Category Archives: Roller

This is news about roller hockey.

Squirrels 5, 5 Holes 0

Posted on by

In the final regular season game of the season Tuesday, a game that meant nothing in the standings, the Screaming Squirrels finally put together a near-flawless performance against a team that has had their number all year. They came away with a 5-0 victory against the 5 Holes, a win they sorely wanted going into the playoffs.

Don Marks scored the only goal of the first period, maneuvering around with a defenseman draped on him. The goal gave him 30 points for the season, a Squirrels’ record.

The Squirrels blew the game open in the second period with four goals, three on the power play. Tony Richelsen had a goal and Jeff Ford scored two with the odd man-advantage. Ed Bager scored at even strength.

Bob Sewell, who the Squirrels faced twice this season, had a 17-save shutout, and will likely play for them in the playoffs in place of Brian Byrne, who moved to New Jersey last week.

The playoffs start Thursday, August 25, at 8:30 p.m. against the qualifier winner.

Hurricanes 4, Squirrels 1

Posted on by

Byrne Bids Farewell to Squirrels

For three seasons, Brian Byrne was the man in net for the Squirrels, helping them produce three winning seasons and a championship. He was always one of the league leaders in goals against average and fewest goals allowed, and he often came up with big saves to keep the Squirrels in a game they had no business winning or tying. Byrne played his final game for the Squirrels on Tuesday, against a team that has always been a thorn in their side.

The Hurricanes, again, got the best of them. This was despite the fact that the Squirrels – who played with a full roster – posted 19 first-half shots, and controlled much of the second half as if they had a power play. But fast breaks, rebounds and second-chance shots led to four first-half goals for the Hurricanes. Don Marks put the Squirrels on the board with ten seconds remaining in the first period with a defender draped all over him. But that was all the Squirrels could manage offensively, despite a 28-21 shot advantage.

The Hurricanes used backup goaltender Bob Sewell, who the Squirrels had easily beaten earlier in the season when he subbed for the Fish.

Byrne will now move his family up to his native New Jersey to continue his career in education, and hopefully, roller hockey.

The Squirrels play their regular season finale against another team they haven’t beaten this season – the 5 Holes. The game is Tuesday, August 16, at 7:30 p.m. While meaningless in the C Division standings, the Squirrels hope to get some momentum going into the playoffs.

Squirrels 2, Bullhawks 2

Posted on by

Playing against a much improved Bullhawks team, the Squirrels struck first Tuesday, but had to battle back and kill a late penalty to settle for a 2-2 tie.

Don Marks scored through a screen in the first period to put the Squirrels ahead. In the second period, the Bullhawks scored on a delayed penalty, and then again 34 seconds later to take the lead. Then Jeff Ford scored off of the goaltender’s shoulder to tie the game at two. The Squirrels killed off a four-minute penalty with less than five minutes remaining, saving the tie.

Ford’s goal was his 20th of the season, a team record.

Two games remain, both against the top two teams in the league. The next game is Tuesday, August 9, at 9:30 against the first-place Hurricanes.

Squirrels 9, Mors ab Alto 0

Posted on by

Craving a victory after last week’s last-second loss, the Squirrels unleashed a flurry of offense against Mors ab Alto, easily winning 9-0 while only giving up five shots.

Jeff Ford led the way with four goals and two assists, as the Squirrels scored seven in the first period to force a running clock.

Mors Ab Alto had a huge disadvantage. Their leading scorer, Chris Wautel, played goaltender, and he had never played in net before. However, he still made 26 saves, and held the Squirrels to two goals in the second period. Matt Borlik played in net for the Squirrels, in place of Brian Byrne, and easily got the shutout. Byrne recently announced that he will be leaving the team soon as he takes a job in New Jersey.

Kit Watson returned after nearly three weeks out of town, while Phil Van der Vossen and Wade Marks missed the game for the Squirrels.

The victory locks up third place for the Squirrels, who have three games remaining before the playoffs. The next game is Tuesday, August 2, at 9:30 p.m. against the Bullhawks.

Fish 6, Squirrels 5

Posted on by

The Squirrels played a game Tuesday that they would like to soon forget, as the fell to the last-place Fish, 6-5, after giving up three goals in the final 1:07 of play, including the clincher with three seconds remaining.

There were several penalties in the game – ten on the Fish (including double minors) and five on the Squirrels. The Squirrels only took advantage twice, while giving up two shorthanded goals.

Don Marks had a goal and four assists for the Squirrels, figuring into all five of their goals. Meanwhile, no. 15 on the Fish had five of their goals, including the winner.

The Squirrels played without Matt Borlik, Chris Long, Kit Watson and Phil Van der Vossen.

The next game is Thursday, July 28, at 8:30 against More ab Alto.

Quote of the game: “We really lucky to get a tie.” – Rob Myers, in the locker room after the game