The Empire strikes back.

After dropping two games to the NY Aviators a week ago, the Empire team bounced back in a big way by defeating Brewster Prep 5-0 this past Sunday. Midway through the first, the Hitmen blew the game open with a 3-goal scoring spree in a span of 43 seconds. That was all they would need as they dominated from start to finish, outshooting the New York prep school by a margin of 50-17.

At 15:02 of the first period, Frank Steffe found a puck in the high slot and rifled a shot into the back of the net to begin the scoring assault. Twenty-four seconds later Brett Connon unleashed a laser from the point that eluded the Brewster goalie. Only nineteen seconds had gone by and the Hitmen struck for a third goal, this time it was Mark Gurega finding the back of the net on a pin-point pass from Stephan Kobyleckyj. The Empire team swarmed the net for much of the period and never really allowed Brewster Prep to gain any momentum.

Eddie Leitgeb would push the lead to 4-0 with less than 5 minutes to go in the first. Mark Gurega added his second of the game and gave the Hitmen a 5-0 lead with 7:16 left in the third and that would cap the scoring. Ross Mantione was solid in net and made 17 saves for the win.

The Hitmen played with vigor and would not be deterred from their game plan. They got pucks deep, minimized turnovers and were detail-oriented in their defensive end. Brewster Prep could only generate 17 shots, none of which were quality chances. The Empire team is back in action this Sunday at the Ice House when they take on the NJ Avalanche Met team. The Hitmen are now 14-3-1 overall.