Zimnoch Hat Trick Propels Bombers

Simply put-John Zimnoch is living up to his "Superstar" nickname. His hattrick last night in the Bombers 7-5 victory over the Red Dogs is his 9th goal in 9 games and the second hattrick. Zimnoch has registered at least one point in all but 2 of the Bombers 23 games this season. And all this while playing most of the season on defense. "He's an animal!" noted injured Bomber forward Gary Simpson.

The Bombers needed all the scoring they could get minus perhaps one scored by recently returned defenseman Jeff Bowser. Bowser shot one directly into his own net past an unsuspecting Josh Burke in an attempt to send the puck around the boards. A dismayed Bowser took solace in the win but was able to laugh about the gaffe. "I couldn't believe it. I didn't realize how far off the boards I was. And then it was in the net." His Bomber teammates had fun ribbing the defenseman for the remainder of the game.

Bobby Calvano opened the scoring for the Bombers 12 seconds into the second period on a diving play for a loose puck in front of the net to tie the game at one. Dave Smith extended his point scoring streak to 5 games when he assisted on Bryan Kostrowski's third period goal. Jean Eric Hoyer' scored his 29th of the season and Mike Gilbert Jr notched his 10th tally. The third period was a crazy affair with the teams sharing in 8 goals in the final stanza. Fortunately for the Bombers, they were able to score 5 compared to the Red Dogs three scores.

The Bombers will finish out the regular season versus the Storm on Wednesday 3/2 @ 10:35.

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:

1st Star:


John Zimnoch 3g

2nd Star:

Brian Kostrowski



1g 1a

3rd Star



Mike Gilbert, Jr 1g 2a

Bomber Box Score:

Goals:
Zimnoch (14,15,16)
Hoyer' (29)
Gilbert, Jr (10)
Kostrowski (5)
Calvano (2)

Assists:

Gilbert, Jr -2
B.Auld
Smith
Kostrowski
Calvano
Burke

Rober' Returns to the Scene of the Crime

The Bombers were met with a surprise pregame locker room visit from Rober' Auld on Sunday who is making an incredible recovery from his recent health issues. "It was a little more difficult than I thought it would be." said Bomber patriarch Rober' Auld "But it was great to see the guys. Being around the rink and the room was fun-I really felt like lacing them up." All in good time though as doctors haven't ruled out the return of #14 for the big game in April.

Rober' rooted on his teammates for the first period as the organization built up a 3-2 lead on goals by Jean Eric Hoyer', John Zimnoch and Mike Gilbert, Jr. But as Rober' left the arena so it seemed did the Bomber fortunes as they fell to the Predators 8-4. "We played hard but didn't seem in sync." said Bomber winger TD D'anna.

Dave Smith did get to extend his point scoring streak to four games with a deftly placed shot to the high glove side of the Predator netminder.


The game also marked the return of puck moving defensemen Jeff Bowser who should help improve an already stout Bomber blueline.

The Bombers will look to bounce back on Wednesday when the face the Red Dogs.

Bomber Box Score:

Goals:
Hoyer (28)
Zimnoch (13)
Gilbert, Jr (9)
Smith (2)

Assists:
B.Auld-2
Zimnoch
Bowser
Hoyer'
Poltarak

Imbriaco Earns First Victory -Hoyer' Goons it Up

Rob Imbriaco scored his first career victory with the Bomber Hockey Club on Wednesday, a 4-3 triumph over the Predators. Imbriaco played stout in goal and relished the opportunity to play with the organization. "It has took some time but I am glad I got the chance to play." said Imbriaco. With the recent rash of goalie brawls in the lesser National Hockey League, Rob was asked if he had ever gotten into a fight. "In college I once pummelled an oposing player and then went into the stands after a fan. That was kinda crazy." said Imbriaco which was just the icebreaker needed as he introduced himself to the Bomber locker room.

Perhaps the pregame commentary spoke to Jean Eric Hoyer" who proceeded to play the role of goon - earning a slashing call in the second period. After scoring 5 goals in his previous game, Hoyer' chose to see how the other side lived by hacking his way through the opposing Predators's. "We have to try to stay away from those types of penalties. We don't want it costing us the game." said an anonymous Bomber assistant coach.

The Bombers were able to take the early lead on a goal by Bill Auld, assisted by the aforementioned Hoyer' but fell behind 2-1 after two periods. A three goal third with goals from Zimnoch, Auld and Hoyer found the hard charging Bombers winning their 12th game of the season against 8 losses.

Game Notes:
Mark Bochner returned to the lineup scoring an assist but unfortunately his brother Dave had to leave the game in the first with a lower body injury. Dave's injury was examined by doctors the following afternoon and should only sideline the veteran center for 2 weeks.

State Electric Power Performers of the Game;

1st Star:


Rob Imbriaco-1st Career Win

2nd Star:


Bill Auld 2g 1a


3rd Star:


Jean Eric Hoyer' (Marty Howe hat trick 1g 1a 1penalty)


Bomber Box Score:

Goals:
B.Auld (10,11)
Hoyer' (27)
Zimnoch (12)

Assists:
D'anna
Smith
M.Bochner
Jr
Hoyer'
B.Auld
Kostrowski

May I Present-Jean Eric Hoyer'

In a very short time Bomber forward Jean Eric Hoyer' has established himself as an exemplary presence both on the ice and in the locker room for the Bomber hockey organization. The status of being a true Bomber was earned by Hoyer' some time ago. But this quiet leader's 5 goal explosion in a 7-5 Bomber win vs the Vudoo on Monday night might just propel him into the spotlight as one of today's brightest stars on NJ Adult Ice Hockey scene.

"I joked with Jean after he scored his first goal that his shot was Poltaresque" said Bill Auld, apparently referring to rookie Mark Andre'Poltark's recent scoring streak." Adding "I thought that might gnaw at him a little and motivate him to keep pace. Well, he answered that bell for me."

Jean Eric's 5 goals puts him in company with the pantheon of Bomber legends who have scored 5 or more goals in a game. Only 4 players have done that prior and they are a veritable who's who of Bomber snipers including Mark Bochner, Richie Moss, Jimmy Lawson and the only Bomber to score 6 goals in a game, the all time Bomber leader in goals scored, Mike Rosenberg. When asked about his performance Hoyer' commented "I kinda felt like I might have a big game. I just glad it helped our team win."
Well it did help the Bombers win and end their 3 game losing streak. The Bombers are now 11-8 on the season and gearing up for what they hope to be a playoff run.


Interstingly, Hoyer's goals were the only goals of the game scored by a Bomber foward as defensemen John Zimnoch and Dave Smith rounded out the scoring. Smith's goal, an deftly placed shot towards the inside of the glove side post was the first of the season for the stalwart blueliner.

Now the Bombers need to be continue the momentum and get ready for their next contest agains the high powered Predators on Wednesday.

Game Notes:
-Bobby Calvano returned to action on monday playing both wing and center.
-After getting cross checked repeatedly in the back in front of the Vudoo net Jean Eric Hoyer' commented to his aggressor "Maybe you should spend more time playing the puck-it's in the back of the net!!"
-After serving his 1 game suspension for knocking out a Bomber player in their previous contest (one game, really?) #21 of the Vudoo was viciously and mercilessly tripped (hyperbole alert) early in the contest forcing him to refuse to shake hands at the conclusion of the game. Let's see a Trip vs a Sucker punch knockout-hmm I not sure #21 has claim on the higher moral ground on this one.

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:



1st Star:
Jean Eric Hoyer' 5 goals



2nd Star;
Dave Smith 1g



3rd Star:
John Zimnoch 1g 1a 2pim

Bomber Box Score:

Goals:
Hoyer' (22,23,24,25,26)
Zimnoch (11)
Smith (1)

Assists:
B.Auld 3
Junior 2
Poltark 2
Zimnoch
Kostrowski

Bombers Losing Streak Now 3 Games

The Bombers have been playing well but not well enough during their three game losing streak. "We're letting up too many goals. The offense is there." said Bomber Mike Gilbert Jr. And he may be right-the Bombers have scored 13 goals in the past three games but have let up 18 over that same span.

A bright spot in the organization has been minor league call-up Mark Poltarak who has scored 5 goals in the three games he's played in. "We're happy with Mark. We knew he had the scoring touch in the minors. But this is a different level. He showed he belongs." said Bomber Chief of Scouting Moose Mcdougan.

So the Bombers will return to the ice next week after the all-star break for two games- a Feb 7 rematch against the Vudoo and the Feb 9th matchup with the Predators.

And hey, I thought Calvano was coming back?