Well the Bombers didn't come out victorious on Sunday but all who attended knew that wasn't really the point. A crowd of nearly 500, supporting the Montville Educational Foundation charity, were treated to a skating exhibition from a spirited and entertaining Devil Alumni squad that included the likes of Bruce Driver, Randy Velischek, Alexi Kasatonov, Brian Mullen, Sergei Siminov, and Rob Scrlac. The Bombers fell to the Devil Alumni 13-7 but the experience was something they will never forget. "Their skill is amazing . . . I had an awesome time", said Bomber Alt Capt Bob Calvano.
Although he didn't don the pads, former Devil goalie and voice of the NJ Devils Glenn "Chico" Resch was in the stands signing autographs. When the game concluded, Mr. Resch stated that he enjoyed himself so much that "next year I'm playing in this one." To be able to meet "Chico" let alone possibly play against him is unbelievable" said Bomber LW Tony D'anna."
This third installment of the "Charity Hockey Classic", which had previously been held at Mennen Arena in Morristown found a new home in 2008 at the beautifully renovated Codey Arena in West Orange. The venue did not disappoint. The accommodations were excellent and when the arena's jumbo-tron started to show videographer Karen Auld's pre-game montage of Bomber/Devil Alumni games gone past the hockey faithful knew they were in the right place. WDHA's own "The Coach" Mike Cocheo then worked the crowd into a frenzy with rousing player introductions and colorful game commentary.
The game itself saw the high level of play that could only be provided by the Devil stars of the past as they effortlessly moved up and down the rink. Surprisingly the Bombers held a brief lead when Gary Simpson scored on goal assisted by his trusty longtime center Rober' Auld early in the first period. Bomber goalie Josh Burke then stated "we should leave now!" And he was right as the Alumni squad flexed their muscles and scored at will throughout the rest of the afternoon.
The Bombers did have their own highlights as Simpson’s early goal was followed by tallies from six other Bombers. The father son duo of Mike Gilbert Jr and Sr, both scored and when Bobby Calvano’s arms shot straight up in the air you knew he had put the biscuit in the basket. Earlier Neil Vanderhorn’s headman pass sent Bill Auld toward his breakaway score and sniper Mark Bochner played the part of playmaker when he assisted on brother Dave Bochner’ goal. Mike Rosenberg showed his parents watching in the stands that he still has the hands by fooling the Alumni goalie with a signature deke to round out the Bomber scoresheet.
But it was clear the Bomber defense had the toughest task of the night holding back the Devil Alumni onslaught. Valiantly Dave Smith, Rich Moss, John Zimnoch, Vanderhorn & the Gilberts put their best effort forward combating the laser like passing, "Spinner-ama" goals, and heavy shots of the Alumni squad that left them constantly guessing. #20 Sergei Siminov and his deft stick handling assisted on nearly every Devil goal including gems from Driver, Mullen and Scrlac. When Bomber Bill Auld put the puck in his own net goalie Burke proclaimed “I am having a hard enough time as it is.” By that time the Devil Alumni were a mere extra point short of scoring two touchdowns.
The camaraderie built up over the past three years of competition between the Bombers and Devils belied the lopsided 13-7 score. And when the game was over and the Devils finished signing autographs for all that asked, members of each team were treated to fine food and drink provided by Praxinet, Inc cofounder “Anthony” D’anna. Devil Alumni and Bomber players swapped stories and talked hockey into the early evening. After realizing he had just shook hands goodnight with a former Stanley Cup champion, newest Bomber Jimmy Lawson stated “We really are the most storied franchise in NJ adult ice hockey history!”
Many thanks to all thanks to the Devils Alumni and all who came out and supported the 3rd annual "Charity Hockey Classic"
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