JVAA Falcons tie Pennridge 2-2 in exciting opener

The Pennsbury JVAA Falcons took the ice this season with a completely different look. They didn't really have much of the same roster from last season at all. The captaincy was chosen wisely by Coach Jonathan Millen, who got promoted to the next level of junior varsity hockey. He selected Sean Costello as captain, which is a great choice as Costello leads by example in his words and his play. His assistants are Jason Millen and Derrick Faro; a stud forward and offensive defenseman well worth the honors. The first period went by pretty quickly and both Pennsbury and Pennridge had their chances but both goaltenders were very solid. Notable was Jeff Stitt, who had 32 saves on 34 shots on the night. This included a crazy glove save in the third period, which robbed Pennridge and saved Pennsbury a point. Stitt was impressive all night long, he is looking much stronger entering this season than the last. The first goal on him was not Stitt's fault as Sean Costello dove and blocked the inital shot and it worked it's way back to the point, where Chris Lefbvre accidentally deflected it into the Falcon's net. Lefbvre skated off really down on himself but he later redeemed himself. He had some monsterous hits out there, at least three that sent a Pennridge player flying. Jason Millen later tied the game up as he sniped one to the top of the net to tie the game at 1-1. Sean Costello played a very physical game, he made his presence known. He delivered 8 hits in the game and blocked 3 shots. The new captain was doing a bit of everything, he looked like a man on a mission. He delivered multiple big hits within that second period. Shane Lewis and Ian Patterson were generating some chances of their own. Lewis hit the goaltender in the mask three times with in the game; twice in the period. Notably, Liana Eyre and Kyle Boltersdorf changed to defense this season, whereas to last season they were both forwards. This was a great move by Coach Millen, as they both looked very strong at the blueline. It's a great way to use Eyre's speed and Boltersdorf's size. They both looked very solid tonight. Eric Michael, who is returning from a leg injury came into this game looking very strong. He finished plenty of checks and created a lot of scoring opportunities. He was my surprise of the night, good for him he puts a lot of effort in every game he plays. Pennsbury defenseman John Gindhart's skating has improved since last season, as he had plenty of good recovery plays and stopped plays from forming. Gindhart and Faro look to be a pair again this season on defense. Anyway, it was a 1-1 game going into the third when Pennridge got a goal as Egan beat Stitt fivehole a few minutes in. Stitt knew it was one he could have had and fell back in disbelief. But no matter, a play started by Sean Costello into the zone as he dropped it back to Jesse Perlstein; the Falcons leading scoring in JVA last season, who then passed it to Millen. From there, Millen passed it to the point where Derrick Faro scorched a slapshot past netminder Dustin Wexler for a 2-2 tie. Millen looked great all game long with his linemates from last season Sean Costello and Jesse Perlstein. Together, the three generated some big scoring chances at the end of the game but just couldn't get one in. In the end, the score ended in a tie but Pennsbury looks like they have a team to compete for a playoff spot this year in an overall good effort in Hatfield.

JVA Falcons push Wissahickon to limit; fall 5-4

The Pennsbury JVA Falcons entered Faceoff Circle as a big underdog, especially considering they had four total substitution players throughout the whole game. What they did have was a much improved forward core and motivated goaltender Jeff Stitt in goal. Stitt may have allowed 5 goals but it was on 51 shots; Stitt had 46 saves for a .902 save percentage. He also had an incredible robbery glove save with 6 minutes left in the third when he dove over to rob a Wissahickon player of an open net and gloved it. The Falcons tied the game after trailing 1-0 on a great setup pass from Costello to Perlstein in front, who buried it home. The money line continued to do work together when ever they were on the ice. They trailed by one again but Pennsbury struck right back as Costello found Jason Millen in front for the goal. Millen skated hard to the net and was awarded for his efforts. Costello continued to impress many as he registered his third point on the night and gave Pennsbury a 3-2 lead on a snipe set up by Jesse Perlstein. Chris Lefevre made his return tonight and made his presence known, making some bone crushing hits. The game was tied 3-3 in the third period before Sean Costello found the back of the net for the second time, crashing the net. The play started off with Millen passing up to Hank Kauffman, who shot it on goal and Costello put it away for the Pennsbury 4-3 lead. The Falcons looked like they were on the brink of a big upset before Wissahickon struck twice late in the third to secure a 5-4 win. Pennsbury had victory so close but it slipped away. Coach Millen should be happy with the improvements in the offense, he also showed great emotion in some horrible officiating in tonight's game. The referees were making some biased calls on Pennsbury and then when Wissahickon would do the same thing, they would get away with it. Sean Costello played fantastic as did Perlstein and Millen. Costello had a 4 point night and Perlstein and Millen registered a goal and assist each as well. It makes these games fun to watch, it is something the JVA Falcons need as they are about to close out the season.

JVA Money Line: Millen-Costello-Perlstein

It has been rough all season long for the Pennsbury JVA Falcons and Coach Millen. He was constantly scrambling lines to assemble some solid ones that could get the team looking better then it had. It appears he has finally found a solutions in the late stages of the season. His son, Jason Millen, Sean Costello and Jesse Perlstein have formed a great trio. It all started in their last league game where they fell 4-1, but the line looked really solid. It was today's non-league game that had me convinced this was the line the JVA Falcons could rely on. Although they still won't be a top tier team, these three young men give everyone entertainment. Every shift on the ice, these three were working great together. Great passing, setups it was something I never expected. Each member of the MCP line recorded two points on the team's two goals today and it appeared they could have had more too. They showed great patience and poise, waiting for one member to break out then sending the lead pass. Sean Costello opened up the scoring on some great passing by Jesse Perlstein and Jason Millen, where Costello ripped it top shelf. It appeared earlier, Costello would have a second goal on a backhand but the net seemed to have difficulting staying on the mournings all game. Jason Millen's ability to start up rushes paid off, as he ended up finishing off a Sean Costello pass; which the play was initially started off by Perlstein and resulted in Pennsbury tying the game at 2-2. Costello also had a crushing hit, where he broke the opposing players collarbone. It was one hell of a clean hit. Goaltender Ben Herring also had a beautiful robbery helmet save at the end of the game where it was tied. Somehow, Pennsbury lost 3-2 in the final seconds when Costello won the faceoff back but somehow the defense was faultered and with Herring out of goal, it was an easy one. It doesn't really matter at this point though as it was a non-league game. I am looking forward to seeing this line again on February 11th, the next league game. Good call by Coach Millen!

Pennsbury VS CB South Aftermath

The Pennsbury Falcons took a hard fall last night, losing a 4-6 decision to CB South, who was a pretty good team entering the game but not one that should have been able to compete with Pennsbury. It appeared the emotion was everyone feels as if they are now on a free fall, which is not the case at all. If the team lost 3 or 4 games in a row that is time to hit the panic button but winning 9 out of their last 10 games and even gaining a point in that tie entering last night is something to be proud of. There comes a time where every streak comes to an end and maybe this was the wake up call the team needed. One loss does not define the season, there are still four games left to play and then it's time for the playoffs. Winning cures everything and a win next Thursday against CB West gets the team back on the right track. For this to happen, everyone needs to be on the same page, players and coaches. Forget the whole incident that happened, it doesn't matter anymore. It would be a damn shame to see such a talented team fall at this point in the season because of something stupid that happened. The players and coaches need to get back on the same page and work together again to accomplish their ultimate goal at winning the Flyers Cup. Corey Chapin and the Falcons defense will bounce back and if the offense comes out flying, it will be fine. CB South dominated the first half of the first period and that was very odd to see the Falcons get outplayed the way they did. They may have blown their grand opportunity to catch CR North for second place but even if they don't, they still have the talent to win in the playoffs. Everyone is still on the team, there is nothing to be bitter about now. The Falcons have a week of preparation to get things straight, it is far from over for this team. To win a cup, everyone needs to suck up their pride and co-operate.

Falcons fail to get over miscues, fall 4-6 to CB South

The Pennsbury Falcons entered this game after defeating Abington 4-0 the night before againsta CB South team having a solid season, but not one close to Pennsbury's. The Falcons entered the game with a lot on the line. They were just two points behind Council Rock North for second place in the National Division but failed to get the big win. The Pennsbury defense was exposed and they rely so much on their defensemen and Chapin to bust them out. It was just an off night for everyone and the Falcons 4 game winning streak was snapped; Also breaking Pennsbury's 10 consecutive games of getting a point, 9 out of the 10 they won. Could the locker room drama from last night have been a factor in why everyone seemed so off? Well, it's not like the team played bad, they would get themselves back into it and then give up another goal. Down 1-0, Falcons captain Matt Mager shook off the drama from last night and took a beam of a shot for a shorthanded goal. This was set up on a perfect saucer pass across the zone by Dan Habermeh, who played another great game. Goaltender Corey Chapin was off tonight and he knew it, you could just tell it would be one of those nights when the third CB South goal went in off of Chapin's stacked pads. The Falcons clawed their way back in the game once again, as Matt Mager struck again, this time on the power play to cut the deficit to 2-3. Erik Rinehold threw some crushing hits, the officiating was really off tonight as Rinehold lined up a CB South player perfectly and crushed him into the boards but was called for a penalty. CB South capitalized and retained their two goal advantage. However, again Pennsbury responded and got right back in it as finally Dan Habermehl scored his first goal of the season. Habermehl looked up as if he was saying "FINALLY!" as this was set up by Mike Hlatky. The crowd applauded Habermehlon his efforts and he got mugged by his teammates. It also cut the CB South lead to 3-4. After that, the game got out of reach. The Falcons had too many miscues in their own zone and Chapin couldn't get into his rhythm. The Pennsbury penalty kill, which is normally one of the best didn't look so good tonight. Entering the final two minutes of the game, CB South had a 3-6 lead when Ken Mccormick showed he cannot be shut down a whole game as he sniped a power play goal but Pennsbury trailed 4-6. The Falcons showed life in the final minute but it was far too little, too late and Pennsbury lost on the night 4-6. Hopefully, it is nothing to be concerned about and the team can rebound February 11th against CB West as the Falcons will enter their second of their three game home stand.

Game Notes:
-Mike Jezowski lives another day without owing goaltender Corey Chapin $25
-Bonnot, Thornton, Matthews, Meschel and Sweetland all had limited ice time
-First time in 10 games the Falcons didn't take a point from the game
-Pennsbury's four game winning streak is snapped
-Matt Mager (PEN) almost had the natural hatrick; he scored two goals on special teams on the PP and SH and only needed an even strength goal

Varsity Falcons playoff chances gone in one night?

You would think that after a 4-0 cruising victory over Abington last night would mean the title of this blog would be crazy, but it is not. Later on that night, I am not quite sure exactly what happened but in the locker room a few players on the Varsity/JVAA hockey team may be dismissed from the team for not being able to make the game on Friday as they plan on going on a ski trip. This would include captain, and the Falcons second overall leader in points Matt Mager, power forward Matt Topely, agrivator, gritty forward Colin Healy, JVAA/Varsity swinger Andrew Patterson and even the suspended Alex Dobzanski? The Falcons have a lot of depth but if they end up playing either Council Rock team at one point in the playoffs they will need all these guys to edge them out. I understand the coaches trying to have discipline and have their players dedicated but for what a none-league game? Wouldn't it be smarter to have those guys take a day off anyway and not have them play three straight days? If I were the coaches I'd just let it be as the game means nothing, it could have plenty of benefits. They could call up players from the Junior Varsity teams and see what potential those players bring for next season. It would be a good stint for them to get a feel at a higher level and give the coaches an idea of what type of style they play hockey. These players being dismissed could lead to others leaving the team as well. A lot of players showed extreme displeasure with this as the Falcons chances at bringing a cup to Pennsbury took a hit. It looked like their chances were very good too, they have been playing great hockey. They currently stand at 15-2-1 and are only two points behind Council Rock North for second place with an even amount of games played. I hope it all works out in the end and these guys really won't be leaving because of missing a non-league game. This is the worst possible point of the season for something like this to happen, you know these guys are dedicated to the team.

"It's one game, friday night, means absolutely nothing to either team, two other games this week, it's high school hockey, taking it away from me and my other teammates, their missing it for a once in a lifetime activity, get real, ruined OUR shot at the cup. It's just not right" - Ken Mccormick, Falcons leading scorer on the matter

Chapin, Falcons defense shuts out Abington 4-0

The Varsity Pennsbury Falcons club walked into the Grundy Ice Hockey Rink with an unusual feeling. They were playing in Rink B and as the away team. It was a make up game between Abington and Pennsbury, a game the Falcons should have been the away team on. Abington had a small roster entering the game but they got off to a fast start. Pennsbury was outshooting Abington in the early going but had a tough time getting their game going. They had a few close calls as Abington hit a few posts in the first period but after that Falcons goaltender Corey Chapin shook it off and made some big saves. The defensive pairings of Erik Rinehold and Nick Burkhart and then Phil Herring and Colin Gannon on the other were rock solid, limiting Abington's shots. Colin Gannon did a stellar job all night at the point, using his body to prevent the puck from leaving the zone. He did this on multiple occasions. It was also a pleasant surprise to see some of JVAA coach Joe Deery's fine forwards; The JVAA team is at a solid 10-1-4 record themselves. Special recognition to Pat Bonnot, Eric Thornton, Andrew Patterson and Allen Meschel for their fine contributions tonight. They all played with great energy with the playing time they received. Moose (Pat Bonnot), the senior forward played a great physical game and played well in front of the Abington netminder; Bonnot almost deflected a few shots for goals. Thornton used his speed for a great forcheck and Bear (Andrew Patterson) played a very aggressive, physical game. While Allen Meschel brought the offense to the line. Pennsbury finally woke up in the second period as Ken Mccormick sniped a goal at the end of the power play assisted by Erik Rinehold and Matt Mager. The Falcons Power Play unit looked solid all night, as forward Mike Hlatky played the point in place of the suspended Alex Dobzanski. Hlatky played great at the point, this kid is a treat to watch with his speed. I also saw a side of him I never noticed before, a powerful slapshot from the point. He operated the Pennsbury power play with Rinehold with great pose. Speaking of which, Mager scored on the man advantage with Mccormick and Rinehold setting him up for te 2-0 Falcons lead. If anyone has worked hard for a goal, it would be Dan Habermehl. Habermehl played a great physical game as he always does, always finishing his checks. Habermehl has 9 assists all season but no goals. He had his chances tonight and missed by inches. However, Habermehl's great play did not go unnoticed as he got late power play time with Mager and Mccormick, the Falcons leading scorers. It appears Habermehl recored an assist on Mccormick's third goal to complete the hatrick on the power play. It was initially set up by Mike Hlatky. Mccormick also had a chance for a shorthanded goal as he dangled around the Abington defense as well as the goaltender but couldn't roof it. The rest of the way was led by Corey Chapin, who earned his shutout as he stuffed an Abington shooter on a breakaway and made some crucial glove saves. He did get some good help from Rinehold, Gannon, Herring and Burkhart. All of which played great games as the Falcons prevailed 4-0, another shutout for Chapin.

Game Notes:
-Pennsbury outshot Abington 47-25
-Ken Mccormick(PEN) completed the hatrick
-Corey Chapin (PEN) records his third shutout of the season
-Dan Habermehl was awarded first line power play time late in the game
-Colin Gannon and Phil Herring did not allow a single odd man rush
-Pat Bonnot, Eric Thornton, Andrew Patterson and Allen Meschel were called up from JVAA
-Mike Hlatky operated Alex Dobzanski's power play spot as Dobzanski started to serve his suspension

3 Stars
1. Ken Mccormick (PEN) - 3 goals, almost a fourth he continues his dominance
2. Corey Chapin (PEN) - 25 save shutout, caught some breaks but he played great tonight
3. Erik Rinehold (PEN) - Great defensively, tacked on a few assists on the night as well