Merry Christmas!!

Here is a gem from the past to get you in the Christmas spirit.  This was sent many years ago in a Bomber Christmas email.  Enjoy and may have a happy holiday!!!

‘Twas the night of a game, and all through the house

My equipment was smelling-it scared off the mouse.

 

When I got to the rink I saw some of my fellows,

Donning their familiar red, white and yellows.

 

All our three fans were nestled up in the stands,

Waving and yelling and clapping their hands!

 

 I could hear them exclaim, as we skated down the ice

"Man that looks like fun,  being a Bomber must be nice!!!!”

 

Preds Take Bombers in Shootout

With the rare opportunity to don the Bomber Blues, the organization played a fought hard game with the pesky Predators on Monday evening. The Bombers were able to work on their penalty killing early on in the contest as Tim Tracy earned 3 consecutive penalties in the first period.  The Bombers escaped that stretch allowing only one Predator power play goal. Kyle Kappmeier provided the excitement in the third period netting a goal to tie the game at 4 with just over six minutes remaining.    Bill Auld, Tony D'anna and Jean Eric Hoyer provided the games other Bomber goals in regulation and with the game stalemated after 3 periods a shootout was needed to decide the winner.  The Predators had came up with some crafty shooting to win a game that might very well be a first round playoff matchup.

Depleted Bombers Lose Ace Rematch

With only 7 players, the Bombers could not follow up their last performance vs the Flying Aces with a similar one.  The first game of the season saw the Bombers put a hurting on the Aces, winning 9-0.   This time it was the Aces who scored 9 winning the rematch  9-5.  Mike Peterson had six goals for the Flying Aces and he wasn't too shy to let his opponents know.  "If I get one more goal it will be the most I ever scored in game." noted Peterson to his opponents.  Yeah, good for you slapnuts.

Next up for the Bombers, those pesky Predators.

Bombers Smoked Out

The Bombers and the Smoke last played a game nearly a year and a half ago.  That game was the controversial 4-3 loss for the Bombers in a one game take all final that was supposed to be a best of three.  The Bomber v Smoke rivalry goes all the way back to 11/29/1993, another 4-3 loss for the Bombers.  "These games with the Smoke have always been a bit edgy" said Bill Auld, adding  "I guess some things never change."  The game was a hardly fought one, but fairly cleanly played as the the Smoke built a 4-1 lead.  And although most of the Smoke have mellowed with age they did add a youngster to their squad, Matt Trego, who played as if he were in 6th grade taunting the new kid on the playground.  An adequately skilled player with a robust napoleanic complex and a bubble gum necklace, the Smoke youngin' dropped expletives like hot potatoes in rapid succession.  Not knowing what an adult league is really all about he learned quickly at the hands of Soup Campbell who asked politely if he was still up for shooting his mouth off.

The Bombers were able to mount a comeback, get the score to 4-3 on goals by Kappmeier, Lundeen and Zimnoch.  But alas it was not enough as the Smoke managed to eek out a 5-3 win.  The Bombers with the loss fell to 5-2 on the season, good enough for third place in the league standings.

Lapinksi Gets the Call-up

Bomber defenseman, Adam Lapinksi made a surprise visit to the greater NJ area and laced up the skates for a game with the storied franchise.  "Nice!!" was the collective response to the news in the Bomber locker room.  Adam, now chasing perps in crime ridden Ocean City, Maryland says his goal is to be just like his hero, Bomber Legend , Sargent Dave Smith.  He didn't really say that but I mean, its pretty much obvious.  Both cops, both highly skilled defenseman, both avid Devil's fans .

After a disappointing first loss of the season to the tricky Mulligans, the Bombers quickly righted the ship with the 5-2 victory over Powertime.  The excitement of the Lapinski call up kept the Bombers on their toes as the had to think quickly to recover from the many turnovers he committed.  "I think he was just trying to keep us alert." said Josh Burke.

The captain had hat trick and one assist on the evening and John Zimnoch and Drew Campbell had a goal apiece. The two defensemen Zimnoch & Campbell were perhaps motivated by the presence of legendary Bomber stalwart defenseman,  Mike "The Pincher" Gilbert, Sr who came to watch the evenings festivities.  Campbell, who was meeting Sr. for the first time said "He should play now. Even with time off he's gotta be better than Lundeen."

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:
As chosen by his excellency "The Pincher"

First Star:  Johnny Zimnoch 1g1a

Second Star:  Bill Auld 3g1a















Third Star:  Kyle Kappmeier

Game notes:

Rober' Auld donned his second season BSA white jersey for the game in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Bombers first game on 11/22/1993.  

And finally, does this guy look like someone who chases down pedophiles or is a pedophile?  

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BOMBERS

11/22/1993. Monday evening-10:45 pm. 

A moment in time some 20 years ago.  On that night the Bombers would assemble for the very first time, stepping out onto the newly minted ice surface of the Bridgewater Sports Arena donning their league issued grey jerseys.   Their first goal was scored by the spry and savvy Mike Gilbert, Sr.  As most who were there would remember the goal came off a blistering, high rising slapshot to the top shelf.  The score?  An 8-2 victory over the Monarchs. 

Most of the players knew but one or two others on the team when the league issued them a name a roster, and a schedule and sent them on their way.  Since then the Bombers have played in 753 more games against more than 100 different teams scoring over 3000 goals and winning 7 league championships.  They have raised more than $50,000 for charity and skated in presence of the Stanley Cup.  But most importantly they fostered a camaraderie among their ranks while building lasting friendships as their roster has grown.  Old friends and new who understand that once you are a Bomber you will always be a Bomber and as such you will forever be linked to “the most storied franchise in NJ adult ice hockey history.” 

A tip of the hat to all past, present and future Bombers.  

Bombers Fall to Mulligans

Bombers lose 6-3 to the Mulligans.  End of story.

OUT-MANNED BUT NOT OUT-GUNNED

Bombers knock off Shamrocks 8-6 to maintain 1st place & undefeated record

By Bomber Hockey Beat Writer

Sure, if you were in the stands at the Wednesday night game between the Bomber Hockey Club and Shamrocks, picking a winner based on a quick glance at the benches would have been easy. On one side, there was only one line of forwards and D with just one sub for each, while on the other, they could barely fit all the guys on the bench. Game over, right? 

Well, as we've come to see from the Bombers, you can never count them out, even with just 7 skaters.

In what was one of the most exciting AIAHL games this season, the Bombers managed to keep their cool and come back from a significant hole of 4-1 in the second period.  Five different Bombers combined for a total of 8 goals, each of which came at critical points in the game.

The game was close throughout the first period  but the Shamrocks managed to pull away in the second. Could it have been tired legs on the Bomber bench? Sure, and no one would fault them for it, but the team pulled together with scrappy play and fought for every inch of the ice in the 2^nd and 3rd. With goals from the captain, JZ, Jean Eric Hoyer, and DC, the Bombers were able to creep up on the Shamrocks, managing to tie the game  at several points in the second and third.

The Shamrocks, however, weren’t giving the goals up lightly. Physical play was dished out with each side volleying hit for hit. But the turning point in the game came with about 8 minutes left in the third period.  Carrying the puck deep into the Shamrocks’ zone, the Bombers were able to get the biscuit out to the point to Lundeen, who pinched in from the blue line and positioned himself for a great shot from just outside the circle.  Seeing the play develop, Bomber forward Kappmeier went to the crease to screen the Shamrock goaltender and give Lundeen’s shot a better chance at finding the back of the net.

“Lundeen’s been on fire as of late, and all our defensemen have been putting lasers on net from the blue line,” said Kappmeier. “I went to get in the goalie’s face, but the shot was teed up perfectly for a deflection. I was able to get my blade on it, and deflect it right over his glove.  It was a critical turning point for the guys as we finally took the lead.”

Kappmeier’s goal put the Bombers up 7-6 and from there, the organization battened down the hatches against the Shamrock squad who kept coming.

“Smart hockey,” said Bomber captain and general manager, Billy Auld. “We knew what we had to do – watch the clock, keep an eye on your man and get the puck out of our zone.”

With the Bomber defense clearing the puck out of their zone,  Kappmeier saw an opportunity develop for a breakaway and took off only to be interfered and tripped as he approached center ice. The right call was made, but not in the eyes of the guilty Shamrock who was awarded 2 minutes for tripping and a game misconduct for giving the referees a piece of his well-mannered mind.

An opportunity that was never had in the game up to this point, the Bombers went on the powerplay with the lead, and increased that by two with a goal from #27, Jean Eric, who is no stranger on the score sheet.

The Bombers take sole possession of 1^st place in the Federal Division of the AIAHL and face the Shamrocks’ second squad, The Mulligans on 11/18. 

State Electric Power Performers of the Game

1st Star: Kyle Kappmeier 1G (GWG)

2nd Star: Billy Auld 2G / 6A

 3rd Star: Jean Eric Hoyer 2G / 2A

Bombers Defeat Powertime

It wasn't vintage MC Hammer-time  but a 4-2 victory over Powertime enabled the Bombers to stay undefeated with a 3-0 record.  'Jean' Eric Hoyer' had 2 goals and 1 assist .  Tony D'anna and Scott Lundeen had the organization's other two scores and 9 Bomber skaters got points in the victory. 

State Electric Power Performers of the Game

1st Star: 'Jean' Eric Hoyer 2g 1 a

2nd Star: Josh Burke

3rd Star: Tony D'anna 1g

Bombers Come Back v Comeback Kids

A four goal third period enabled the Bombers to come away with a 7-5 victory on Tuesday vs the Comeback Kids.  The blueliners proved stellar for the Bombers scoring 4 of the 7 goals.  Scott Lundeen launched 2 well crafted shots for goals to help his team and  Dave Smith scored his 2nd in two games.  Drew Campbell was impressive on the D line moving back from left wing and scoring a goal of his own.  

The Bombers found themselves down 4-2 in the second until a late tally from Lundeen late brought his squad back into the mix.  The third period was one to remember for the storied franchise as Smith, Lundeen, Junior and Campbell pummeled the opposing net with scores giving the Bombers a 2-0 record on the season and first place in the Federal league standings.

Next up for the Bombers-a date with the newly formed Powertime.

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:

1st Star: Drew Campbell 1g 1a





















2nd Star:  Scott Lundeen 2g

3rd Star:  Dave Smith 1g

Bombers Rout Aces

The Bombers last contest before facing the Flying Aces in the Fall debut was one where they were shellacked 10-1 by the Comeback Kids in the Summer playoffs.  This night, the Bombers were on the other end of a thumping and defeated a depleted Aces team by a 9-0 score.  The game marked the return of Bomber Bobby Calvano, who had not seen regular action in many a season.  Calvano scored in his return.

Other Bomber scorers included Dave Smith.  The stay at home defensemen was moved up to forward for the third period and it didn't take him long to score.  John Zimnoch netted a goal and Bill Auld, Jean Eric and Drew Campbell each scored 2.  Rober' had 3 assists.  Newcomer Tim Tracy notched his first Bomber point, an assist.  Scott Lundeen and Kyle Kappmeier rounded out the scoresheet with helpers of their own. 

Josh Burke was solid in goal and notched his 8th career Bomber shutout-a category he leads along with career wins 125. 

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:

First Star #20 Bob Calvano 1assist and a sight for sore eyes

Second Star  #29 Josh Burke- shutout-nuff said!

Third Stars #14&#0 The Auld Boys  combined 2goals and 6assists

Post Lupe' Era Starts Ominously

Well, that was fun.  The Bombers got throttled 10-1 in Round 1 of the Federal league playoffs, losing to the now pesky Comeback Kids.  The Kids utilized 10 different goal scorers en route to the rout.  "We need to get some of our core guys back on the squad and get our numbers up." comment goaltender Josh Burke.  The Bomber GM is vigorously working to set up next season's roster-expect some familiar faces in the Winter season. 

!AdiosMi Amigo!

 

42 Goals  37 Assists 79 Points 129 Penalty Mins in 117 Games Played

That's the stat line . . . so far.  But that hardly tells the story of one Mark "Lupe" Poltorak.

Our little Lupe is off to the wild, wild, west and in the process leaves behind a group of teammates and fans who will surely miss their fellow Conquistador.  A midseason call up in the winter of 2011, Mark, not yet having earned his nickname, scored 2 goals in a 7-3 thrashing of the Puck Pimps.  He finished that season with 12 points in 12 games and a healthy 14 minutes in penalties.  He also finished the season with the nickname Lupe'-an obvious reference to the mustachioed mug of the up and coming wunderkind.  Lupe' is single handedly credited for the immense surge in popularity of the Bombers with the Latin American fanbase that coincided with his arrival on the scene.

Perhaps Polotorak's proudest accomplishment is that he also finished his Bomber tenure with a title that can only be earned through the admiration of his teammates and the Bomber faithful alike.  That title of course is being referred to as "True Bomber"-which most certainly he is.

Adios mi amigo!

 

................................................................................................................................................

In other unrelated news, a surprising scene played out at the Bomber training facility when government officials arrived  and began questioning management, staff and players.  "It's really kinda strange.  We have not been told what they are looking for but by the content of their inquiries it looks as if its some kind of immigration issue.  We will cooperate of course but I don't see a connection to our squad " said Bomber captain Bill Auld.

                                                           (Run Lupe, Run!!!!)

LUNDEEN LEADS BOMBERS

The Bomber Hockey Club scored a 7-3 victory against the Flying Aces on Sunday, led by Scott Lundeen's 6 point performance (3g3a). "We were geared up for this game. The Aces are rolling, coming off that victory against the 'Moles." noted Bomber defensemen Lupe' Poltorak. 

A four goal second period broke open the game for the Bombers when Jean Eric Hoyer', Poltorak, Lundeen and John Zimnoch each scored. Rober' Auld added a goal in the third to round out the Bombers tallies. 

Game Notes: In an impromptu summit conference, the Aces Mike Peterson and Eric Kusznier met with the Bombers Bill Auld and Tony D'ann in the penalty boxes late in the third for what turned out to be a very erudite discussion about the subtle nuances hockey and its greater global impact.

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:

1st Star:  SCOTT LUNDEEN (3G,3A)

2nd Star:  ROBER' AULD (Adult league Gordie Howe Hat trick 1g,1a,2pim)

3rd Star: Johnny Zimnoch (1g,2a)

Bombers Snatch Defeat from Hands of Victory

The Bombers recently defeated last season's champions, the Buzzards, by a convincing 5-2 score.  The Bombers continued their strong play by handling last season's runners up the Predators-if only for the first two and 1/2 periods.  Skating to what looked to be their second win in a row, the Bombers had a strongly played 3-1 lead midway through the final period of the game vs the pesky Preds. 

But they play three full 15min periods in the Federal league and that extra time proved costly for the Bombers who allowed the Preds to scored 3 unanswered to get the win. The game winner came with 10.4 seconds remaining and let the air out of the room of the Bomber faithful.  The Bombers did make the use of the remaining seconds and nearly scored to tie the game but the captain's shot hit the shaft of the goalies stick and deflected off the post as time expired.  The play was set up on a faceoff by Eric Silverman who was playing his first game with the organization.  Silverman and Auld once made a formidable duo in the fledging Basement hockey league of Edison, NJ back in the late 70's.  Silverman was quoted as saying " It was great playing with the Bombers and we had some chemistry.  Nice playing with guys with some skills."  I don't know exactly what guys he means but the sentiment was appreciated. 

Buzzards no Match for Bombers

The Bombers dominated play during their affair with the Buzzards-winning by a 5-2 score.  The Buzzards, who have only lost 3 games since joining the Federal League last season was favored in the contest but the Bombers did not receive the memo.  It looked early that the Buzzards believed their own clippings, scoring 14 seconds into the game.  But that was basically it for them and the Bombers followed with 2 goals from Bill Auld and 1 each from John Zimnoch, Jean Eric Hoyer' and Scott Lundeen.  Kyle Kappmeier contributed with 3 helpers. 

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:

First Star:  Kyle Kappmeier- 3a




















Second Star:  Lupe' Poltorak 2pim














Third Star:  Bill Auld 2g 1a

Bombers Lose 2 in a Row

The most storied franchise is finding the ice a little slow going in the Summer Aspen season.  Losses to the Comeback Kids and the Shamrocks have set the Bombers to the back end of the league standings in 7th place.  "We need to start scoring more goals than our competition.  I think that's the best plan" said Bomber captain Bill Auld. 

The Comeback Kids game was never in question with the Bombers losing by a 7-3 score.  The Shamrocks affair was more of a contest although the Bombers never had a lead, needing 2 third period goals to push the game to a shootout.  Normally a shootout specialist, netminder Josh Burke let up goals to both Shamrock shooters while the Bombers Hoyer and Zimnoch missed on their attempts.  Drew Campbell played his first non-exhibition contest for the Bombers and netted the game tying goal. 

In other news,  Dave Smith started skated drills for the first time since injuring his hamstring.  Although not at full speed it was the first indication that #22 is closer to joining the team and helping out the back line. 

Aces Fly by Bombers

The Flying Aces got their first ever win against the storied franchise with a 5-3 victory on Wednesday night.  The Bombers had only 7 skaters which was reduced to 6 in the first period as the capt had to put his commissioner hat on an ref to cover from absent refs.  One of the stripes showed up for the 2nd and 3rd periods and after a tentative scoreless first the game was on for real.  All of the games 8 goals were scored in the final 2 stanzas.  The Bombers started in what has proven to be a familiar fashion, falling behind by a 3-0 score.  Two goals by Bill Auld and one by Johnny Z introduced the Bombers back into the battle but it was not enough as the Aces added two of their own in the third. 

Bombers Win Opener

The Bombers did not play the role of gracious host when the defeated the Buffaloes in their first contest back at Aspen by an 8-4 score.  The Buffaloes used the excitement of their return to the Federal league to jump out to an early 3-0 score and put the Bombers on their heels.  Don Henshaw, yes that Don Henshaw, Bomber goalie from the '99 Championship days filled in for an absent Josh Burke, arrived late and needed the early goals against to wake him up.  "Donny shut the door after that, only letting up the one goal.  He did well, was great to see him" said Bomber d-man Johnny Z. 


Also of note was the debut game for Chuck Toro, who played the right wing and tallied 2 goals and 1 assist in his debut and got the games #2 Star.  "It was an honor" said Toro after accepting the puck used to score his first goal from Bomber legend Mike Gilbert Sr who was in attendance at the evening's festivities.  Another Bomber legend Rober' Auld also lit the lamp with a one-timer off a nice feed from Jean Eric Hoyer'.  #14 also added a helper and looks primed for an offensive breakout season. 

Commander Zippo, aka Kyle Kappmeier netted 2 goals of his own to go along with 2 assists, deftly avoiding any "snyde" like stretch he had faced last season.  The onslaught of goals was promising for the club as it heads into its 2nd season at Aspen.  Lupe', JEH,  and Junior rounded out the scoring.  Although they lost, the Buffaloes looked up for the task in the newly enlarged 8 team Federal League.

State Electric Power Performers of the Game (as voted by the games attending legends)


1st Star:  Donny Henshaw -the Return














2nd Star: Chuck Toro-the Rookie 2g 1a

3rd Star: Rober' Auld- the Sniper 1g 1a

2013 Spring Season Stat Leaders:

Points:

18-Matt Raulf III  12g 6a
17--John Zimnoch  5g 12a
15- Jean Eric Hoyer' 5g 10a
10- Bill Auld 7g 3a
 9- Matt Raulf 4g 5a


Goals:

12-Matt Raulf III
 7- Bill Auld
 5- Jean Eric Hoyer'
 5- John Zimnoch
 4- Matt Raulf


Assists:














12- John Zimnoch
10- Jean Eric Hoyer'
 6- Scott Lundeen
 6- Matt RAulf III
 5- Tony D'anna
 5- Mike Gilbert, Jr


Penalty Minutes:

26- Matt Raulf
 8- Lupe' Poltorak
 6- Bill Auld
 6- Mike Gilbert, Jr
 6- Scott Lundeen
 6- Matt Raulf, III

First Aspen Season Ends

The Bombers fought late in the season to get into the top half of the Federal League at Aspen Ice in Flemington, finishing in 3rd place.  Finishing third meant they got to face the 6th place Flying Aces in round one of the playoffs, which they won by a 5-3 score.  The Predators, a team the Bombers felt confident against even though they lost both regular season affairs, were the only team between them and a shot at the Federal League finals.  "We outworked them in the last game.  Their goalie came up big" said Bomber forward Tony TD D'anna.

With game time approaching the Bombers were optimistic.  That optimism turned sour early, falling behind by a 4-0 score before they really got rolling.  "We can play with them, but they are too good to give a big lead to.  They don't make enough mistakes for you to crawl back into it usually"  said captain Bill Auld, adding "We had a great season though.  Close games in a new and competitive league.  We had the return of Matt Raulf and the coming out part for his son Matt III.  Josh had highlight of highlights in the Shamrock game.  Jean Eric and JZ put up a bunch of points after a slower than normal start.  Rober' won a million faceoffs, Dave Smith was as solid as Kenny Morrow in his prime.  Lupe' didn't break anyone's arm.  TD and Kyle got off the snide together v the Aces.  Scotty Lundeen fell in love with sublimation.  The legends were there with #3 making a few on ice appearances and Senior delighting fans with lots of Bomber hats.  Junior proved he could take a joke and I finished a distant 3rd to Matt Raulf, Jr in penalty minutes.  We didn't win the title-but that's what I call Bomber Hockey!"

Bombers Advance

The Bombers were able to defeat the Flying Aces 5-3 to advance to the second round of the Federal League Spring playoffs on Sunday night. The win marked the 2nd close contest in 4 days between the two clubs, this one being more heartbreaking for the Aces because it was a playoff game. As they had done in the regular season finale, the Aces grabbed the early lead but could not hold on for the win. Kevin Smith, Craig Jones and Mark Herzhauser scored for the Aces while the Bombers countered with 2 goals from Matt Raulf, Jr, and 1 each from Bill Auld, Eric Hoyer and Tony D'anna.

State Electric Power Perfromers of the Game:

1st Star:

Matt Raulf, Jr 2g1a

2nd Star:
Tony D'anna 1g1a

3rd Star:
Jean Eric Hoyer1g1a

Bombers Survive Aces

The Bombers defeated the Flying Aces to finish out the regular season AIAHL Spring season.  The win put the club in 3rd place in the final standings and earns them a first round playoff meeting with -those same Flying Aces.

The Bombers fell behind 2-0 early in the first and needed goals from Kyle Kappmeier, Tony D'anna, Johnny Zimnoch and Jean Eric Hoyer to overcome the defecit.  Josh Burke played well in periods 2 & 3 to hold down the victory.  Bomber legend Mike Gilbert, Sr attended the game and commented "after a rough start he settled down and played solid - coming up with HUGE breakaway save in 2nd period and then closing the door in the 3rd."

State Electric Power Performers of the Game
(as selected and quoted by the local Bomber legend media)

1st Star:
Kyle Kappmeier  1g  "After being stoned multiple times he breaks thru and starts the deluge! "













2nd Star:
Josh Burke (see quote above)

3rd Star:
John Zimnoch 1g "His goal was awesome - plus his 3rd period puck control showed up that dipsy doodle guy big time"

Burke Saves the Day

The Bombers and Shamrocks battled it out in an epic contest that was won by the Bombers by a 3-1 score. Jason Sorrentino gave the Shamrocks a first period 1-0 lead on a clever backhanded shot. John Zimnoch of the Bombers evened the score with an unnassisted slapshot tally in the second. "Jean" Eric Hoyer' put the Bombers ahead in the third but the game's pivotal play came with the Shamrock goalie pulled late in the period. After a net mouth scramble the Shamrocks TJ Eaton found a loose puck with an open net to the right of Bomber netminder Josh Burke. The game looked to be tied until Burke flung his right leg out to rob the surprised Eaton of the tying goal. An empty netter by Matt Raulf III ended the scoring. The game which only had 1 minor penalty a hard fought, fairly played contest between the two Federal league franchises.

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:

First Star:
Josh Burke-"The Save"  nuff said

Second Star:
Jean Eric Hoyer'  Game winning goal














Third Star:
Dave Smith Defense personified