Third Period Heroics Put Bombers One Game Away from the Championship

With just four seconds left in the game, Bombers wingman, #27, Jean Eric Hoyer, was able to slide the puck through the five-hole of the Shamrocks’ goaltender, lifting the organization to a thrilling win last night in Flemington. The victory puts the Bombers one win away from raising the Cup at the Aspen Ice Arena and ties the organization’s record for consecutive wins at eight.

Neck and neck the entire game, the Shamrocks took 2-1 first period lead.  The Bombers would counter in the second to tie it only to fall behind again off a breakaway goal to give the Shamrocks another 1 goal lead.  Down 3-2 entering period three the excitement level would go to eleven in the final stanza. 

The Bombers’ comeback would begin with one of the best penalty kills the organization has put forth the entire season and in recent history.  When Bomber captain Bill Auld, who channeled his inner “Tim” with 4 PIMS on the evening,  took a minor penalty on an accidental high stick,  his team would rally to shut down the Shamrocks’ forwards keeping scoring chances to a minimum. The kill would be highlighted by Bomber rookie defenseman, Rob Pellegrino, who put the pressure on and netted a short-handed goal that would again tie the game, making it 3-3 halfway through the final period.

“I just kept the wheels going,” said Pellegrino. “You can’t make it this far into the playoffs and not give it 110%. I saw a play developing when the puck found Campbell’s tape – I took off and he put the puck exactly where I needed it. I kept it low and hard which I think threw Paster off. It was a great feeling and a much needed goal.”

The Bomber penalty would expire and the teams would again launch into a two-way battle to try and grab the critical game one victory. There were scoring chances both ways, with posts rung on both ends, but as the period continued to whittle away, both benches were beginning to prepare mentally for an OT contest, that was until about ten seconds left in the game when a play developed in the Bombers’ end.

“Everyone wants to be in the position to win the game, but you can’t let that cloud your judgement,” said Hoyer, #27. “You need to think clearly – not matter how intense the game may be - you need to think about making the right play. That’s something each man on the ice did those last few seconds. We opened up their defense just enough to allow me to take a pass and drive to the net. In what seemed like slow motion, I saw Paster’s pads open up just enough – it was in that split second I knew where the puck needed to go. It wasn’t until I looked up at the scoreboard that I realized just how close we were to OT.”

Game 2 and 3 of the 2015 AIAHL Federal League Winter Playoffs are Saturday and Sunday night.

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:

#1 - Eric Hoyer, 2G (GWG)

#2 - Rob Pellegrino,  1G (SH) / 1A

#29 - Josh Burke

Bombers Steamroll Mulligans To Earn a Spot in the Finals

In unprecedented form, the Bombers extended their win streak to seven games and earned a trip to the AIAHL Federal League 2015 Winter Finals, following last night's 7-3 romping of the Mulligans at the Aspen Ice Arena in Flemington, NJ.

The Mulligans would get on the board early in the first with a shot from the point that found its way past Bomber goaltender, Josh Burke. The Bombers would eventually tie the game thanks to a goal by #69, Drew Campbell and would end the 1st period ahead 2-1 with the ever-stretching and limber, Grego Russotti, #12, burying the biscuit.

The Bombers looked to pull away in the 2nd when they went up 3-1 following a tremendous goal by the organization's leading points scorer, #27, Jean Eric Hoyer; however, the Mulligans battled back quickly, scoring two goals back-to-back in 17 seconds to leave the match tied at the end of two.

"Giving up goals like that, and so quickly, is deflating," said long-time Bomber defenseman, #22, Dave "Sarge" Smith. "It wasn't for lack of effort, they were just well placed shots where Josh was screened. But we knew what needed to be done and we proved why we deserve to be competing for the Cup. We pressed ahead."

At the 11:55 mark of the third period, it was Drew "Teech-um" Campbell that stepped up and buried a beautiful breakaway goal and the game winner, leaving the Mulligans bench silent and stunned. The flood gates would open from there with three additional goals making it a four-goal third for the Bombers.

"We battled hard, and played smart hockey," said #77, Kyle Kappmeier who joined the defense for the match. "When you play smart hockey, you slow down the game, and when you do that, you start to see passing lanes open up and where your teammates are going to be. Our forwards were a big part of that, giving us targets to pass to, and battling down low in the offensive zone for every puck. It was also one hell of a performance by our team Rookie, Rob Pellegrino, who put up five apples tonight -- I think that redefines what it means to be a team player. Overall, it was a great effort and we're excited to make it to the finals."

The Bombers now face The Shamrocks in a best of three series for the Cup. Game one is tonight, March 26th at 10:15 PM. Tickets are available at the box office. Game 2 will be Saturday, March 28th and Game 3 (if needed) will be Sunday, March 29th.

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:

#1 - Drew Campbell: 2G (GWG)  / 2A 

#2 - Jean Eric Hoyer: 2G / 1A

#3 - Rob "The Rookie" Pellegrino: 5A

Shorthanded Bombers Move On - Knock Off Powertime to Advance to the Semi-Finals

Bombers proved once again that they "HAVE THE POWER," eliminating Powertime from the 2015 Federal League Winter Playoffs. Not only can they skate and keep up with the younger teams that make up the AIAHL Federal League, but they can do so with a much shorter bench. Last night, despite missing an entire line of forwards due to travel woes (aka celebrating Rober's 70th birthday "Hangover" style) and several defensemen, the Organization managed to hold off Powertime and advance to the semi-finals.

As is usually the case when the two teams face each other, last night's match was neck and neck for 45 mins straight. Moreover, it was a game of weird bounces. Capitalizing first, Powertime's goal deflected off of centerman Kyle Kappmeier's skate to find the top left corner of the net. A deflating goal because of the nature of the game and solid effort put forth, the team picked itself up and drove forward.

"Wrong place at the wrong time," said Kappmeier. "We all know there's nothing you can do in those situations, but that doesn't make it any easier of a pill to swallow. I was looking to help out Burke by putting my body in front of the puck - unfortunately, the bounce didn't go our way."

Minutes later, the organization would rally to tie the game at one, on what again, would be an unlucky bounce, but this time for Powertime. Parked in front of the crease, Kappmeier was able to deflect a shot wide of the goaltender, which miraculously found it's way to Gilbert Jr. who managed to bounce a shot off of the netminder from behind the net. 

"A goal is a goal, and right now that's what matters," said Gilbert. "While it wasn't pretty, we battled hard for it."

The IRONMAN D-FORCE AWARD

The back and forth effort would continue until about 3 minutes left in the game when again, a weird bounce led to a goal. Embodying the likes of former Red Wing, Tomas Holmstrom, Kappmeier once again found a spot in front of the Powertime goaltender and managed to get a piece of a shot from the Bombers' leading point scorer, Jean Eric Hoyer. Going off his stick, then leg, the puck trickled past the goalie and would eventually be the game winner.

The highlight effort of the game would come from the defensive pair of Drew Campbell and Young Gun Rookie Rob Pellegrino. Playing one 45 minute long shift with no breaks or time outs, Campbell and Pellegrino rose to the occasion and proved what it takes to wear the Bomber Sweater. Their efforts on the blue line stopped countless opportunities and  earn them the #1 star of the game slot for the match as well as the IRONMAN D-FORCE AWARD!

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:

#1 STAR(s) - Ironman Defensive Pairing of Pellegrino and Campbell

#2 STAR - K. Kappmeier, #77 (GWG)

#3 STAR - Junior, #13 (G)

Bombers Ride Five Game Win Streak to Finish 2015 Federal League Winter Season in Third

On the cover of The Hockey News March Issue

One thing that was difficult for the Bomber Hockey Club this season was pairing together a win streak. You’d have to turn back the calendar to January to the last time the organization won back to back when it defeated the Primates 6-3 on January 25th and Powertime 3-2 on the 29th. The franchise would then slip and drop three straight games, beginning what one would think would be a season ending slide, ensuring a last place finish.

If you’ve watched the Bomber Hockey Club for long enough, you’ve come to expect surprises, and that’s exactly what the team delivered in the second half of the season.  For the entire month of March, the Bombers went undefeated, knocking off opponents including the Storm, Comeback Kids, Powertime, and Regulars, as well as finishing off the Flying Aces in dramatic fashion to maintain the Air Supremacy Cup, extending that streak to four.

Sarge posing w/ the Air Supremacy Cup

“I’m not sure what got into the boys,” said general manager and team captain, Bill Auld. “Maybe it was the news of the rink closing and our leagues pending displacement that got them fired up – no matter what the reason may be, I’m proud of the effort.  To string together a five game win streak is no easy task in this league.  We’re looking forward to the playoffs and making a run for the Cup – sure would be a great ending to a great season.”

Bombers leading points scorer, JEH #27

Young gun rookie makes a move

While each win was the result of a solid team effort and adherence to offensive and defensive strategy, all-star performances deserve to be highlighted.  Stand out plays by goaltender Josh Burke, who delivered a shutout in the return of # 14 against Powertime, d-man Dave “Sarge” Smith whose blast from the point led the team to victory over the Flying Aces, and young gun rookie, Rob Pellegrino, whose overtime heroics lifted the organization to a win against the Regulars. Without question of course, the organization’s MVP was again its leading point scorer, #27, Jean Eric Hoyer, who finished the regular season with 19 points (11G/ 8A).

The organization makes its round 1 debut in the 2015 Federal Winter Season Playoffs this Monday, March 23rd, as they faceoff against Powertime. Tickets and Bomber Hockey playoff merchandise are still available by contacting management at bomberhockey@optonline.net.

Bomber Centerman Proves His Ticker is Tip Top

#14 Returns to the Ice

On the verge his 70th birthday, Bomber legend, Rober’ Auld, surprised the franchise’s fans and hockey media in attendance with an unannounced return to the ice for the Federal League matchup against Powertime.  As #14 hit the ice for warmups, the crowd immediately began to stir and media launched into a frenzy, searching for career stats and digging up highlight reels as they prepared their coverage of the triumphant return of the centerman after being sidelined for nearly a year due to health concerns.

Chants of ROBER’ - ROBER’ - ROBER’ immediately followed by USA - USA - USA broke out as #14 found his edges once again and got comfortable with the biscuit during the pregame skate.

“No offence to Gordie Howe, but he played his last game at the wee age of 52. I think we have a new Mr. Hockey here!” said Bill Auld, captain and general manager of the organization. “I’ve had the privilege to play with Rober’ since this franchise was founded, and I have to say that today’s game is one of the most special in this team’s history. One would have figured that Rober’s health concerns would have forced him into retirement, but there’s no quit in #14. His determination off the ice was incredible. I had close contact with our team physicians and trainers who kept me abreast of his progress, and together, we made the decision to reactivate him and have him rejoin the squad. Sure, we will have to readjust for the salary cap, but those are decisions that management is already working out.”

During an exclusive center-ice interview granted to NBC Sports, Rober’ commented on what this game means to him and what he was looking forward to.

“First off, I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for this organization’s fans. I want you to know that I received your letters and emails and your support was what drove me during the time I was away from the ice. I worked hard on my conditioning, strength training and hopefully tonight, those efforts will prove worthwhile as we face off against the Powertime and approach the end of this season.”

Some exclusive images of Rober’s off-ice conditioning can be seen below.

Upper-body strength training 

From the first drop of the puck, Rober’s presence was immediately felt as the centerman won the draw pulling the puck back to defenseman and Bomber rookie, Rob Pellegrino. From there on, the Bombers settled into a nice rhythm, rolling three lines of forwards and two lines of defensemen.

Endurance training during the 2014 / 2015 NJ winter

Most notable was the performance of Bomber goaltender, Josh Burke, who fed off the energy of Rober’s comeback to shut down the Powertime offence.

Building muscle one punch at a time

“Burke was brilliant in net,” said Rober’. “You could see the focus and determination in his eyes and no matter where Powertime would shoot from, he was always two steps ahead of the play, making the save in dramatic fashion. Most impressive was the double pad stack, blocker side save he made in the 3rd. I missed seeing that and it was quite the show!”

A tight game both ways, the tie was finally broke in the 3rd by Bomber forward Tony D’Anna. Despite not having a settled puck, D'Anna managed to get a shot off from the high slot. The unsettled puck proved to be key as when it left his stick, it danced in mid-air fooling the Powertime goaltender. The organization would go on to score again in the third with Burke earning a shutout in the performance.

State Electric Power Performers of the Game:

1st STAR - #14 -- ROBER'S RETURN 

2nd STAR - #29  J. Burke (Shutout)

3rd STAR - T. D'Anna (GWG)

Bombers End Slide-Beat Smoke 4-3

Josh Burke assisted on Rob Pellegrino's empty netter to give the Bombers a 4-2 lead against the Smoke on Sunday night.  He promptly allowed a Smoke goal in the closing seconds to ensure his assist was on the game winner.  Jean Eric Hoyer' earned first star honors with 2 goals and 1 assist while Scott Lundeen, playing with a nagging shoulder injury which will require surgery, potted 1 goal and 2 assists of his own.  Tim Tracy made his return from the DL with a powerful performance on the D-line and no PIMs.

State Electric Power Performers of the Game

1st STAR  JEAN ERIC HOYER 2G 1A

2ND STAR  SCOTT LUNDEEN 1 G 2A

3RD STAR  TIM TRACY