Burke All Sorts of Good in Win over Shamrocks

Josh Burke earned his 149 career Bomber win on Sunday and as teammate Tony D'anna put it "I think that was the best game of his Bomber career."  Burke made one highlight save after another to secure the win for the storied franchise and punch their ticket to the Holiday Smashup Tournament finals to be played on Tuesday.  One of Burke's key saves were when flashed some serious glove against Shamrock sniper Brian Balamucki with less than ten seconds remaining in period.  The most amazing stop was when 29 was in the prone position on the ice after a netmouth scramble.  With the puck on the stick of the Shamrock ringer with an open net in front of him,  Burke laid the paddle of his stick on the ice to stop the puck from entering the net.  That potential goal would have tied the game and perhaps provided a different outcome for the evening.

Jean Eric Hoyer' scored 2 more goals and 1 more assist in the evening tilt lifting his tournament total to seven points in three games.  Rob Pelligrino notched his first career Bomber goal with an empty netter to clinch the victory.

Next up for the Bombers a rematch with the Buzzlars in the Holiday Smashup Tournment finals.

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:

1st Star:  Josh Burke:  A-Maz-Ing

2nd Star:  JEH  2g 1a

3rd Star:  Dave Smith  -Marathon Man-again

BOMBERS HUMBUGISH IN LOSS TO BUZZLARS

The 2014 AIAHL Holiday Smashup tournament started with a bit of scrooge for the Bombers as they fell to the Buzzlars 3-1.  The Bomber Militia of Kappemeier, Hoyer and Smith were the only players on the scoresheet as Hoyer scored with assists from Smith and Kappmeier.  Smith also had the only penalty on the evening.

Rob Pelligrino looked good in his Bomber debut and was proud to don the colors of the storied franchise.  Pelligrino and Smith were forced into iron man action.  Both players manned the blueline for nearly the entire game.  Smith got a spell with the penalty and Kappmeier gave Pelligrino a shift off in the third.

The Bomber will need to regroup quickly as they play the Smoke in a rare back to back.

FALL 14 SEASON ENDING STAT LEADERS

POINTS:


















22: Jean Eric Hoyer'   (11g, 11a) 
21: Bill Auld (8g, 13a)
16: Eric Silverman (6g 10a)
13: John Zimnoch  (3g, 10a)
11: Tony D'anna (5g, 6a)
11: Greg Russotti (5g,6a)
 9:  Mike Gilbert, Jr (1g, 8a)
 9:  Kyle Kappmeier (5g, 4a)
 8:  Scott Lundeen (5g 3a)
 6:  Drew Campbel (3g, 3a)
 4:  Tim Tracy (1g, 3a)
 1:  Dave Bochner (1g, 0a)


GOALS:


















11:  Jean Eric Hoyer
 8:   Bill Auld
 6:   Eric Silverman
 5:   Tony D'anna,  Greg Russotti, Scott Lundeen


ASSISTS:

13:  Bill Auld
11:  Jean Eric Hoyer'
10:  Eric Silverman, John Zimnoch
 8:   Mike Gilbert, Jr


PIMS:

14:  Drew Campbell
10:  Tim Tracy,  Bill Auld
 8:   John Zimnoch
 4:   4 tied

LATE GOAL HELPS BOMBERS PICK-OFF PRIMATES

Well, that was an interesting last minute of regulation play.  The Bombers were knotted up with the Primates at 3 goals apiece in a game destined for overtime.  But a slight miscue by Junior (well, let's just call what it was, a sweet pass to the other team in front his own net) allowed the Primates to gain a 4-3 advantage with just 54 seconds remaining.  To most outsiders, all looked lost in this game for the storied franchise.  But the players still had a little left in the tank and promised Junior that all would end well.  After a Bomber timeout the decision to put Josh Burke on the bench in favor of an extra attacker worked just like you hear about.  With 9 seconds remaining Bill Auld, perched on the weak side crease, scored into a vacant net off a Eric Hoyer' shot/pass . The goal tied the game forcing overtime and eventually a shootout won by the Bombers for the dramatic 5-4 victory. 

STATE ELECTRIC POWER PERFORMERS OF THE GAME:

1ST STAR: JUNIOR -  2 A AND THE PLAY THE PROVIDED US WITH ALL THE DRAMA

2ND STAR: BILL AULD- 2 G ,  SO WINNER

3RD STAR: TIM TRACY - NO PIMS, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?

Suck It the Sequel

The Bombers sandwiched a 3-1 loss to the Shamrocks between two big wins against the Flying Aces to sweep the season series and retain the treasured AS Cup for the first time. There is always potential for a barnstormer type of game when the aviator monikered clubs get together. This most recent episode did not buck that trend as 14 goals were scored in the Bombers 8-6 victory. 

The Bombers built 4-2, 5-3 and 7-5 leads at different points in the game but the Aces high powered offense would not defer scoring to close the gap to one on each of those leads. The Bombers again made it a two goal gap with 2:16 left and the Aces could not muster another push. Eric Hoyer was the star of the game netting a hat trick to go along with 2 assists. 

As mentioned, the Bombers were able, for the first time, to retain the Air Supremacy Cup trophy that is given out to the winner of any game the two clubs play.  Media coverage of this game was quite high for this game in part because the rivalry elevated once again after the intensity of the previous match up that escalated into a war of words in the hand shake line. Each club was missing a the key component of that storyline-the Bombers without sniper Tony D'anna and the Aces without goalie Nick "the Brick" Minarik. Several media outlets reported the two players were told by their clubs to forgo the game and instead have a private dinner to talk things out in an effort to discuss any misunderstandings from the game prior. We hear that if that all was going well until D'anna suggested Minarik should not gulp his water but rather he should just suck it.  

State Electric Power Performers of the Game

First Star:  

ERIC HOYER  3 GOALS 2 ASSISTS

Second Star:  

Eric Silverman 2g 1a

Third Star:  

Johnny Z  2g 1a

D'ANNA ADDS NEW PHRASE TO ACES BOMBERS RIVALRY

Let's set the stage.
The AS CUP was up for grabs.
The Aces undefeated to this point had scored 31 goals and let up only 12.
The Bombers had a 1-2-1 record and needed to change course. 
The Aces roster was made up of equal parts B leaguers and C leaguers.
The Bombers were down 4-1 early.

Look like things were set in motion for the AS Cup not to exchange hands and instead remain with the Flying Aces.  

But that's why they play the games and that's why its always fun to have a D'anna on your side.  "A pet peeve of mine is B leaguers poaching a C league game." said Tony D'anna after the game (and countless times in the past).  But his team is of course known as the storied franchise.  And the storied franchise has seen its share of comebacks.  (Some of them of course were teams coming back on the Bombers, but I digress).   After the slow start the Bombers started to build energy from the stellar goaltending of Josh Burke. Slowly chipping away at the lead the Bombers somehow found themselves down by only one midway through the third. 

Then the good stuff happened.  With 5:34 remaining, Tony D'anna scored his second of the night knotting the game at 4 apiece. The goal was exciting enough on its own but D'anna's reaction was stuff of legend.  Before the puck even hit the twine a loud "SUCK IT" rang through the arena heard by all but directed to the B League poachers.  "The emotion of the moment really got D'anna going.  He is usually so mild mannered and soft spoken."  noted Bill Auld after the game.  

Regulation and OT proved to be not enough to determine a winner and the game was off to a shootout. Bomber sniper Jean Eric Hoyer' managed to light the lamp on the first salvo and the Aces were unable to do the same in their attempt resulting 5-4 victory for the good guys.

The intensity didn't stop there though.  A full 20 minutes of actual time had passed since the now famous D'anna catch phrase that has since swept the nation, was uttered.  But the Flying Aces netminder was still hot and was fueled by the fact he felt that the was the intended recipient of the barb.  He used handshake line to interrogate the victorious Bomber squad.  "WHO SAID THAT? . . .WAS IT YOUUUUUU?!!!"  was all the crazed keeper could muster.  "YEP, that was me" was obvious D'anna response which prompted a waffle board thrust to his chin.  A few clever yaps back in forth throughout the entire line ensued and one could see that this game would only add to the lore of the ever increasing Aces v Bombers rivalry.

An guess what-the two clubs get to do it all over again in 2 weeks. This time the Bombers will be the ones with the AS Cup tucked under their arms.  

State Electric Power Performers of the Game

1st Star:


















Was it you?  Yes it was- #33 Tony D'anna 2 goals 1a and 1 new catch phrase

2nd Star: 















#29 Josh Burke

3rd Star:  


















#77 Kyle Kappmeier.  1 goal-extending scoring streak to 5 games.

Livin' la Vida Lupe

With Lupe in the lineup the Bomber's opponent, Powertime, had little chance at a victory.  Back from parts unknown Mark the Slupe el Lupe Poltorak helped raise the spirits of the his club en route to a 6-3 win in the opening game of the season.

Scott Lundeen netted two goals to lead the Bombers in that category with Kyle Kap, Bill Auld, Eric Silverman and Tim Tracy providing the other tallies.  Josh Burke was solid in goal despite re-injuring his cranky ankle early in the first.  The injury most likely will keep Burke out for at least the Bomber's next game.

As is his way, Lupe' will depart as quickly as he arrived and head back to his safehouse somewhere on the western seaboard.  The Bombers will miss his presence and anxiously look forward to the next time he may surface.


State Electric Power Performers of the Game

1st Star:  Mark Lupe' Poltorak- 2pims
 (contractually obligated to give
 him first star as a condition of his playing)

2nd Star:  Scott "The Sublimater" Lundeen -2g

3rd Star: Josh "ooh my ankle!" Burke

Silverman Plays Hero in Front of Legends

The Regulars, 0-10 in the regular season faced the Bombers in the first round of the Summer 14 Fed South playoffs.  The Bombers quickly found out their opponents record meant nothing as they were forced to play on their heels much of the first period.  The Regulars attacked relentlessly with a fast paced offense helped by a few players that seemed a bit unfamiliar in the orange sweaters.  

The Bombers on the other hand went with a veteran lineup including two thirds of the legendary Time Line as well as a coaching performance by #7 Mike Gilbert, Sr.  Mike Rosenberg and Gary Simpson perhaps missed their Time Line centerman Rober' Auld (still on IR) but geared up nonetheless much to the delight of Kyle Kappmeier who deftly played the pivot on this night.  A classic Mike Rosenberg shot over the shoulder of the Regulars goalie Tyler Levoinen provided the first Bomber goal in the second period but the trio nearly scored on their very first shift.  

The Regulars kept up the attack and scored on a pretty play to regain the lead in the second. With 3:09 left in the second stanza a worried Bomber team was able to tie it up to set up a dramatic third period. Scoring chances were not in short supply including a late power play by the Regulars but neither team could find the back of the net. Overtime looked to be the order of the evening until Bomber centerman Eric Silverman, perhaps empowered by the aura of all the Bomber stars in the lineup, found a way to backhand a puck to the back of the net with 55 seconds remaining. Dave Smith and Tony D'anna provided the helpers on the game winner. 

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:

1ST STAR:  ERIC SILVERMAN GWG

2nd Stars:  Icons Rosenberg and Simpson

3rd Star:  Tony D'anna 2 assists

Lundeen Nets Three-Bochners Return in Victory

Mr. Sublimation Scott Lundeen had three goals and one assist in a 6-4 victory over the Regulars.  The Bombers have faced the Regulars twice already this season with both games being more difficult than one might expect against a winless club.   The Regulars scored early and held a 2-0 lead after the first period ended.  The Bombers experience shown through with six unanswered goals including the three by Lundeen. Two of Lundeen's goals were scored 25 seconds apart from each other in period three.  The Regulars scored their third and fourth goals late with the game already decided.  Eric Hoyer had one goal and 3 assists, Drew Campbell added three helpers and Kyle Kappmeier had 1 goal and 1 assist.

The night's main drama though was the return from an extended absence of the Bochner brothers Mark and Dave.  The Bomber management had been working for some time to get this duo back on the ice and Bomber fans were pleasantly surprised when their names were announced on the evening's roster.  Dave Bochner scored in the third off a goal net scramble.  The assist went to brother Mark and Bomber fans reminding the Bombers of the glory days of these two Bomber icons.  The Bochner's hope to make this a more common occurrence in the near future.  One can only hope its sooner than later.

State Electric Power Performers of the Game

FIRST STAR:  SUBLIMATED SCOTT LUNDEEN 3G 1A

SECOND STAR: THE BOCHNER BOYS 1G 1A

THIRD STAR: JEAN ERIC HOYER' 1 G 3A 

 

Bombers Take Possession of AS Cup

When the Bombers and Flying Aces play, the Air Supremacy Cup is always up for grabs. The Flying Aces came up with the idea after the two clubs had built a fun, friendly and competitive rivalry.  Unfortunately for the storied franchise all three games so far have been won by the Aces.  The Bombers were hungry to change that and they did with a dominating 11-4 victory on Thursday.  

Mike Gilbert, Sr perhaps gave the club a little extra motivation by showing up and coaching the club that he still a huge part of although he is not on the ice.  The energy was tangible for Bomber rookie Eric Silverman, who scored 4 goals in the rout.  Tim Tracy had 2 goals and 3 assists. Jean Eric Hoyer' had 2 and 2 and Scott Lundeen provided 4 helpers.  There was plenty of points to go around as all 10 skaters registered at least one point.  Josh Burke backstopped the crew valiantly letting up 2 of the four goals when the outcome was clearly evident and his team had let up off the gas.  

With the win the Bombers/Aces rivalry back on track as the Bombers.  "We played well for sure and the boys really wanted this game." said Bomber goalie Josh Burke, adding "I'm sure the next game will be even more exciting." 

State Electric Power Performers of the Game

First Star: Eric Silverman 4g

2nd Star: Tim Tracy 2g2a

3rd Star: Josh Burke
 

Bomber Militia Fires on All Cylinders

Bomber Sharpshooters Lift the Organization to 2nd Win of Season

The gunslinging, rifle toting, pistol packing trio of Dave Smith, #22, Jean Eric Hoyer, #27 and Kyle Kappmeier, #77, connected for what turned out to be the game winning goal in last night’s matchup against the Flying Aces’ spin off / expansion team, The Regulars.

Donning their dark blue sweaters for the first time in over a season and the ability to roll two full lines of forwards and nearly the same on D, the Bombers took to the ice with the goal of getting back to .500 in the summer season of the AIAHL Federal League South Division.  After 5 minutes of play, the storied adult hockey franchise knew the game wouldn't be a cakewalk as their opponent came out hitting hard. But that wouldn't stop the Bombers who matched the intensity with hard play of their own and two goals from Eric Hoyer to give the Bombers a 2-0 lead.

The Regulars kept the game interesting, tying the it at 2 until a masterful deflection, from center Kyle Kappmeier, found its way to the back of the net to give the Bombers the go ahead. The deflection also made the record books as it was the first true Bomber Militia goal as Hoyer and Smith had the assists.

“Sarge was on fire last night,” said Kappmeier. “He was putting everything on net and each shot was deflectable – when you do that, you’re going to give the forwards battling for position in front of the goaltender a real chance at redirecting the puck.  When I saw the puck make its way back to him on the blue line, I just parked myself in front. It came waist high and I was able to get my tape on it – science did the rest.”

“That was a deflection that you practice in warm-ups but never see come to fruition in a real game,” said Bomber Hockey GM, Billy Auld. “He was able to take that shot, deflect it down to the ice and bounce it over the goalie’s pad.  If it were caught on camera, ESPN would surely have played it in the top ten tonight. It definitely was a goal-scorer’s goal and coming from the beloved Militia made it even that much more special.”

The game remained close well into the 3^rd period until Bomber defenseman Drew Campbell, #69, skated the puck out of the Bomber zone, shake and baked The Regualrs and put one past the net minder to seal the deal and make it 4-2. 

The Bombers look to take home the Air Supremacy Cup from the Flying Aces next  Thursday, June 12^th at 8:30 PM at Aspen Ice in Flemington. Tickets and team merchandise are still available.

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:

The Bomber Militia

First Star

Kyle Kappmeier, #77 – 1G (GWG), 1A

Jean Eric Hoyer, #26 – 2G, 1A

Dave Smith, #22 – 2A

Burkes Welcome Jack Marshall

Josh and Jennie Burke proudly welcomed Jack Marshall Burke to the world on April 18th.  The 9lb 5oz powerhouse is already projected to be a top flight power forward-a versatile asset to Vince his goal scoring sniper of an older brother.  This reporter can't wait to see all three Burke boys Jack, Vince and Josh donning the historic Bomber sweater on the same ice.  We will have to wait for that of course but many happy times will fill the interim I'm sure.  Congrats to the Burke family from the entire management, staff, players and fans of the Bomber Hockey Club.

Poltorak and Tracy Excite Crowd

Just having Lupe' Poltorak back in the lineup was excitement enough to get Bombers fans buying tickets and standing up in their seats.  Lupe', on loan from Portland returned to a roaring ovation from both his fans and his teammates.  Bombers Josh Burke, Kyle Kappmeier & Tony D'anna were so


excited they didn't even show up.  Tim Tracy added to the nights drama with his first ever Bomber goal.  And none, too soon.  Tracy's tally tied the game for the storied franchise with 9 seconds remaining in the game off a frenzied goalmouth scramble. 

A shoot out ensued and all three Bomber shooters- Drew Campbell, the aforementioned Lupe' and Superstar Johnny Z lit the lamp in the skills competition.  Substitute goalie Rob Imbriaco stopped 1 of 3, just enough to earn the win. 

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:

First Star:
Lupe' Poltorak -LUPE'

Second Star:
Tim Tracy  1g no Pims












Third Star:
Drew Campbell 2a

Lupe' to be in Lineup vs Mulligans

Yes Bomber fans, its true.  Lupe' Poltorak will be wearing his familiar #91 and hopefully his trademark sombrero when the Bombers face the Mulligans on Tuesday night.  When asked if he would be able to make his historic return his answer was a deeply profound "Sure, why not."  He does have a way with words.  So get your tickets early as there may not be any more come game time.  LUPE', LUPE', LUPE'!!!

Holy 'Moley

The Whack-a-Moles defeated the Bombers 5-3 in a game that felt much worse than the score indicated.  The game looked to be a mismatch early as the Moles dominated the first few shifts with a barrage of attacking zone pressure. The Bombers seemed to be able to weather the storm and came out of the first only down 1-0.  Eventually the Moles, a recent addition from the Iron league, jumped ahead 4-1 in the contest and the Bombers were never able to make it all the way back.  Three second period Mole goals turned out to be enough for the victory.  Things did get interesting with under 3 mins remaining in the third.  That is when Justin Jensen of the Moles cleared out Rober' in front of the net with a high crosscheck that was met with retaliation from his linemates and Rober' himself.  Jensen perhaps felt the 5-2 lead did not provide enough of a cushion or perhaps he's an idiot.

John Zimnoch had 2 goals, Scott Lundeen had 1goal and 1 assist and JEHoyer' notched 2 assists in the loss.

Game notes:
Bill and Rober' Auld honored "Bomber Flashback Week" with a penalty box appearances at the same time in the same game for the second straight week. 

Bombers 2nd Attempt Fails to Snatch AS Cup

The Flying Aces v Bombers rivalry has taken a turn towards the side of the Aces as the Bombers failed to earn the AS Cup in their second try.  The inaugural AS Cup game, given to the winner of any Bomber v Flyng Aces contest, was also a loss for the storied franchise.  This affair was a great one for the fans who watched the Aces win 6-5.  The Bombers fell behind early and worked their way to a one goal deficit after falling behind 6-2.  Bomber elder statesmen, Dandy Don Henshaw manned the nets for the Bombers as Josh Burke was out with an undisclosed illness.  (insert gyno joke here).

Jean Eric Hoyer' notched his 19th career Bomber hat trick in the loss.  Tim Tracy managed to stay out of the penalty box-a rarity for the new Bomber.  The fact that Tracy was not in the arena did not temper the surprise his teammates had when they realized he had not been called for a penalty.

Bombers Open Federal League Season with Win

"Superstar" Johnny Zimnoch scored three and Jean Eric Hoyer' netted another as the Bombers defeated the Predators 4-1 to open the Winter 2014 Federal League season.  Josh Burke, who was stellar in net, lost the shutout with 4 seconds remaining when a shot deflected off one of his own players.  "Hey, we won the game.  No big deal" Burke said when asked about the late goal.

State Electric Power Performers of the Game

1st Star:  Josh Burke


















2nd Star:  John Zimnoch  3g 14 pims













3rd Star: Jean Eric Hoyer' 1g 1a

Flying Aces Offer Friendly Challenge

Looking to build upon the budding friendly rivalry with the Bombers, the Flying Aces have stepped up their game and will bring with them to Thursday's game something they are calling the Air Supremacy Cup.  The concept says Flying Aces captain Darren Jones is "to have the AS Cup up for grabs any time the Bombers and Flying Aces play each other."  The name is derived by the two clubs aviation inspired nicknames and is awesome in its beauty and grandeur.  "It has a real retro 1979 grade school soccer trophy feel to it" noted Bomber captain Bill Auld.  Ryan Bleck of the Aces joked "I hope we didn't just buy the Bombers a trophy!"  The two squads split their games in Federal League play last season so its safe to say the AS Cup will be changing hands more often than not.

The first game in which the cup will be up for grabs will be Thursday 1/23 @8:45 in the friendly confines of Aspen Ice Flemington.  Plenty of good seats still available.

Bombers Fall in Semis

Here we go!  The game is yet a minute old and the Bombers already have a 1-0 lead.  "Ok, lets go to the prevent defense" could be heard by many a Bomber on the ice knowing that the Mulligans would be a tough nut to crack to advance to the Federal League finals.  Well, 5 unanswered goals were the answer for the Mulligans who were just the better team on this night.  The Bombers had a depleted bench but the Mulligans would have been tough for anyone in this semi-final matchup.