Games of Sept. 21, 2024
Connecticut Jr. Rangers 2, West Chester Wolves 1 (OT)
Saturday’s full slate of #NCDC hockey began with the Connecticut Jr. Rangers hosting the West Chester Wolves, and with CJR winning their season opener in OT, 2-1. Second-year NCDC veteran Justin Filipelli (’04/Massapequa, N.Y.) came away with the OT winner one minute into the extra session. Michael Shelley (’05/Stafford, Va.) was outstanding in net with 48 saves on 49 shots.
Northern Cyclones 2, Utica Jr. Comets 1 (OT)
The Northern Cyclones started their season 2-0 after winning 2-1 in overtime against the Utica Jr. Comets. Returning Cyclones veteran Will Welburn (’04/Rye, N.Y.) had the #OTGWG and an assist in the victory. Third-year NCDC goalie Paul Dalessio (’05/Burlington, Mass.) made 34 saves on 35 shots, as well.
Jersey Hitmen 7, Mercer Chiefs 3
The Hitmen had a big night, offensively, and leave their first weekend with 13 goals in the bag over a sweep against Mercer. Jersey got two goals apiece from Patrick Walsh (’05/Bernardsville, N.J.) and Aiden Ryan (’04/Raleigh, N.C.) , and Derek Tremblay (’05/Quebec City, Que.) had a three-point performance with a goal and two assists. Ty Oller (’05/Wayne, N.J.) had a goal and an assist, and Wilson Farrow (’04/Sudbury, Ont.) added two assists. In his junior debut, Evan Tompkins (’05/Fairfax, Va.) made 29 saves on 32 shots for the win.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 6, Rockets Hockey Club 5
The Knights have started out 2-0 for the season, coming off two one-goal defeats of the Rockets Hockey Club in a home-and-home series. Christian Day (’04/Barre, Vt.) scored a goal and added two assists to help lead the Knights past the Rockets. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton also got a goal and an assist from Ethan Abram-Hale (’05/Cape Neddick, Maine) and Brogan Shea (’04/Williamstown, N.J.) Richard Komendat (’06/Kosice, Slovakia) posted two assists, and Emmanuel Pepin (’05/St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.)
For the Rockets, Cooper Struckel (’06/Chicago, Ill.) scored two goals, and each of Jakub Kristek (’07/Mlada Boleslav, Czechia) and Jared Rothman (’06/Chappaqua, N.Y.) had a pair of assists. Tanner McFaul (’05/Essex Jct., Vt.) and Connor Lemmerbrock (’04/Springsboro, Ohio) had a goal and an assist apiece.
Casper Warbirds 3, Rock Springs Grizzlies 2 (OT)
Welcome to the NCDC, Casper Warbirds! Sean Boltin (’05/Chicago, Ill.) scored the first game-winner for the Warbirds in overtime – Boltin is a former USPHL Elite All-Star and USPHL Premier standout forward. Brayden Boucher (’05/Newport Beach, Calif.) scored the first goal in Casper team history. Ryan Henry (’04/Wayne, N.J.) made 42 saves for the first-ever Casper win in net.
Idaho Falls Spud Kings 2, Ogden Mustangs 0
Charlie Durkin (’06/Glencoe, Ill.) made 33 saves to get the shutout win, his first in junior hockey. The goals came from Easton Edwards (’05/Anchorage, Alaska) and Aidan Radic (’05/Castle Rock, Colo.) scored the Spud King goals.
