Danbury Mad Hatters Week In Review
Published on November 24, 2008 under Eastern Professional Hockey League (EPHL)
Danbury Mad Hatters News Release
The Mad Hatters had only one team left to play in the EPHL, and that was the Jersey Rockhoppers. The Mad Hatters were also on the road for the second consecutive game. Many Mad Hatters fans made the trip down to the swamps of North Jersey. Would they be able to get their first road victory on the year, or would the team's struggles continue? Answers abound in your Mad Hatters week in review...
GAME RECAPS
Danbury Mad Hatters at Jersey Rockhoppers
November 22, 2008
This was the first game of the season between these two teams. With a victory, the Mad Hatters would tie Jersey for second place with 4 points and an overall 2-3 record. A win would also give the Mad Hatters their first road win, but a loss would be damaging putting the Mad Hatters in third place, 10 points behind first place Brooklyn. Jeff Hill would be starting in net for the Mad Hatters for the second time this season. His counterpart was Nick Niedert, starting for his third consecutive game, and second in two nights.
1st Period
The Mad Hatters came out strong early, putting pressure on the Rockhoppers. However, Niedert was up to the task. They moved the puck well, and took the body often. They looked like a different team from their last game. They would strike first. The Mad Hatters charged into the zone and put the puck into the corner. Adam Sinewitz stole the puck in the corner and got it to Igor Karlov in the circle. Karlov drew two defenders and spotted Obi Aduba in the slot. Aduba received the pass perfectly and ripped a wrister underneath the arm of Niedert to make it 1-0 Mad Hatters.
The Mad Hatters would hold the lead throughout the remainder of the first period, thanks to some fantastic goaltending by Jeff Hill who made some big saves.
After 1 period, the Mad Hatters lead it 1-0.
2nd Period
The Mad Hatters had to start the 2nd period on the penalty kill, but they would come through and shut down the Rockhoppers again. It would take more than 8 minutes, but the Mad Hatters extended their lead. Justin Todd went to the box giving the Mad Hatters the advantage. They took a few shots, but they were either shut down by Niedert or fired the puck wide. They finally had a chance to capitalize when Drew Madeiros had the puck down low. He put the puck off the boards to Karlov. With time running low on the power play, Karlov gave the puck to Hickman at the point. Hickman ripped a slap shot that deflected off of two sticks in front of the net and arched over the shoulder of Nick Neidert to make it 2-0.
The Rockhoppers would get one back though as Andrew Rummel stripped Mykul Haun of the puck and took it back for a breakaway which squeaked by Jeff Hill.
After 2 periods, the Mad Hatters are up 2-1.
3rd Period
The Mad Hatters took a lead into the third period for the third time this year. In their previous 2 games entering the third period with a lead, the Mad Hatters lost. They would try to stem the tide, but on this night, it was not meant to be. The Rockhoppers would get two goals from Tom Boudreau and Teague Willits-Kelley to take a 3-2 lead. The Mad Hatters pulled the goalie late, and won the faceoff, but the puck would come out of the zone and the Rockhoppers would retrieve it and score into the open net. The Rockhoppers scored 4 unanswered goals to take the victory after the Mad Hatters had a 2-0 halfway through the game. A tough loss overall.
Final Score: Rockhoppers 4, Mad Hatters 2.
UP-AND-COMING, COMING UP
The Mad Hatters will return to the DIA this Wednesday night, November 26, to take on the Jersey Rockhoppers. It will be Guaranteed Win Night. If the Mad Hatters lose, each fan will be able to exchange their ticket stub for one FREE ticket of equal or lesser value to the Mad Hatters home game on December 11. Only ticket stubs from the November 26 game can be redeemed for the December 11 game.
If the Mad Hatters win on Guaranteed Win Night, each fan in attendance will receive a coupon good for one FREE hot dog which can be redeemed at any Mad Hatters home game with any valid game ticket. It's a guaranteed win-win for fans of the Mad Hatters!
Start time for Guaranteed Win Night is 7:00 pm and tickets can be purchased online at madhattershockey.com and in person at the Danbury Ice Arena box office.
GAME RESCHEDULED
The Mad Hatters were scheduled to play the Rockhoppers in Jersey on Thanksgiving Night, but that game has been postponed to a later date. The date for the game has not been scheduled, but as soon as it released, we will let everyone know on the Mad Hatters website.
SEKUND STARR SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
MAD HATTERS THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
FIRST STAR: Igor Karlov (2 Assists)
SECOND STAR: Jeff Hill (24 saves on 27 shots. Played great, but had bad bounces)
THIRD STAR: Dan Hickman (1 Goal, but played many minutes in a stellar game)
VILLAIN OF THE WEEK
This week's villain is Jersey's Teague Willits-Kelley. Not only did he fight Hank Carisio, he also scored the game winning goal on Saturday. That is his only point on the year. On Wednesday, boo this man!
ON THE AIR
The Mad Hatters will be back on the air this coming Wednesday night from the DIA when the Rockhoppers come to town. You can listen to the game via ubroadcast beginning at 6:55. If you don't have ubroadcast, or if you want the full broadcast schedule, visit the madhattershockey.com and click on Game Broadcasts under the Schedule tab.
Also, the Mad Hatters are fully aware that some people are having difficulty listening to the games on Audio Sports Online. The biggest argument is that they aren't able to listen because it is run through the Windows Media Player, and that program is not compatible with Macs. Unfortunately, the people we go through to broadcast our road games can only use Windows Media Player. We apologize to the people who cannot listen to road games for this reason, but our broadcasting budget is very, very small and they give us the most affordability with the best quality. Also, we are aware the quality to some people may not be very good. We have to broadcast the games over a cell phone because there are no land lines or internet connections at our opponent's arenas inside the rinks. We are doing the best we can with what are given to bring you the games. We appreciate your patience throughout this process, and we hope that you enjoy the games we bring you!
ONE LAST THING...
It was great to see all of the Mad Hatters fans in the crowd on Saturday night in Jersey. Hopefully, we can treat you to a victory at the next road game. We hope the trip was worth it for you. Also, since this is the last WIR before the holiday, everyone at the Mad Hatters wishes you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving holiday! Be sure to enjoy the company of family and turkey (and, for you vegans, "tofurkey") this Thursday. After the holiday, we look forward to seeing you back at the DIA on Saturday as we take on Brooklyn.
Eastern Professional Hockey League Stories from November 24, 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.
