Federal Hockey League Game Recaps

Published on February 27, 2015 under Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) News Release

Wolves Have Last Say, Squeak by Battalion 4-3

By Al Kessler

Berkshire came into Friday night's contest against the Watertown Wolves facing 4 games in a row against the top team in the FHL to wind down the season. Despite getting help from a Danbury Whaler loss the Battalion were unable to scratch out a win making their path to the playoffs that much more difficult.

The first period would start quickly as the Battalion would jump on the visiting team owning the majority of the offensive chances in the first 10 minutes. Just 1:10 into the contest Robert Morton would split the defense and beat Nick Niedert to open the scoring. A tight Berkshire defense would fool the Wolves early but a later power play opportunity after a Jeff Sanders holding penalty would see Dane Erickson blast his way through the net mouth and put home the equalizing goal. The late surge would see the shot totals 13-12 in favor of Berkshire at the end of the period.

The second period saw end to end action but the Wolves would gain some momentum back and strike first. Just 7:10 into the period after extended stretches of offensive pressure the Wolves would strike as Chad Bennett deflected home the puck to put his team up 2-1. Just 2 minutes later and Lucas Labelle would fire the shot into the empty net after 3 desperation saves by Steve Messina had him down and out. Berkshire would respond however and the momentum would swing back in their favor when Tom Tracy came in on a breakaway and roofed the puck past Niedert to bring Berkshire to within 1. With just 4:13 left in the period and a minute after the Tracy goal Vlad Gavrik would rifle home a shot through a screen on the rush to tie the game at 3 headed into the 3rd. Shots on goal were 15-11 in favor of the Wolves.

The 3rd period would see tight checking and strong defensive play from both sides. A tie game would be battled for through the first 8 minutes of the frame as both sides traded scoring chances. Cody Dion would steal the puck in neutral ice and scream in on a breakaway scoring on the backhand to put his team up for good. A Dustin Henning roughing call shortly followed by a Kris McCarthy trip would send the Battalion on a long 5 on 3 man advantage but despite a handful of good chances Niedert and the Wolves defense stood tall keeping the game out of reach. Despite relentless Battalion pressure the Wolves would skate to their 29th win.

Nick Niedert stopped 35 of 38 in the win while Steve Messina made 28 saves on 32 shots. The two teams will play again Saturday night in Watertown NY.

Demonz Outscore the Whalers with 6-3 Victo ry

By Mason Hickey

(Dayton) Dayton hosted the Danbury Whalers on home ice Friday night. This would be the last time that these two rivals would meet before the playoffs. Berkshire and Danville closely trail Danbury in FHL standings and Dayton was one point out of first place. Every game is a must win for these two teams this late in the season.

The Demonz and the Whalers played tough and the game was even through two periods. The Demonz came out the victor with three goals in the third period and a final score of 6-3. Dayton not only defeated their rivals but gained a much needed three points in the FHL standings.

The Demonz wasted no time in the opening period and quickly scored in the first minute of the game thanks to a shot from Robert Dongara. Dayton's offensive efforts would pay off as they scored again from a tremendous single handed effort of Mark Rivera to increase the score to 2-0. Ian Delong answered the Demonz and deposited a one-timer to the back of the net to stop the bleeding for the Whalers at 2-1. Ahmed Mahfouz added to Dayton's lead by firing a loose puck down low over the shoulder of the Whaler's net minder, ending the first period with a score of 3-1 in favor of Dayton.

The second period started in a stalemate as both teams traded time on attack and neither gaining a definitive offensive advantage. The Whalers finally broke the silence in action and scored two unanswered goals from the sticks of Ian Delong and Dean Yakura to tie the game at 3-3. The Demonz had multiple scoring chances including three power plays and three shots that rang off the goal post but could not score, ending the period tied at 3-3.

The Demonz deflected a puck in off the stick of Ahmed Mahfouz to regain the lead at 4-3 early in the third period. Soon after, the Demonz scored on a five on three man advantage from a redirected puck by Roger Tagoona to give Dayton a 5-3 lead. Danbury increased their physical play but Len Pelletier put the dagger in the Whalers with one last goal, ending the game with a final score of 6-3 in favor of the Demonz.

Stars of the Game:

1st Star: Ahmed Mahfouz (Dayton)

2nd Star: Roger Tagoona (Dayton)

3rd Star: Mark Rivera (Dayton)

Federal Prospects Hockey League Stories from February 27, 2015

• Federal Hockey League Game Recaps - FPHL
• Demonz outscore Whalers with 6-3 Victory - Dayton Demonz
• Kids Club Events at Chick Fil-A & Buffalo Wild Wings - Danbury Whalers

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