Happy New Years Bomber Fans

Victory!!!

It took a few games (12 but who's counting) for the Bombers to get their first win of the season. But an inspired 4-2 triumph over the Bears on Sunday saved the Bombers from a what could have been a winlees campaign.

Perhaps a portend of things to come for the Bombers, the storied franchise chose to employ the same counter punch system they used vs the Chiefs which saw them narrowly defeated in the game prior. This time with a little more manpower and a game's worth of practice under their belt the Bombers controlled the Bears the entire game, trailing only once in the contest.

"Last night was the best I have seen the Bombers play as a team, maybe ever. Everyone contributed to the win." said Bomber center Dave Bochner. That teamwork allowed the Bombers to bottle up the high flying Bears who were 15pts ahead of them in the standings. When the final buzzer sounded the only form of retaliation left to the Bears was to start a post game scuffle. At least it kept their reputation as sportsman in tact. Mike Gilbert, Sr. noted "I think we really pissed those guys off!"

Mike Rosenberg led on the scoresheet with 1 goal and 3 assists but was quick to pass the praise onto his teamates. "Everyone contributed and Mark's goal to put us ahead 3-2 was a real gem." said Rosenberg referring to Mark Bochner's five hole shot that put the Bombers in the lead for good late in the third.

"This is a tough league were in here at Twin Oaks. But what's great is the boys in the room always enjoy playing for the Bomber organization, win or lose." commented Bomber Bill Auld. "And hey, what the heck, after a season like this I'm glad we got the W!"

So what's up next for the Bombers? Stay tuned.

And lookee here-for the first time in a while the
State Electric Power Performers of the Game

First Star:


Dave Bochner- 2 assists and like a lot of blocked shots

Second Star:



Mark Bochner- 2g 1a and the game winner

Third Star-:



Mike Rosenberg- 1g 3a and because its his company sponsering the stars of the game

Fourth Star:



A statistical tie between;
Josh Burke, Tony D'anna, Bill Auld, Adam Lapinski and Mike Sr.




Bomber Box Score:

Goals:

M.Bochner (4,5)
B. Auld (6)
Rosenberg (4)

Assists:
Rosenberg-3
D.Bochner-2
B.Auld-1
M.Bocner-1

Fab Five Fight Fearlessly

And then there were five.

Five skaters that is-defensemen Brian and Sr, forwards Mike R, Bobby and Bill fronting for the courageous Burke in goal. That's all the Bombers had vs the Chiefs on Sunday. Well, they had that and a plan. Despite eventually losing by a 7-6 score, the plan may have given the Bombers an idea of how to approach their remaining schedule.

With no substitutes to look to on the bench, neccessity dictated the Bombers institute a conseravite trapping system. The strategy discussed in pregame was to employ a counter punching 'one man forecheck-four men in the neutral zone' conservative approach designed to save energy. It turned out to also provide the Bombers with time, space and opportunity they have yet to see in the 2009 Winter season.

The strategy almost paid dividends immediately. A mere 20 seconds into the game Bobby C. stole a cross ice pass and went in against a surprised and out of position Chief goatender. The shot missed the mark but gave immediate credibility to Bombers chosen plan of attack. The Bombers corralled the Chiefs the entire first period and outshot their surprised opponents. A screened shot from the high slot was the only Bomber misuce in the first and after taking their first rest during intermission the Fab Five were confident they could erase the 1-0 deficet.

The second period was more of the same. Counter punching the Chief attack again and again had the Bombers tied with the Chiefs midway through the second on goals by Kostrowski and Calvano. Perhaps feeling some of the effects associated with what at that time was a 35 minute shift, the Bombers did make 2 misplays in the end of the second, leaving them behind 4-2 going into the third.

And during the third period, the Bomber quintet of skaters found more energy than should be expected -scoring 4 in the final stanza. But in an effort to close the gap the Bombers took more chances that resulted in goalmouth battles that left the pesky netminder unprotected on the weak side.

In the end the Bombers lost again but the lesson learned was something they will take into the remainder of the season. "We had those guys confused." said D stalwart Mike Gilbert Sr who was remarkably as fresh the last minute of the game as was the first. Bobby Calvano added "If we can play that system that well with 5 guys, imagine how we will do with a full bench."

"The time and space we had tonight allowed us to make tape to tape passes. It was fun way to play!" said Bomber RW Mike Rosenberg who scored a hatrick on the evening.

"I believe we let up less shots than normal. It was just that the scoring chances allowed were easy ones for them because we were fatigued at points. With a full crew and that effort, they wouldn't have been able to score much" said Burke.

So the Fab Five hope to pass on the excitement of the night to the returning skaters for their next contest with Bears on Sunday December 20th.

Bomber Box Score:

Goals:
Rosenberg (1,2,3)
B.Auld (5)
Kostrowski (5)
Calvano (4)

Assits:
B. Auld-3
Rosenberg-2

Tickets, Get Your Tickets Here

Bombers Finish Week Undefeated

The Bomber Hockey Club has not lost in over a week. Their last defeat at the hands of aeronautical rival, the Spitfires, was all the way back on November 22.

When asked how the Bombers were able to change the tide of a disappointing season, Bomber Bill Auld said, "We focused last week on the games that we had on the schedule."

"I know we shouldn't look ahead but I hope we can stay undefeated for at least this week and maybe the next" said goaltender Josh Burke. Burke has posted an impressive 0.00 goals against average during the streak.

Next up for the Bombers-a December 13th meeting with the Chiefs.