Category: AIHL

24 Feb
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Black Diamonds Extinguish Dragons Fire in Home Opener

The El Paso Black Diamonds had their home opener this weekend against their rival, the Phoenix Dragons. In front of about 200 spectators on Saturday night, the teams put on quite a show with 2 overtime games, including a shootout.

In the first game of the night, the Dragons jumped out to a 5-1 intermission lead. The Black Diamonds were in a similar situation in Phoenix down 5-1 and came back to win. So with that in mind, the Black Diamonds tied the score with 31 seconds left with a goal from Isaac Montes with Alan Torres getting the assist. In overtime, the Dragons prevailed with a score from John Degroote. The second game was like a boxing matching each team matching goal for goal. Towards the end of the game Skylier Blake gave the Black Diamonds the lead with 35 seconds left. The Dragons tied it with 20 seconds to send the game in to overtime. No goals were scored in overtime and the game went to a shootout. As the crowd cheered on their home team, Mike Rivera and Zach Blake scored for the Black Diamonds while Black Diamonds goalie, Andy Edmunds, shutout the Dragons giving the home team a win.

Sundays games did not have the drama that Saturday did, but was good solid hockey. The Black Diamonds jumped out to a 4-1 intermission lead behind some solid goaltending by Andy Edmunds. The Black Diamonds knew the Dragons would not go away easy and had to fight off a 3 goal half by the Dragons to hold on to a 5-4 win.The second game was much of the same. The Black Diamonds taking a 3-0 lead at the half only to stave off the Dragons and hold on to a 5-3 win.

The Black Diamonds took 7 out of a possible 8 points this weekend. They were led in scoring by Tony Bardales and Isaac Montes with 4 goals each. Jimmy Rodriguez and Skylier Blake each had 4 assists during the weekend homestand.

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05 Feb
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Suddenly Hot Jawz Sweep Riot

Alameda, CA – The East Bay Jawz were in desperate need of a home sweep as they took on the talented Nor Cal Riot from the South Bay. Earlier in the season, it was heartbreak for the Jawz as they lead back to back games only to see the Riot come away with a pair of wins. In their second matchup of the season, fortune was reversed as the Jawz came away with two hard fought wins.

Game one started slow as both teams played tight man coverage. It took twelve minutes before Abram Figueroa put the Jawz on the board with a low snap shot that beat Martin Stacy of the Riot who was pulling double duty playing earlier in the Riot’s minor games. The momentum was in the Jawz favor and they scored twice more to make it 3-0. Two quick penalties put the Jawz on a shorthanded kill and the Riot capitalized with Ben Caliz scoring to make it 3-1. The Riot would score again to make it 3-2 but this time the Jawz dug deep and pulled out a 4-2 win. Goaltender Kevin Silva shined for the Jawz making eighteen saves on twenty shots. Goals for the Jawz came from Abram Figueroa, Vince Castoro, CJ Gamble and Lucas Bartsh. Ben Caliz and Ernie Hernandez netted goals for the Riot.

Both teams came out strong in game two but it was more of the same solid goaltending being displayed by Silva and Stacy. Again, it was the Jawz who scored first with Allen Gonzalez sniping a wrist over Riot Goalie Stacy’s glove side. Ben Caliz would score late in the first period to tie the game at 1-1. The second period showcased great defensive battles as both teams struggled to get quality scoring opportunities. Jawz captain Jason Weiser broke the tie by scoring on a breakaway to make it 2-1. Ben Caliz of the Riot was not done scoring and with four minutes in the second period received a precision pass from Ryan Newens to tie the game up 2-2. The last four minutes both teams looked nervous and it showed as the Jawz took a late penalty with 2:44 in the 2nd period. The Riot were unable to capitalize on the powerplay and the Jawz fed off this big penalty kill. Allen Gonzalez of the Jawz rushed the puck into the offensive zone with 7 seconds left in the game and fired a shot that rebounded straight to Brian Smith who scored to give the Jawz the 3-2 win just as time expired.

The rivalry continues into the second half of the season as these two teams square off four more times with major playoff implications. See you at the rink!

-Written by AIHL Press aihlhockey.com

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09 Dec
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Northern California Mustangs are Ready to Make Their Run

Mustangs_Advertising_Picture_mediumWe sat down with NorCal Mustangs coach Mario Sousa and team captain Travis Hawkins at the Silvercreek Sports Complex Rollin Ice rinks for a pre-season chat. If you’ve never visited Rollin Ice then you should know it’s the absolute Cadillac of inline hockey facilities. Rollin Ice’s three rinks have full height glass boards, the floors are in fabulous condition, and even the locker rooms smell fresh. It is kept shiny and spotless. There is an expansive pro shop and a top class restaurant. Our interview with the Mustang’s leaders was conducted on the indoor terrace of the Rollin Ice’s on-site High Five restaurant.

The Mustangs are in a highly competitive region. The northern California inline hockey scene is arguably the best in the country. In hockey crazy San Jose there are three elite inline teams – Mustangs, Riot and Pirates. All three of these top teams share the same facilities at Silver Creek. Their players play in leagues or on traveling teams together. They often co-rent the rinks for informal pickup games. Yet amongst all this mixing and proximity, the Mustangs have an identity of their own. They’ve carved out their own niche and philosophy.

“Our approach is system oriented” states coach Mario Sousa “Its unity, family and sticking to a system. Our guys stick together, unity is what we preach”. Sousa knows his hockey. As a native of Ontario, Canada he has grown up playing hockey and was a goalie himself. He understands the importance of team cohesion and what it takes to win. He puts emphasis on goal tending and is always searching for the best. “Goal tending was a struggle last year” said Mario “But we’ve been looking at upto seven possible goalies for the coming season”. Although their play is systematic, the Mustangs aren’t afraid to be aggressive. “We say be physical” states captain Travis Hawkins “But don’t go to the box”.

I had a chance to watch the Mustangs practice several times over the autumn. The practices are highly organized and purposeful. The players are put through both skill and conditioning drills. Conditioning is lead by defenseman Shaun Hickey (who is just completed P90X twice in the past 180 days). This is smart preparation considering they’re looking at playing the national finalist Pirates several times this season. “Its always tough with the Pirates. But we like it, it makes us strive” says Travis Hawkins with a smile . Also new in the league is the Ripon Savage which already has an early season win against East Bay Jawz. “I know the Savage” remarks Travis, “They’re a bunch of good, hardworking guys.”

The Mustangs minor league has many new faces this season. Again, the management of the minors has a systematic approach. “We’re going with a less experienced team this year by bringing on new talent to our team” says Sousa. “We’ve brought some minors up from last year, but they are not starting jobs as of yet”. Among the minor moving up is Lucas Hart who has played for the Mustangs minor team for the last two seasons, he should contribute right away. Matt Bianco played for the Mustangs minor team last year, but spent his first season with the Pirates minors before coming over last year. Lastly, Jody McAlpine starting goaltender for the Mustangs minors last year is coming up to join the Elite squad full time. They’re also taking a step back and developing a new coach. Right now David James, the assistant coach of the elites, is now the head coach for the minors.

The Mustangs season opener is December 6th against the Ripon Savage at the Siver Creek Sportsplex. The Mustangs have the potential of making it to the top nationally this year and we all look forward to an exciting and action filled season!

Also tune into Today in the AIHL Pacific North at www.mustangsradio.net for news, interviews and videos by Doug Wallace and Coach Mario Sousa.

-Written by Petrie Quigley, Fast Puck Editor

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10 Nov
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Mavericks Are Ready for the AIHL

MavericksThe Potomac Mavericks are ready to start their AIHL Season with a whole new outlook, attitude, and determination. After tryouts, the Mavericks made significant roster moves on both Elite and Minor squads, many surprising to all. The Mavericks Elite’s are lead by Captains Kevin Donovan, Kevin Spain, and Goaltender Kyle Shrauger. Forwards Pat Giesecke and Mike Nolan return to power the offensive front. Other offensive upgrades include the promotion of Cam Lensing from Minors and return of Kellen Henderson, returning after a season off. The newest and most improved positions are on the defensive side of the court, not a single starting Elite player from the past is rostered. Jonathan Vu moves from forward to defense, which has added speed and better passing. The promotions of Drew Lensing and Harrison Murdock from the Minors, has been a great addition of speed and scoring. North Carolina import Mike Dower adds new leadership and scoring. Topped with the addition of local standout Nick Guilford and the return of stay-at-home D Josh Sielschott, the teams Defense is stronger, faster, and hopefully penalty free. Keeper duties for the Mavericks will be shared between Kyle Shrauger, Jordan Pohl, and Matt Morgan. The Minors return Mike Zyuzin, Alex Mercer, Pat Lawton, Tyler Berkey, Bobby Henry, and Matt King-Brown. New-comers Timmy Jocz, Austin Woolf, Hagen Nemzek, and Josh Sowers; all add their personal touch and have been blending in well. There are a few more minors that will be showing up later in the season and rumors of GM Billy Harrington are flowing about him lacing up from time-to-time. The Mavericks have been practicing hard and are looking forward when their season kicks off in Feasterville versus the Mid-Atlantic teams.

-Written By Billy Harrington

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19 Oct
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Opening Night Splitzville

Opening Night SuffolkIt was the tale of two very different games Saturday as the AIHL season began in the New England division.  Each team cruised to decisive victories, each by the score of 7-4.

Game One was all 495ers from the first drop of the puck.  Only 13 seconds in, the defending division champs put the pressure on quickly, forcing the Sharks to take a penalty.  Quickly the power play would connect as Greg Pantaleo would score the first of five power play goals for the 495ers in the game.  Jonathan Mosenson added to the lead a few minutes later while again on the power play.  Then to take a three goal lead, the goal of the night was scored on an incredible end to end highlight reel rush by Mike Rotola.  The Sharks Rob Lopinto scored to cut the lead to two, but a second goal by Jon Mosenson would cap the first period scoring, yielding a 4-1 lead for the 495ers. (more…)

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24 Sep
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AIHL 2010 to Begin October 17th

AIHL_Logo_PNGThe AIHL (American Inline Hockey League) is entering into its second season after achieving great success as a premier league during their inaugural season in 2009.

In their second year the AIHL has added a noticeable amount of new organizations. For 2010 there are a total of eight divisions with 40 teams in the elite division and 44 teams in the minor division.

The first game of the season is set for October 17th in Mt. Sinai, New York with the Suffolk Sharks Facing off against the Long Island 495ers.

Also the AIHL has released a new website and it looks great! Check it out at aihlhockey.com

The complete Elite team list:

(more…)

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09 Sep
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American Inline Hockley League To Colorado

aihlcolorado

The AIHL (American Inline Hockey League) after just one season in quickly expanding for the 2009-2010 season. New teams all around the nation are joining AIHL for the 2009-2010 season including the Potomac Mavericks who competed in PIHA (Professional Inline Hockey Association) last season. The biggest addition so far however is the addition of a whole new division in Colorado.

CEIHF and AAU will be working together to bring the creation of four teams in the newly formed Colorado Rocky Mountain Region. The teams will include The Mile High Mayhem (CEIHF’s flagship team), Rocky Mountain Talons, High Plains Sidewinders, and the Summit Rockslide.

Players from AAU’s team USA have already been recruited to play on different teams in the Colorado Rocky Mountain region, on top of this players will be following a strict physical fitness and conditioning program so competition will be tight.

Do you think you have what it takes? (more…)

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29 Jul
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AIHL 2009/2010 Season Teams Gearing Up!

AIHL, American Inline Hockey League’s second season is just around the corner and the tryout info for various teams is already out. Or if you want to enter a team into this premier inline hockey league they are accepting applications up to August 15th, 2009. For information you can email the league commissioner Anthony Flynn at americaninlinehockeyleague@yahoo.com Here is the information for various AIHL teams who have already Released there tryout info: (more…)

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03 Jun
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AIHL Playoffs On The Move

AIHL Playoff Bracket Courtesy Of aihlhockey.com

AIHL Playoff Bracket Courtesy Of aihlhockey.com

With the PIHA champion newly crowned the AIHL playoffs are in full gear and underway. Reigning from the Pacific North division the San Jose Pirated beat out the GoodLife in two games straight winning both games one nothing to become the Pacific North Champions.

In the Pacific South Division the all well known Pama Cyclones took on the OC blades and their very good Mike Urbano in net. However, the Cyclones offense proved over powering and Pama moved on to become the Pacific South Division champs.

For the Southwest Championship it was the Tuscan Desperados up against PIHA’s champions of last year the Phoenix Dragons. The Desperados came out strong in game one to win seven to four. In game two once again the Desperados came out on top winning seven to five to advance and be the Southwest Division champions.

On the east coast in the New England division the Long Island 495’ers and Jonathan Mosenson came up on top over the Suffolk Sharks winning four to two and three to two in there series to advance as the division champion.

With young talent overflowing in the Mid-Atlantic division there was plenty of action. Facing off were the Steel City Phantoms vs. the Southampton Cyclones. In the series the Phantoms relentless offensive power proved to be unstoppable going up six to four in game one and sealing the deal in game two with a nine to one win.

In the Southeast the playoff games are yet to be played. On June 6th in Apex, North Carolina the Maryland Crusaders will play against the Raleigh Dragons while the Richmond Robins will face off against the Georgia Syndicate. Then the winners of each of these series will face off to name the Southeast division Champions.

With every team left being talented and all having their own strengths who will win? Will it be the veteran lead Pirates who walked through the regular season with little trouble? How about the ever well known Pama Cyclones featuring most of their nARCH pro team, will they have the all around skill and will they in there first elite league debut take home the crown? Or the Tuscan Desperados, the underdog who didn’t even go 500 in the regular season? Then there are the teams of the east. Could the 495’ers lead by Jonathan Mosenson push their way to the championship? Or could the Steel City Phantoms, a young highly talented team with Dustin Roux and Brock Wilson take it home. Then there is the uncrowned champion of the southeast.

Currently in the playoffs Dustin Roux of the Steel City Phantoms leads the league in points with twenty and leads in assists with nine. While Jerald Zivic from the Tuscan Desperados leads the league in goals with thirteen.

Stay tuned and please check back for updates on the AIHL playoffs and check out there great website at aihlhockey.com

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