#50in15

A challenge was made back in July. Score 50 goals in the 2015 EMHL this season and Team Visualeyes will don a new set of Zubaz jerseys. Some thought it was insane, down right impossible. Team V perennial point leader, Eric Schottke, has flirted with 40 goals in a season, even setting the league record back in 2012-13 with 37, but 50 goals in one campaign seemed like finding Sasquatch, the Loch-Ness Monster or the Tooth Fairy. Garren "Ranch-Hand" Reisweber thought differently.

#50in15

On Wednesday, February 4th, Reisweber accomplished the un-thinkable, scoring his 50th goal of the season in just his 20th game played, leading Team Visualeyes to a 9-4 victory over Lenox Grill with four goals and three assists. Reisweber's 84 points on the season (52-32) has shattered every Team Visualeyes' and EMHL single season scoring record, but after the feat, the Ranch-Hand spoke to a different tune while taking some time to clear his mind, prepare for the playoff run, and meditate in the wilderness of Bandon, Oregon. "Late in the off-season, (Team V GM) Lebsy, really stoked my fire. His challenge lead me to essentially, a second coming in my hockey career. I am playing without a doubt the best hockey of my entire life, and am hungry for another championship, and Zubaz. I've been lucky enough to have been surrounded by incredible line-mates, and would not be where I am without them. Scoring #50 was a huge monkey off my back and now that I've surpassed #50in15, I am soley focused on playoffs, and a third Team V title."

With the win over Lenox, Visualeyes stays atop of the EMHL Classic division, holding onto a 15-4-1 record with 6 games remaining in the regular season. Matthew Mesi added a hat-trick as well as an assist on Reisweber's 50th in the win.

NEWS AND NOTES:

- Visualeyes faces off against All Black Hockey Sticks on Wednesday, February 11th at 9:20 PM. GREAT SEATS STILL AVAILABLE!

Stanek Drives A Titleist Into Whalers Blowhole, Leads TeamV in OT Victory

When Team Visualeyes came to terms with former University at Pittsburgh All-Star Derrick Stanek this off-season, they knew what they were getting. A heavy game from a blue-liner notorious for taking care of his own end first. Any offense would be an added bonus. Stanek's first bonus of the year was delivered in a big, big way Wednesday night when he buried the game winning goal 65 seconds into the overtime period to defeat The Whale 7-6. Stanek found some open ice in the high slot, allowing an Eric Schottke pass from the corner to set up the quick wrister. "It was a real team effort Wednesday night. I just happened to be the guy that had the puck land on their stick in OT." said Stanek on his first EMHL goal.

Stanzy's 1st EMHL Goal 

Team V jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead on their bitter rivals in the first seven minutes as the red hot Garren Reisweber notched is 21st and 22nd goal just seven games in to the 2014-15 campaign. Reisweber is on pace to net 82 goals, which would shatter all EMHL records. Reisweber attributes his early season success to a challenge from management. If Reisweber were to score 50 goals in the season, TeamV would add a Zubaz themed jersey as their official 3rd jersey. So far Reisweber has lived by the #50in15 mantra and it has shown on the ice.

The Whale battled back, eventually tying TeamV at 6 goals a piece with less than a minute remaining in the third on a power play goal on a scrum in front.

Schottke, Adam Bellows, Drew Leberer and Joe Mariano all pitched in with goals in the gritty win over the Whale and goaltender Robert Tates came up with some big saves to backstop the effort.

With the victory Wednesday evening at Buffalo State Arena, Visualeyes improved their record to 6-1, good enough for first place in the EMHL. Team V began the season at a torrid pace, handily beating each EMHL opponent, going 5-0 until they met the Indians for the second time. Visualeyes' 5 game winning streak didn't break the franchise record as the 7 game winning streak from 2011-12 still stands.

Team V's has a well needed 9 day break as they prepare for two games in four nights next week beginning with Friday, November 7th at 9:20 PM vs. Chef's and Monday, November 10th at 7:50 PM vs. Lennox Grille.

NEWS AND NOTES:

- Duffy Dunnigan has officially returned to the TeamV lineup after successful surgery on a torn meniscus in the offseason.

-Bob Simpson's 2014-15 season ended before it started, as the veteran forward suffered a torn rotator cuff that will require surgery. Simpson's career may be in jeopardy.

-Stanek is not the only new face on the Team Visualeyes blue line this year. Ian Leberer has returned from a four year conditioning assignment in Florida, bringing some experience from an EMHL title back in 2009.


FOLLOW TEAM VISUALEYES ON TWITTER @TeamVisualeyes FOR LIVE UPDATES AND TEAM NEWS!!

Indians Force a Deciding Game 3

Visualeyes could not hold off a desperate Pappas Indians team on St. Patrick's Day, losing 3-1 in Game 2 of their EMHL Quarterfinal series.

Team V fell to a 2-0 until T.J. Cooper was able to break the goose egg on a great individual effort while on the penalty kill in the second period.

Visualeyes had several opportunities to tie the game at 2 in the third period, but failed to do so, ultimately leading to their demise. The Indians added an insurance goal to take a two goal lead with five minutes remaining in the third.

Visualeyes and The Indians will take to the ice on Monday, March 24th at 7:50 PM at Buffalo State Arena in a deciding Game 3. GREAT SEATS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!

TEAM V TAKES GAME 1

Jeremiah Crowe Earns "The Playmaker" &  Leads Visualeyes to the Win

Visualeyes and Pappas Indians skated to a 0-0 tie after a face paced, uptempo opening period in Game 1 of the EMHL Quarterfinal series. Team V was able to crack the code of Indians' netminder, Kyle Gunn-Taylor, three minutes into the second period when d-man Jeremiah Crowe found Eric Schottke for a back door tip in. Gunn-Taylor had stumped Visualeyes in the regular season finale, 4-0 prior to Game 1.

The Indians were quick to respond, as James "Junk Yard Dog" Durham fed Chris Moran to tie the game at one. Visualeyes took to the power play and after his team killed off his penalty, Garren Reisweber said thanks by burying home the rebound of a point shot from Crowe. This goal gave Team V the boost it needed, and Matt Mesi harnessed that momentum, ripping a wrist shot top shelf off of the ensuing face-off. The goal however was waved off due to Rule 617, Section C, part 4; stating "A goal shall not be allowed if the following occurs: the puck entered the goal while an attacking player was positioned in the crease". Reisweber and Team V believed this rule was abolished in 1999, but were apparently mistaken. Team V did not let this setback hold them down though as Andrew Valint found the back of the net from the top of crease right after the disallowed goal. Rearguard Drew Leberer, gathered his own rebound from a blistering shot off the rush, found Max Bonito in his office behind the Indians net, and let Bonito do the rest. "Flash" threaded the needle right to Valint's tape in the top of the crease and Valint made no mistake putting it through the five hole.

Visualeyes maintained offensive zone pressure on the Indians for the remainder of the second frame and continued to control play in the third. Don Borsuk put the nail in the coffin of Game 1, scoring Team V's fourth of the night, with 8 minutes to go. Assisting on the goal, were Eric Schottke and also Jeremiah Crowe again, his third of the night. Crowe had struggled all regular season finding his offensive touch, which he has been known for, only tallying 1G and 3A on the year. He (Crowe) made no mistake in Game 1, making the most of the games that matter the most, leading Team V from the back end.

Visualeyes' goalie Robert Tates played his best game of the season on Monday evening, backstopping the victory with 34 saves.

NEWS AND NOTES:

-Bob Simpson is day to day with the flu, he hopes to return to the lineup for Game 2.

-Game 2 is set for Monday, March 17th at 7:50 PM at the Buffalo State Arena. GREAT SEATS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!

TEAM V GEARED UP FOR THE EMHL PLAYOFFS

The "real" season begins tomorrow for Visualeyes, as they square off against Pappas Indians in a best of 3, EMHL Quarterfinal series. Team V set a goal back in August, to capture a third EMHL title, a feat they have not completed since 2011.

Mariano with his 1st EMHL Goal puck in September

On paper, Visualeyes is clearly the best team in the EMHL, however many have questioned Team V's grit and drive since their last championship. A few off-season acquisitions were made to reinforce their lineup this summer, including one Joe Mariano. Mariano was not only brought in for his nifty toe drag skills, his boyish good looks and his contribution to the Team V locker room cooler, but mainly to provide some extra sand paper to the team. "Catmando" chipped in 18 goals and 12 assists in the regular season, earning him EMHL Rookie of the Year nominations. Look for #3 to have a stellar postseason!

Team V rearguard and resident historian, Andy Valint had this to say about the upcoming series. "General Custer once said, "The only good Indian is a dead Indian." We will take that attitude into the first round and try to replicate the Massacre at Wounded Knee leaving behind a trail of tears."

Visualeyes and the Indians split the season series, 2-2, so this match-up should be a great one!

GREAT SEATS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!

Visualeyes' Playoff Schedule:

March 10th @ 10:50PM
March 17th @ 7:50PM
March 24th @ 7:50PM (if needed)

all games are played at Buffalo State Arena

PADDLE DOWN with Dave Leggio

Reisweber "GARREN-Tee's" a Team V Title

This is a the First in a Four Part Series where Team Visualeyes Director of Pro Scouting, Dave Leggio, interviews members of the team...ENJOY!

On a cold February morning, you can hear the echo of weights clanging at the Eastern Hills BAC. Its none other than Garren "The Deucer" Reisweber, working off a hard night of burying goals, beers and wings for Team Visualeyes in the EMHL. Its that hard work and attention to detail that has Garren sitting at 30 goals on the season, and Team V in top form for the stretch run. Garren was gracious enough to grant me an exclusive interview, one which I will never forget.

Dave Leggio- Start with the feeling you get when you put on the Team V sweater.
Garren Reisweber- The feeling I get when I pull on the Team V sweater is a lot like the feeling Superman gets when pulling up his tights.

DL  When Team V won the EMHL Championship in 2010-2011, how did it feel when the final buzzer rang?
GR  I was grateful to have been signed halfway through the season and given the opportunity to win a championship...I also recall slight indigestion.

DL  Of course! You won a national title at Oswego with 2 goals including the game winner. How does that compare to your title with Visualeyes?
GR  Both teams had tremendous goal-tending and bench full of role players. It was like reliving '07 at Oswego. We hope to repeat that in '14 with a great addition up front in Joe "Catmando" Mariano, and stellar goal-tending from Robert "Tots" Tates.

DL  That would be fantastic. A lot of people are asking, what does the "V" in Team V really stand for?
GR  It's a great mystery that only the Team V elders know. I've heard that it stands for Vince Vaughn, the original owner of the franchise.

DL   I've heard that too but Vince was unavailable for comment. In your opinion, who would be on the cover for Team V's first ever "Vic's Secret Catalog" and why?
GR  Tough to say. Could be anyones cover, we have a roster full of versatile dual threats.

DL  That's true, but I expected a better answer.  Talk about team Captain, GM, Liaison, Andrew Leberer, what does he mean to Visualeyes?
GR  Twitter legend, Leader, Sniper, Father husband workhorse. The list goes on. I'm especially impressed with his unparalleled physique.

DL  Yes! Talk about that physique....Is it something you aspire for?
GR  Yeah, he's got the ideal physique for a bar league all star. Middle weighted, for power on his slap shot and extra room for post-game beers. Someday I'll get there, with his coaching and mentor-ship.

Reisweber Hoisting his NCAA National Title
Plaque with SUNY Oswego

DL  In three words describe:

DL  Adam Bellows
GR  One George Bush
DL  Andrew Valint
GR  Inspirational drinker, Vagabond
DL  Max "The Body" Bonito
GR  Eats like Waterbuffalo
DL  Joe Mariano
GR  Cat Man Do
DL  Duffy Dunnigan
GR  Mario Lemieux Doppleganger

DL  Give us a day in the life of a legend, on game day.
GR  Game day routine: I usually throw a few messages back and forth with the boys early in the day to get excited... I also try to eat deliberately unhealthy means within a few hours of game time, it gets me goin.

DL  Finally, where do you see Team V at the end of this season?
GR  I Visualeyes Team V hoisting the EMHL Cup party at Colter Bay with all of our fans and the jukebox flowin'.

DL  Garren, it was an absolute honor getting the chance to speak with you today.
GR  That's understandable.


Check back for next weeks "Paddle Down" with Dave Leggio!

Visualeyes Debuts New Look With a Win

A shorthanded Team V outlasted a very deep Pappas' Indians squad Wednesday evening, 7-5, in EMHL action at Buffalo State Arena. In a year that has had its ups and downs, Visualeyes' win over the Indians with only two games remaining in the EMHL regular season showed this team is committed and ready for the post-season.

Visualeyes unveiled their much anticipated red jerseys Wednesday with only 9 players donning the new threads. Team V looked solid in warm-ups with the fresh look, but knew they were in for a long night as they looked down the ice at a bench of 3 full lines and 5 defencemen including Welland Jr. Canadian standout David Burkholder who was flown in just for this match-up.

The Indians got on the board first when sniper Chris Moran wired a wrist that deflected off of Team V d-man Adam Bellows and ricocheted off of goalie Robert Tates' stick into the corner of the rink. Luckily, Visualeyes answered the Indians "goal" immediately as Matt Mesi chipped in his 15th goal of the season with line mates Garren Reisweber and T.J. Cooper earning the helpers. Team V rookie, Joseph Mariano gave the boys in red their first lead of the game a shift later off a pass from Reisweber. The Indians would come back to tie the game at two, but 21 seconds later, Duffy Dunnigan would regain the lead for Visualeyes as he pick pocketed an Indian defenceman and beat goaltender Kyle Gunn-Taylor.

The two teams skated to an even second period, each side netting two goals. Visualeyes had help from Don Borsuk and T.J. Cooper.

With the score 5-4 heading into the final frame, Team V knew they had a difficult task ahead as fatigue began to set in. The Indians were able to tie the game at 5 three minutes into the third period after a costly Team V turnover at its own blue line. Following the ensuing face-off, Visualeyes quickly regained the lead when Cooper buried his second goal of the night and 15th of the season. Garren Reisweber had the lone assist on Cooper's goal, good enough for his fourth assist of the game. Visualeyes controlled the remaining 12 minutes of the game, displaying their defensive zone strength.

Reisweber put the game out of reach, scoring an empty net goal on his third attempt, giving Visualeyes the 7-5 victory and 13th win on the season.

"This was a gutsy win. A great effort by the boys. We knew we were going to have to dig in in the third with our bench being as short as it was and the boys responded real well. Coop's goal to take the lead back after they tied it up early in the third was huge. I'm real proud of the way we grinded that one out and hopefully we can bring the same effort to sweep the season series over the Whalers on Monday." said TeamV Captain/GM/equipment manager/denfenceman Drew Leberer after the game.

Besides the 16-6 drubbing Team V game The Indians early this fall, the two teams have battled in even games. Visualeyes dropping the second meeting of the year 4-3 and taking this game 7-5. Visualeyes will round out their regular season on March 4th against the Indians for their fourth and final meeting.

Visualeyes will look to spoil the Whalers chances at earning first place in the EMHL Monday evening at 9:20 at Buffalo State Arena. GREAT SEATS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!

NEWS AND NOTES:

-Check back to our site soon as Director of Pro Scouting, David Leggio, will begin his first of four part
Q & A sessions with Visualeyes winger, Garren Reisweber.

-Team V would like to thank Visualeyes and their newest sponsor Reeds Jenss for their generous support in the addition of the new jerseys. THANK YOU!

-Follow Team Visualeyes on Twitter ( @TeamVisualeyes ) for all of the latest Team V news including in game updates, injury reports and EMHL news.