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.


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