Bombers Go 1 up and 2 down in Pot-O-Gold

The rinks were small but the intensity was high in last weekends 3 on 3, Pot-o-Gold tournament held at Somerset's new Protechponds Arena. A fast paced, high energy game played on a 85' x 60' rink with no offsides or icings and no power plays-penalty shots were the order of the day for a rules infraction.

Josh backed up the Bomber squad of Mike R, Tony, Dave S., Bill, Adam, Jr, Sr, Rich and Hanzel (recently signed to a two day contract). Strategy was the talk of practice on thursday and in the pregame meetings on Saturday. Shoot early and often and use the boards to change the ice was the adopted plan and the Bombers utilized it to their advantage in the first half of game one. Playing a talented Hitmen squad the Bombers took a 6-6 tie into period two. Unfortunately they could not hold on and lost the opening game 12-8. Still impressive for the first go at the alien format.

A team lunch provided some added energy that would be needed in game two. The Titans proved to be a tougher, younger opponent but with 6 goals from Mike Rosenberg the Red, Blue and Gold were able to go into the second half down just a goal. Youth did prevail in the 2nd half and the Bombers were handily beaten 17-9. The Bombers were also not able to charm the officials in this game facing 6 penalty shots and taking only one. Josh Burke was stellar in this category all tournament, allowing only 1 goal on the penalty shot in the three games.

The Bombers found their groove in game three facing its third opponent of the day playing their first game of the tourney. Their experience outweighed their fatigue and the Bombers shot out to an early 7-0 lead en route to a 12-2 triumph over PBA 154.

Although they did not make the Sunday finale, the tournament was a success for the Bomber Hockey Club. The Bombers were treated with the respect deserved for the "Most Storied Franchise" as the tournament directors provided the team with their own private locker room separate from the other less established clubs. "I haven't had this much fun playing hockey in a long time" exclaimed Mike Gilbert, Sr. Tony D added "3-3 looks easy, but its tougher than we thought. As always though the Bombers perservered and were able to dominate the 3rd game"

To a man the Bombers vowed to return to the next 3 on 3 tournament hosted by Protechponds.

Game notes:
*Sniper Mike Rosenberg scored 10 goals in the three contests.
*Dave Smith-the Bombers true defensive defensman scored his first goal in competive play in, according to him, "longer than I can remember!!"
*The format seemed to work to the strengths of goaltender Burke as he faced a barrage of shots that required acrobatic saves. Burke also excelled in the penalty shot aspect of the contests.
*Media presence was heavy at Protechponds and Karen Auld-President of the BHBC (the Bomber Hockey Broadcasting Company) broadcast games 2 and 3 for the network.
*Mike Gilbert, Jr appeased his huge fan base at Protechponds and played in the day's final contest after previoulsy stating he needed to go home and buy a dress.

State Electric Power Perfomers of the Tournament:

















1st Star: #3 Mike Rosenberg 10 goals















2nd Star: #29 Josh Burke many, many, many saves
























3rd Star: #33 Tony D'anna 3goals many assists