Eastern Professional Hockey League Notebook
March 17, 2009 - Eastern Professional Hockey League (EPHL) News Release
One week to go in the 2008-2009 Eastern Professional Hockey League regular season and we still have a playoff spot up for grabs. Heading into the week's action, the Jersey Rockhoppers (29-16-2) have a four point lead over the Danbury Mad Hatters (27-17-2) for second place and the second playoff spot in the EPHL playoffs which begin next week. Jersey has played 47 games to Danbury's 46. The Brooklyn Aces (33-9-4) have clinched the first EPHL regular season championship and face either Jersey or Danbury in the best of three EPHL Championship Series which will begin March 26th. All three games will be played at the Aviator Sports and Recreation Center, located on Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, due to arena availability.
Last Week in Review
The Brooklyn Aces clinched the EPHL regular season championship on Friday (13th) with a 6-3 victory over Jersey. Brooklyn, Danbury, and Jersey all went 2-1 on the week while Hudson Valley (3-41-1) went 0 for 3. Hudson Valley could play the spoiler roll in the final week as the Bears play both Jersey & Danbury.
The EPHL Week Ahead
Tuesday 3/17: Hudson Valley @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
Thursday 3/19: Hudson Valley @ Jersey (8:00pm)
Friday 3/20: Danbury @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
Saturday 3/21: Hudson Valley @ Danbury (7:30pm)
Saturday 3/21: Jersey @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
Sunday 3/22: Danbury @ Jersey (5:30pm)
Sunday 3/22: Brooklyn @ Hudson Valley (6:00pm / Newburgh) (Game postponed)
Monday 3/23: Danbury @ Hudson Valley (7:00pm / Newburgh) (*Make-up of the 3/15/09 postponed game)
EPHL Player of the Week
Defenseman Rob Miller of the Brooklyn Aces has been chosen the Eastern Professional Hockey League Player of the Week. The Morristown, New Jersey native earned seven assists and registered a +9 on the week as the Aces clinched the EPHL regular season championship. Miller, a veteran of the ACHL, WHA2, SEHL, and SPHL, missed a good portion of the regular season with a broken hand but is gearing up for the EPHL Championship Series which begins next week. Prior to starting his professional career in 2002, Miller played college hockey at both Salem State College and New Hampshire College.
EPHL Goaltender of the Week
Nick Niedert of the Jersey Rockhoppers is the Eastern Professional Hockey League Goaltender of the Week. Nick led the Rockhoppers to key victories over both Danbury & Brooklyn to keep Jersey four points ahead of the Mad Hatters in the battle for second place. On Saturday (14th), the veteran netminder from Hudson, Iowa stopped 55 of 59 shots as Jersey defeated Danbury 5-4 in a shootout. On Sunday (15th), Niedert stopped 44 of 48 in a 6-4 win over first place Brooklyn. In the two games, Nick posted an outstanding 92.5% save percentage. He leads all EPHL goaltenders in games played (40), minutes played (2311), and victories (23).
EPHL Notes
The EPHL trade deadline came and went on Monday (16th) with only one trade. The Hudson Valley Bears traded defenseman Bill Horton to the Brooklyn Aces for forward Joe Pelle. Horton, from Utica, New York, is the son of former veteran minor league player and coach Bill Horton Sr. who played professionally from1967 to 1982 in the EHL, IHL, WHA, SHL, NAHL, PHL, and the original ACHL. Horton also was a head coach for Syracuse (EHL) and for Mohawk Valley (Utica) and Erie in the ACHL.....Two interesting names reappeared on playoff rosters as Brooklyn's James Brannigan (currently with Utah / ECHL) and Jersey's Chris Ferazzoli (currently with Cincinnati / ECHL) were added at yesterday's playoff rosters deadline. Playoff rosters for Brooklyn, Danbury, and Jersey are available at www.ephl.com. .....Former New York Rangers star Ron Duguay has signed a two-game contract for the EPHL. Duguay will play for the Brooklyn Aces on Saturday night in Brooklyn against Jersey and will play for the Jersey Rockhoppers on Sunday afternoon in West Orange, New Jersey against Danbury. Mr. Duguay and the EPHL are joining forces to promote the Madison Square Garden charitable organization, The Garden of Dreams....EPHL Regular Season Awards, including, the All-EPHL Team, League Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year will be announced next week prior to the start of the EPHL Championship Series.
EPHL Real Time Stats by LeagueStat.com are available at www.ephl.com.
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