GLADES SPLIT WITH BREAKERS

Burlington, VT- The Green Mountain Glades came into the weekend red hot, having won the last 4 games and scoring 30 goals in the process. However the Bay State Breakers came to Burlington with a 12-3 league record which put them at the top of the EJHLs Southern Division.

These two teams met previously in the Boston Jr. Bruins Shootout with the Glades edging the Breakers by a score of 2 " 1. There was a lot at stake in this match-up: The Glades came into the weekend sitting in 2nd place in the Northern Division but just a point ahead of Syracuse. Bay State was trying to earn valuable points in a very strong Southern Division.

From the drop of the puck Saturday night through the final buzzer on Sunday afternoon, fans who were in attendance witnessed the best of what junior hockey and the EJHL has to offer. Fast play, crisp passes and physical play were at the fore front. The Glades were able to capitalize first in the opening games second period When Michael Yanis ripped a shot from the point off of a nice two way passing play from Matt Esposito and Nick Geraci. But Bay State was able to quickly respond off of a 2 on 1 where Hugo Margoc was the recipient of a Jesse Petito pass in the slot.

The Breakers didnt waste any time in taking their first lead of the game when Andrew Fitzstephens beat Glades goaltender Adam Janecyk through his legs off a feed from Brian Elser. Then Glades newcomer Andrew OLeary buried one from the backdoor off a small scrum in front when the puck was tipped over from Nick Geraci and Matt Esposito. The dead lock remained until the Glades were able to capitalize on some untimely penalties against the Breakers. Mike Szuma was the hero this night when he received a pass from Andrew OLeary at the point and took a few strides and was able to score the games final goal for a 3-2 victory.

On Sunday, both teams took the short trip south down Highway 89 to do battle again at the Waterbury Ice Center. The teams made a seamless transition from one rink to the other and the pace of play and the quality of hockey from both teams made this a memorable weekend for fans. The Glades once again struck first on the power play when Andrew OLeary took a long breakout pass that created a 2 on 1, OLeary skated down the left side and ripped a low shot to the far side to beat the Breakers goaltender.

Once again the Breakers would score the next 2 goals from some familiar names Andrew Fitzstephens and Brian Elsner to give Bay State a 2 " 1 lead. Mark Grinhaus was able to answer on a pure effort goal, Grinhaus skated to the offensive blue line and fired a shot on net and beat both defenders to the rebound and capitalized to tie the game with just over ten minutes to go in the 3rd period. Both teams traded opportunities for the remainder of the period when Bay States captain Andrew Tate was able to slip one past Janecyk with only 1:29 to go. The Glades pulled the goalie but were unable to send the game to overtime with the final being 3 -2 Bay State win.

Both teams for 120 minutes played hard. Coach Chris Line commented. It was a great 2 games for both teams. Some of the best hockey I have seen in this league from both teams that I can remember. I am happy with our teams performance overall and hope we can sustain that play throughout the remainder of the season, Line finished.

The Glades head on the road for a pair verse the New Jersey Hitmen this coming weekend before they go on the road the following weekend to take on the Boston Jr. Bruins.
-Courtesy of Green Mountain Glades