded by USA Hockey Jr 'B' National Champions 2010 around the edge. On the sides will be the AC logo, players name and number and an inscription on the inside. The ring will be silver color. Parents and players will also watch game DVD's on the wide screen including the improbable comeback in the Finals and the OT goal and celebration that followed. A beautiful glass case is being built for the huge Silver Cup Championship Trophy that will grace the Long Beach Arena lobby. USA Hockey has said they are retiring the trophy for a smaller version. It is fitting that Apple Core won the trophy in the first year (1996) and the last year (2010). The Championship Banners will be hung over the Home bench shortly also.
Larry Nastasi and Lisa Davie will be taking oodles of pics for the website and players.

                                                                                                   6/01/2010

JR. 'B' NATIONAL CHAMPIONS SEND (3) OFF TO COLLEGE
CAPTAIN RON KOKAS AND FORWARD VIN MORRIS TO ATTEND BECKER COLLEGE IN MA. AND DF MIKE SMITH TO ATTEND STONYBROOK.
 
LONG BEACH, NY... Add three more names to the prestigious list of Apple Core Junior Student / Athletes alumni. Apple Core is proud to announce that National Champion Jr. 'B' forward and Captain Ron Kokas and forward Vin Morris have committed to D 3 Becker College in the fall of 2010. Coach Steve Hoar is very happy to have these two champions as Ice Hawks in the fall. Becker College is located in Leicester, MA. and competes in the ECAC Northeast. Empire Captain and DF Mike Smith has committed to Stonybrook for the fall of 2010 also. The Stony Brook Seawolves are a club team which skates out of the Rinx in Hauppauge, NY. Apple Core wishes these three players the best of luck in the coming season.

 

                                                                                     5/27 /2010

 APPLE CORE JUNIOR HOCKEY
JOINS FAST HOCKEY FAMILY

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

STROOTMAN TO NICHOLS COLLEGE


Long Beach, NY – The New York Apple Core Junior Program is proud to announce that forward Greg Strootman has committed to play for Nichols College in the fall and becomes the 15th player to make a college commitment from last season’s Apple Core Junior “A” team.

 Strootman, a ’90 birth year from Aston, PA, spent two seasons with Apple Core’s EJHL team and played a major role in the team’s penalty killing efforts. This past season he scored 7g 15a 22 pts in 40 games for the ‘Core.

 Strootman will join former Apple Core defensemen Bryan Gill and Will Brown (who recently transferred from LVC) on Coach Izzi’s Bison roster. Nichols College is located in Dudley, MA and competes in the ECAC Northeast Conference.
 
JUNIOR TRYOUTS A HUGE SUCCESS
STAGE 1 --COMPLETED
LONG BEACH, NY......Stage 1 of the 2010-11 Junior tryouts ended this past Sunday with over (130) total players trying out for positions on the EJ Jr 'A' team, the National Champion Jr 'B' Empire team and the CHA Jr. 'B' team. The tryouts, which lasted 6 days gave players an opportunity to be seem many times by the Coaches. The Coaches selected many players for their respective teams, and have quite a few to still view in stage 2 of the process, the EJ Spring Showcase, May 14-16 in Boston. "There are a few spots open on each team awaiting the results of the May Showcase" stated program GM Henry Lazar. Each team will be solid and be fully rostered shortly after the showcase. "We had to turn several players away because there was no room to get them in" added Larry Nastasi who with Lazar will take over the Jr. 'A' team this season. The Coaches will now plan their spring and summer programs.
 
COACH JON SANDOS JOINS
AC EMPIRE STAFF
LONG BEACH,NY.... Apple Core Junior Hockey is pleased to announce that Jon Sandos has joined the Empire Jr. 'B' staff as Associate Head Coach for the 2010-11 season. Jon will work under GM/Head Coach Henry Lazar. Sandos is a product of the Long Island Hockey League as he played for Apple Core, Nassau, and the Royals in his youth career. He finished his pre-collegiate career as (2) year member of the Apple Core Junior Development Program.
 
Jon currently teaches History at the Portledge School in Locust Valley, NY. He also coaches the varsity hockey team there. During his Junior hockey career, he played (2) seasons with AC. He captained the first year CHA team to a National Championship in 2001-2. Teammates on that team included Matt Gilroy (NY Rangers) and Jon Pelle (Harvard). He then went on to captain the Empire Jr 'B' team to a Regular season championship and playoff appearance in 2002-3. After AC, Jon went on to play (4) years of NCAA D3 hockey at SUNY Cortland.
 
Jon is great with the players and will bring knowledge of the game and enthusiasm to the job. He is very excited to begin working within the AC organization in preparing players to make the jump to the EJ level.
EMPIRE 'CORE SWEEPS FIRST PLAYOFF ROUND, ADVANCES TO FINAL FOUR
 
Philadelphia, PA--- The 'Core traveled to Warwick Twin Rinks for the first round
 of the 2009-10 playoffs. As the first seed, the 'Core had a great regular season,
 won the conference by a huge margin which included a (30) game winning
 streak. After a great week of practice, the Philly Revolution were the first
 opponent of the double elimination tournament. The game was a see-saw
 affair which saw both teams battle back and take 1 goal leads. With Philly
 leading 1-0, Ron Kokas tied the score on a Frank Musick assist. The 'Core took
 a 2-1 lead in the 2nd period on a Kokas assist. Philly battled back to take a 3-2
lead in the 2nd period. With :06 left in the 2nd period, John Defeo sniped home
 the tying goal on another Kokas assist. With the score 3-3 going into the third
 period, the team focused in to get the job done. Mike Davie made the score 4-3
at 8:06 on John Defeo and Craig Halpin assists. The Revolution tied the score at
 4-4 late in the game forcing OT. In the OT both teams had several chances
 before Nick Cipriano scored the winner at 9:07 of OT on a great Rich Prunesti
 pass. The 'Core out-shot the Revolution 59-42 in the game. "Even though the
 Revolution were the 8th seed, they are a great team and after player additions
 during the season became as good as anyone in the Conference" stated
 special assistant Sean Edwards.

    Apple Core's 2nd playoff game was against the tough Pittsburgh Penguins
 who defeated the Hitmen 3-2 the day before to advance to the winner's
 bracket. The game began with quick Penguin goal just 1 minute into the
 game. Rich Prunesti tied the score at 1-1 on a Mike Brennan assist. The first
 period ended 1-1, but the 'Core played better as the period advanced. In the
 2nd period, Nick Cipriano made the score 2-1, on Prunesti and Brennan assists.
 Mike Davie gave the 'Core a 3-1 lead on a Jesse Trap assist. The Pens made the
 score 3-2 late in the 2nd period. The 'Core totally dominated the third period
 out-shooting the Pens 19-3. Mike Smith scored the only goal of the period on
 the PP to make the score 4-2, on assists by Oleksii Malichenko and Rich
 Prunesti. Jeff Molner stopped 26 of the 28 shots he faced. The 'Core took 43
 shots on net. The win in the 2nd game set up a winner's bracket final game vs.
the Syracuse Stars. The team was primed to move on to the Final Four with a
 win and came ready to play. Mike Davie opened the scoring early in the first
 period on assists Oleksii Malichenko and Jesse Trap. Rob Dorgan made the
 score 2-0, 'Core after 1 period. Mike Mascaro gave the 'Core a 3-0 lead in the
 2nd, on Vin Morris and Jesse Trap assists. The 'Core out-shot Syracuse 42-28 for
 the game. The Stars made the score 3-1 in the third, but that was it. The win
 sent the 'Core to the Final Four next week in Foxboro, MA.
COACH LAZAR RETURNS TO EJ HELM 
APPLE CORE ANNOUNCES STAFF CHANGES FOR 2010-11 EJ TEAM
Long Beach, NY.... Apple Core owner Bob Santini is proud to announce that
 long time AC Junior Coach Henry Lazar will return to the helm of the Eastern
Junior Hockey League team for the 2010-11 season. Coach Lazar has been
 involved in our Jr. program for (17) years, so his experience and success are
 well known by the College Community. Coach Lazar will also serve as the
 entire Junior program Coordinator and GM.
 
I want to thank departing Coach Chris Cosentino for his (6) years of service to
the program. Apple Core hates to see Chris leave as he has been an integral
part of our success.
 

More details and changes will be announced shortly. I wish Coach Lazar the
best of luck in 2010-11 and look forward to him continuing the development of
players & sending them to the next level as he has done in the past.
 
COSENTINO STEPS DOWN AS
APPLE CORE HEAD COACH AT SEASON’S END 
 

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

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

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

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

“We are going to miss Chris a lot” stated GM Henry Lazar, Cosentino’s  coach for four years when he played in the EJ. There will always be a spot for Chris at Apple Core in the future.  We hope to have Chris involved in some capacity for the 2010 – 2011 season.  
 
5 /23  JR B CHA:  Young Guns Vs Empire Jr. B at Marlborough
3/5     APPLE CORE DEFENSEMAN ARTHUR GRIEM TO THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT
2/28    APPLE CORE DEFENSEMAN RANCE VUKOVIC TO WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE
2/21  Schaeffer, son of former St. John's hoops star, hopes to climb Rangers' ladder


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