Following Thursday’s game against the Lakers, the Blaze have become the first team to complete the pre-divisional portion of the schedule. After playing each team once, the Blaze hold a 2-4 record.
Over the past six games, there’s been good hockey and better times. Team chemistry is looking promising under interim team captain Ryan McNeil. The 3rd-year Blaze defenseman has established a positive culture in the locker room, with several players describing the atmosphere as “fun”.
McNeil is not the most experienced when it comes to the game management aspects of being a captain, but he has done a great job in trusting those around him to help him make the right decision – assistant captains Mick McFalls and Anthony Pagliuco seem to be earning their letters. This shouldn’t come as a surprise to Blaze fans, as the trio is known to be very close off the ice.
As far as the team on the ice goes, the Blaze have returned to the league with a solid team that has potential to improve. Goaltender Dan Olive has been the star of the team in his 2nd year with the Blaze, posting multiple performances with more than 40 saves.
On the blue line, the Blaze have made several changes. Matt Bennett has joined the Blaze as a full-time player, and also recruited West Milford alumni Cameron DeLucca. Also signing with the Blaze from Thorlabs is Andrew Imhof. However, Imhof has expressed a desire to play wing and it seems that Mick McFalls is going to enable the switch. During the 3rd period against the Lakers, the two switched positions and it seemed to work. Imhof scored a goal, and McFalls looked comfortable playing the point.
The Blaze offense features new faces as well as some familiar fan favorites. Veteran forwards Anthony Pagliuco, Sean Kenny, and Frankie Reginio return to the roster. Over the summer, Anthony Pagluico managed to recruit fellow Vernon alumni Nick Vanderlofske. The Blaze have also acquired rookie wings Alex Paul and Luke Duran.
Unfortunately, the Blaze may be running into some injury issues as the season goes on. Rookie forward Alex Paul has missed the last two games with an undisclosed upper body injury, and is not expected to return for another 2-3 weeks. On top of that, veteran center Sean Kenny was seen exiting last week’s game against the Lakers during the 2nd intermission. Further reporting discovered that Kenny has a broken finger on his left hand and will be unavailable for about 6 weeks.
The highly anticipated return of Sean Matchett will now become even more critical to team success as the Blaze will be missing two forwards to injury. Matchett provides dynamic offense to the team and is a positive factor to team chemistry and morale.
The Blaze will likely have a bye this upcoming week as they wait for the other teams to complete the pre-divisional portion of the schedule. Then league Commissioner Adam Mitchell will release the remaining schedule. Take care until our next blog, and go Blaze!
