The 2001 U14 Hitmen played their first two home games of the year this past weekend. On Saturday the Connecticut Chiefs of the EHF came to town. The team was excited to play in front of their friends and family as they have been on the road for the first 4 months of the year. Coach Hunt, Coach Harris, Mr. Reiss along with the Premier team was also in attendance as they were scheduled to play after the 2001 game.

As usual, the Chiefs were much bigger than our team. However, the size differential did not affect our team. The boys played a typical Hitmen style game. The team pressured the puck and played a solid two way hockey game. Joe Bagi was in net and made some big saves for the team. Jason Atkinson with help from Ryan Siffringer and Rory Mauer scored on a power play to give the team a 1-1 tie. Shots on goal were 23 Hitmen 14 Connecticut Chiefs.

Sunday the Hitmen saw the Long Island Royals of the AYHL the Ice Vault. To no surprise, they were a much bigger team than us. Once again the team played a spirited Hitmen style game. Falling early to a two goal deficit the boys dug deep and began to push back. The team scored three goals in the second period, two goals by Jason Atkinson and one by Thomas Kleinman (his first of two). The third period saw the Royals tie the game on a power play goal in the first minute of the period. With a short bench due to injuries (3 shoulders) the boys once again pushed back and Thomas Kleinman scored on the power play with assists going to Patrick Smith and Chris Malota. Jimmy Morris jumped from his normal defenseman position and played a few shifts at forward to help the boys close out the game. Lucas Podvey was in net and made some spectacular saves to secure the 4-3 victory. Shots on goal were Hitmen 34 and the Royals 23.