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"