The New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (9 points ahead of the Northern Cyclones) and Connecticut Oilers (7 points better than the Junior Wolfpack) continue to lead the North and Central Divisions by comfortable margins.
Meanwhile the Philadelphia Little Flyers have moved into the top spot in the South and hold three games in hand on their most viable pursuer the New Jersey Rockets.
The Jr. Monarchs pulled away from the persistent Boston Junior Rangers, 6-4, last Friday on late third-period goals from Ryan Gandy and Hunter Laslo. Jake Theut had 41 saves in the New Hampshire cage. Austin Donaldson scored twice for the Rangers.
Jr. Monarchs
On Saturday, six players scored as the Monarchs unleashed 52 shots while handling the Valley Junior Warriors, 6-1. Cam Owens (goal, 2 assists) and Cam Shaheen (goal, 2 assists) led the way. Warriors’ keeper Matt Penta stopped 46 shots.
Also on Saturday, the Little Flyers outgunned the Philadelphia Revolution, 9-6, in a game that produced 10 second-period goals, seven by the Flyers. Drew Gannon’s natural hat trick triggered the outburst and Mexico City native Hector Majul added a pair. James Wallace, Ken Tencza and Riley Egan all had a goal and an assist for the Revs.
Goalie Josh Sarlo’s 37 saves carried the Connecticut Oilers past Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Saturday night, 5-1. Tommy Nolan scored twice and Joe Widmar added a goal and an assist for the winners.
Connecticut Oilers
Connecticut completed the sweep with a 4-1 win Sunday night behind goals from Ryan Fitzgerald, Jared Chinn, Manny Manns and Grant Hazel. Matt MacInnis had 32 saves for WBS.
Sunday’s action also saw the Little Flyers squeeze past the Junior Flyers, 4-2. Austin Kelly scored the eventual game-winner early in the second period and Jude Warner provided insurance midway through the third. Jamie Lukas and Patrick Hayes connected for the Junior Flyers.
Also on Sunday, the New Jersey Rockets turned back the New Jersey Titans, 4-1, behind Josh Creelman’s 50-save gem. Troy Conzo’s natural hat trick paved the way and included a power play goal and empty-netter in the third period.
NJ Rockets
In Monday’s lone game, New York Applecore knocked off the New York Bobcats, 5-3, behind a pair of goals from Anthony Guaiani. ‘Cats keeper Justin Kapelmaster kept it close with 40 saves.
Tonight’s single game (Hartford at NY Bobcats) kicks off a stretch of 12 consecutive days with at least one game on the docket. The slate is packed this weekend (Fri.-Sun.) with 12 games scheduled.
[divider]Players of the Week
(Jan. 4-12)
Defense –Danny McMullan, Ct. Oilers
Goaltender – Billy Palmer, Boston Bandits
Offense – Hector Majul, Little Flyers
[divider]League Leaders
Goals – Kevin Valenti, Cyclones (27)
Assists – Mike Gillespie, NJ Rockets (31)
Points – Kevin Valenti, Cyclones (56)
Goaltending – Brenden Cain, Monarchs (1.83, .932)
