Bomber v Smoke Rivalry Renewed

The last time the Bombers played the Smoke was way back on October 9, 2002. That was the last time the Bombers played in the shack of a rink they call the Rock in Dunellen.

The Bombers lost that game 6-3. The course of the franchise was changed dramatically in the weeks, months and years to come as the Bombers moved to the confines of the Twin Oaks Ice Rink for the better part of the next 7 years.

So how fitting it was for the Smoke to be the first combatant the Bombers face after leaving Twin Oaks to play the Spring/Summer at BSA. Fortunately for the Bombers they were on the good side of a 6-4 score on this night. "It was nice to see a group of players that looked more like us." noted Bomber center Rober' Auld possibly referring to the fact that the Smoke appeared to be more of a 'veteran' squad.

The Bombers welcomed back its all time leading point and goal scorer Mike Rosenberg back to the lineup after a season off. "I can't tell you how good it is to be back" said #3 before, during and following the game. Rosenberg added to his totals with 3 assists on the evening.

Also back in the fold after many weeks off were Rober'Auld and Bobby Calvano. Calvano spoke of his time away saying "It killed me not to be there. Killed me!" The return of these three really helped the Bombers as they never trailed in the game. 2 goals each from Eric Hoyer and Bill Auld helped get the ball helped build upon Brian Kostrowski's opening tally. Rober rounded out the scoring with the game winner a goal that left the goaltender "dangling" according to newest Bomber Eric Hoyer.

Only 2 minutes in penalties for the entire evening was a welcome outcome from the new league.

No rest for the weary as the Bombers have games on Wednesday v the Red Dogs at 8:20 and Thursday vs the Predators at 8:30. That's 4 games in 5 nights for the storied franchise. Oh my!


Bomber Box Score:

Goals:
Hoyer (1,2)
B.Auld (1,2)
Kostrowski (1)
R.Auld (1)

Assists:

Rosenberg -3
B.Auld-2
R.Auld-1
Lapinski-1

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:

The Three Amigos return to save the village:

Mike Rosenberg
Bob Calvano and
Rober' Auld

Game Notes:

The Bombers were outshot in the game and neede 32 strong saves from goaltender Burke.

Brian Kostrowski finished a 2 day hatrick by scoring a goal to follow up 2 goals in the Twin Oaks finale on Sunday.

Bombers Lose 6-2 In Twin Oaks Finale

Go Kostrowski- 2 goals-nice job.

Wow! Bombers Win 11-3

In an offensive onslaught that has not been seen in quite some time from the organization, the Bombers scored 11 goals during a solid victory on Sunday night versus the Chiefs.

Rich Moss led the goal scorers with 4 tallies, followed by 3 from Bill Auld, 2 from Superstar Johnny Z, and 1 each from Adam Lapinski and Eric Hoyer.

"We were not expecting that." said Bomber Dave Bochner who had an impressive 4 assists on the evening. "It's not like they had 5 guys or something" said Tony D'anna, adding "They had their talented guys. We were just all over them."

Strong defense from the likes of Kostrowski, Sr, Lapinski and Smith allowed the forwards to go wild in the offensive zone. Beat reporter Simone Lafluer Lapew said it was the best offensive show he since since the dynasty Oiler teams of the 80's. Lapew added "Richie Moss was to the Bombers as Gretzky was to that team."

The win gave the Bombers a slim chance to still qualify for the playoffs. One more win in the season finale vs the Penguins and two Metro Fire losses would put the storied franchise back in the playoffs.

And fan favorite goaltender Josh Burke-not too shabby either.

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:

First Star: Rich Moss 4 goals 0 assists(he was too busy scoring)

Second Star: Eric Hoyer 1 goal 4 assists

Third Star: Tony D'anna and Dave Bochner 4 assists each

Bomber Box Score:

Goals:

Moss (6,7,8,9)
B.Auld (9,10,11)
Zimnoch (5,6)
Hoyer (8)
Lapinski (1)

Assists:

Tony D'anna-4
Dave Bochner-4
Eric Hoyer -4
Kostrowski-2
B.Auld-2
Smith-1
Zimnoch-1

Bomber Friend Earns Award

The Bombers friend and partner in the highly successful Charity Hockey Classics, Bruce Driver was honored with the Dr. John J. McMullen Service to New Jersey Hockey award. The award is named for the late Devils owner, who brought professional ice hockey to the Garden State in 1982. It has been presented annually since 1984 by the Devils to an individual or individuals who have supported amateur hockey throughout the state.

Driver, 47, played 11 of his 14 NHL seasons for the Devils. He has served for the last 12 years as director of the team’s alumni association.

In addition to his role with the Devils, he has served as head coach of Morristown-Beard School’s girls’ ice hockey team since 2000-01. For 10 seasons, he has volunteered as the head coach for both the Montclair (NJ) hockey club’s house and travel teams.