Last weekend the JRFlyers headed way down south to take on the new expansion team in the EHL, the North Carolina Golden Bears. Off to a 5-0 start, the JRFlyers were looking to continue their winning ways.

Sunday

The 1st period went by quick, the JRFlyers had to kill off two penalties. Philadelphia also had a power play chance but would not be able to score. The JRFlyers led in shots 17-3 but the game was scoreless. The 2nd period was a difficult one for Philadelphia. The JRFlyers would be sent to the box four more times, despite being shorthanded they would put 18 shots on goal in the period. The penalty kill and (G) Albin Mulic stepped up to keep the Bears off the board and the game was still scoreless after 40 minutes. Early pressure by the JRFlyers in the 3rd period led to a goal by Conor Leighton and it was 1-0. Unfortunately, Philadelphia could not stay out of the box. The JRFlyers had to fight off numerous penalties and the Bears were able to tie the game when the JRFlyers were down to a 5 on 3 disadvantage. In the small amount of time that the game was played at even strength, with about three minutes left in the game Billy McDevitt would give Philadelphia a 2-1 lead. The JRFlyers would hang on for the win, Mulic made 24 saves in net. Overall the JRFlyers committed 11 penalties but held the Bears to 1-10 on powerplay chances. Not the ideal way to win a game, but the JRFlyers were able to hang on for the victory.

“For starters we were in the box way too much. Thankfully our penalty kill came up huge for us and kept us in the game on Sunday. We have a very aggressive penalty killing style and it makes it difficult for teams to get on the attack because we don’t let them even set up.” Kiemel

Monday

The JRFlyers started this game off in much better fashion. Less than five minutes into the game Weinbrenner picked up the loose puck in the slot and fired the shot past (G) Seeber for the 1-0 lead. Just after the midway point of the 1st period, Philadelphia would strike again. Houlihan sent the puck back to Henri Martineau for the one timer and the blast from the blue line would make it a 2-0 game. In the 2nd period the JRFlyers continued to fire away on offense. With a power play opportunity, McDevitt sent a nice cross ice pass to Weinbrenner and another one timer rocket would hit the net making it 3-0. Just a couple minutes later, Michael Houlihan would skate around the net and on the wrap around would stuff the puck into the goal as the JRFlyers were dominating 4-0.  That goal would send (G) Zach Seeber to the bench and he would be replaced by Alex Kinlaw. About two minutes later, the Bears would send a rebound opportunity into the net past (G) Carpenter and it was a 4-1 game at the end of the 2nd. Just :30 into the 3rd period Weinbrenner would score shorthanded giving him a hat trick for the game and the JRFlyers were up 5-1. Philadelphia would take care of business the rest of the way for a 5-1 win, Carpenter ended the game with 18 saves.

The JRFlyers are off to a 7-0 start to the 2018-19 season. The road games continue but a tall task is next. The JRFlyers will be on the road to take on the defending EHL Champions, the New Hampshire Avalanche. After a pair of losses a couple weeks ago to the Philadelphia Revolution 4-3, and the Boston Jr. Rangers 4-1, the Avalanche were in action three times last weekend. New Hampshire came away with three straight wins, Connecticut Roughriders 8-3, New York Applecore 3-2 in overtime, and the Connecticut Chiefs 10-3. Overall, the Avalanche are 5-2 and are in 1st place in the North Division. It should be a great matchup and a solid test for the JRFlyers this weekend.

“The biggest factor for us being off to a great start is our team comradery and our belief in the team systems. We play a very unorthodox style and it is important for everyone to play the same way or the system will not work. We have all bought in and the results are showing” said Kiemel. “To continue to have success against the Avalanche we need to play our style of defense which will allow for offensive opportunities. We play aggressive on the puck in the defensive zone which doesn’t give the opposing teams’ offense any time to setup.”

Then the JRFlyers will take on the New England Wolves on Monday. The Wolves are coming off a 4-1 loss to the Valley Jr. Warriors, and a 6-2 win against Team Maryland.  Overall, the Wolves are 4-4 and are 4th in the New England North Conference. 

Weekend Schedule 

Saturday  at New Hampshire Avalanche    6:30pm 

Sunday at New Hampshire Avalanche      1:30pm

Monday at New England Wolves                  1:45pm

By: Joe Sindoni

Director of Broadcasting

Play by Play Announcer