Silverbacks Hockey Club
Last Game Result: Apr 15 2012
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | SO | F | |
| Silverbacks Hockey Club « | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | |
| Gold Rush | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Play-By-Play | Boxscore | ||||||
Goal Scorers: Bernie Bae (12:21 in 2nd)
Goaltender: John Fleischhacker (W)
| Coming Up |
|---|
| Nothing Scheduled |
Playoff Leaders
| Points | Heath Stoll & Cory Kacer | 3 |
| Goals | 5 Players Tied | 1 |
| Assists | Heath Stoll & Cory Kacer | 2 |
| PIM | 3 Players Tied | 4 |
| SO | John Fleischhacker | 1 |
| Wins | John Fleischhacker | 3 |
| GAA | John Fleischhacker | 1.25 |
| SV% | John Fleischhacker | 0.949 |
Regular Season Leaders
| Points | Cory Kacer | 25 |
| Goals | Cory Kacer | 16 |
| Assists | Cory Kacer & Josh Kasdan | 9 |
| PIM | Michael Hubbard | 14 |
| SO | John Fleischhacker | 1 |
| Wins | John Fleischhacker | 11 |
| GAA | John Fleischhacker | 2.80 |
| SV% | John Fleischhacker | 0.886 |
Champions!
Posted by: Heath Stoll on Wed Apr 20th 2011 3:45pm
After a championship parade in which the Mayors of Bloomington, St. Louis Park, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Golden Valley, Maplewood, and all the other cities that the Silverbacks had home games in gave the team the keys to their respective cities, the 'Backs headed home to get some much deserved rest and to plan what they will do with their "Day With the Cup" (if they can ever convince Captain Bernie Bae to take it off his living room floor and part ways with it).
Silverbacks are 2010-11 D2 Champs!!!
Posted by: Bernie Bae on Sun Apr 10th 2011 10:34pm
After coming out of the gate this season with a shaky 0-2-1 record, the Slingin, Poop-Flingin Silverbacks got their act together and began amassing victories on their quest to qualify for the league playoffs in their inaugural D2 season. During their run, the Silverbacks (aka Angry Monkeys) managed an impressive streak by winning 7 of 8 games. Following a brief letdown of consecutive losses to strong Chaos and Yeti squads, the 'Backs (aka Grape Gorillas) showed their fortitude by regrouping to win 10 of their next 11.
Now buoyed with the confidence they could compete with any team in the division, the Silverbacks (aka Purple Primates) took their #3 seeding and headed to the playoffs. Facing a tough draw in the pool-style playoffs against the Yeti, Chaos and Wildcats, the Silverbacks re-focused on the fundamentals and were looking to their balanced attack and strong defensive team play to carry them to glory.
First up were the Yeti. A rising team that had proven their mettle by winning the previous AHA Summer league right out of beginner's school, the 'Backs jumped out to a 1-0 lead with a goal from Alternate Cap'n Dan Gruenstein, heretofore known as Mr. April. Not for his postseason accomplishments, but more for his appearance in the 2011 edition Sexy Surgeons calendar (all proceeds go directly to Josh K's pocket). After a second Silverbacks score, the Yeti put one home to bring the deficit back to a single goal. However, the strong defensive play of the entire squad and goalie John Fleischhacker's epic heroics in net carried the 'Backs to an eventual 5-1 victory, highlighted by Grueny's second tally of the game. Nobody cared that Cory also scored--been there, done that.
After a day off to recover, the Silverbacks returned to the Bloomington Ice Gardens on Saturday to face their second opponent, the D2 Chaos. The contest featured several swings in momentum and all-around strong play by both squads. However, it was the Silverbacks that carried a formidable 4-1 lead entering the final period. Uncharacteristic penalties by the 'Backs led to long periods of puck possession for the Chaos, and although the opponent only scored 1 power-play goal, the circumstances made it difficult to generate any substantial pressure. Add to the mix a knee injury sustained by goalie Fleischhacker, and you had a recipe for trouble. Credit to the Chaos for rallying and eventually tying the game with only 2:39 left in regulation. Although both teams scavenged an important point in the standings from the game, the end result left a bitter taste in the collective monkey's mouth.
Now in a tight race for the second spot in the championship game, the 'Backs buckled down (for real this time) to face the rough and tumble Wildcats, their final opponent in pool play. From the opening drop of the puck, it was clear to all the fans and international media in attendance that the team in purple and white would not be denied. With a smothering "amoeba" defense and crisp (well, as crisp as we can get) offensive execution, the 'Backs rode to a decisive 5-0 win. Alright fine...I suppose props are in order for a sparkling, spinorama backhand pass from center Dave Cloutier to RW Jim Fletcher for the slam-dunk one timer goal. Don't let it get to your head, sheesh.
With a five-goal margin of victory coupled with the shutout, the 'Backs clinched a spot in the finals regardless of the outcome of other games, due to tiebreaker rules. I would highlight additional details about the game, but the boxscore hasn't been posted by the league yet and so I have scant recollection of what actually transpired, aside from Cloutier drawing approximately 47 minor penalties :D So in lieu of that, an order of gratitude goes out to our sub-goalie Ken Youngdahl, who stepped in for Fleischhacker due to injury. Fleischhacker will be seeing an orthopedist for his knee on Monday--best wishes for a speedy recovery whatever the prognosis.
Waiting for the team in the championship was the vaunted Fighting Loons squad, who carried a dominating 21-2 record into the final game. The Loons not only had the top-ranked offense during the regular season, but also had the fewest goals against by a wide margin. Though the Loons were rightfully heavy Vegas favorites going into the contest, this did not deter the 'Backs. In their previous and only meeting of the season, the 'Backs came out on top with a shiny 7-3 victory and were confident in their ability to do so again.
A quick strike by center Adam Johnson moments into the opening shift brought the crowd to its feet and set the tone for the remainder of the game. Once again, excellent two-way play and an emphasis on defensive responsibility carried the upstart Silverbacks to a commanding 4-0 lead, with goals from Kacer, a second tally by Johnson shorthanded, and a goal from Tong "Drago" Pham in typical fashion, which means he was completely laid out and covered in snow as the puck crossed the goal line. This one was for all the marbles, and so the team simply would not allow themselves to lose focus. Despite a late goal by the hard-charging Loons, ultimately the Silverbacks counted down to fame, glory and assuredly, all sorts of lucrative endorsement deals (fingers crossed for Dress Barn). A jubilant roar arose from the standing-room only crowd (since there were no bleachers--what's up with that?), and thus the 'Backs were crowned league champions of the universe!
'Backs End Season With Win Streak - Look To Continue Streaking in Playoffs
Posted by: Adam Johnson on Fri Mar 25th 2011 9:57am
First of all, the Silverbacks would like to congratulate the Maroons D2, Northern Horde D2, Marauders, Polar Bears, Diablos D2, and the Knights for a great season. All six of these teams played hard all winter long and deserve a round of applause.
Secondly, the Silverbacks would like to congratulate the Wildcats, Ice Sages, Yetis, and Chaos for qualifying for the Winter Playoffs - which was not an easy task with twelve teams in our league.
The Silverbacks would also like to congratulate the Fighting Loons for not only making the playoffs, but for winning the D2 Regular Season Title with an astounding record of 18-2.
The playoffs will certainly be an interesting week that I know we are all looking forward too.
The Silverback's inaugural season got off to what some would call a 'rough' start. Losing to the Chaos, tying the Yetis, and losing to the Northern Horde all in the first three games. After the slow start the 'Backs went on to win, under the leadership of veteran captain Bernie Bae, 15 of their last 17 games and lock up the number three seed in the AHA D2 Division.
CONGRATULATIONS SILVERBACKS!!!
Playoff Schedule:
Saturday April 2nd - SLP West 9:30pm Vs Yetis
Thursday April 7th - BIG 1 8:15pm Vs Chaos
Saturday April 9th - BIG 2 3:45pm Vs Wildcats
Tickets for the AHA playoffs go on sale Monday March 28th. All tickets are $98. The 'Backs expect each game to sell out quickly - so purchase your tickets as soon as possible - checks can be written out to Bernie Bae, and sent to his home address.
GO 'BACKS!!
Special Teams the Difference in 6-4 Win
Posted by: Heath Stoll on Mon Feb 28th 2011 2:43pm
The Silverbacks are one win shy of clinching a playoff birth after earning two points on Sunday night against the Ice Sages at St. Louis Park Arena.
The game was in little doubt through the first two periods, but things got interesting in the third when Silverbacks forward Dave Cloutier was whistled for roughing, then given two additional minutes for Unsportmanlike Conduct after the referee deemed he had slammed the door to the penalty box with excessive force. Taking exception to Cloutier's additional penalty, forward Heath Stoll expressed his opinion and earned himself an Unsportmanlike Conduct penalty of his own. With the Silverbacks leading by only one goal, the Ice Sages had a chance to equalize with 2 minutes of a 5-on-3 power play, and two more with a one-man advantage.
Defensman Cory Kacer was integral in killing off the 5-on-3, and forward Jim Fletcher scored a shorthanded goal with 9:49 remaining in the 3rd that proved to be the game winner. Both teams would add a goal late in the game, and the Silverbacks earned the 6-4 victory.
"While I was proud of the way our guys stepped up to kill those penalties, I was extremely disappointed in the lack of control we showed to get us there," Head Coach Mike Morrill said. "We talked about it after the game, and I'm confident that we'll show more discretion and common sense as we enter the playoff push."
With that season sweep in hand, the Silverbacks now hold tiebreakers over the Ice Sages, Fighting Loons, Northern Horde, and Marauders. They also have 1-0 series leads against the Maroons and Wildcats.
"We feel good about where we sit in the standings," Captain Bernie Bae said. "It's nice to have tiebreakers, but it's even better to be in a position where we control our own destiny. Win and we're in."
The Silverbacks will be looking for that win on Thursday night, as they face a Diablos squad that earned a tie against them earlier in the season. The teams' records have gone opposite ways since then, as the Diablos are 2-8 while the Silverbacks are an impressive 8-2. The Silverbacks held a 37-17 advantage in the shot column heading into the 3rd period when the game was brought to an abrupt halt due to a massive hole in the ice. Breck's Anderson Arena officials could not be reached for comment about the problems with ice, or the speculation that Diablos VP of Media Relations Ernie Pyle (unbeknownst to the Diablos organization), nervous about what the third period would bring, bribed Anderson Arena staff to stop the game.
The rematch will take place on Highland Arena's South rink in St. Paul. Game time is scheduled for 9:20 pm.
Back's Drop 2; Kasdan called up to NHL
Posted by: Adam Johnson on Tue Feb 08th 2011 11:05am
After a win against the Fighting Loons on January 16th, the Chaos handed the Silverback’s their first loss since Mid-November on January 23rd, 2011 at St. Thomas Arena.
After the game the team agreed that it was a hard fought battle. After going down 2-0, the Silverback’s came back to tie the game 2-2 before losing in OT. This mark’s the Silverback’s second ‘one goal’ loss to the Chaos this season. Even those who were not able to attend the game (though very few) noted that the score sheet did indicate it was a close matchup, especially since the ‘Backs outshot the Chaos by 10. Silverback’s winger Heath Stoll missed the game, but told reporters, “The score sheet did indicate it was a close matchup, especially since the ‘Backs outshot the Chaos by 10.” The ‘Backs are not worrying though….According the Silverback’s “Hockey History Guru” the 1969-1970 Boston Bruins lost 6 regular season games by 1 goal, and 1 playoff game by 1 goal but still went on to win the Stanley Cup.
Following the Overtime loss to the Chaos, the Silverbacks were handed a much more decisive 6-2 loss against the Yetis. The ‘Backs took a 2-1 lead into the 3rd period on outstanding goals by Dave Cloutier and Josh Kasdan. We tried to reach Josh to ask him how it felt to score such a beautiful goal, but he refused to talk to us on the phone as he was waiting for a call from Todd Richards and didn’t want to tie up the phone line. The Silverback’s passing, shooting, skating, and overall hockey prowess wasn’t quite up to how they have played in recent games. Overall the ‘Backs felt that they were a little off their game, except for Kasdan. “We were a little off our game, except for Kasdan” said Silverback winger Heath Stoll.
As a reminder from the Silverback’s “Hockey History Guru” the 1969-1970 Boston Bruins also lost 4 games by 4 or more goals, and still went on to win the Stanley Cup.
The Silverbacks are pleased to announce, however, that during this last matchup against the Yeti’s, the Paramedics did not need to be called.
Up next, the Silverback’s look for revenge against the Northern Horde – the last team to beat them prior to the loss against the Chaos…It will no doubt be a battle for the ages. According to Silverback winger Heath Stoll “It will no doubt be a battle for the ages.”
The ‘Backs have had an extra week off in between their last two games, and look forward to seeing all of their adoring fans at the New Hope Ice arena at 6:15pm on Sunday February 13th.
