THE CENTRE'S BRONZE LEVEL HOCKEY'S EVENLY-MATCHED TEAMS FIERCELY COMPETE FOR GAME WINS

HARRINGTON, DE - October 23, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

If you weren’t seated before the first Bronze Level game on Sunday night, matching Wilson Contracting’s “Stars” against Jonathan Landing’s “JL Eagles”, you most likely missed the first goal. JL Eagles’ Christopher Good made the goal unassisted only eight seconds into the game—a record for the year. Avidly playing, both teams were prepared to fight. Paul Kaercher (assist: James DiDonato) scored for JL Eagles and was answered by a goal from Robert Betts (assist: Mike Arabia) of the Stars. The game became personal as both teams grew protective, and the referees got a lot of exercise as both teams kept the puck in full motion. The Stars were able to catch-up during the second period when John McCartney (assists: Fred Messa, Steve Judge) made the equalizer and Betts (assist: Arabia) netted another later in the period grabbing the lead. In the third, tempers flared mid-way through, halting the game momentarily; however, with a concerted effort, the JL Eagles were able to tie-up the score when David Moyer (assist: Brian Page) scored on a short-handed play. With less than two minutes left in the game and the score tied, the Stars called a time-out in hopes of devising a winning strategy; however, all plans were thwarted when the game ended in a 3-3 tie.

In the second game of the night, the “Mad Dogs” went up against “Finish Line” Collision. Given both teams’ previous records, spectators anticipated a heated game. Leaving no time for doubt, however, “Finish Line” scored early in the first period with a goal by Justin Skinner (assist: Douglas Backus). Finish Line held control, and, deep into the period, advanced their lead by two when Christopher Mukoda (assist: Troy Palmer) scored. In the second period, Finish Line’s Christopher Klein scored unassisted, but this time the goal was answered by puck into the net from David Sawicki (assists: Alan Kovitz, David Lonchar) of the Mad Dogs. Fighting to regain control, Finish Line scored near the end of the period with a goal by Skinner (assist: Ronald Oronzio). With forty seconds remaining in the second, Finish Line scored again with a goal by Klein (assist: James Olson) on a power play. Facing a 5-1 defeat, the Mad Dogs started period three with a vengeance with Michael Williams sliding one right past the goalie. The fighting continued as teammate David Kokoszka (assist: Sawicki) lessened Finish Line’s lead when he scored halfway through the period. However, in the final minutes, Skinner (assist: Ray Reddington) struck again for a hat trick that would give Finish Line the 6-3 win.

In Sunday night’s final game, the “Outlaws” took on the Seafood City “Sharks”. Both teams were energetic and ready for another opportunity to show off their skills. The Outlaws ended the first period with the lead when Thomas Cathcart (assist: Daniel Matta) grabbed the period’s only goal. In the second, the Sharks pulled off an incredible short-handed goal with two teammates in the box. For the remainder of the period, there was plenty of action as the puck traveled from one end of the rink to the other—keeping the referees “on their toes”; however, both team’s goalies held back all attempts. Heading into the third period with the scored tied, it looked as if neither team could break loose and grab the win; however, the Sharks’ Bradley Covey scored, unassisted, giving the Sharks the 2-1 win.

The Centre Ice Rink at the Delaware State Fair in Harrington offers an adult (18+) hockey league; men and women are encouraged to join. The League is USA Hockey certified and Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association (AAHA) affiliated. Per USA Hockey standards, placement is based on interest, experience and ability. For game times, or to learn how you can compete, please call The Centre Ice Rink at (302) 398-5900 or visit www.SkateAtTheFair.com.###