Hitmen Premier Downs P.A.L. Islanders in Weekend Series
Wayne, NJ - After starting the season undefeated in seven games, the Hitmen hit a bit of a tough stretch. Prior to this past weekend, the defending 2015 Dineen Cup Champions were 3-3 in their last six USPHL league contests. Over that 6 game stretch, the Hitmen were struggling scoring goals, then their struggles would shift to defending their goal and their penalty kill was abysmal. That inconsistency lead to a few changes in the Hitmen line up and those changes yielded a weekend sweep of the first place, PAL Jr Islanders.
The Islanders rolled into the Ice Vault on Friday, winners of their last 3 USPHL games and 4 of 5 (with their only loss at the hands of the Hitmen on September 30th at the Rinx) for a two game weekend set. In game one, the Hitmen struck first, as assistant captain, David Szmyd lit the lamp at 8:18. That lead grew, as just 3 minutes later, as a defensive zone turnover by a PAL defender left, Oscar Skiold, alone with, Justin Ketola. Skiold then undressed Ketola with a deke and beat the sprawling goaltender high glove side to put the Hitmen up 2-0 after one period. In period two, the Islanders struck early on a broken play behind the Hitmen goal with, Shawn Knowlton, wrapping the puck in from behind the net cutting the PAL deficit to one. However, Zach Tyson, would change that and lengthen the Hitmen lead on an equally impressive wrap around goal off the rush. Tyson took the puck behind the PAL net, wrapped it to the net front, only to be denied by Ketola, but Tyson stuck with it and jammed the puck past the outstretched leg of Ketola to put the Hitmen back up 3-1. With 16:24 remaining, PAL forward, Jack Riley, would cash in on a Hitmen defensive zone break down, ringing one off the post and beating, Josh Creelman, to draw PAL back within one going into the third stanza. Period three would be a lot like the first two periods with end to end action, and at the 5:55 mark, the PAL Jr Islanders would draw even with the Hitmen off a net front scrum, 3-3. Just 2 minutes later, at 7:55, Walker Sommer, would play hero as driving down the right side of the ice, Sommer would cut to the middle, and blister a wrist shot far side, beating Ketola, and launching the Hitmen to their 7th league victory.
On Sunday, in the final game of the season series between the Hitmen and the Jr Islanders, the Hitmen would not be denied. The home team hit the ice with a renewed sense of urgency and confidence after gutting out a 4-3 victory on Friday. This was not illustrated better than witnessing the barrage of shots that the Hitmen unleashed on PAL goaltender, Justin Ketola. Although the scoreboard read, 0-0, after one the shot clock told a different story, 21-3, in favor of the Hitmen. The second period started much the same, until David Szmyd, again, opened the Hitmen scoring at the 15:00 minute mark of the second frame, with assists going to Alex Whelan and Tanner Salsberry. With the Hitmen up only 1-0 going into the third period, the team stayed focused and continued their hard, intense play, and at the 5:56 mark, Kyle Fargesen, banged home a one timer on the doorstep to put the Hitmen up 2-0. Ten minutes later, Gianni Evangelisti, would end his scoring drought, notching his 2nd of the season on a nifty backhand from the slot and the Hitmen would skate to a 3-0 victory.
"There were a lot of bright spots in the weekend sweep," said coach Toby Harris. "Our penalty kill shutting down their PP (0-11), some of our forwards getting off the snide with big goals but the play of Josh Creelman has really energized the room. Since joining us, Creelman, has really calmed things down on the back end and has posted incredible numbers with a 3-1 record, 1.19 GAA and .949 save percentage." Harris continued, "in moving out of the Chris Funkey era (three year Hitmen starter) there is always a acclimation phase but I don't think that there is a goalie out there closer in look, compete level and overall production than Josh. We are very excited to have him aboard!"
The Hitmen continue their home stand this weekend as they face off against the Boston Jr Bruins in a two game set. Puck drop on Saturday night is a 5:45pm followed by a 1:45pm puck drop on Sunday afternoon. Both games will be broadcast on www.fasthockey.com as Mike Sheehan, the voice of the Hitmen, will cover both contests.