Visualeyes took the long way around to securing two points
against their biggest rival, but it was two points nonetheless. Adam Bellows
and Bob Simpson-Corigliano scored in the shootout against the Whalers Tuesday
night to lock up the 6-5 shootout win at Buffalo State Arena.
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| SCHOTTKE NETS 2 in WIN |
After losing in a shootout less than one month ago to the
Whalers, Team V had something to prove to their division rival Tuesday. The
Whale jumped out to a quick start, scoring just 57 seconds into the contest.
Visualeyes came back in a hurry netting two goals just 30 seconds later. Eric
Schottke re-discovered his scoring touch with great poise in front of the Whale’s
net, dekeing to his forehand. Standout
rookie, Adam Bellows added his seventh goal of the year just 18 seconds later. Winter’s
Whalers Captain, Roberto Carroll, battled back, notching the score at 2. Team V
took the 3-2 lead with 6:39 left in the first on a 3 on 2 which found Bellows,
Valint and Leberer-Kasperczyk cruising up ice at warp speed. Valint buried home
his third of the year on a pretty feed from Bellows.
Team V dominated the second period, controlling time of possession
and out-shooting the Whale 20-4. On one of the prettier plays of the year, Matt
English-Gunning found a wide open Matthew Mesi on the back door to go up 4-3. Schottke
netted his team leading 10th goal of the year with 47 seconds to go
in the second frame.
Visualeyes struggled to find the back of the net in the
third, and their defense struggled even more, allowing the Whale to score twice
and tie the score at five. At the end of regulation, with both teams worn out,
both sides went to their “big guns” in the shootout. “I went with Schotty, Simmer,
and Bellows because Eric was 9 for 9 at the time in shootouts, Simmer was
shooting high all game and getting stoned, so I knew he’d bury down low, and
Bellows because he has some of the slickest mitts in the EMHL.” Said
Leberer-Kasperczyk from the bench. Schottke rang his shot off the left post, missing his first shootout attempt in 4 years. Simpson-Corigliano and Bellows picked up the slack and both beat the Whaler's net-minder for the W.
“A win is a win. I feel the skill level of the opponent
really lead us to get lackadaisical in our own end. We played some really bad
team D. I just don’t get how you let a player like Brendan Biskup split the D, both
of whom played college hockey. But anyways, a win is a win. I need to change
some things up about my offensive game. I can’t seem to find the back of the
net, but it was good to see Schotty and Bellows bail me out” Simpson-Corigliano
said Wednesday morning.
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| ENGLISH-GUNNING ADDS 4 ASSISTS |
Matt English-Gunning’s moustache has impressed many with its
creepy ways, but was especially creepy on finding Mesi at the back door in the
second. After the game he mentioned the positive notes of the game. “It was a
great way to bounce back from a loss. Those are the kind of wins that can turn
around a season. And it all starts with leadership. The way Drew
Leberer-Kasperczyk played last night set the tone for us all. He wore his heart
on his sleeve and the team followed……well, it also helped I had 4 apples.”
English-Gunning’s D-partner, Ryan Donnelly was also happy
with the win. “It was a huge team effort out there. I want to emphasize the
word team. Between the 2nd and 3rd, coach really put the
importance on the “V” and how hard we have to work to honor it. That’s why this
team wins. Each guy contributes in a different way, whether it is on the stat
sheet, blocked shots, or with creative passing. I think this win; over our
rivals will lead us to our 3rd title.”
With the win, Visualeyes’ record improves to 5-3-1.
Visualeyes will face-off next on Monday, November 21st at 10:50pm vs.
Third Street Tap Room.
