Westfield Jr. Bombers White 7, Pioneer Valley Lightning 8
Sunday, December 8, 2013 at Amelia Park Ice Arena
Division: Mite 3
It was a close game but Pioneer Valley Lightning took the win. Westfield players Ryan DeFalco, Richard Moritko, Quinn O’ Brien and Gavin Trzepacz worked hard to keep the puck out of their net. Kaitlyn Ondrick had more than 15 saves in goal. Westfield goals were scored by Owen Colbath, Brannon Miele, Jacob Millard, Callahan Schultz and four goals scored by Paul Lawry.
Ludlow 5, Westfield Jr. Bombers Red 2
Sunday, December 8, 2013 at Amelia Park Ice Arena
Division: Mite 3
The Westfield Junior Bombers Red fell just short in a Mite 3 division game against Ludlow on Sunday morning. In a tremendous effort, the Bombers showed great improvement while battling to the end. Spencer Roy and Gavin Connors notched goals for Westfield. The game was much closer than the three goal margin due to the great defensive effort by the Bombers. Leading that charge was Nolan Lafayette in goal. He stopped 21 shots in a sparkling effort, turning Ludlow away on numerous occasions on scoring chances. The Bombers will take to the ice this weekend looking to continue working hard.
Westfield Jr. Bombers 5, Chittenden South Burlington Hawks 3
Friday, December 13, 2013 at Saratoga Springs, NY
Division: Bantam 2
The Jr. Bombers took their show on the road and headed to The Saratoga Youth Hockey Bantam Tournament for the weekend. Their first challenge was a tough Hawks team from South Burlington, and Westfield found themselves down 1-0 just three and a half minutes into the opening game. But Quinn Powers found an opening in the defense and raced down the rink, beating the defense and firing a shot that found its way through the South Burlington goalie and over the goal line to tie the game at one. From there, Westfield found their groove, with Spencer Cloutier giving Westfield the lead two minutes later, taking a pass from Liam Webster and Nikita Chepurin to give Westfield their first lead of the game. Danny Antonellis then added to the lead 5 minutes later on a pass from Cloutier, and Westfield was up 3-1 after one period. South Burlington was not ready to go quietly, however, scoring just 34 seconds into period two, and then tying the game back up halfway through the second. After that, the Jr. Bombers would use their superior depth to wrest control away from South Burlington. With one minute left in the second, and the Hawks growing noticeably more tired with every shift, Cloutier again got a pass from Webster and Chepurin to give Westfield the lead – this time for good. In the third, the Jr. Bombers would add an insurance goal by Scotty Bussell, but the story was Westfield’s depth and defense, as the Hawks were limited to only three shots on goal over the final fifteen minutes. Defensemen Wyatt Jensen, Devin Baker and Tyler Bennett helped goalie Matt Brady (14 saves) stand strong, and give Westfield a 1-0 record to start the tournament.
Westfield Jr. Bombers 27, Springfield Capitals 3
Saturday, December 14, 2013, Olympia Ice Arena
Division: Mite 1
Westfield once again came out with their passing game today and used it to their advantage. The Jr. Bombers hit first with a goal from Hunter Stockseth, which was quickly countered by the Capitals making it a tie game. Aaron Hooben then hit the net from the outside (assist from Francis Powers) followed by goals from Ethan Porter and Francis Powers. The Capitals then rallied for a goal only to see Westfield take control with goals from Ethan Marowitz, Bryce Russ, Brayden Czarnecki and George Kimball (off assist from Ethan Porter). The Capitals, fought back once again breaking through the strong defense to score once again, but Westfield ready to turn on the offense hit with goals from Ethan Marowitz (assist from Bryce Russ) , Brayden Czarnecki, Ethan Porter (assist from Jacob Jarrell), and Hunter Stockseth (assist from Cole Chapman). Late in the game the Capitals were able to get a few good shots on net, but were denied by the quick goaltending of Sawyer King.
Westfield Jr. Bombers 20, Brattleboro 4
Saturday, December 14, 2013, Collins-Moylan Arena, Greenfield, MA
Division: Mite 2
The Jr. Bombers remain undefeated against Brattleboro this season posting their third win over them. Although Brattleboro scored the initial goal of the game, it didn’t take the Jr. Bombers long to show their scoring abilities with Darrin Schnopp leading the charge with a shot assisted by Patrick Rae followed by a rebound shot from Sean McMahon and Katie Collins netting one assisted by Evan Grant. Schnopp would follow with his second goal of the game and Sarah McMahon scoring back-to-back goals bringing Westfield’s lead to 6-1. The play of the game would give Westfield their 7th goal of the game when Rae would lift the puck up and over from behind the Brattleboro net to Nathan Sarabaez who would score. Rae would follow-up with a goal of his own just 17-seconds later. Brattleboro would fight hard to get their second goal of the game, but Westfield didn’t take comfort in their lead, as Michael Pelletier, Collins and Michael Miller would net three more within just minute of each other. Katie Collins gave a one-two punch scoring the next two followed by another for Miller, Jarred Ritter and Sarabaez before Brattleboro would score their 3rd goal. Collins and Ritter would both score again before Brattleboro would net their 4th and final goal of the game. Again, Westfield would not let up with the final goals of the game being scored by Rae and Collins. David Forest was on his game saving 25 of the 29 shots against him.
Westfield Jr. Bombers 4, Springfield Capitals 3
Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Amelia Park Ice Arena
Division: Squirt 2
The Bombers were able to avenge their recent last second loss to the Capitals with a solid 4-3 win. Westfield came out strong and got on the board first with a quick goal from Drew Glenzel that was set up by Kayla Russ. Gage Sperlonga put in the Bombers second goal by following up his shot that was initially turned away by the Capitals goalie. The second period featured 2 breakaway goals by the Bombers – the first by Russ, who was assisted by Andrew Eidinger and Aidan Jubb. Sperlonga put in the other goal, his second of the game, set up by Harrison Klein. Westfield flexed its defensive muscle by keeping the Capitals off the board, anchored by Jake Marcoulier, Olivia Lawry, Harrison Klein and Aidan Jubb. The Bomber’s goal keeper Sean Rowbotham was rock solid, turning away numerous shots. The third period got a little hairy for Westfield, as they let the Capitals back in the game, allowing 3 unanswered goals. Drew Glenzel and Aidan Jubb both broke up late game breakaways that could have spelled disaster for Westfield. The Capitals made one last push as the game clock ticked down, but Rowbotham came up huge and sealed the victory for the Bombers.
Westfield Jr. Bombers 5, Holy Name Green 2
Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Olympia Ice Arena
Division: PeeWee 3
The Westfield Jr. Bombers had another impressive win today against the Holy Name Green team from Division 2. Westfield scored the first goal of the game that was a back-handed assist from Reid Hannan to Cory Boulay to allow Westfield to lead 1 – 0. Holy Name then made a couple shots on net, but Westfield’s goalie, Brian Daly would stop each of their goal attempts, especially with a nice “pad” save. The second goal that came from Westfield in the first period was an unassisted goal from Reid Hannan, which advanced Westfield’s lead to 2 – 0. Westfield’s goalie, Brian Daly was tested again by Holy Name, but Brian was in his zone with two phenomenal stops a “pillow” and a “stick” save. Westfield was definitely on the attack in the first period with many executed passing plays made by the entire offensive line of Clarissa (CJ) Jarrell, Keely Connor, Kurt Toomey, Nick Langlois, Kailtyn Forest, Reid Hannan, Noah DuBoff and Cory Boulay. The third goal of the game to be scored by Westfield would be Reid Hannan’s second goal of the game, which was an unassisted goal that ripped past the Holy Name goalie advancing Westfield’s lead to 3 – 0 and ending the first period. In the second period, Holy Name was on the attack and ended up scoring 2 goals, but that would be all that Holy Name could score against Westfield’s goalie, Brian Daly. The strong defensive line of Ian Lemieux, Steven Shaw, Alyssa Warren and Thea Glenzel kept Holy Name from scoring anymore goals on Brian Daly in that second period. Westfield’s fourth goal of the game came from Reid Hannan’s “hat-trick” of the game that was an unassisted goal. The second period ended with Westfield in the lead by 4 – 2. The third period was an intense period, where both teams were on the attack. Holy Name made many attempts to score on Westfield’s goalie, Brian Daly, but Westfield’s strong defensive line and an incredible “Hoover” save by goalie, Brian Daly kept Holy Name from scoring again. Westfield would increase their final lead to 5 – 2 with a well-executed shot by Reid Hannan where he picked the upper left-hand pocket of Holy Name’s net to score his fourth goal of the game. The final score of today’s game against Holy Name was 5 – 2, allowing the Westfield Jr. Bombers to advance their record to an undefeated record of 9 and 0. Today’s successful win was due to the great teamwork by all. Your great team efforts today were evident with many well executed passing plays by the offensive line of Noah DuBoff, Kurt Toomey, Kaitlyn Forest, Nick Langlois, Keely Connor, Clarissa (CJ) Jarrell, Cory Boulay and Reid Hannan and not to mention the “exceptional” defensive line of Thea Glenzel, Ian Lemieux, Alyssa Warren and Steven Shaw, who kept Holy Name from scoring any additional goals in the third period. Today’s great win was also due to the “unstoppable” glove of Westfield’s goalie, Brian Daly who had an awesome game today. Job Well Done Westfield Jr. Bombers! Keep up the wonderful teamwork…..we are so proud of all of you along with the coaching staff.
Westfield Jr. Bombers 3, Schenectady Chargers 1
Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Saratoga Springs, NY
Division: Bantam 2
The Jr. Bombers faced a stiff challenge from the Schenectady Chargers in their second game of the Saratoga Youth Hockey Bantam Tournament. This game was about as even a defensive struggle as could be through the first period, with no one being able to beat either goalie and both teams getting off only 4 shots apiece. Then, something odd happened. With one referee signaling delayed off-sides on the Jr. Bombers, the Chargers misunderstood his signal and thought they had a delayed power play coming up. The bench signaled for the Charger goalie to come to the bench for an extra skater, leaving the net wide open. When the Jr. Bombers took possession of the puck back, it was too late for the Chargers to realize their mistake, as Liam Webster dumped the puck into the empty net and gave Westfield a 1-0 lead they would not relinquish. Scotty Bussell finally beat the Schenectady goalie with 2 minutes left in the second period to give Westfield a 2-0 lead. However, Schenectady was not ready to pack it in for the night yet, and finally got on the board with 38 seconds left in the second. But once again, the Westfield defense was ready for the challenge in the third period. This time, Tyler Bennett, Johnny Pitoniak and Charlie Bonatakis were stand outs for the Jr. Bomber defense, with Logan Klein adding support from his center spot, and Bonatakis eventually chipping in an assist on Danny Antonellis’ goal half way through the period. Matt Brady helped the cause the rest of the way, making 8 of his 14 saves in the third as Westfield jumped out to a quick 2-0 record in the tournament.
Westfield Jr. Bombers 2, Saratoga Blue Knights 1
Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Saratoga Springs, NY
Division: Bantam 2
Westfield capped a fantastic trio of games in the round robin portion of the Saratoga Youth Hockey Bantam Tournament by beating the host Blue Knights 2-1 on Saturday night. Once again, Westfield used the identical formula that had worked in the previous two games; just enough shots on goal, combined with tough, aggressive defense and clutch goaltending to gain a hard fought victory. The offensive part of the equation was provided by Liam Webster. After a scoreless first period that saw all of Westfield‘s opportunities turned away by Saratoga’s goalie Brendan Meehan, Webster finally beat Meehan off a pass from Nikita Chepurin. Chepurin fought off a Blue Knight defender and had enough presence to use his skate to kick the puck over to a waiting Webster, who shelved it to give the Jr. Bombers the 1-0 lead. The aggressive defense was helped by some heads up back-checking on the part of Westfield’s forwards, particularly Nate Gendron, Brandon Laviolette and Jake Viamari. Once again, Westfield would use its depth to its advantage in the third period. Forty seconds in, Charlie Bonatakis found Webster with a pass, and Webster once again found a way to beat Meehan and give Westfield a 2-0 cushion. From there, Westfield clamped the defense down, and would allow the Blue Knights only 4 shots in the third period. Westfield goalie Matt Brady would turn three of those away, and Westfield moved on to the Championship Game of the tournament with a 3-0 record in the round robin portion.
Westfield Jr. Bombers 7, Ludlow 8
Sunday, December 15, 2013, Smead Arena, Springfield, MA
Division: Mite 2
The Westfield Jr. Bombers had a tense battle with Ludlow, in a game where Westfield loaned a couple of players to the short-handed Ludlow, showing great sportsmanship. Michael Miller and Sarah McMahon would start the scoring for Westfield with a quick follow-up goal by Ludlow. Before being swapped to the opponent, Westfield’s Darrin Schnopp would score one for his home team. Katie Collins and Patrick Rae would get goals 4 and 5 for Westfield before Ludlow would score again. Rae would score his second goal of the game for Westfield before he took to the other team followed by a goal by Evan Grant assisted by Katie Collins. Ludlow would technically get the win with the next six goals, two of which, however, were scored by Westfield’s Schnopp and Rae playing on behalf of Ludlow. So, who really won??? Once again, David Forest held his ground in net with 25 saves.
Ludlow 4, Westfield Jr. Bombers 1
Sunday, December 15, 2013 at Smead Arena, Springfield, MA
Division: PeeWee 3
The Westfield Jr. Bombers had a tough lost today against Ludlow on this “Snowy” Sunday morning. The first period was an intense scoreless period for both teams. Ludlow was definitely on the attack and wanted to score against the Westfield Jr. Bombers. In the first period, the strong defensive line of Thea Glenzel, Steven Shaw, Alyssa Warren and Ian Lemieux kept Ludlow from scoring against, Westfield’s goalie, Brian Daly to end the first period 0 – 0. The second period began just as intense as the first. Ludlow kept trying to get past Westfield’s defensive line, but Westfield’s goalie, Brian Daly made many nice saves in the second period, especially a “fabulous” pad save and a “fierce” catch save. The offensive line of Cory Boulay, Kurt Toomey, Reid Hannan, Clarissa (CJ) Jarrell, Keely Connor and Kaitlyn Forest kept trying to execute some smart passing plays, but nothing seem to get by Ludlow’s defensive line. The Westfield Jr. Bombers did score the first goal in the second period that was an unassisted goal from Reid Hannan who picked the top pocket of Ludlow’s net, but that would be the only goal that the Westfield Jr. Bombers would score in today’s game. Ludlow would follow Reid Hannan’s goal with three goals against Westfield in the second period, ending that period with Ludlow leading 3 – 1. In the third period, the Westfield Jr. Bombers tried to attack back, but nothing seem to get past Ludlow’s strong defensive line. Westfield’s coaching staff made many different line changes throughout the third period, but today wasn’t the Westfield Jr. Bomber’s day to execute their usual strong offensive passing plays. Westfield’s strong defensive line of Steven Shaw, Ian Lemieux, Alyssa Warren and Thea Glenzel worked really hard to keep Ludlow from scoring on goalie, Brian Daly, but Ludlow was very hungry for the win today. The third period would end with Ludlow scoring one more goal against the Westfield Jr. Bombers for a final score of Ludlow winning 4 – 1. Today was definitely a tough lost for the PeeWee 3 team, and their undefeated record may have come to an end, but they should be so proud of what they have accomplished so far this hockey season. Even with today’s loss, the Westfield Jr. Bombers still remain in first place in their division with a record of 9 and 1. Tough lost today Westfield Jr. Bombers, but remember there are so many great opportunities left this hockey season. So keep your chins up and continue to play “your game” with that “positive team-work” and “can do” attitude that we love to watch you all play on that ice-rink!
Westfield Jr. Bombers 1, Saratoga Blue Knights 0
Sunday, December 15, 2013 at Saratoga Springs, NY
Division: Bantam 2
Westfield came away with the title in the Championship Game of the Saratoga Youth Hockey Bantam Tournament by squeaking by the Saratoga Blue Knights for the second time in 18 hours, this time by the razor thin margin of 1-0. After struggling to find ways to beat Blue Knights goalie Brendan Meehan the previous night, Westfield found Meehan had stepped up his game for the title match, as he stopped every Westfield over the first half of the game. Over on the Westfield side, however, the defense group, led by Wyatt Jensen and Charlie Bonatakis was collectively proving to be Meehan’s equal, allowing only 3 shots to get to goalie Matt Brady over the first half of the game. Finally, with just over two minutes left in the second, Alex Beauchemin took the puck deep into the Saratoga zone, wheeled and laid a perfect pass off to Scotty Bussell, who found Meehan out of position enough to slip one by hi and give Westfield the lead. Westfield kept the pressure up on the Blue Knights the rest of the way, eventually outshooting the Blue Knights 33-10 over the course of the game, but found themselves down two men after late penalties on Jensen and Danny Antonellis with just under a minute to play. With Meehan pulled Saratoga had a 3 man advantage, but Tyler Bennett found the puck twice in that frantic last minute, and cleared it the length of the ice both times to give Westfield the Championship. Exhausted from 4 games over 40 hours, the boys were happy to get back to Westfield with a trophy in hand to add to the ever growing collection at Amelia Park.
Westfield Jr. Bombers White 10, Amherst 5
Saturday, December 21, 2013 at Smead Arena, Springfield, MA
Division: Mite 3
The Westfield Mite 3 White team took the win with 10 goals on Saturday, December 21st. Callahan Schultz did an excellent job in goal with numerous saves. Westfield goals were scored by Richard Moritko(4), Paul Lawry,Owen Colbath, Brannon Miele, Quinn O’Brien, Kaitlyn Ondrick.
Holy Name Stars Black 9, Westfield Jr. Bombers 4
Saturday, December 21, 2013 at Olympia Arena, West Springfield, MA
Division: Squirt 2
The Bombers came out flying to start the game, with Drew Glenzel putting in a rebound shot from Gage Sperlonga. Olivia Lawry repeated the same by following up a shot by Kayla Russ. Russ then put in a goal of her own, assisted by Aidan Jubb and Olivia Lawry. Then things got bad for Westfield as the Stars scored 3 quick goals to end the first period. The second period was a tough one for the Bombers, as Holy Name was able to tack on 4 more goals. The lone offensive highlight for Westfield was a goal by Sperlonga, assisted by Russ. The third period saw 2 more goals by Holy Name, with the Bombers unable to score again. Although the score may make this game seem to be a blowout, Westfield did a lot of positive things that won’t show on a game sheet. The defense featuring Harrison Klein, Jake Marcoulier, Aidan Jubb and Brody Fitzgerald did a great job against a talented team that should be playing in a higher division. Bombers goalie Sean Rowbotham had a very busy day in net, turning away 31 of the 40 shots taken on him.
Amherst 14, Westfield Jr. Bombers White 6
Sunday, December 22, 2013 at Amelia Park Ice Arena
Division: Mite 3
Westfield Mite 3 White did a great job playing Sunday at Amelia Park. Amherst took the win with 14 goals and 6 goals by the Junior Bombers. Goals were scored by Owen Colbath, Paul Lawry, Jacob Millard, Quinn O’Brien, and Brannon Miele(2). Westfield players Ryan DeFalco, Nicholas LaComb, Richard Moritko, Kaitlyn Ondrick, and Gavin Trepacz did a fabulous job with defense for Callahan Schultz who played goal.
Westfield Jr. Bombers 6, Pioneer Valley Lightning 2
Sunday, December 22, 2013 at Fitzpatrick Arena, Holyoke, MA
Division: Squirt 2
The Bombers were able to bounce back from the previous day’s tough loss, with a solid win over a much improved Pioneer Valley team. The first period had both teams trading offensvie attacks, but Westfield was able to breakthrough first. Gage Sperlonga was able to score first, on a give and go from Ryan Major. Major then scored a goal of his own, aidied by Sperlonga, on a face off in front of the Lightning’s net. The second period had the Bombers keeping the pressure on, with a second goal from Major, with help from Aidan Jubb. The Lightning got on the board with a goal that squirted past Westfield goalie Sean Rowbotham during a pile up in front of the net. Westfield answered right back with a short-handed goal by Sperlonga, assisted by Kayla Russ and Elyse Eidinger. The defense was solid as usual, with great plays by Jake Marcoulier, Olivia Lawry, Drew Glenzel and Kayla Russ. Westfield kept it rolling in the third period, as Brody Fitzgerald slid in a hot shot from the top of the circle. The Lightning were able sneak 1 last goal past Rowbotham, who had another quality game with 12 saves on the day. Gage Sperlonga had one last goal as the game clock ticked down, giving him his first hat trick of the season.
COURTESY OF WESTFIELD YOUTH HOCKEY
