Danbury Mad Hatters Week In Review
November 3, 2008 - Eastern Professional Hockey League (EPHL)
Danbury Mad Hatters News Release
Saturday night was a big night for the Mad Hatters, but not just for the team on the ice. For many months, the Mad Hatters ownership and front office worked diligently to make sure that the fans had something to cheer about, and on November 1, 1,891 people certainly did. Professional hockey was back at the Danbury Ice Arena after a long hiatus, and the hockey starved community came through big time to support their hometown team. Fans were treated to an early lead, an abundance of scraps, and the hockey they remembered from a few years ago. Even the fans from the rough and tumble, and frequently misunderstood, section 102 were very happy with what they were treated to. So our first Mad Hatters week in review is dedicated to the 1,891 who came, saw, and conquered the DIA on Saturday night. Without YOUR support, the Mad Hatters couldn't have put forth such an effort, and they hope to see you back out there again real soon. Without further adieu, here's the Mad Hatters week in review...
GAME RECAP
Hudson Valley Bears 5, Danbury Mad Hatters 4
It had been 2 years without professional hockey in the city of Danbury, but they finally got their hockey back. 1,891 showed up in full force, ready to make noise, and ready to support a team just like them: hard-nosed, diligent, and with a never-say-die attitude. The lineup was filled with tough guys and guys who could put the puck in the net. The team was constructed by a man known for his toughness: Brendan Tedstone. Tedstone is a monster of a man at 6' 6" and 300 pounds. His no-nonsense approach to building this team was first seen in June when he began plucking guys from some of the toughest leagues in hockey. His biggest pick-up though was for his head coach, Dave MacIsaac. Known affectionately as 'Mac' to some, MacIsaac is no stranger to tough hockey. He was part of an American Hockey League champion that was known for it's affinity to drop the gloves. He was also part of a team that went to the championship round in the United Hockey League that was known for its raucous crowds and its lethal play on the ice. He was also a part of a league that is known solely for its violent nature, the LNAH. MacIsaac's job is simple in theory, but difficult in practice: Take a group of some of the toughest and talented men at this level and build them into a winner.
MacIsaac's first test was against a team built to win by intimidation: the Hudson Valley Bears. Playing only 45 minutes away from Danbury, Hudson Valley was primed to be a rivalry right from the start. However, no one had any idea of what was about to come.
1st Period
The Mad Hatters and Bears began pushing and shoving along the Bears bench. The pushing ignited into a full-on line brawl just 109 seconds into the game. Everyone grabbed a partner and began to tussle. The line brawl ended with 5 fighting majors and 2 ejections (Gabe Yeung from Hudson Valley, Captain Mike Payne from Danbury) being handed out. The tone was set for the night: Bring your toughest or get left behind. After a slew of penalty calls against Hudson Valley, the Mad Hatters got their first ever goal at the 6:52 mark when Dan Hickman scored a power play goal off of feeds from Duane Whitehead and Igor Karlov to give the Mad Hatters a 1-0 lead. Hudson Valley would take another penalty shortly after that giving the Mad Hatters an opportunity to put another one on the board. They would capitalize. Billy Tibbetts put one away just 57 seconds after their last goal from an assist by Duane Whitehead.
Although the scoring would stop, the penalties would begin to rack up. Several minor penalties were handed out before the end of the period, but there would still be one fight left in the opening frame. Hudson Valley's Joe Pelle and Danbury's Jim DeMaio squared off at center ice with a little less than 2 minutes to go. This little tilt wouldn't be the last fight of the evening for these two, and this one would certainly be the undercard. The Mad Hatters would lead after 1, 2-0.
2nd Period
In the second period, both teams came out a little more calm. However, that calm wouldn't last long as nearly 5 minutes into the period, Hudson Valley's Colin Rice and Danbury's Jim DeMaio got acquainted. Both men threw a few punches, but there wasn't much to speak of after that.
The Mad Hatters extended their lead with 8:29 to go in the second when Duane Whitehead picked up his first goal as a Mad Hatter from Obi Aduba, giving Danbury a 3-0 lead.
The lead wouldn't last long as the Bears would tack on 2 before the end of the period on goals by Eric Lind and Ryan Hughes. The Mad Hatters would lead after 2, 3-2.
3rd Period
It wouldn't take long for Hudson Valley to tie the game up. The Bears' Eric Lind scored his second goal of the game just 10 seconds into the third period. The goal was scored with only 1 second remaining on a power play that carried over into the third period. Hudson Valley would score 2 more goals just 19 seconds apart off the sticks of Tom Westfall and Brett Aimone, both on the power play. Hudson Valley had a 5-3 lead, but there was still plenty of time for the Mad Hatters to make a comeback.
A comeback appeared to be in the cards for the Mad Hatters as Obi Aduba put a power play goal past Hudson Valley goaltender Ryan Hull. Duane Whitehead got his third assist of the game on the goal, and Billy Tibbetts also got a helper.
The fights then resumed right after the goal when Hudson Valley's Eric Lind and Chris Seifert and Danbury's Obi Aduba and Igor Karlov were embroiled in a tussle. Just 3 seconds after that, Hudson Valley's Joe Pelle and Danbury's Jim DeMaio squared off at center ice. Their first meeting wouldn't be as exciting as their second meeting. Pelle and DeMaio each went punch for punch with each one being more effective than the last. Pelle got in a few remaining shots before they both went down to the ice to wild cheers from the Danbury crowd. The cheers wouldn't last for long as Joe Pelle drew the ire of the fans when he wiped his hands and pointed toward section 102 on his way to the locker room. This may not be the last we hear from these two for the rest of the season when Hudson Valley and Danbury get together.
The Mad Hatters had one last chance to tie the game up when they had a 5 on 3 with only 1:06 remaining. They pulled the goalie for a 6 on 3 advantage, but they just weren't able to come up with the tying goal.
Game over. Bears win 5-4.
Although the Bears wound up with the victory, the fans were treated to a great hockey game, as well as some fantastic battles. These two teams will meet up again on November 8. Hope to see you there!
UP-AND-COMING, COMING UP
The Mad Hatters will be playing two home games this week. They will be playing the first place teams this week. The Mad Hatters will take on Brooklyn on Thursday at 7:00 pm, and a much anticipated rematch with Hudson Valley on Saturday at 7:30 pm.
Good seats still remain for both games are available at madhattershockey.com and at the Danbury Ice Arena.
SEKUND STARR SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
MAD HATTERS THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
FIRST STAR: Duane Whitehead (1 Goal, 3 Assists)
SECOND STAR: Billy Tibbetts (1 Goal, 1 Assist)
THIRD STAR: Igor Karlov (1 Goal, +4)
HONORABLE MENTION: 2 Honorable Mentions this week: Jim DeMaio and the 1,891 at the DIA.
VILLAIN OF THE WEEK
This week's villain is Joe Pelle of Hudson Valley: 25 penalty minutes and 2 fights. Nobody but the hometown guys wipe their hands at the DIA crowd! Also, don't point at Section 102! What are you thinking?! Can't wait to see him again on Saturday!
ON THE AIR
The Mad Hatters will be webcasting their home game against Hudson Valley this Saturday if you can't make it out to the game. More information on the broadcast will be available on the Mad Hatters site later this week. Jerry Savage will be providing the play-by-play for the Mad Hatters. He has been announcing sports for the last 6 years. This will be the first of many webcasts for the Mad Hatters. Stay tuned for a broadcast schedule.
ONE LAST THING...
The first game was a success because of you. It will only continue to be a success because of you. Thanks for coming to the home opener. You made it a great one! See you on Thursday!
Eastern Professional Hockey League Stories from November 3, 2008
- Danbury Mad Hatters Week In Review - Danbury Mad Hatters
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.
