Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Franklin Hockey League
January 18, 2012
January 9, 2012
January 6, 2012
Week 2: Game of the Week
by Adam Cristallini
A SIN-SATIONAL EFFORT
MUNHALL,PA- The Jets were without their captain Zak Campbell who was a healthy scratch, and it looked like it was going to have to be a complete team effort for them to win the series, maybe in a game 5. But on Saturday, Nick Siniawski, the franchise player and longtime FHL veteran took over. Siniawski flew the Jets to a 3-1 series victory over Andrew McDonald’s upstart Thunder squad. “The legs felt good, I though it was a good team effort”,Siniawski said.
Siniawski was credited for an assist on the first and only goal in GM 1, scored by Shane Lucas, as the two went back and forth playing pitch and catch with a couple of backhanders and Lucas sending the last one home just in front of the net. It was midway through the period and ended up as the game winner, as the Jets led the series 1-0.
Game two saw different results for the boys in blue. While tied at 0-0 with 2:33 left in the game, Pat Farrell was sent to the penalty box. Although the Thunder did not capitalize on the PP, they scored shortly after at exactly 1:00 left when former longtime Jet, Brian Barca took a one timer from Roy McDonald. Then with less than 20 seconds left and the Jets had a faceoff to the left of goalie Dave Kwolek, a chance to tie the game up was lurking and the Thunder came up big when Jamie Zelena blocked a shot 8 feet in front of his goalie, and a deflection out of bounds right after gave the Jets another shot with under 5 seconds left but a scramble for the puck insued on the draw and the game ended with the series now tied at 1-1.
A rookie took over in game 3 and scored the only goal in OT of the fray for the Jets, Brandon Donovan, a ninth grader at SVHS. This gave the Jets a 2-1 series lead. But in game 4 some sloppy play came about and the Thunder took adavantage. Ben Bobick took a break away chance and ran with it, as he buried one top shelf to take a 1-0 lead. After that, Siniawski started hearing it from the crowd and it seemed to bother him a little bit as he took a penalty for “gaming” as John George called it. But that only fueled the fire for Nick, as he set up Donovan for the game tying goal shortly after coming out the box. Then with the game on the line, the veteran came through and scored the game winner and sent the Thunder home in 4 games.
Jets are now 2-0 (6-2) overall and look pretty good and are early favorites once again, they face off against the Crosby’s next Saturday at 11am.
Post Game interview w/ Nick Siniawski:
December 25, 2011
December 20, 2011
Week 2 Rescheduled
Week two of the FHL Season has been rescheduled.
It will be used as the make up week on May 19th.
Later in the week, the schedule will be updated to reflect these changes.
Also, keep checking back, as the box scores and results for Week One will be posted. Already, the Statistics page has been updated for both players and goaltenders, as well as the Standings page.
For more information on the Franklin Hockey League, visit our Facebook or our Twitter Account @FHL_Hockey.
It will be used as the make up week on May 19th.
Later in the week, the schedule will be updated to reflect these changes.
Also, keep checking back, as the box scores and results for Week One will be posted. Already, the Statistics page has been updated for both players and goaltenders, as well as the Standings page.
For more information on the Franklin Hockey League, visit our Facebook or our Twitter Account @FHL_Hockey.
December 15, 2011
Week 1 Preview
Several months ago the FHL was at an all time low. Banned from Franklin Primary due to liability issues, the league was essentially homeless. With very few options on a new place to play, even the most optimistic supporter of the league had to believe the leagues future was in jeopardy.
Fast forward to mid-December and the FHL community is standing on the steps of a new era. The long forgotten tennis courts of East Miller street have been transformed from an eye sore into a haven for hockey. Ground broke just before Thanksgiving on a brand new facility. Thanks to a gracious donation from Mr. William V. Campbell and relentless work by Joe Ducar to organize the project, there will be hockey in Munhall for a very long time.
“Well, obviously we went into the summer with a lot of uncertainty and surprises. Not knowing what was next was troubling for us. But we remained confident and hopeful we were going to get what we deserved and everything turned out great for the players and the league to continue to grow” – Whalers center Adam Cristallini
“Well John ya know, uh, the obvious highlight of the off season is the formation and creation of the new rink at the south end of town. It really portrays what we have become as a league overall. We have persevered through numerous negative aspects and have begun moving forward in a success directed way. The low point of the off season was forfeiting our right to play down at Franklin pond. That ice down there will always remain a special place for many guys ya know. The simple essence of what we created and the uniqueness of how we did it really made it a one of a kind place. I’ll miss it for sure John.” – Jets Captain Zak Campbell
Although the original ‘pond’ of Franklin will be sorely missed, the memories will last and the legacies forged there won’t be forgotten. Blood, sweat and tears were poured onto the cracked pavement of Franklin and those who served their time on that hallowed ground will forever have a place in FHL lore. But once the ball drops on Saturday morning at 11:00 AM, a new era begins, and the race is on for the FHL cup.
Game 1: Whalers vs. Thunder—11:00 AM.
Andrew McDonald leads the Pira…Thunder against the newest team on the block, Joe Rogers’ Whalers. Amac selected brother Roy McDonald to go along with franchised goalie Dave Kwolek in the first round in hopes of building on the chemistry the two have developed on the dek circuit. Brian Barca and Ryan Perhac round out a very talented team who hope that their new look will pay off.
Pack will rely on strong goal tending and a good group of buddies to produce some wins this year. His franchise player, goaltender Jim Besterci is regarded by most as the best in the league.
“Oh man I’m truly thrilled. To be a part of this league in some of its earlier stages, and to see how far it has come is just amazing. And now, to be a captain and have a chance to lead a team out on that new surface, it’s just an absolute honor” – Whalers Captain Joe Rogers (on opening things up on the new arena)
Game 2: Jets vs Moose—12:30 PM
Championship Rematch
The two franchises with the best career regular season winning percentages, and 3 FHL cups combined, will face off for the prime time match-up. Zack Siniawski was able to bring back his dangerous top line duo of Drew Hruska and Jason Kortz and they should prove to be a handful for the Jets despite their tough defense.
Captain Zak Campbell decided to build around veteran defense by selecting Shane Lucas, Jason Tatrai, and ‘Wild’ Bill Seaman. However a lot of their success will hinge on the youngest goaltender in FHL history, who is already a veteran of the game, Craig Hixon.
“I feel very confident in myself and my new team that we will get the win. I’m honored to be a part of an amazing franchise like the Jets and I will not let them down.” – Jets goalie Craig Hixon.
Game 3: Crosbys vs. Boyle 2:00 PM
Rivalry Game
When it comes to these two teams, not much needs to be said. Despite a piss poor showing from Boyle last year and the Crosbys infamous struggles in the postseason, this game is always a dog fight. The rivalry may have lost some of its importance lately, but the new surface is sure to add some energy to the bout. While the Crosbys will lean on the top tier talent of Tony Bonacorso and Chad Kanz, Bishop Boyle has taken a different approach by selecting a close knit group of buddies to build off of chemistry. Two players that will be involved Saturday have seen both sides of the rivalry..
“Even though both teams experience tremendous turnover every year, you always know that whoever Boyle has suiting up for them is going to give you all you can handle and make you fight for every inch of ice out there.” – Crosbys goalie Dave Gilson
“George, I have always loved the Crosby/Boyle rivalry. Whether I was involved in it, or spectating, it is always a battle. Putting on that yellow shirt will be weird at first, but I'm sure I will be settled in by the time that puck drops.” – Boyle defencemen Mike Cullen
Before we embark on this monumental season, there are several people we would like to thank.
William V. Campbell
Joe Ducar
Scott Meade
Shawn McCallister
Sue Morrison of Morrison Insurance
Coppola Construction
The Steel Valley School Board
Marty Terrick
Hruska Plumbing
Carmines Barber Shop
Blue Dust
Piscis Pub
Pizza Company
It’s time to play some hackey folks. See ya Saturday.
