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)