Advantage Return Home From Pittsburgh 2-2

The Boston Advantage returned home from the very competitive Pittsburgh Viperstars Tournament with a 2-2 overall record.  The Advantage played some strong competition and saw some very good teams & players throughout the weekend. 

Game 1: Advantage Play Strong But Couldn't Put Out Flames
The Advantage played a good Chicago Flames team but fell short 4-2.  The Advantage got a powerplay goal from Kevin Emmerling and a shorthanded goal from Mike Dicenso.  The lines were shuffled a bit with the loss of Jeong Choe to an injury however the boys battled though and it was a good game when both teams played even-strength.

Game 2: Advantage Play Up & Down Game Versus Shattuck
The guys played a very strong Shattuck St. Mary's team but came up short 3-0.  Two of Shattucks goal came at the end of the game in the form of empty-netters.  It was a very even game for 2 periods but Shattuck buried one in the second period to take the 1-0 lead.  Shattuck was a talented team that was very well coached.  Our guys and coaches were up for the challenge and didn't disappoint the crowd.  It was a good game to watch.  Erik McGuirk was on his game only allowing 1 goal on 22 shots.  The Team Defense was strong lead by the effort of defense core. 

Game 3: Eight Goal Outburst Leads To Advantage To 8-3 Win
Fresh off of 2 games where the Advantage plyed well but fell short, they rebounded in the 3rd game scoring 3 in the first period and never looked back scoring 5 more in second & third to win 8-3 in their 3rd game of the tournament.  The scoring was started by a shorthand breakaway snipe by Al Royer.  Shortly after that Chris Boyd tipped a shot by Tommy Munichiello who let one go from the top of the right circle on the PP with the assit going to Tommy Callahan.  Less than a minute later, Brian Harris then grabbed the puck in the neutral zone and carried the puck dangling 2 or 3 guys for a highlight reel goal.  Half way through the 2nd Vinny Michienzi picked up his first goal of the season taking advantage of an off angled goalie.  The 3rd period started with a hard working "Phil Esposito type goal" for Dennis Collins.  Half way through the 3rd, Timmy McGrath decided to put on scoring clinic netting 2 in the span of 4 minutes.  Barbieri & Bero assisted on the goals.  Sammy Olson capped off the effort by scoing with a few minutes left in the game.  Al Royer, Dylan Barbieri, and Timmy McGrath all finished with 2 points apiece. 

Game 4: Advantage win Boarder Battle 6-1
Lead by 2 goal nights by both Sammy Olson & Dylan Barbieri, the Advantage beat their rivals from the North, Welland Tiger of Ontario, 6-1.  John Marsters played strong all evening & battled from the drop of the puck.  Marster buried a nice feed by Mike Green kicking off the scoring.  Sammy Olson owned the 2nd period scoring both his goals in that frame.  Sammy beat the goal twice on nice hard shots from right inside the circle.  Both goals were assisted by Kevin Emmerling as well as Mike Dicenso (the 1st) and Gio Lorusso (the 2nd).  Dylan Barbieri decided it was his time to shine by scoring his 2 goals on the night in the 3rd.  Barbieri's first was a blast from the point that looked like it came from the stick of Zdeno Chara and his second was a follow up on his own rebound.  Chris Boyd finished off the weekend with a goal late in the 3rd.  Erik McGuirk was very sharp in the win and also had a "Ron Hextal like" pass up the ice assiting on Dylan's 2nd goal of the night.  The Welland Tigers were a very solid Canadian Midget Team out of Ontario.  This was a quality win for the boys.  It was a solid team effort and we are proud of the way the boys kept composed.  

It was a competitive tournament and we made a good impression with the teams that we played.  The tournament itself was very well run and it was a great show for people looking to play with us or against us next season.  It was another good experience for the boys playing different teams and experience playing on the road in one of the US's hockey hot beds, Pittsburgh.  Robert Morris University also hosted us at their game versus Bemidji State on Saturday night.  Its great to catch a college game when we are on the road. 

Mr.DiCenso, Mr.Marsters, & Mr.Hayes were a big help all weekend and great company.  A special shout out needs to go to our fans that made the trip.  Thanks to Buddy's cousins, Ryan & Joey & James, as well as his brother Sean we had some solid visual & vocal support throughout the tournament. The guys enjoy playing infront of family and friends so thanks to all who made the trip. 

The Advantage stand at 26-20-2 on the season with a few more games to go.