BELLOWS-MORRISON SCORES HAT-TRICK AS TEAM V BEACHES WINTER'S WHALERS

After losing for the first time in 7 games, Visualeyes took the ice against long time rival, Winter's Whale, looking for two points. Adam Bellow-Morrison had a hat-trick and helped Visualeyes knock off the Whalers 7-4, increasing their first place lead of the EMHL.

BEACHED!

Team scoring leader, Eric Schottke opened the scoring for Visualeyes five minutes into the first, roofing his 22nd goal of the year on a pass from Michael Denz. Winter's Whale stormed back, scoring 3 goals to re gain the lead. The Whale continued to pressure Visualeyes but Whaler's center, Bryan Carroll gave Visualeyes' their first man advantage with an over-aggressive drive to the net that knocked over goaltender Matt Baudo. Adam Bellows-Morrison took the Whale by its tail, burying his first of the game with 40 seconds remaining in Carroll's penalty. The Tioga Terror (Schottke-Dunnigan) combined for the assists on Bellows-Morrison's first.

The rookie D-man wasn't done and a minute later, he gave the Whale a stick handling clinic down low in  Winter's zone to tie the game at three a piece. "For such a large man, Adam has some of the best hands I've seen. The way he can pull the puck almost 20 feet from side to side with such grace is fun to watch." said Player/Coach/GM/Equipment Manager Leberer-Kasperczyk.

The tide continued to roll in Visualeyes' favor, as Don Borsuk scored his first goal of the season on a worm burning shot from just inside the Whale's blue-line. Borsuk's offensive play continued off the ensuing face off. After gaining control of the draw, Borsuk sauced a pass to winger Mike Denz, who put a perfectly placed shot along the ice underneath the Whaler's glove for the two goal lead just 8 seconds later. To end the second stanza, Visualeyes' goalie, Matt Baudo made an unbelievable stop on a Bryan Carroll breakaway.

With a two goal lead to start the third period, Team V knew the Whale wouldn't go down without a fight. Eric Fire scored his second of the game for Winter's Whale after a costly Visualeyes turnover in their own end. Fire's goal brought the Whale within a goal, but Team Visualeyes answered right back with a goal by Bob Simpson-Corigliano. Bellows-Morrison completed his hat-trick and put the lock on Team V's 7-4 win with 7 minutes remaining in the game. Bellows-Morrison now leads all EMHL defense-men and EMHL rookies in scoring with 31 points (14 G and 17 A).

Visualeyes' defensive play and strong goal-tending were a big key to the win on Wednesday. Team V held the Whale's leading scorers, Roberto Carroll and Brendan Biskup off the score-sheet. 

 
"When you look at both team's rosters side by side, it looks like an even match-up. But we had the mentality that all we needed to do was beat the guy lining up across from you. 'Lebs' handled Carroll, Valint dominated Zarbo, Schottke outscored Biskup. The list goes on. When you can win those small battles within a game, you're going to to come out on top every time." said Donny Borsuk after the win. Borsuk scored a goal and had two assists, and helped on the game winning goal by Denz.

Andrew Valint battled hard all game, striking fear into Whaler defensemen with his  ferocious fore-check. Valint's effort produced an assist on Simpson-Corigliano's 5th goal of the year. After the game Valint added, "I was happy to play a role in the win. Nothing grinds my gears more than teams that try to steal out water bottles. We battled hard and out played their stars and turned Bryan Carroll and Mark Zarbo into non-factors."

NEWS AND NOTES:

-Matt Baudo continues to shine in net for Visualeyes in replacement for Adam Roma. Baudo is now 3-0-1 with Team V.

-Visualeyes plays Elmwood Cozumel Monday, January 23rd at 9:20 PM at Buffalo State Arena. Cozumel is the only team Visualeyes has yet to beat this season. Cozumel has outscored Team V 16-9 in their two meetings. Great seats are still available!