Aces Win OT Battle
February 20, 2009 - Eastern Professional Hockey League (EPHL)
Brooklyn Aces News Release
Friday night at the Aviator Arena in Brooklyn, NY the EPHL's two best teams, the Brooklyn Aces and the Jersey Rockhoppers, squared off for the 13th time this season. And like two heavyweights familiar with each other's style, the teams battled in what was a hard fought game with Brooklyn emerging victorious in overtime by a score of 5-4. Jersey got on the board in the game's opening minute after an early tripping call against Aces' newcomer Brent Ozarowski gave the Rockhoppers an early power play advantage, capitalized on by Kyle Bozoian for his 27th goal of the season. The Aces answered back with two of their own. First, CJ Tozzo extended his games scored streak to 20 games off of a pass from Kyle McCullough. Kyle then put in a power play goal of his own later in the period to give the Aces a 2-1 lead. The Rockhoppers came right back to tie the game at 2-2 heading into the 2nd period.
Tonight's game marked the 9th time that goaltenders Eddie Neville and Nick Niedert faced off. Coming into tonight's game their season series was tied at four games each. The two would go toe-to-toe in the 2nd period, trading spectacular saves and turning away what looked to be sure scoring opportunities on both ends of the ice. Both teams were shutout during the second period as Neville and Niedert combined for 24 breath-taking saves. However, the scoring gates would be re-opened in the 3rd period.
The Aces regained the lead early as CJ Tozzo found Brent Ozarowski in front of the net for his first goal in an Aces uniform. Midway through the period, Jersey's Anthony Bittle and Matt Tyree each scored a goal and the Rockhoppers found themselves with a 4-3 lead. With less than three minutes remaining in the period, Jersey looked to have the game under control, until the lethal combination of CJ Tozzo and Kyle McCullough teamed up yet again to tie the game with just 2:23 left on the clock. The game remained tied through the rest of the third and for the second time this season, Brooklyn and Jersey would play in overtime. Three minutes into the extra frame, Tony Resendes fought off Jersey's Alex Hager and put home a wrister to win the game for Brooklyn 5-4.
Brooklyn is at home again this Sunday at 2:00pm against the Danbury Mad Hatters for 'Kids Free Day.' All kids 12-and-under will receive free admission to the game with a paid adult. For more information or to order tickets, call the Aces Ticket Office at 718-977-5930 ext. 8105 or visit www.BrooklynAces.com
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Eastern Professional Hockey League Stories from February 20, 2009
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- Aces Win OT Battle - Brooklyn Aces
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