FHL Connected: Game Recaps February 25, 2017
February 26, 2017 - Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL)
Carolina Thunderbirds News Release
Game Recaps for the Federal Hockey League for Saturday, February 25, 2017. View photos, box scores and much more at federalhockey.com
Titans Second Period the Difference in Defeating River Drivers
By Ethan Dorval
The Berlin Riverdrivers enter the second of two home games against the Danbury Titans looking to sweep the weekend series. Having secured victory the night before in the final few seconds of regulation, the Drivers looked to capitalize on the momentum gained from the late game heroics in front of a packed house on Berlins "Call of Duty Memorial Night" in honor of those who served either with our nation's armed forces or in the police forces of the communities surrounding the Berlin area.
The Danbury Titans were first to score at 14:38 in the first period when Dalton Jay beat Drivers starting goalie Matt Kaludis on a rebound effort. The Titans goal was assisted by Matt Graham and Taylor Bourne. The Riverdrivers wasted no time in responding, scoring seconds later at the 14:05 mark in the first frame of action, when Dominek Synek deflected a Stanislav Vlasov shot that found its way past Titans starter Nikita Ivandikov. The secondary assist on Synek's goal was given to Yuto Osawa. The Riverdrivers collected the puck off of the resulting faceoff and found streaking forward Josh Pietrantonio entering the offensive zone. Pietrantonio calmly fired a wrist shot from the slot that found its way to the back of the Titan net. The assists on the goal scored at 13:56 in the first were credited to Jan Salak and Vojtech Zemlinka.
The Riverdrivers extended their lead to 2 goals on the back of a Edgars Ozolins power play goal. The goal, scored at 19:35 in the second period was set up by Cole Gunner who slid a backdoor pass to the open Ozolins who tapped the puck into the net left open by the sprawling Titans goaltender. The secondary assist on the power play tally went to Jiri Pestuka. Danbury answered with a goal of their own at 14:03 in the second. The goal was scored by Matt Graham and assisted by Dalton Jay and Taylor Bourne. The Titans tied the game at 11:33 in the second when the CJ Blaszka shot found its way through Kaludis and into the back of the Drivers net. The Blaszka goal was assisted by Frankie Hart. The Titans capitalized on the swing in momentum scoring again at 8:09 in the period to regain the lead 4-3. The Ludlow Harris Jr. breakaway goal was unassisted. The Titans Michael Dolman brought the lead to 5-3 at 3:27 in the second. Dolman was the recipient of a Matt Coleman feed that found him open at the back door with an easy redirection for the goal. Danbury continued to press, scoring again with only 1:06 remaining in the period. The Graham Pickard goal was assisted by Craig Skudalski.
Trailing 6-3 with 20 minutes of regulation time remaining the Berlin Riverdrivers battled back, showing good resiliency, scoring at 18:41 in the third period when a Cole Gunner shot beat the Titan's Ivandikov. David Brancik and Yuto Osawa assisted on the play that returned the deficit to 2 goals. Despite the Drivers effort the Titans Taylor Bourne scored on a shot from the slot at 6:18 in the third period. The Bourne goal, assisted by Matt Graham, brought the Danbury lead to 3 and stifled any chance at a Riverdrivers comeback.
The Drivers next game comes against their northern rivals the Cornwall Nationals March 3rd at the Notre Dame Arena.
Saints Defeat Wolves, 7-5
by the Fighting Saints staff
In the Miles for Mila charity game, the SCS Saints came away with a hard fought win with a score of 7-5 over the Watertown Wolves.
Hosted by the Saints, the Miles for Mila charity game helped to raise money for parents who are coping with the loss of their children. With over 550 people in attendance, the fundraiser was a great success for both the Miles for Mila organization and the Saint Clair Shores Fighting Saints!
The Saints captain Jonathan Juliano lead the team with 2 goals and 1 assist. Making his professional debut, Adam Krefski had a 3 point night with 2 goals an assist as well. The Saints Brandon Contratto and Zach Zulcanycz both had 3 points as well, followed by Ivan Hodulov, Dustin Henning, and Michael Lipari all with 2 points a piece. It was a true team effort by the Saints in this win over the Wolves.
The SCS Saints will host the Danville Dashers tomorrow evening, Sunday February 26th at 5pm and the SCS Civic Arena.
Dashers Defeat Prowlers in Front of Large Crowd
Before a crowd of 1,792 at the David S Palmer Arena, the Danville Dashers defeated the Port Huron Prowlers, 5-3.
The Dashers were lead in scoring by Michael Harris' two goals and an assist.
No further details were available as of 1:30 AM EST
Federal Hockey League | FederalHockey.com | @THEFHL
• Discuss this story on the Federal Prospects Hockey League message board...
Federal Prospects Hockey League Stories from February 26, 2017
- FHL Connected: Game Recaps February 25, 2017 - Carolina Thunderbirds
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
