HUGHES COMMITS TO ST. LAWRENCE
Little B's Forward Headed to Canton
MARLBORO, MA-St. Lawrence University got a commitment from forward Gunnar Hughes. Hughes, a Little Bruins player the last two seasons, first played with the B's on their '92 AAA tournament team and spent the 2007-2008 season with the Junior Bruins (Empire) team.
Hughes will join his brother George at St. Lawrence and play with him for two seasons. Hughes is a strong, power winger who is always around the puck and likes to play physical and use his 6'2/190 pound frame.
Another of Hughes' assets are his versatility in that he can excel in a rough and tumble physical game as well as fit right in a wide open run and gun shootout. Hughes is what coach Chris Masters calls "sneaky good". "Gunnar, at times, doesn't jump off the ice at you in a way that say a small, slick skating forward might but, at the end of every game you walk away saying that he was a key reason for the team's success. He is always around the puck, making things happen for his line mates, creating space and being an offensive force," Masters commented.
A good example of that is two seasons ago when he played with Wayne Simpson (Union) and Billy Arnold (Boston College). That line was as deep and potent a line the Little B's may have ever had and a chief reason that team went 27-5-3 and won the MA Select League Labor Day Tourney, Junior Bruins Shootout and the Beantown Fall Classic. While Simpson and Arnold, great players in their own right, put up big numbers, it was Hughes who really helped make that line work.
Congrats to Gunnar and his family.
BRUINS COACHES SCORE WIN AT FENWAY
BC Beats BU in Alumni Game
FENWAY PARK-Junior Bruins coaches Peter and Chris Masters and Andy Powers all helped Boston College take down BU in an alumni game at Fenway Park on Monday, January 4. The Eagles won 10-6 and Powers was named Game MVP by the selection committee. The selection committee consisted of Andy Powers. All should be prepared to be reminded of this every time you see Andy.
Proceeds from the game will benefit the Travis Roy Foundation as well as the Joe Cleary Foundation. There were about 25 players per team and the day could not have been better...unless you were wearing red.
Following the game the teams retreated to the Baseball Tavern for a post game reception.
On Friday, January 9 former Bruins Edwin Shea, Tommy Atkinson, Patch Alber, Ben Smith will take on former Bruin Andrew Glass and BU. Other BC players with Bruins ties in the game are Jimmy Hayes (89 AAA team), Joe Whitney (88 AAA team) and Barry Almeida (88 AAA team).
USCHO.COM FEATURE STORY ON THE GAME
Below are pictures of the Alumni game as well as current Bruins Brian Morgan and Mitch Beyer who skated at Fenway as well.
Chris Masters (3rd from left in gold helmet on bottom row kneeling)
Andy Powers (over his right shoulder in gold helmet)
Peter Masters (back row, partially blocked)
Travis Roy-center wearing #24
Andy Powers (second from left back row)
Peter Masters (4th from left kneeling)
Chris Masters (5th from left kneeling)
Junior Bruins players Brian Morgan (left) and Mitch Beyer (right)
STEVENS MAKES STRONG DEBUT
Makes 19 Saves for Team USA
SIOUX FALLS, SD-More good news for the Junior Bruins as goalie (Empire) Colin Stevens made his Team USA debut on Friday night making 19 saves on 21 shots.
He played the first two periods and left the game with the score tied 2-2. He will be with the US-NTDP U-18 team through the rest of the weekend before rejoining the B's in time for the EJHL Winter Showcase.
Stevens was recently called by the US-NTDP and invited him to join them while the Bruins are on break and play up with the U-18 team. Stevens, whose play during the first half of the season has been off the charts, will fly out to meet the team in Ann Arbor and make a road trip with the team for two league games and then return to East Lansing for a game at Michigan State.
Stevens returns to the Bruins on January 6th and will be back in time for the Eastern Junior Hockey League's Winter Showcase at NESC in Marlboro, MA the weekend of January 8-10.
Stevens, a '93 from Niskayuna, NY is leading the Empire League in virtually every category possible for a goalie. He has 16 wins (1st), 6 shutouts (1st), 1.38 GAA (1st), and a .948 save percentage (1st). His play has not only gotten the attention of the NTDP but also a half dozen colleges who have started recruiting him. It is expected that the list will grow.
When he joins the US team he will be in the company of two players with Bruins' ties. Long time Bruin forward Billy Arnold and former 92 AAA defensemen Kevin Clare are playing for the NTDP.
"Colin has done a great job this year," coach Chris Masters commented, "and he has done it with a lot of changes in his life. Having moved from home, to a new team, a new group of teammates and a new school is a lot for a player to adjust to at times. He has done is seamlessly and has done so logging a ton of minutes for us."
Stevens first came to the Bruins attention when assistant coach Dan Tatar suggested getting him involved in the organizations summer AAA program two years ago. Tatar, while playing and then coaching at Union, worked with Stevens doing private lessons.
Stevens' commitment to the game can not be questioned. Last year, while playing at Albany Academy, he spent the fall season practicing with the B's and making the 2.5 hour ride from the Albany area each week to get extra work in with the team.
With team success comes individual success and the the B's have had a lot of late. With teammates Frankie Vatrano (Boston College) and Stevie Miller (Cornell) making college commitments, features on USAHockey.com (Vatrano) and as many as five players who will be named to the Empire League's All Star game and another 3-4 who will be selected to play in the Future's game there is a lot going on in Bruins land.
Congratulations to Colin.
Dave Arnold Picture
BRUINS TAKE TITLE IN OT!!!
Vatrano Scores Championship Clinching Goal
CONCORD, MA-The Junior Bruins, despite some sloppy play all weekend, did enough to beat all comers and win the 37th Annual Barber Tournament.
On Saturday, in the championship tilt, the Bruins got an overtime goal from Frankie Vatrano to give them a 7-6 win. The Bruins and the Portledge School traded goals all day and the B's needed to rally from a three goal deficit at one point to force over time and set up the heroics.
On the power play goal, the B's set up in zone and Vatrano, with the Portledge goalie screened, one timed the Cody Learned pass from the left side flank.
Earlier in the tournament the B's topped host St. Mark's on Friday afternoon by a 6-3 score. Saturday morning it was Vermont Academy and the B's, after a slow start, came out on top by an 8-4 score.
MILLER COMMITS TO CORNELL
Bruins Forward to Join Big Red
MARLBORO, MA-The Junior Bruins are proud to announce that Stevie Miller has made his college decision. The '93 birth year forward from Boxborough, MA called Cornell head coach Mike Schaeffer earlier this week and gave him the news.
Miller, who will be back in the line-up this weekend (Dec 5-6) after missing five weeks with a broken wrist, has been a long time Bruin dating back to his days with the Junior Bruins 1993 AAA tournament team.
Miller first came to the Bruins' attention when he was skating for the 1993 Minuteman Flames back in the 2001-2002 season. That spring (of 2002) he first donned the black and gold for the B's at the OTTF and Mission Cup tournaments. During his time with the Flames he was teammates with current B's teammates Frankie Vatrano and Matt Manzella.
From his first days with the B's in 2002 to the present day he has been an impact player. His skating is what you first noticed early on and from there it was his ability to affect the outcome of games with his offense. Those qualities hold true today. His skating is still strong and his offensive ability evident, added to that is his size and reach. He now stands 6'2 and weighs 200 lbs. and has long arms making him tough to play against. Just when defenders think they are able to contain him, he has the ability to make a move and/or use his reach to hold onto the puck and make plays.
Miller, a straight A student, had a number of schools to choose from but had his heart set on the Big Red and the Ivy League early in the recruiting process. Last season, playing for Acton-Boxborough HS, he sustained a leg injury and lost most of his season. He did spend part of that year with the Junior Bruins (Empire) team practicing when he could. That certainly helped with his transition this year as he stepped in on day one and was a big factor in the team's early success. His season hit a small bump in the road when he broke his wrist and missed those five aforementioned weeks.
"Stevie is big, strong and has a ton of skill. He is going to be an impact player at the college level and will right in with Cornell's style of play," coach Chris Masters commented. "His combination of size and skill is rare and he is a player other teams always have to keep an eye on when he is on the ice."
Congrats to Stevie and his family.
BRUIN FEATURED ON USAHOCKEY.COM
Story Link Below
MARLBORO, MA -The accolades for the Junior Bruins continue to pour in. There are two stories about Junior Bruins (Empire) players with USA Hockey ties.
The first is a feature done recently on Bruins forward Frankie Vatrano that is being run on USA Hockey's web site. To see the feature, go to the following link: VATRANO FEATURE STORY.
There is another story the Bruins will post here regarding another of their players once we have all the details. Look for the story to be posted here on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.
SPECIAL TEAMS KEYS B's WIN OVER 'NARCHS
Bruins Beat Monarchs, 5-2
HOOKSETT, NH-The Junior Bruins beat the NH Jr. Monarchs for the 18th time out of 19 tries on Friday night at Tri Town Arena in New Hampshire.
The win was keyed by by three straight short handed goals by Colin Britnell, Connor Doherty and Brian Morgan. Captain Cody Learned Russell added a power play goal and captain Cody Learned scored the team's lone even strength goal.
Colin Stevens made 42 saves on the night and only gave up one even strength goal himself as the Monarchs scored a 5-3 goal to make it a 2-1 game halfway through the second period.
With the win the Bruins move into a tie for first place in the Eastern Conference.
'00 BJB SCORES HIGHLIGHT REEL GOAL
Watch Video of Wahlstrom Goal
FRAMINGHAM, MA-Oliver Wahlstrom, who starred for the 2000 Junior Bruins this past spring, scored a highlight reel goal during the taping of the Mini One-on-One Showdown to be broadcast during a future Bruins game.
To see the goal, go to the following link:
VIEW GOAL HERE
VATRANO COMMITS TO BOSTON COLLEGE
Bruins Forward Headed to the Heights
FRAMINGHAM, MA-Junior Bruins (Empire) forward Frankie Vatrano has accepted a full scholarship offer from Boston College and will be heading to Chestnut Hill in the fall of 2012.
Vatrano, a '94 left shot forward from East Longmeadow, MA has been a long time Junior Bruin dating back to his days as a member of the 1994 Junior Bruins AAA tournament team. Last season he helped the B's to a record third consecutive Empire playoff title despite being one of the youngest players in the league. Vatrano has a pro level release with a deadly accurate and "heavy" shot. He has a scorer's touch and is near impossible to knock off the puck. He is off to a great start with the B's this year putting up 8 points in the teams opening weekend.
Vatrano, a long time member of the 1993 Minuteman Flames, first played with the B's in the summer of 2005 playing for the '94 AAA team. That team went on to have a 21-2 record en route to the Prospects, NEHC and Boston Selects tournament titles. It was there that he first played with future Junior Bruins (Empire) teammates Brian Morgan and Kevin McKernan.
The next year Vatrano helped lead the '94's to a semi finals appearance at the Icebreaker and a title at the North American Hockey Championships. In 2008 the '94's, after losing their first game to the Toronto Black Knights, won the next seven straight to win the Prospects title for the second time. That run included four playoff wins starting with Waterloo, Hasek's Hero's, the World Selects and Honeybaked (over time in the finals).
Last season, as one of the youngest players in the league, Vatrano helped lead the Bruins to a 45-14-6 record, an Empire playoff title and a birth at nationals. He was named as the team's MVP and had a 38 goal-38 assist-76 point season. He also led all players with 234 shots on goal (next closest was 155), second in game winning goals (6) and second in plus/minus (+24). He was also named to the Empire League's Future's Game on All Star monday. This past summer he was in Rochester, NY for the USA Hockey Select 15 Festival.
The recruiting trail heated up during the second half of last season and was red hot most of the summer. With a number of schools looking to set up visits, Vatrano set his sights on BC and BU and visited both within the last few weeks. In the end he chose Boston College and called coach York on Tuesday night to let him know. There is a family tie to BC as Vatrano's cousin Barry Almeida (former '88 AAA tournament team player for the Bruins) is presently a sophomore forward.
"Frankie has been making the ride from East Longmeadow to Marlboro since he was a squirt first playing for the Flames and now for us," coach Chris Masters commented, "and that speaks volumes about his commitment and sacrifice he has for the sport. As well as his parents. That is a lot of driving and time in the car and it is nice to see it paying off. In addition to his skill level, you can't get to be the player Frankie is without that type of commitment and the competitive intensity he has. It is that competitive intensity that will serve him well over the next few seasons and when he arrives at BC."
Congratulations to Frankie and the Vatrano family.
POWER SKATING SCHOOL AROUND THE CORNER
Quinnipiac Coach Bill Riga Returns as Lead Instructor
MARLBORO, MA-If you are looking for a sure fire way to be a better player come September at a practical price, the Junior Bruins Power Skating School is a sure bet. The camp will be held once again at NESC in Marlboro, MA, August 3rd-7th from 5-7 PM.
The single most neglected aspect of a hockey player’s game is skating technique. As a player gets older, flaws in skating stride and strategies are exposed by bigger, older, stronger, and faster players’ abilities. Many times, it is simply the result of an inefficient stride, a lack of a proper starting technique, or weak crossovers. These are things that you need to keep working on with the proper teaching and repetition.
Quinnipiac University Assistant coach Bill Riga and staff will take the time, in five, two-hour sessions, to break down your stride (both forward and backward), crossovers, starts and stops, proper feel for the edges, and adjust your full body technique to maximize your stride power and efficiency. These are some of the same techniques taught to the players at the college and pro level. When the week is over, you WILL be better than you were on day one.
We hope you will join us this August and take part in our Power Skating School. If you have any questions about registration, please call the Junior Bruins office at 508-820-1600 or e-mail info@bostonjuniorbruins.com. You can reach Bill by e-mail at william.riga@quinnipiac.edu with any direct questions for him.
CLICK HERE FOR BILL RIGA'S BIO
2009 GOLF OUTING
von Rosenvinge Wins...Again
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The Junior Bruins would like to thank all those who participated, volunteered and donated to the 6th Annual Golf outing. Once again the tournament was won, in record setting fashion, by the Bruce von Rosenvinge foursome. Once again he brought in three ringers who tore the course apart posting a winning total of 54 (17 under par). Not bad considering this was a bramble format.
The star of the night, and he will be the first to tell you, was emcee Andy Powers who brought down the house during the dinner portion of the event.
What follows below are all the details and items donated by Junior Bruins supporters.
2009 Golf Outing This Monday
Bramble Format to be Used Again; Space Still Available
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The Junior Bruins 6th Annual Golf Outing will take
place on Monday, August 24 at the HOPKINTON COUNTRY CLUB. The cost is only $175 per golfer and that includes a full deli lunch, greens fees, cart, BBQ dinner, prizes, access to driving
range, practice hole, locker rooms and more.
That fee also includes a gift bag for every player. Included in the entry fee is the chance for every golfer to win Hole-In-One prizes at each of the four Par 3 holes. One of those prizes is a free two year lease on a new car.
In 2008 we used the Bramble format and will use that again. This allows participants to feel as though they are playing a full round of golf as opposed to the scramble format used in similar outings. In a Bramble, all golfers hit their tee shot and then select the best of their teams and play their own ball in from there. This format also sped up play in '08 and the round took just more than four hours.
The Registration table will be open at 11:00 AM, lunch will start being served at 11:15 AM and all golfers will start at 12:15 PM. Dinner, silent and live auction and calling raffle winners will take place directly after golf ends (aprrox 4:30 PM).
Andy Powers will be back to emcee the dinner, awards ceremony, auction and raffles. For those that were at the Golf Outing in prior years or at a Bruins banquet know that seeing Andy with an open mic is worth the entry fee by itself.
As the cost of ice, referees, insurance, league fee’s and other
hockey related costs continue to rise we have strived to keep tuition
and travel costs as low as possible for those in our program. One way
we have been able to do that is through corporate sponsorship and various
fundraiser's. The Junior Bruins Golf Outing is our major summer fundraiser
with monies being put back into the program and to be used for "need"
based scholarships for those on our winter and summer teams as well as a portion sent to the Bay State Hockey Foundation.
Our goal is to raise over $40,000 through entry fees, hole and tee
sponsorships, silent auction and raffles that we will have at the outing.
The cost per golfer is $175 and includes the following:
- Full deli lunch
- Greens Fee & Golf Cart
- Use of Driving Range and practice hole to warm up
- Raffle ticket for Grand Prize of $1000 off Junior Bruins tuition/$500 cash for those not with a player in the program
- Chance to win a car (specifics TBA) at the 5th Hole
- Professional Scoring & Leader board
- Junior Bruins’ gift bag including an Izod polo courtesy of PVH.
- Complimentary Non-Alcoholic Beverages on Course that include soda,
water and PowerAde
- Cocktail Reception/Hour that includes a cash bar, Vegetable Crudite
and Herb Dip, Domestic Cheese served with Assorted Fresh Fruits, Gourmet Crackers and hot hor d'vores
- BBQ Buffet that includes BBQ chicken, ribs, fries, dessert and more!
- Awards Banquet for winning team, long drive winner and closest to
the pin winner.
- Raffle winners and Auction to be held during dinner
- Access to locker rooms, showers and steam room.
Those interested in participating can contact the Bruins at CHRIS MASTERS or call the office at 508.820.1600.
This end of the summer event will be a great way to raise funds for the organization
and help those in need of financial assistance, socialize with teammates,
Bruins coaches and staff as well as other college coaches, NHL scouts
and others in the hockey world at a first rate course. For more information
on the course and its facilities go to the course's web site: HOPKINTON COUNTRY CLUB
The Golf Outing will be the day after the 2009 Junior Bruins Alumni game. The Alumni game will take place Sunday, August 23 at the New England Sports Center in Marlboro, MA. If interested in playing in the Alumni game (for those that played for the Junior Bruins-EJHL, Junior Bruins-Empire, Junior Bruins Midget AAA or the Little Bruins are all welcome) should contact PETER MASTERS.
Have something to donate? EMAIL US and we will follow up. Not sure what to donate? Items such as tickets to sporting events, foursomes at country clubs, sports memorabilia, gift certificates to restaurants, sports equipment, etc. There is no item to small or too big.
What follows is a Partial list of Auction and
Raffle Items for the Golf Outing
VIP SKI PACKAGE AT WACHUSETT MOUNTAIN
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-With the Junior Bruins 6th Annual Golf Outing approaching the Bruins' office has started to receive items for the players' gift bag, live and silent auction items as well items for the raffle from supporters.
The Banks family has generously donated a VIP package to the Wachusett Mountain resort in Princeton, MA. The package includes use of one private Mountain Sky Box ($350 value), 8 lift tickets ($312 value) and 8 rentals-if needed ($180 value). The package can be used during the day or at night.
Thanks to the Banks family!
OGIO GOLF BAG
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-Monadnock Vending has donated an Ogio golf bag. In addition to the golf bag, they have donated a variety of golf balls, travel bags, polo's and more.
Thanks to the Learned family and Monadnock Vending!
BRUINS' RAY BOURQUE SIGNED JERSEY
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-Another jersey of an NHL superstar will be on the auction/raffle table on Monday as the Brothers family has donated a Boston Bruins signed game jersey.
Thanks to the Brothers family!
BOSTONVILLE GRILLE DONATES KIDS PARTY
AND GIFT CERTIFICATES
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The BOSTONVILLE GRILLE and Colangelo family has generously donated a "Party Package". The party package covers a party up to 50 kids! They also donated two $50 gift certificates to the Bostonville Grille and $200 in gift certificates to the SPORTS GRILLE BOSTON located next to the Garden on Canal St.
In the "Party Package" each child receives 2 slices of pizza and unlimited soda. The Bostonville Grille, located on Rt. 1 in Lynnfield is the premier destination for a kids party, a place to watch a big game or to grab lunch/dinner (try the steak tip sub!). Whether it is the All Star Arcade, playing pool in The Pub or hanging at the bar there is not better spot to catch all the action.
The party package is a great way to spend a birthday or team party during the season. There are endless arcade and interactive games to go along with all the plasma's so the parents can watch the game while the kids are playing vids.
Thanks to the Colangelo family!!!
IZOD POLO'S ADDED TO GIFT BAG
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-Philip Van Heusen, parent company for Izod, has donated polo's for all golf participants. As golfers check in on Monday morning they will receive a polo courtesy of PVH and the Duane family. We have done our best to get a variety of sizes, but, to ensure you get a size that fits get to the check in table early!
Thanks again to PVH and the Duane's!
BOSTON BRUINS GAME PACKAGE
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The Boston Bruins have donated a package like none other at our golf outing. The winning bidder wins two tickets to a Bruins home game, a signed jersey and stick as well being able to be the team's bench assistant for the game (child must be between 6-12 years old). Game TBA.
Thanks to Kerry Collins and the Boston Bruins!
FIELD BOX RED SOX TICKETS DONATED
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-With the Junior Bruins 6th Annual Golf Outing approaching the Bruins' office has started to receive items for the players' gift bag, live and silent auction items as well items for the raffle from supporters.
Bank of America and the Shea family have donated four of the best seats in the house for the Wednesday, September 30 game against the Toronto Blue Jays. These are field box seats in between home plate and the Red Sox dugout. The tickets are in Section 16/Box 33/Row G (only 7 rows from the field).
Thanks to BOA and the Shea family!
OPENING NIGHT BRUINS TICKETS VS. THE CAPS
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The Bruins open the 2009-2010 campaign welcoming one of the league's most exciting teams-the Washington Capitals. The Saklad family has donated a pair of tickets to the Thursday, October 1 game. The seats are among the best in the house-section 11 (at the blue line), 15 rows up from the ice.
Thanks to the Saklad family!
MAGGIANO'S GIFT CERTIFICATES
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-Maggiano's, home of the Bruins' end of the year banquet has generously donated $100 in gift certificates to the golf outing.
Thanks to Maggiano's!
STATE STREET PAVILION RED SOX TICKETS
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The Casey family has generously donated four tickets to the Wednesday, August 26th game against the Chicago White Sox. The seats are in the State Street Pavilion which a provide a great view of the game and the whole field. They also have waiter service and private bathrooms for those in this section.
Thanks to the Casey family!
BRETTON WOODS SKI HOUSE DONATED
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-A favorite at the Golf Outing will be back as the Callahan family has generously donated a weekend at their three bedroom ski house at the base of one of the top ski resorts in New England.
You are, literally, walking distance from hitting the slopes as you can see mountain from the front porch. The house, at the base of The Mount Washington Resort at Bretton Woods, will be up for live auction this Monday at the Golf Outing.
This auction item can be used at anytime during the coming year (subject to availability-the Callahan's are very easy to work with in finding a great date to stay) for a four day/three night stay. As you can tell by going to the Resort's web site above there is tons to do during the fall (fishing, golf at the 27 hole resort, hiking, horse back riding) and, obviously, the winter season (skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skating). The house comfortably sleeps six people.
Bretton Woods House during the summer
Bretton Woods Ski House at Christmas
Thanks to the Callahan family!
MALKIN SIGNED JERSEY DONATED
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The Pittsburgh Penguins have donated a Evgeni Malkin signed jersey that includes a certificate of authenticity. Malkin, the #2 overall pick in the 2004 draft, has turned into an NHL superstar. In his rookie season he won the Calder trophy as the NHL's top rookie. In his second season he won the ARt Ross trophy as the league's leading scorer. This past spring, in just his third campaign, he helped lead the Pens to the Stanley Cup leading all playoff scorers with 36 points and being named the playoff MVP winning the Hart Trophy.
Thanks to the Penguins and the Fitzgerald family for donating this item.
CLEVELAND SUNDAY STAND BAG
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The Junior Bruins have donated a Cleveland golf bag to the Outing.
To view a similar bag visit Cleveland's web site: Cleveland Stand Bag
RED SOX/BLUE JAYS TICKETS
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-Two tickets: Loge Box (31), Row 161, Row GG have been donated for the Saturday, August 29 game at 7:05 PM have been donated by the Johnson family. These are great seats on the third base side...bring your glove as you will be in prime time foul ball land by the green monster.
Thanks to the Johnson family!
JUNIOR BRUINS MERCHANDISE DONATED
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The Junior Bruins have donated and will have a variety of team merchandise at the golf outing's raffle table. Polo's, shorts, hats, blankets, fleece's etc. will all be available.
WASHINGTON CAPS DONATE OVECHKIN JERSEY
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-Washington Capitals GM, George McPhee, has donated an autographed jersey of NHL superstar Alex Ovechkin for the Golf Outing. Ovechkin, the #1 overall pick in the 2004 NHL Draft, had a breakout rookie season with 106 points. He followed that up with a solid sophomore campaign with 92 points. He was named to the Olympic Tournament All-Star Team (2006), NHL All-Rookie Team (2006) NHL First All-Star Team (2006) and won the Calder Memorial Trophy (2006) as the Rookie of the Year. Last season he won the Art Ross trophy (leading scorer award) with a league high 65 goals (112 points) and won the Hart trophy as the league MVP.
Thanks to the Caps and the McPhee family!
BOSTON COLLEGE HATS DONATED
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-Also on the raffle table will be several Boston College Hockey hats.
SIGNED VINATIERI JERSEY DONATED
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-Pepsi and the Morgan family has generously donated a signed game jersey of Adam Vinatieri He is, without question, the best kicker in Patriots history and may possibly be the best kicker of all time. His legend in Patriots and Boston sports history is set in stone with his famous kicks (Snow Game vs. the Raiders and the Game Winner against the Rams).
Thanks to the Morgan family!!!
CELTICS, BRUINS AND RED SOX GEAR
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-Celts, Bruins and Red Sox fans will have a variety of items to get their hands on at the golf outing as we have hats, jerseys and t-shirts from all three Boston teams.
WIN A NEW CAR AT GOLF OUTING
Pride Motors donates Car for Hole-In-One contest;
Other Hole-In-One prizes available as well!!!
FRAMINGHAM, MA-PRIDE MOTOR GROUP has generously donated a new car to the Golf Outing. It will be parked near the tee box of the 5th Hole. Every golfer will have a chance to win the car if they hit a hole-in-one.
At the three other Par 3's are prizes that include a 3 night/4 day all inclusive golf vacation to the Trump Resort in Atlantic City, 36 Dozen Nike golf balls and, last but not least, a two year GMAC Smart Care package and a Nike Sasquatch driver.
Pride Motor Group is located on the Lynnway in Lynn and has a full compliment of new and pre-owned cars, truck and SUVS from Chevy, Lincoln, Mercury, Hyundai and Pontiac. Looking to buy a new or pre-owned car, truck or SUV call Mike Iovana and be sure to mention the Junior Bruins for a great deal.
Mike Iovanna
781.599.120
HOCKEY EAST 25TH ANNIVERSARY GIFT BAG
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-A gift bag celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hockey East has been donated. Included in the bag are the following items: HE winter hat, HE practice jersey, daily organizer, travel clock and a HE back pack.
GOLF AT THE RIDGE CLUB
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-With the Junior Bruins 6th Annual Golf Outing approaching the Bruins' office has started to receive items for the players' gift bag, live and silent auction items as well items for the raffle from supporters.
A foursome at one of the Cape's top private clubs has again been donated to the Junior Bruins for the Golf outing. The Ridge Club is one of the premier private country clubs on Cape Cod. Located just over the Sagamore Bridge in Sandwich, MA this spectacular layout is carved through the gated community at the Club on lush, rolling hills.
The Ridge Club has become a favorite to the hockey community as current and former NHL stars such as Bobby Orr, Derek Sanderson, Tom Poti and Keith Tkachuk call the course home in the summer. The winner bidder must use the foursome between September 2, 2008 and May 21, 2009 (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday) and includes use of the range and carts. View the picturesque course by visiting the RIDGE CLUB'S web site. Donated by Mr. Christopher Condron.
$500 GIFT CARD AT THE NEWBURY CENTER DONATED
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The Newbury Center and Dr. Ramsey Alsaraff has generously donated a $500 gift card that can be used towards products or a procedure at the Newbury St. location.
The Newbury Center and Dr. Alsaraff have been won Best of Boston Awards, Boston's Best as well as named one of America's Top Physicians. The Newbury Center specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face and neck. Many of the procedures that he performs are designed to rejuvenate the aging face, such as the facelift, browlift, or blepharoplasty.
THE NEWBURY CENTER
Thanks to the Alsaraff family!!!
USHR DONATES TWO SUBSCRIPTIONS
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-USHR has again donated two, year long subscriptions as raffle items. USHR is the leading source of news, scores and stats for the hockey world. Covering "all things hockey" from the 14 year old age group into college and beyond it is a must have for those who want to stay up to date with the amateur and pro hockey world.
SAUCONY DONATES GIFT BAG, SNEAKERS AND MORE
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-SAUCONY has generously donated a ton of gear and sneakers to the Junior Bruins Golf Outing. Gift certificates to four pair of sneakers, a travel bag that includes a windbreaker, water bottles and more will be a raffle item at the Golf Outing.
Thanks to the Woodworth family and Jodi Fontes at Stride Rite/Saucony!!!
GREAT SKATE DONATES TOEWS AND SAMSONOV JERSEYS
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-GREAT SKATE, one of the leading hockey equipment supply companies in North America, has sent the B's office an authentic jersey from the 2009 NHL Winter Classic of Blackhawks star Jonathan Toews along with and autographed Sergei Samsonov Boston Bruins jersey.
Thanks to Great Skate and the Farkas family!
WARRIOR MONTREAL MELTDOWN DONATES GEAR FOR GOLF OUTING
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
Dave Harroch, tournament director of the Warrior Montreal Meltdown as well as the director for the Montreal Metro AAA program, has generously donated Warrior hats for the BJB GOlf Outing. The Warrior Montreal Meltdown is one of the premier AAA level tournaments in North America and attracts the top players and teams from all over the world each spring to the Pierrefonds arena in the Montreal suburbs.
Thanks to Dave!
WARRIOR MONTREAL MELTDOWN
GOLF AT HOPKINTON CC DONATED
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The Hopkinton Country Club has donated a foursome for our event. This year we are adding a twist to this auction item. The high bidder can use it as a foursome or can use it as a threesome and can round out the foursome with any of the Bruins' coaches. We suggest taking Andy Powers if you choose a B's coach as it will ensure some good laughs. As Andy will tell you, he is non stop fun. The value of the foursome is $320 but if you take Andy this item then becomes priceless.
HOPKINTON COUNTRY CLUB
BRUINS' CAMPS DONATED
Gift Bag, Auction and Raffle Items Start to Pour In
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The Junior Bruins have donated an entry to each of the following camps and skill sessions they offer in the coming year:
Junior Bruins D-Camp @ NESC ($275 value)
Junior Bruins Power Skating School @ NESC ($275 value)
PUCKMASTERS DONATES A BOATLOAD
FRAMINGHAM, MA-PUCKMASTERS of Marlborough has donated private lessons and camp entries that total over $1200. Hockey Director Pat Nugent has provided the following as raffle items:
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6-free 30-minute one-on-one lessons- $360 value
A spot in each group clinic we'll run this Fall/Winter
Christmas Vacation Shooting & Stick handling- $100 value
February Vacation Checking $ D-Concepts- $175 value
April Vacation Speed & Acceleration- $175 value
Columbus Day Shooting- $75 value
Veterans Day Stick-handling- $75 value
Martin Luther King Day Checking- $75 value
CHAMPS!!!
1994 B's Take Down Jr. Chowder Cup
WALPOLE, MA-The 1994 Bruins, behind goals from Frankie Vatrano (2), Brian Morgan and Andrew Doane, beat Kryptonite Hockey in the championship of the Jr. Chowder Cup.
The B's beat Rapid Hockey RBK in the quarters by a 4-1 score, blanked the Beantown Bullies 7-0 in the semi's before beating Kryptonite 4-2 in the finals.
Vatrano was named to the All-Tournament team and named tournament MVP. Morgan, defensemen Matt Grzelcyk and goalie Adam Ellison were also named to the All Tournament team.
MOVING ON
B's Advance at Jr. Chowder Cup
WALPOLE, MA-The 1993 and 1994 Junior Bruins both advanced to the playoff round at the Junior Chowder Cup.
The 1993's play at 8:00 AM against the Jersey Hitmen at the Foxboro Sports Center while the 1994's (opponent TBA) play at 10:00 AM at the Iorio Arena.
The 1993's scored a big win on Saturday beating Rapid Bulldogs by a 5-4 score to advance while the 1994's routed the Badd Dogs to advance. The 94's had a tough Friday game beating a solid Canada West Bruins by a 2-0 score.
Junior Chowder Cup Champions
CROWNED!!!
B's Go 28-2 at Icebreaker; All Teams Advance to Finals with Four Teams Winning Titles
MARLBORO, MA-The Junior Bruins had a memorable weekend at NESC at the Icebreaker tournament as they went a combined 28-2 with all five teams advancing to the finals. The 2001-2000-1998 and 1997's all won championships while the '99's lost a tough game in the finals.
The 1997's won the tournament for the fourth straight year beating the Atlantic All Stars in the finals. This was the third meeting of the year between the two teams. They first met at the Warrior tournament a few weeks back and the teams had a wild 7-7 affair. In the opener at ICebreaker the B's were not to be denied winning 9-1.
The 1998's beat the Boston Dragons in the finals and are back to back champions after taking down the Montreal Metro Lions in the semi's.
The 2000's ended the year on a high note after knocking off the top seed North American Gladiators in the semi's (with forward Oliver Wahlstrom scoring 6 goals in the win) and then beating the host Boston Icemen in the finals.
The 2001's also beat the host Icemen in the finals by a 7-1 score. The game of the weekend for the Bruins was a wild Saturday tilt with the CT. Yankees where the B's scored a 7-6 win.
The 1999 B's also had a strong weekend coming off their finals appearance at the Warrior Montreal Meltdown a week ago going 4-0 in the round robin and knocking off the Atlantic All Stars in the semi's before running out of gas in the finals.
ICEBREAKER TIME FOR B's
5 Teams at NESC this Weekend
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The Junior Bruins AAA summer tournament team program kicks into high gear this weekend at NESC for the Icebreaker tournament. The B's will have the 1997's looking to win the tournament for a record fourth time, the 1998's going for their third crown in four tries, the 1999's look to win the title again (they were champs in 2007) after falling in the finals a year ago, the 2000's look to defend their title and the 2001's look to win their first title.
1997 Junior Bruins
Forwards: Ty Comrie (LA Selects), Matt Dillon (South Shore Kings), Jeremy Bracco (LI Gulls), Matt Tkachuk (St. Louis Blues), PAt Shea (South Shore Kings), Luke Kirwin (Syracuse Stars), Andrew Hadley (Top Gun), Joe Duszak (LI Gulls) and Alec Mehr (Minuteman Flames)
Defense: Noah Hanifin (South Shore Kings), Charlie McAvoy (LI Gulls), John Marino (South Shore Kings), Grant Gabriel (Little Caesar's) and Casey Fitzgerald (Middlesex Islanders).
Goalies: KEvin Resop (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Elijah Harris (Minuteman Flames)
1998 Junior Bruins
Forwards: Jake Chychrun (Florida Panthers), John DeRoche (Worcester Crusaders), Brendan Hamblet (Minuteman Flames), Graham McPhee (Washington Caps), PAtrick HArper (Westchester Express), Adam Peck (Vermont Glades), Davis Koch (Vancouver) and Jack Badini (Westchester Express).
Defense: Chad KRys (Westchester Express), Riley Stillman (Florida Panthers), Dennis Cesana (PRovidence Capitals), Michael Underwood (Little Caesars) and Max Alsaraff (Minuteman Flames)
Goalies: Bryan McGrath (Minuteman Flames) and Tim Callahan (Florida Panthers)
1999 Junior Bruins
Forwards: Richard Lyons (Minuteman Flames), Ben Thomas (Minuteman Flames), Marc McLaughlin (Minuteman Flames), Ryan Lovett (South Shore Kings), Matt Allen (Providence Capitals), Peter Nugent (Minuteman Flames), Cam Burke ((Minuteman Flames), Jack Studley (Minuteman Flames) and Luke Kirwin (Syracuse Stars).
Defense: Dave Farrance (Rochester), Dennis Achkinazi (Minuteman Flames), Matt Poulin (Top Gun), Will Christenson (Westchester Express) and Michael Eustace (Westchester Express).
Goalies: Cory Tibbets (Minuteman Flames) and Keith Petruzzelli
2000 Junior Bruins
Forwards:Jake Wise (Middlesex Islanders), Oliver Wahlstrom (NH Knights), Patrick Bogart (Middlesex Islanders), TJ Walsh (Minuteman Flames), Rory Casey (BC Jr. Eagles), Gunnar Fontaine (Providence Capitals), George DeRoche (Worcester Crusaders) and Jonathan Saklad (NH Avalanche).
Defense: BRandon Tabakin (LI Gulls), Liam Murphy (BU Terriers), Ryan O'Connor (BU Terriers), Robert Ridocchia (Middlesex Islanders) and Linden Alger (Bridgewater Bandits)
Goalies: Connor Hopkins (BC Jr. Eagles) and PEyton Durand (Minuteman Flames)
2001 Junior Bruins
Forwards: Thor Griffith (Top Gun), John Farinacci (New Jersey), Connor Lovett (South Shore Kings), Sam Colangelo (Middlesex Islanders), Chase McInnis (South Shore Kings), Parker Adams (St. Louis), Jacob Banks (Worcester Crusaders), Jake Dunlap (Top Gun) and Patrick Moynihan (Minuteman Flames).
Defense: Tristan Fasig (Westchester Express), Jacob Flynn (shout Shore Kings), Von Maabs (Minuteman Flames), Ben Meehan (South Shore Kings) and Ian Pierce (NJ Avalanche)
Goalies: Jack Williams (St. Louis)
ALMOST
'99's Fall in Warrior Finals, 2-1
MONTREAL-The '999 Junior Bruins got back to their winning ways as they advanced through a deep field at the Warrior Montreal Meltdown this past weekend before falling in the finals to a tough Toronto Bulldogs team. The B's went 2-1-1 in round robin play and then downed the #1 seed in the quarterfinals and then had an overtime win in the semi's. Keith Petruzelli posted a pair of shutouts and Jack Studley had seven goals in seven games including one sudden death shootout game winner to help lead the B's.
The Bruins, backed by Petruzelli’s shutout performance and strong defensive efforts from David Farrance and Will Christenson, opened the weekend with a 2-0 win over a strong Petit Blizzard team on Friday morning, then fell to the Hockey Talent Academy CZECH 5-3 in the afternoon. The black and gold opened Saturday with a 5-5 draw against the Montreal Vipers. Studley, who at times controlled the play, would net two goals in a thriller that saw four lead changes. Needing a win to advance to the quarter-finals, the Bruins delivered with a 5-4 victory over The Montreal Metro Lions thanks to a Richard Lyons game-winning goal late in the third period.
Sunday’s quarterfinal match-up saw the Bruins pitted against a perennially strong Gouverneurs team. Backed again by Petruzelli between the pipes along with strong defensive performances by Dennis Achkinazi, Michael Eustace and Matt Poulin, the B’s defeated the locals 2-0 in an abbreviated 30-minute contest to advance to the semi’s.
There they would rematch the Petit Blizzard. After playing to a 2-2 draw through regulation and a five-minute overtime period, the decision would be left to a shootout. With a packed house watching, neither team was able to find the back of the net through the first three shooters. After Petruzelli stopped his fourth penalty shot, Studley would fire a wrister above the goalie’s left shoulder which hit the cross bar then dropped over the goal line and advanced the Bruins to the finals and the rest of the team piling onto the ice in celebration.
Unfortunately a Championship was’t in the cards this weekend, as the Bruins would fall to the “Brick-bound” Bulldogs of Toronto 2-1. Marc McLaughlin would score the lone goal with assists going to Matt Allen and Matt Kirwin.
The 99 Bruins will close out the season this weekend at the Icebreaker at the New England Sports Center. Their first game is scheduled for 10:30 am on Friday against the same Montreal Vipers team.
'99's LOOK TO GET BACK ON TRACK
Head to Montreal for Warrior
FOXBORO, MA-The '99 Junior Bruins will bring their 30-6-1 (dating back to 2007) to the Warrior Montreal Meltdown this weekend. This is the middle of the three tournaments they will be at this year with their final appearance next weekend at the Icebreaker tournament in Marlboro, MA. EArlier in the year they went 2-2 at the OTTF Spring Classic.
The '99 B's have entered seven tournaments to date and have won three of them and been finalists at two others. They look to build on that success when they arrive in Montreal. They will have a tough field to get through as they drew Petit Blizzard, Hockey Talent Academy Czech, Montreal Metro Lions and the Montreal Vipers.
Forwards Richard Lyons (Minuteman Flames), Marc McLaughlin (Minuteman Flames), Matt Kirwin (Syracuse Stars), Ben Thomas (Minuteman Flames), Matt Allen (Providence Capitals), Jack Studley (Minuteman Flames), Peter Nugent (Minuteman Flames) and Ethan DeStefani (NH Avalanche) will all be wearing the black and gold this weekend.
In front of goalies Keith Petruzzelli (Springfield Pics) and Cory Tibbets (Minuteman Flames) will be Dave Farrance (Rochester Americans), Matt Poulin (Top Gun), Will Christenson (Westchester Express), Michael Eustace (Westchester Express) and Dennis Achkinazi (Minuteman Flames).
To follow tournament results, go to: 1999 WARRIOR MELTDOWN RESULTS
MONTREAL RECAP
2000's Run Record to 19-5-1
MONTREAL-The 2000 Junior Bruins AAA tournament team had a strong round robin in Montreal this past weekend before dropping their opening play off game on Sunday morning.The team faced off against some of North America’s most talented teams in the Super AAA Division of the Warrior Meltdown.
The first game of the weekend pitted the Y2K’s against a hungry team from Vital Hockey Skills. The Bruins proved too much to handle as TJ Walsh and Jonathon Saklad combined for five goals, as the Bruins rallied to an 8-3 win. Oliver Wahlstrom’s neutral zone play and back-checking was dominate in keeping the play in the Bruins’ offensive Zone for three periods. Strong between the pipes for the Bruins were Riley Smith and Connor Hopkins, limiting Vital to just three goals.
Game two of the weekend saw the Bruins continue to roll as they upended the Montreal Vipers by a score of 7-2. The game remained close through the second period, until the Bruins line of Jake Wise, Gunnar Fontaine, and Sam Rand began to click on the forecheck and took control of the game. Patrick Bogart’s two goals help to break the game open and the strong back checking of Rory Casey and Nate Pane kept the Vipers from getting back into the game.
The Saturday afternoon game, against eventual tournament champion, Team Spiderman did not turn out as the Bruins had hoped. The lone Bruin goal was scored by Patrick Bogart and assisted by Oliver Wahlstrom in the 7-1 loss.
The New Brunswick Elite was up next for the Bruins, and the Junior Bruins D-corps of Brandon Tabakin, Ryan O’Connor, Linden Alger, Liam Murphy, and Robert Radochia led the way throughout the 3-2 defensive battle against the team from the North. The talented New Brunswick forwards had no success getting close to the Junior Bruin net as the entire D-Corp was sound the entire game. Conor Hopkins played strong in net in the winning effort.
Entering the quarter finals, the Bruins drew the Montreal Ice Dragons. The Bruins opened the scoring on a goal by Jake Wise and followed it up on a beautiful goal scored by Oliver Wahlstrom assisted by TJ Walsh. The Bruins were storming the Dragons zone late in the third trying to tie the game up but came up a goal short.
The 2000 Junior Bruins look to improve upon their quarter final finish this weekend at the Ice Breaker Tournament held at the New England Sports Center.
OFF TO MONTREAL
2000 Warrior Meltdown Preview
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The 2000 Junior bruins AAA tournament team heads to Montreal for the Warrior Meltdown. The Y2K's reached the finals in their opening tournament of the season in Toronto in early May where they lost to the Toronto Bulldogs.
The team now has a 16-3-1 record over the last three season making it to the finals in two of the four tournaments they entered and advancing to the semi finals in one other.
Much of that same team will be in Montreal and will have Vital Hockey Skills, the Montreal Vipers, New Brunswick Stars and Team Spiderman to tangle with in the round robin. They will then need to win three games on Sunday to lay claim to the title.
In net are Connor Hopkins (BC Jr. Eagles) and Riley Smith (Lowell Jr. Riverhawk's) while the defensive quintet is made up of Brandon Tabakin (LI Gulls), Liam Murphy (BU Jr. Terriers), Ryan O'Connor (BU Jr. Terriers), Linden Alger (Bridgewater Bandits) and Robert Radochia (Middlesex Islanders).
Up front the team has plenty of fire power in Oliver Wahlstrom (NH Avalanche), Jake Wise (Middlesex Islanders), TJ Walsh (Minuteman Flames), Patrick Bogart (Middlesex Islanders), Rory Casey (BC Jr. Eagles), Gunnar Fontaine (Providence Capitals), Sam Rand (Bridgewater Bandits), Nate Pane (Washington All Stars) and Jonathan Saklad (NH Avalanche).
For tournament results, visit: 2000 WARRIOR TOURNAMENT RESULTS
FORMER B's TABBED FOR US NATIONAL JR. EVALUATION CAMP
Knapp and Cichy Headed to Lake Placid; Four Others with B's Ties Named as Well
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The process has begun to name the roster for the US World Junior team. This year's World Junior Championships will take place December 26-January 5 in Regina and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
USA Hockey has named its 43 man rosters that will compete at the Evaluation camp in August in Lake Placid. Typically 90% of the team is named out of this camp. There are six players with Bruins' ties who will be competing for a spot on the World Junior team.
Former Junior Bruins (Empire and EJHL) and 1990 AAA tournament team goalie Connor Knapp, coming off a stellar freshman season at Miami is one of only four goalies that will be at Lake Placid. Mike Cichy (pictured left), a long time 1990 Junior Bruins AAA tournament team player, will also be at the camp. Cichy, a forward, played two seasons for the Junior Bruins (Empire) as well as a short stint with the EJHL team. Cichy will be at the University of North Dakota next year.
There are four other players who all played on the Bruins' 1991 AAA tournament teams who were named as well. They are Ryan Bourque, Tyler Maxwell, Jeremy Morin and Andrew Yogan.
ALBER COMMITS TO BOSTON COLLEGE
Bruins Defensemen Headed to the Heights
FRAMINGHAM, MA-It has been a busy week in the Junior Bruins' offices the past few days with a flurry of college commitments.
There is one more to add to the list as Patch Alber let coach Jerry York know he will be bringing his talents to the reigning national champions next fall. The '89 born defensemen is in his second season with the B's.
BEARS TAB RYAN
Bruins Forward Commits to Brown University
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The college commitment parade continues in the Bruins office as Jeff Ryan committed to Brown University. The '89 born forward will be in Providence this coming fall suiting up for the Bears.
Ryan first came to the Bruins as a Little Bruins player in the fall of 2007. This past season he played the Junior Bruins (EJHL) and had 32 points in league play.
ADAMS TO PROVIDENCE
Little Bruins D-Man is Headed to Friar Country
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The Junior Bruins are proud to announce that former Little B's defensemen and current Junior Bruins (EJHL) defensemen Roo Adams has committed to play at Providence College for coach Tim Army.
Adams, who first skated for the Bruins with their AAA tournament team program years ago, was an integral part of the Little Bruins record breaking season a year ago. Adams helped lead the team to a 27-5-3 record and winning three of the four tournaments the team entered.
Adams led all Little Bruins defensemen in scoring (with a 5-10-15 line) as well as plus/minus with a +18. Adams is a big, strong skating rearguard who likes to jump up in the play and can contribute in all three zones. He also helped lead a resurgence of the Malden Catholic program the last two seasons where he played his winter hockey following his time with the Little B's.
Congratulations to Roo and his family!
STEIN COMMITS TO PROVIDENCE
EJHL League Leader Makes College Decision
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The league leader in virtually every statistical goalie category, the Bruins' Russ Stein, committed to Providence College recently and will be accepting a scholarship to the Hockey East school.
Stein, in his second season with the B's, leads the EJHL in goals against, save percentage, shutouts, minutes played and games played and he is in second in wins and third in saves.
GACEK TO MAIMI
Longtime Bruin Commits to National Finalist
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The Junior Bruins are proud to announce that long time '93 Junior Bruins AAA tournament team player and Little Bruins forward Alex Gacek recently committed to play at Miami (OH). Gacek, who has played the last two seasons at Governers and for the Little Bruins will be heading to play for coach Enrico Blasi and the Redhawks.
Gacek, one of the top '93 forwards in Massachusetts and all of New England is a smooth skating forward who has excellent stick skills, plays with a mean streak and has a scorer's touch.
Gacek first donned a B's jersey when he was 9 years old back in 2002 (pictured right). That year he helped lead the '93 Bruins to a 9-5 record in the team's first season together. Ever since that first year he has been a mainstay on the '93 Bruins playing for the black and gold at OTTF, Mission Cup, Repentigny, Prospects, Icebreaker and the Jr. Chowder Cup.
Congrats to Alex and his family!
CHAMPS!!!!
B's Make History in Three-Peat; Sweeney Scores OT Winner for Title
FOXBORO, MA-The Junior Bruins gutted their way to a thrilling 2-1 over time victory over the Tri State Selects in the championship game of the Empire League. The Bruins got a brilliant performance from goalie Tyler Holske who made 23 saves in the game and goals from Wes Russell and Roscoe Sweeney.
The Bruins made history in the win becoming the only team in league history to win the playoff championship three times in a row.
The Bruins, who had lost to Tri State the day before 4-3, had fatigue to battle with all game since they played earlier that morning in a must win game with the Monarchs and were playing their fourth game in just 55 hours and Tri State had all day to rest up for the final.
The two teams exchanged scoring chances but were unable to solve each other's goalies. That was until Tommy Phillips broke down the right wing side beating a Bruins defender and heading in on Holske. Phillips' shot crossed the goal line and the linesmen signaled a goal. Play continued because it looked to most in the rink that the puck never crossed the line except for the linesmen. The ref was up ice and was not in position to make the call. After a brief discussion, the ref signaled a goal and the Selects were up 1-0. With Fasthockey 
broadcasting the game the coaches and refs were all able to view the questionable goal and could clearly see the puck never crossed the line and hit the post and came directly back out into the crease.
The Bruins put that bad break and luck behind them and continued to work at tying the game up. They did just that when Russell, who was a beast on the blue line all game playing his best game to date, scored on a shot from the right point five minute later.
The teams played the next 33 minutes of regulation scoreless and that sent both teams to their locker rooms to prepare for sudden death overtime.
It took just over seven minutes into overtime for the Bruins to score the game winner but that was not without some tense moments in front of the Bruins' net. On three shifts the Selects had sustained pressure on the Bruins and Holske and each time the B's team defense answered the bell and kept the puck out of the net.
On the championship clinching goal (left) the Bruins used smart positional play, their speed, tenacity on the forecheck and good habits to pot the winner. In most cases it is the "little things" that add up to wins and this goal was an example of that. There were 6-7 "little things" that all led to the end result.
The play started with Steve Ginand and Kyle Webb holding the blue line and forcing Tri State to chip the puck into the neutral zone. Webb collected the puck, stayed on the offensive side of the red line, held the puck to allow the forwards to regroup and get onside and then put a soft dump into the Selects' zone. That soft dump allowed the B's forecheckers time to get on top of the Selects' defensemen.
Roscoe Sweeney, who led the league in playoff scoring with 12 points, forced the Selects' D-man 
behind the net to cough the puck up. Logan Romano, second in the league in playoff scoring with 11 points, was on top of the turnover immediately and collected the puck and looked to hit line mate Cody Learned who was in the high slot.
Learned descended on the slot, collected the pass from Romano, and fired the puck on net. Brandon DiLibero, the Selects' goalie, handled the shot but could not control his rebound and both Learned and Sweeney had stopped on the net for any loose rebound. They were rewarded when Sweeney collected the puck on his back hand, moved it to his forehand to the left of DiLibero and shot it into the empty net (right). That emptied the Bruins' bench as the team celebrated a remarkable playoff run.
"I am as proud of this championship and team as any other we have had," Chris Masters commented following the game. "This team has had more ups and downs than any other and persevered through 
it all, stayed committed to game plan and we got major contributions from every player on our team at one time or another. When you give up an average of one and a half to two years to each team you play, and those are the best teams in the league, it is really a remarkable achievement for this team. Just getting through the first round and beating South Shore, Bay State and the Monarchs was tough enough. To come back and battle theway they did, especially on Sunday, when the players were exhausted, is something special."
The Bruins now have a 29-2-1 record at Empire playoffs, have been to the championship game each of the four years they have been in the league and have now won three in a row. Two other times a team had a chance to three-peat at playoffs and fell short. This team is now a part of Empire and Bruins history.
They have a chance to write an additional chapter to that history when they head to USA Hockey Nationals March 27-31 at NESC in Marlboro, MA.
2009 Empire Junior Hockey League Playoff Champions
2008 Empire Junior Hockey League Playoff Champions
2007 Empire Junior Hockey League Playoff Champions
Empire Junior Hockey League Champions Cup
ON TO THE FINALS!!!
Bruins Thump Monarchs 6-2
FOXBORO, MA-The Bruins woke up Sunday morning to face their first must win game of the playoffs. A loss and they go home, a win and they get a rematch with the Tri-State Selects on Sunday night.
The Bruins got off to a great start scoring four unanswered first period goals en route to the 6-2 win. Five players had two point games to lead the charge-Zach Todd, Cody Learned, Logan Romano, Tyler Bouchard and Rockey Sweeney. The Bruins, after losing the opening game of the season series to the Monarchs have now won four straight and have won 17 of 18 (lifetime) from their rivals to the north.
The Bruins scored just 15 seconds into the first when Steve Ginand buried a Zach Sandonato feed from the right wing corner. Daniel Szerlip also assisted on the play when he kicked the puck into the corner from the blue line after his stick was hacked out of his hands. Twelve minutes later it was Learned tipping a Bouchard one timer on the power play to make it 2-0. Less than a minute later, on the ensuing shift, Zach Luczyk stripped a Monarchs defensemen behind their net and wrapped it around to make it a 3-0 lead. The final goal of the opening frame was a Rockey Sweeney snipe on a 2-1 rush.
The Monarchs scored the only goal of the second when they redirected a centering pass to the low slot while on a 4-3 power play. Tyler Holske also made some big time saves in the middle period to keep the momentum from swinging to the 'Narchs.
In the third the Bruins got the score to 5-1 when Romano ripped a backhander top shelf, short side and then Bouchard beat the Monarchs goalie short side again with two minutes to go. A meaningless goal with :46 to go rounded out the scoring.
The Bruins and Selects face off at 6:50 PM to crown a league champ.
THIRD PERIOD FLURRY POWERS B's
Take First Step at EFF
FOXBORO, MA-The Junior Bruins, behind a strong third period that saw the team score five goals, took down the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins in their opening game of the Empire Final Four on Friday at the Foxboro Sports Center.
All did not look rosy just two minutes into the second period as the Pens came out and scored twice in the first 90 seconds. The B's got two short handed goals as well as a power play marker in the third in addition to a 5-5 goal and an empty netter.
The Bruins move on to Saturday to play the Tri-State Selects who beat the NH Jr. Monarchs by a 6-3 score. The two teams play at 6:00 PM with the winner moving on to the championship game and loser playing Sunday morning in a must win game.
The game is recapped in picture format thanks to the great shots taken by Dave Arnold.
The Game in Pictures
Junior Bruins-6
Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins-3
Brian Morgan, with assists to Matt Manzella and Zach Luczyk off a
Derek Stahl shot makes it a 2-1 game.
Morgan celebrates the B's first goal
Daniel Szerlip ties the game on a power play marker.
Assists to Rockey Sweeney and Sean McLaughlin.
Szerlip celebrating tying the game.
The Bruins take the lead for the first time on a Zach Sandonato short handed goal.
The play was set up by Rockey Sweeney and Derek Stahl.
Third goal celebration.
The Bruins take the lead again after Pittsburgh made it 3-3 halfway through the third.
Sweeney scored on a 2-1 rush after Cody Learned made a great play in the defensive zone to chip the puck ahead to Sweeney who went in and ripped one past the Pens goalie.
Sweeney Celebration.
Sean McLaughlin scores another Bruins short handed goal to make it 5-3.
Steve Ginand assists on the goal.
McLaughlin celebration.
Frankie Vatrano scores an empty netter to put the final nail in the coffin and the team celebrates.
BRUINS HAND OUT HARDWARE
2009 Banquet Held Monday Night
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The Junior Bruins held their annual end of the season banquet on Monday night at Maggiano's in Boston. Andy Powers emceed the night and Tom Carr, from Northeast Passage and a new partner of the Junior Bruins with their Bay State Hockey Foundation, was the guest speaker. Taylor Chace, a former '86 Junior Bruins AAA member, and USA Sled Hockey national team player also spoke to the crowd of over 100 players, coaches and family members.
2008-2009 Award Winners
Junior Bruins (EJHL)
MVP and Defensive Player of the Year
Russ Stein
Most Improved Player
Colin Downey
Unsung Hero
Danny Federico
Junior Bruins (Empire)
MVP
Frankie Vatrano
Most Improved Player
Ross McMullan
Unsung Hero
Rockey Sweeney
Defensive Player of the Year
Sean McLaughlin
Little Bruins
MVP-Wayne Simpson
MVP-Billy Arnold
Most Improved Player-Andrew Doane
Unsung Hero-Alex Gacek
Defensive Player of the Year-Geno Lane
Defensive Player of the Year-John Carbonneau
HOT GOALIE ENDS B’S SEASON
B’s drop both to the Breakers in first round
FOXBORO, MA:The Junior Bruins (EJHL) faced off against the Bay State Breakers in the first round of the EJHL playoffs last weekend at the Foxboro Sports Center. The Bruins ran into a hot goalie and couldn’t get a bounce as they dropped both games and were eliminated from the EJHL playoffs. The B’s fired off 63 shots but could only find the back of the net with two of them.
Game one on Saturday afternoon was physical right from the start. The first period was back and forth with both goalies making great saves. At the end of the period the Breakers struck first. With 30 seconds left in the period and puck went back to the point and took a terrible bounce over Steve Morra’s stick leading to a breakaway. Breaker’s Sean Foley made a great move that just beat the B’s goalie Russ Stein to make it 1-0.
The Breakers controlled most of the second period, with 12 shots on goal. Stein played great keeping the B’s in the game. Eight penalties were handed out in the period and unfortunately for the Bruins the Breakers would score on one of their power plays. A great shot of a face with only 2:27 left in the period gave Bay State a 2-0 lead entering the third period.
The B’s controlled the last 15 minutes of the game, as Bay State needed take icings in order to get the puck out of the zone. The Bruins had chance after chance but would either hit the post, a skate in front, or there was a great save by Breakers goalie Eric Mihalik. Mihalik would make 13 saves in the third to give the Breakers the 1-0 lead in the series.
Game two started where game one left off. The B’s peppered Mihalik with 10 shots in the period but couldn’t find the back of the net. The Bruins wows kept them off the board, but the Breakers took the lead 12:45 into the first period as Mike Crowder scored the first of four on the day to give Bay State a 1-0 lead after one.
Crowder would score his second just 2:47 into the second period, putting the B’s down 2-0. But the Bruins would cut into that lead as Colin Downey buried a rebound on the power play. The play was set up by a great play by Joe Pendenza as he gave it to Justin Alonzo who took the shot which popped out onto Downey’s stick for the goal. The Bruins would tie the game five minutes later as Patch Alber throw a shot toward the net that hit two skates in front and found its way past Mihalik. The Breakers would take the lead back only three minutes later as Tim Niedzielak bounced a shot in on the power play giving them a 3-2 lead entering the third period.
The Bruins came out strong for the third but a defensive breakdown lead to the Breakers fourth goal. The reminder of the game was played in the Breakers zone as the B’s took 15 shots in the period but couldn’t put one past Mihalik. The game ended 6-2 as Bay State added two goals late. The lose ends the Bruins season, too late for everyone but a great season all considered. The Bruins will now retool and come back next season with a chip on their shoulder and be sure to be in title contention next season.
PENDENZA TO LOWELL
Bruins Forward to be a Riverhawk
FRAMINGHAM, MA-The Junior Bruins are proud to announce that forward Joe Pendenza has accepted a scholarship to play at U-Mass Lowell. Pendenza’s journey to be at this point is one of perseverance and determination.
He came to the Bruins tryouts in April of 2007 as a complete unknown. This didn’t stop him as he quickly turned heads and was chosen to play for the Junior Bruins (Empire). While on the team he had a breakout season and became known as an electrifying forward with great speed, a quick release and scorer's touch as well an engine that never stops.
He centered one of the top lines to ever play in the league. Pendenza, who played with Max Barron and Justin Mansfield for most of the season, formed a powerful threesome that could not be stopped. All three were recognized for their outstanding play as they were named to the Empire League All-Star team. At the end of the season the line combined for 298 points, 141 of which were goals. The 141 goals were 41% of the team’s goals for the season.
Pendenza ended the season with an amazing 47 goals and 47 assists for 94 points; he was a plus 44 and had five game winning goals. He received league honors as he was named Best Forward and to the 1st Team All-Conference.
Pendenza has shown that his first season was just a taste of what he can do. He currently leads the Junior Bruins (EJHL) with 26 goals, is third in assists with 32 and second on the team with 58 points in only 53 games. He is also one of the team leaders in plus/minus with a +30 ranking. His offensive prowess and strong defensive play earned him a stop on the EJHL All-Star team.
"We are extremely proud of the job that Joe has done the past two seasons," coach Peter Masters commented. "He just showed up at tryouts and earned a spot on our team. You often hear how tryouts are "fixed" and there are no spots open. Joe is proof positive that is not the case and that a player, who is a relative unknown, can just show up and turn out to be a big time player in our program. He has never asked for special treatment or expected anything to be given to him. He just showed up every day, competed and earned everything he has achieved. His story is a great one and Lowell is a getting a difference maker who will help them out."
Congratulations to Joe and his family.
In the second game, Shea was had an even ranking for the game with one shot and played solid defense despite being on the losing end of a 6-1 score. Ginand had the first goal for the Huskies and was a force throughout the whole game. Driscoll was a +1 on the night and was very active in the offensive and defensive zones. Donovan was named the "Player of the Game" and had a goal with three assists. To go along with the great games that each played five of them will meet next Monday in the finals, which will mark the fifth time out of the last six years that a former Junior Bruin will be on the Beanpot winning team.
Others who have played for the Bruins' AAA spring/summer tournament team summer program at tournaments such as Prospects, Icebreaker, Warrior, OTTF and the various Boston AAA summer tournaments include BC's Barry Almeida, Benn Ferriero, Jimmy Hayes and Joe Whitney, BU's Brian Strait, NU's Ryan MaGuire, Steve Silva and Rob Rassey and Harvard's Mike Del Mauro, Chris Huxley, Matt McCollem, Chad Morin and Joe Smith.
Last year the Beanpot was won by Boston College, a team that featured former Bruins Pat Gannon and Ben Smith. In 2007 and 2006 BU won and on both of those teams there was Jason Lawrence, who now has the chance to win three in his career. Finally in 2004, Boston College won again with former Bruin Adam Pineault. Not only have former Bruins been successful at the Beanpot but they have been impactfull all over college hockey and with the players still coming through the Bruins ranks this does not look to change anytime soon.
The EJHL all stars were Russ Stein (goalie), Colin Shea (defensemen), Patch Alber (defensemen), Danny Federico (defensemen), Joe Pendenza (forward) and Dennis Ors (forward). Stein played very well only allowing one goal while Pendenza assisted in the 2-1 win for the Northern Conference.
At the Empire All Star game the B's sent Petie von Rosenvinge (goalie), Steve Ginand (defensemen), Ross McMullan (defensemen), Cody Learned (forward), Logan Romano (forward), Zach Sandonato (forward) and Daniel Szerlip (forward). Ginand and McMullan each had an assist in the game.
The Future's Game, for all '93 and '94's in the Empire had Zach Todd (defensemen), Derek Stahl (defensemen), Kyle Webb (defensemen), Kevin McKernan (defensemen), Matt Manzella (forward), Griffin Votolato (forward), Frankie Vatrano (forward) and Brian Morgan (forward). Votolato scored the game tying goal with less than a minute to go to send the game to an OT shootout. In the shootout, Morgan, Vatrano and Manzella scored leading their team to the OT win.
The Junior B’s have the fourth best power play in the EJHL clicking at 22.81%. While their penalty kill is second in the league, successfully killing off 86.45% of the power plays against. Key wins against the league leading Jersey Hitmen and two against their arch rival the New Hampshire Junior Monarchs have propelled the Junior Bruins into first place in the Northern division and second place in the EJHL.
The Junior Bruins lost a couple solid contributors over the course of the first half. Dominic Jancaterino left the team after posting three goals and two assists in 18 games played. Jancaterino’s speed and work ethic has been missed. Colby Tyler also left the team after playing four games. Although Tyler only played four games his hard work at practice pushed everyone on the team to be at their best at all times. Finally Max Barron departed from the Junior Bruins after appearing in 23 games, scoring five goals and assisting on four others. Barron worked hard during his time here and will be missed as he was a vital member to the Bruins team.
It’s been said that a team is only as good as its goaltending, if that is indeed the case then this team is the best in the league. At the beginning of the season, the Bruins featured a two-headed monster in net with Stein and Nick Broadwater. However an injury to Broadwater on October 18 left the net to Stein and he has never given it back. Stein has become the backbone of the team. Coach Masters had mentioned throughout the first half how one player needs to step up and carry this team, as he proclaimed, Stein is that player. He simply put is the best goaltender in the league. He leads the league in minutes played, shutouts, goals-against average, save percentage, and is second in wins. He has played about 100 more minutes than the next goalie has posted a 23-6-3 record. His six shutouts places him one shy of the league record for a single-season. He stops 93.1% of the shots put his way and has an astounding 1.95 goals-against average. If that wasn’t enough he recently went a remarkable 134 minutes played without allowing a goal. As the second half moves forward the Jr. B’s will need the same type of play from Stein if they hope to make it far in the postseason. A great thing, however, for the Bruins are that the second man in the two-headed monster has returned.
Solid, strong, and consistent are just three words used to describe the defense over the first half. For the first time in team history the team’s captain and assistant captains are all defensemen. The two players the sport the ‘A’ on their jerseys are Patch Alber and Mike White, while the ‘C’ is dawned by Ryan Criscuolo. Criscuolo has played with the Bruins for three years and is a strong member for the team both on and off the ice.
Alber has been a steady force on the back line all season and has helped the team in many capacities. Not only has he become one of the top d-men in the EJHL, playing in the all-star game, but has played on the power play and is a regular on the second best penalty kill in the league. His 17 points, three goals and 14 assists, puts him second for defense on the team. He has a plus 15 ranking and a game-winning goal to his credit. Alber has also racked up 37 penalty minutes which includes a fight against the New Hampshire Monarch’s 6’3” defenseman Brian Dumoulin. The fight was in front of numerous pro and college scouts at the Phillips Exeter showcase. The smaller Alber held his own taking down Dumoulin and winning the fight convincingly. His consistent play has garnered attention from many division 1 schools and as the season continues he will be sure to receive more looks. The future is bright for Alber and for the future to be just as bright for the Junior Bruins, this season; he will need to continue his great play.
Shea is currently the only player on the team to have committed to a college, committing to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. But before he becomes a Minutemen he has played a solid defense for the B’s this season. He is a nightmare for forwards as he has a great ability to poke the puck off of oncoming opponents’ sticks. He is a smooth skating d-man who plays the game at a high level. He has seen time on the power play because of his great low and hard shot. He has five goals and 11 assists over 39 games while posting a plus/minus of plus 24. His consistent play has and will help the Bruins throughout the second half of the season.
Gogonis has played great during the first half of the season. He has a hard shot and is not afraid to use it. At the top of the power play his shot becomes a very affective tool in creating the rebounds. He has 12 assists most of which have come off of rebounds in front of the net. He has added two goals in his 37 games played and has a great plus/minus ranking of plus 14. As he continues to work on his game, Gogonis has become a great player for the Junior Bruins. He has and will continue to be a key member of the defense for the team. Another key member of the team is Swedish defenseman Leo Qwarnstrom.
Qwarnstrom has made the switch to North American hockey well. He is a skilled defenseman that runs the first unit power play in 5 on 3 situations. He is currently fifth the team in power play points with eight all of which are assists. All together he has two goals and 18 assists for 
20 points which leads all defensemen with points. To go along with his offensive abilities he is a hard worker. Known as the best defenseman on the team down low he has a great talent in making sure that he wins every battle he gets into. His hard work in the defensive zone has shown as he is a plus 29 on the season. Qwarnstrom and the rest of the Bruins defense have been outstanding throughout the first half; however they have been mirrored in the efforts by the forwards.
Steve Morra had a great first half of the season. Named to the all-star team Morra has a great shot and is tops on the team with 51 points 17 goals and a team leading 34 assists in 40 games played. He is a mainstay on the power play and leads the team with 10 power play goals. He is not only a gifted offensive player, but plays solid defense which is shown by his plus 21 ranking on the season. He has three game-winning goals and when a goal is needed he can make it happen. Morra has been helped offensively by Joe Pendenza throughout the season.
Second in the team in scoring, Pendenza is a highly talented forward who makes big plays when they need to be done. He has a team leading 24 goals and has added 25 assists. Also an all-star Pendenza has been great for the Junior Bruins in the first half. In his first full season with the EJHL team he has been all Coach Masters could hope for, "he's been great for us this year. After such a great season last year it’s great to see him playing as well as he is this season." Pendenza is a great player and is sure to be one of the top scorers for the rest of this season and beyond. He is tied in points with the team’s other Swedish player, Dennis Ors.
As a center on the Bruins’ first line, Ors, has been a great surprise. He has made a great adjustment to the North American brand of hockey, as he is not afraid of physical contact. Ors has been in the top three in scoring for the team all season and currently runs the team’s first power play unit. He has 16 goals and 33 assists in 38 games for the Junior Bruins. A smooth skating and extremely skilled player Ors has and will be a great offensive force for the Bruins. Morra, Pendenza, and Ors have lead the team in scoring but have had help from the other forwards on the team.
One of those players is Jeff Ryan. He is one of the team’s fastest players and along with Justin Breton creates the team’s best penalty unit. A solid two way player, Ryan has been used on the power play and is always on the PK for Coach Masters. As noted by Coach Masters he is the teams best practice player and is almost always in the right position. He is always one of the most vocal players and has a great attitude. Ryan has 11 goals and 22 assists with a 14 plus/minus rating in 40 games. Ryan’s great speed is only matched by his penalty killing partner, Justin Breton.
Breton is not only a great penalty killer but has great offensive ability. He is also a versatile player that can be used as a center or on the wing. He is on the power play and on the team’s top two lines. Breton’s speed generated opportunities not only for himself but for his teammates. He has 36 points, 18 of which are goals and 18 assists, those 18 goals put him 
second on the team. He is a plus 17 this season playing in 38 games. A fellow Justin, Justin Mansfield, has made a positive impact in the first half.
Mansfield, or as his teammates call him “Manny,” is a solid two-way forward. He plays on the penalty kill and has seen time on the team’s power play. He is a hard shooting power forward that has made the transition from the Junior Bruins B team to the A team well. He has 28 points including 19 assists. He is a plus 23 on the season in 38 games. The plus 23 ranking ties him for third on the team. He is a smart hockey player and a great teammate. Another smart hockey player is Eric Lake.
Lake is a hard-nosed player who doesn’t let his lake of size stop him from putting points on the board. He has only played 20 games this year due to a previous back injury, but has managed to put up 24 points. After missing the first three weekends of the season Lake made his debut on September 28 against the Huskies and scored a goal. He went on to get at least one point in his first eight games. Lake is currently on the team’s first line and works well with his line mates, Morra and Ors. Another player that missed a significant amount of time due to injury is Justin Alonzo.
A seasoned veteran of the Junior Bruins, Alonzo is a strong and smart hockey player. Alonzo has played in 105 games as a Bruin. He has a great, hard shot that he uses on the power 
play. He is also one of the team’s best penalty killers. As with Lake, Alonzo has missed some time this season due to injury. Alonzo missed almost two months with a high ankle sprain. After his return he has brought a physical spark to the team. Not afraid to mix it up, Alonzo has 38 penalty minutes in his 24 games. He also averages almost a point-a-game with his 22 points. Alonzo centers a great line of Mansfield and Colin Downey, the later has been a goal scoring machine for the Bruins this season.
Downey has a knack of being in the right place at the right time and putting the puck in the back of the net. With 14 goals and 13 assists on the season, Downey has been a constant scorer for the Bruins this season. Downey has seen time on both the penalty kill and power play. His speed and work ethic has made it easy for the coaching staff to put him on the ice in any situation. Downey’s speed is a key aspect of his game; it’s also one of the reasons why he is on the penalty kill. His great ability to get into a passing lane and make the proper play has been a great aspect of his game. As with Downey, Nick Foy has been a solid defensive player.
Not only is Foy a solid defensive player but the best faceoff man on the team. His size is also one of his best assets. He has been put in front of the net on the power play and has taken 
the beatings to make it easier for his teammates to score. Foy has 22 points in 34 games this season. He has 16 assists, most of which have been great set-ups from any stop in the offensive zone. He is a highly skilled power forward who can sneak up on a defender and go around them with ease. Foy has suffered from the injury bug a couple times this season with concussion problems and is currently out of the line up after having his appendix removed. A fellow power forward, Jake Moscatel has steered things up and uses his size well.
Moscatel has made the transition to the junior game from the Prep school level last season. Moscatel is a big body who throws his weight around. With a wicked shot, Moscatel can beat any goalie in the league. His 11 goals and 17 points in 35 games have provided a great boost to the team’s offense. However he is a power forward and banging bodies is what he does best. His 58 penalty minutes include a great fight in a game in New Jersey against the Hitmen. At the point in the game the Bruins need a spark and Moscatel created it. He fought the Hitmen’s Colin Trachsel and won in dominating fashion. Moscatel’s grit and hard work has reflected the team’s first half. As the season continues the Bruins need great efforts from everyone on the team and will be sure to make a splash in the playoffs in March. 
BOSTON, MA-Last Monday night Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern, and Harvard got together for the 57th annual Beanpot Tournament at the TD Banknorth Garden. The Beanpot has always been a showcase of some of the best players college hockey has to offer. This year is no different, with a familiar theme with some of the star players all having dawned the black and gold of the Junior Bruins. 
Lawrence scored BU's game-winner in the first game last Monday over Harvard with a big time slap shot that beat the Harvard goalie with just minutes to go in the game. Rogers had two assists and was a +1, while McCafferty was even and played a great game.
FRAMINGHAM, MA-Hoping to climb to the top of the EJHL standings the Junior Bruins look to keep up their solid play. After a great holiday break the Junior B’s have played great. The Junior Bruins have a great record of 29-6-4-1 overall and 23-6-3-1 in league play. There have been many reasons for their success, great goaltending, solid defensive play, and strong offensive production, to name a few.
To deal with these major losses the Junior Bruins brought in a new face in the first half. Dominic Morrone came to the Bruins at the beginning of November and has since played 16 games, scoring three goals and five assists. Morrone has great hands and is a great player in the offensive zone. His ability to play center and wing has also given coach Peter Masters flexibility with his lineup. Morrone and others have given Coah Masters flexibility with his lineup; however, there has been one consistent over the past 21 games, Russ Stein.
Broadwater after an eight week layoff has fully recovered from his torn MCL and his ready for action. Broadwater was great before his injury going 6-1-1 with a .921 save percentage and a goal against average of 1.98. He is a great goalie and when it is time for him to get in the net he is sure to play at the star level he is capable of playing. Stein and Broadwater are not the only two goalies helping this team. Corey McMahon has been a strong goalie at practice and during Broadwater’s absence gave Stein the challenge he needed in practice to push him to the next level. As a solid team’s go they work from the goaltending out, which leads to the defense who have been as solid as can be during the first half.
At the beginning of the season, it was unknown who would step up and be the leader of this team, not necessarily on the ice but in the locker room, however, that question was quickly answered. Criscuolo stepped up and was that guy. The definition of a team player; he has played forward along with defense during the first half. Never one to back down from anyone he is the perfect stay-at-home defensemen, who has the ability to take the puck up the ice and create an opportunity when necessary. He is currently in the top five of the team in plus/minus with a + 22 ranking. He has posted three goals and eight assists in 35 games, while playing with the high level of intensity and passion, which is the cornerstone of his effectiveness. He has received praise from his teammates and especially the coaching staff for his willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team win. Criscuolo is one of the most important players on the team and will be a key player for the Jr. B’s in the second half. 
White’s selection as assistant captain was no surprise as he is a good leader and a great teammate. White’s trademark, however, is his hard-nosed, feisty, and on the edge play. Quite frankly he is someone that the other teams hate. Probably the best trash-talker on the team, he has a way of getting other players skin. He is a smaller player that is a pest for to the opposing team’s forwards. White is not afraid to push the envelope as he is second on the team in penalty minutes with 58. Although he is a tough, hard-hitting defensemen he has still put up 18 points in 37 games played. Within the 18 points he has three goals, one of which was a blast from the point against the Monarchs, which served the game-winner. White has been a constant player for the Bruins this season. Another consistent player has been Colin Shea.
Dan Federico, the youngest player on the team, has been one of the most constant on the blue line. His uncanny ability to use his stick to get out of trouble is remarkable. At this point of his career he is a steady defense defenseman and has a great plus/minus ranking of plus 12. Freddy, as he is known by teammates, might be one of the youngest players in the EJHL but you couldn’t tell that by watching him play. He is a smart player with a great snap-shot; who has ran the power play when asked. He has one goal and eight assists in 38 games and is expected to only get better as the season continues. Federico’s consistent play will need to continue for the Bruins to reach their goals this season. His defensive partner, Evan Gogonis has also settled in as a solid and smart player.