Bombers Exit Early-Again

The Bomber Hockey Club has found some great success at Bridgwater Sports Arena in recent summers. The clubs first trip back to the league that was their first home saw the Bombers win a C-league championship. But in the past two seasons the Bombers have entered the playoffs as top seed only to fall in the first round.

"We have faced teams that give us trouble for whatever reason" said Bomber Tony D'anna. Referring to the team that ousted them this season, Bomber Bill Auld said "The Spartans played us both times we played them. They were in last place but we had shootouts in both games. They were tough."

The Bombers looked sharp early as Jean Eric Hoyer' scored in the games first shift. But left wing Gary Simpson knew this may not actually be the start they wanted saying "Be careful boys, play like we didn't score. Its not going to be that easy." And it wasnt. The Spartans scored the next three and it wasn't to Hoyer' scored his second on a shorthanded situation, that the franchise had any life.

The final four minutes saw the Bombers pepper the Spartan netminder and with the goalie pulled it looked like the team would push one through. Faceoff wins by Rober' started the ball rolling and John Zimnoch made sure nothing cleared the zone-making great plays to keep the play alive. Bill Auld, who missed his own chance to put a puck in the net could only give a reactive OMG to Mike Rosenberg's chance that was sent high due to a rolling puck. "A little bounce here or there we could be in overtime. But no excuses-they have our number." commented a dejected Josh Burke.

So its on to next season-a 24 game affair BSA. This will mark the first time since 2002 that the Bombers will play a fall winter season outside of the Twin Oaks Ice Rink.

Bomber Box Score:

Goals:

Hoyer' (10,11)

Assists:

B.Auld-2
D'anna

D'anna Tricks Spartans

Bomber stalwart Tony D'anna scored three goals and added 1 assist to lead his club to victory in a strange game versus the last place Spartans. The game had one official, two game clocks and major shifts in momentum. All leading to a shootout-the second time this season the Spartans and Bombers needed extra time to settle the score-with each team winning one.

"The Spartans don't play like other teams in the league." noted Bomber Jean Eric Hoyer'. "They like to send a trailer in at all times. We weren't used to that and we adjusted too late."

D'anna scored all his goals near the start or end of the period-his first coming just 27 seconds in the game. The second was scored with 36 seconds left in the first and the hat trick goal was scored on his first shift of the second period. "I had a good chance at getting a fourth on the shorthanded situation." said D'anna "That would have helped us get on top of them a little more. but we won and that's all that matters."

Neil Van der horn was also a strong factor in the game, intimidating the opposing goaltender with wrecking ball attacks at the net. "I think I scared him on my goal-I barely touched the puck but he had fear in his eyes!" said Van der horn.

Mike Gilbert Jr scored his second goal in his three games back since returning from injury.

Josh Burke 2.14 GAA for the season is even more impressive with the 7 goal night. Burke still has a great shot to improve upon his own Bomber season 2.78 GAA record.

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:

First Star:


Tony D'anna 3g 1a

Second Star:

John Zimnoch 1a

Third Star:


Bill Auld 1g 3a


Bomber Box Score:

Goals:

D'anna (6,7,8)
Van der horn (1)
B.Auld (11)
Kostrowski (2)
Junior (2)

Assists:

B.Auld-3
Hoyer
Senior
Zimnoch
D'anna
Van der horn