Now that it’s over, Team Visualeyes can confess they are human and accept the difficulty of the last 35 days.
Rookie defenseman, Jimmy “Duffy” Dunnigan (Getzville), for one, was tired of letting people down. “It hurts losing games, but it hurts more knowing that we have let our friends, families, and fans down. They count on Team V to bring joy into their lives... and we have not been providing that on a weekly basis. It was tough showing your face in public knowing that the whole city is disappointed in you.”
For the first night in over a month, the bounces went Team Visualeyes’ way, giving them an 8-4 win over Third Street Tap Room Tuesday night at Buffalo State Arena.
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| MESI DANGLES AND SNIPES |
Team V exploded in the first period, burying four goals, making a statement just 45 seconds into the game when shifty forward, Matt Mesi (Orchard Park) split the two Tap Room defenders and faking out the goalie with a beautiful backhand to forehand deke.
Less than three minutes later, Dunnigan notched his first career EMHL goal after sneaking down from the weak side point and sniping the middle of the net on a pass from d-partner, Ryan Donnelly (Tonawanda). “It was a great effort by the 10 guys out there. There was grit, focus and clear determination to end this skid we’ve been on. I thought Andrew Valint (Tonawanda) played a great game skating with Eric Schottke (Tonawanda) and Don Borsuk (West Seneca), that’s a lot of pressure to put on him and he responded well” said Donnelly. Valint did more than respond well, adding his third assist of the year, but more importantly, providing excellent support away from the puck. At a pivotal point in the first period, Visualeyes was only up 2-1 and “AV” laid out face first to block a blistering shot, turning the tides for the red, white and blue.
Valint’s shot block gave the extra boost to leading goal scorer, Eric Schottke, who added to his list of highlight reel goals with a between the legs, top shelf, short-handed goal. Schottke broke out of his two game scoreless slump and netted his 8th and 9th goals of the season against Tap Room. The onslaught of first period goals was topped off by a fast rush by Jerry Crowe (Kenmore) led to a nifty backhand goal.
Goaltender, Adam Roma’s (Lancaster) solid play from the start of the season shined through once again, stopping 34 of 38 shots, providing an extra backstop, even when Team V let off the gas in the second period. Roma added, “Oh yeah, for sure, it was a great effort by everyone, great to see the team bounce back after last game.”
Due to a strain of influenza floating around Visualeyes’ locker room, the team was missing both Brown’s, the grittier Steve, and more finesse Dan; as well as T.J. Cooper, Bob Simpson-Corigliano, and Matt English-Gunning. The absences of these five players gave the opportunity to for Team V to call up an NCAA Division III National Champion. Garren Reisweber (Williamsville) from SUNY Oswego, made the most out of his chances, netting one goal and two assists. Reisweber’s impressive debut turned some heads and will definitely be in the mix for future call ups.
Matt Mesi added his second tally of the game, knocking Tap Room’s goalie’s water bottle right off the top shelf with a twisted wrister from the slot. Crowe opened up the eyes of Player/Coach/GM/Equipment Manager, Drew Leberer (North Tonawanda) with his second goal of the night as he turned the opposing net minder inside out with a neat dangle on a power play breakaway. “After all of our troubles in the shootout this year, I wish I would’ve known ol’ Jer had those moves in him all along! The kid lets elephant gun one timers go from the point, so I just figured his forte is more on the shooting side rather than the finesse (side).”
After the game, Schottke’s thoughts on the win; “We definitely came out with a big jump in our step. It’s hard not to, when you have the best owner in the EMHL, spoiling us with top notch team issued chap-stick before the game. Its things like that that keep us motivated and focused on the task at hand; and that task at hand is bringing back that 25 pound solid silver trophy where it belongs.”
Don Borsuk continued his excellent two way play Tuesday night and had this to say for the upcoming weeks. “After that win, we should be looking to make a run here and get on a roll through the holiday season. I’m not looking ahead, but I’ve already circled the next game versus Pappas on my calendar.”
Visualeyes will have the next 10 days off for Thanksgiving break, meeting up with the Peace Frogs on November 28th at 10:20pm
NEWS AND NOTES
-Team Visualeyes' Pre-Thanksgiving Party is this Friday at City Tavern, on Chippewa St. The party starts @ 7:30pm. Get there early for a chance at free Team Visualeyes merchandise. Tell all of your friends who LOVE Team V! There will be 4 tickets available for the Buffalo Sabres/Tampa Bay Lightning game on 11/20.
