Ice Chips
December 6, 2014 - Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) News Release
Berkshire Shuts Down Danbury 4-3
A rain soaked Saturday evening in Connecticut saw the Danbury Whalers play host to the Berkshire Battalion on Mike Nichols Night at the Danbury Ice Arena. Mike Nichols made his professional debut with the Danbury Whalers, starting the game at right wing. He was the 5th round selection of the Whalers in the most recent FHL College/Junior Player Draft. Hailing from Monroe, New Jersey, Nichols suffered a fracture of his C5 vertebrae in January of this year after being checked from behind in a Monroe High School hockey game. Serving as an inspiration to all those in attendance, Nichols joined the team introductions and had his first shift as a professional hockey player at the beginning of the game.
The Berkshire Battalion would strike first just 1:20 into the game as Matt Rosebrook scored, assisted by Matt Hamilton and Michael Kaselouskas. The Whalers were able to respond just after Matt Hamilton's high sticking minor had expired as Matt Caranci tipped a Steve Brown shot from the point to tie the game. Mike Zannella would also receive an assist. The first period ended tied at 1, and Berkshire held a 10-7 advantage in shots.
Tyler Prendergast would regain the lead for the Battalion even faster than the first period, scoring a lightning fast 12 seconds into the period. A second period marred by three penalties against Berkshire and one against Danbury saw neither team's power play score a goal. That would change with only 13 seconds remaining in the period as Ian Delong scored a power play goal off a seeing eye pass from Kristaps Nimanis, with Tim Richter the other helper. The score tied at the end of the period, Berkshire again held an advantage on shots, 8-7 in the period and 17-14 for the game.
The Whalers were able to grab their only lead of the night courtesy of a turnover in the slot in front of Battalion goalie Louie George. The puck found its way onto the stick of Ilya Solarev who snapped a shot over the outstretched glove of George and made the game 3-2. However, less than two minutes later, Martin Uhnak knotted the game up for Berkshire, scoring on a breakaway. The team would trade chances another three minutes until Michael Dolman scored the eventual game winning goal, assisted by Zach Kuta. From that point forward, the Battalion quieted their guns and instead opted to clear the puck at every opportunity, robbing the Whalers of any sustained offensive pressure and sapping the energy from the arena. In the end, The strategy ultimately worked and the Berkshire Battalion improve to .500, sporting a record of 7-2-0-9. For the Whalers, they fall to second place behind the Watertown Wolves, with a record of 11-1-1-4.
The Whalers will be in action again the night of Friday, December 12th when the Berkshire Battalion will appear for the rubber game between these two teams. Faceoff scheduled for 7:35 pm. Tickets and more information about the Danbury Whalers can be found at thedanburywhalers.com or call 973-713-7547. More information about Mike Nichols can be found at mikeystrong23.org
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Wolves Gain Split of Weekend Series Beating Demonz, 5-2
In the second game of a weekend double header, the Watertown Wolves skated to a 5-2 win over the visiting Dayton Demons.
Lots of shots, hits, and scuffles were the highlights of the game. Chief amongst them all was a center ice bout between goaltenders Joe St. Pierre and Curtis Martinu late in the third period.
Scoring for Watertown were Phil Bronner with two, Justin MacDonald, Justin Alonzo, and Chad Bennett all with one. Assists went to MacDonald with three, Bennett with two, Bronner, Mike Donnellin, and Ben Schoenenberger all with one.
Dayton's goals came from Seth Ronsberg, with assists going to Jerod Hicks and Dan Mercer, and the second goal going to Ryan Griffith from Ronsberg.
Shots on goal were 50 for Watertown and 44 for Dayton.
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Warriors Win, Slay Dashers 5-4
Steel City Warriors win first game of the season 5 to 4 over the Danville Dasher!! A stellar performance by Dalton McGrath who stopped 45 of 49 shots. The game was back and forth in the first period. The Dashers took a two goal lead into the third but the Warriors battled back with 3 goals in the third period and shut down the Dashers.
Federal Prospects Hockey League Stories from December 6, 2014
- Ice Chips - FPHL
- Whalers Home Tonight - Danbury Whalers
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