The Amherst Comets Varsity Hockey Team Travels to
 SWC Tournament in North Olmsted

 It was a busy weekend for Comet Hockey as the varsity team traveled to North Olmsted Recreation Center for four games as part of Cleveland’s Southwestern Hockey Tournament.   

The Comets won over the Avon Lake Shoremen, 3-2, in game one early Saturday morning but game officiating had a rippling effect on the rest of the tournament as the game ended with each team receiving a 5 minute major penalty and three players from each team were disqualified for two games in what turned out to be a controversial call. 

“I probably had more penalty time in this game than my whole hockey career”, confessed Comet captain Ryan Morris who watched the next two games from the stands.  “It definitely gives you a different perspective on the game as you watch plays develop from a higher vantage point.”  Morris, who had his hand on a team mate’s jersey when called for fighting sat out two games along with #10 Brian Sochacki and #23 Matt Sochacki. 

Disqualified Shoremen included #10 defenseman, Paul Dyczlowski, who scored goal number two earlier in the game for Avon Lake. “We’ll have to answer some questions about what developed on the ice after the whistle”, commented Dyczlowski who wasn’t in uniform for the game four rematch on Sunday.     

Drew Ashton drew a penalty shot while on a break away during the first period that was deflected by Shoreman goalie Ben Sherman.  Ashton sent in the tie-breaking goal in the final minutes of the third period.  “I had a great give and go pass from Ryan Morris and we needed the goal to avoid a shoot out. I thought we put together a real team effort against Avon Lake.” 

Comet Goalie Eli Branscum #31 started in the net for each game and had a record 36 saves in game two against Brecksville.  

The Comets face Elyria Catholic on Wednesday, January 21 at 7:30 p.m., at North Park Rink in Elyria.  For more information and a full schedule visit their web page at www.eteamz.com/amhersthockey.  

Game One: Amherst Comets 3 -  Avon Lake Shoremen 2
Scoring Sequence:
Goal 1 - #22 Ryan Morris assisted by #12 Kyle Bilancini from #23 Matt Sochacki (PP)
Goal 2 #6 Jaron Smith assist by #22 Ryan Morris
Goal 3 #36 Drew Ashton assist by #22 Ryan Morris and #23 Matt Sochacki (SH)  

Game Two:Amherst Comets 1 – Brecksville Bees 4
Scoring Sequence:
Goal 1 - #6 Jaron Smith, unassisted 

Game Three:Amherst Comets 1 – Olmsted Falls Bulldogs 3
Scoring Sequence:Goal 1 - #12 Kyle Bilancini assist by #8 Ryan Orseno from #36 Drew Ashton 

 Period 1
Victory proved as elusive as lane lines on the snow covered highway as the Comet headed to Barons Ice Rink on Friday, January 9, at 7:30 p.m. to take on the Olmsted Falls Bulldogs.  While some high school events were cancelled due to a winter storm that continued to drop almost a foot of snow in some areas, Barons rink was packed with hockey fans that got their money’s worth as play went into overtime and the game ending 3-3 tie went into the record books as the defensive battle of the weekend. 

Starting in the net for the Comets, freshman Eli Branscom, who will be looking down ice at Bulldog goalie, senior Patrick Butterfield whose 86% saves will get a work out tonight.  Comet contenders Sorrell, Bokovich, Morris, Bilancini, and Matt Sochacki prepare for the opening faceoff that starts a battling barrage of net to net play.  The Comets have moved some lines around that seem to give them more depth in long range play.  Tyler Branscum recovers a Bulldog missed pass and chips it out of scoring range and down ice. 

Ashton and Smith find themselves in the middle of a scrum of skates and when the puck pops out Smith shoots but a defender catches Smith’s stick and he fails to get enough push as the puck drifts toward the net.  A Bulldog breakaway draws the crowd to its feet but Branscum plants himself and deflects the shot wide.  Smith takes the faceoff near the Comet net and it’s Willard who acts like a defensive force-field and screens the barking Bulldogs away from the net. It’s the team of Smith and Ashton who are quick to set up a pass play that drives hard to the net, the fans loud sighs as Butterfield caps the puck on a short shot. 

The first powerplay opportunity arrives with a Bulldog highsticking penalty with just under 3 minutes to play in the period. The Comets take to the ice, Willard fires off a rocket that melts in Butterfield’s glove.  The Dogs are all over Bilancini with three players clinging to his jersey he can’t get off a shot but instead brings a holding penalty to the Bulldogs that means the Comets will start the second period against a short handed Bulldog line up. 

Period 2The snow continues to fall outside but inside the Barons Arena takes on a coliseum quality as the scoring battle heats up.  With the powerplay advantage the Comets come out ready to score.  Morris sets up some easy volleys as players concentrate on the plan at hand.  Play quickly crescendos as Morris shoots but Butterfield absorbs the puck.  The Bulldog’s defense resumes the hard hitting battle gaining control of the puck as the Comets fight back.  When the referee blows the whistle it’s #22 Morris who’s called for a hooking violation and the ref is summoned to the bench where Comet coaches discuss the finer definitions of stick handling. 

Like Kryptonite, powerplays hurt the Comets and proved the opportunity the Bulldogs needed to usurp Amherst’s defense and offense.  A bruising block by #23 Sochacki against the boards couldn’t hold off the Dogs who scored their first goal just 2 ½ minutes into the period.  Confusion ensued and when the whistle blew again it was Amherst with too many men on the ice and Olmsted Falls was quick to make use of the situation.  Comet #23 has the puck and is smothered against the boards with the crowd clamoring for the lack referee response and no call for interference.  Branscum is pounded by one, two and three direct shots. Then he’s down and can’t reach the fourth shot that bounces off the back of the net and gives the Bulldogs their second quick goal at 12:29 yet to play in the second period. 

With still a full minute left in the Bulldog powerplay the Comets are caught changing lines as the Bulldog forward heads along the boards to the net.  Smith fires off the bench, like a rocket he speeds diagonally cross ice to find his target and crashes the would be scorer against the glass.  With both teams at full strength Sorrell spins on the pass, a pirouette, to claim the puck and shoots to put the Comets on the board, 1 – 2, with still more than 10 minutes on the clock.  The goal with an assist by #22 Morris from #26 Willard is like fuel to the fire and the Bulldogs are clinging to the Comets and their hopes for a win.   

Again, two defenders pack onto Bilancini, who shakes them off, the only one left standing when the jerseys clear.  Stropko, #5, takes the faceoff, passing to Orseno who tries to bring the puck along the boards and into scoring range.   But it’s an easy swing shot from mid-ice that sails into the net, surprising the Comets as the Bulldogs pull forward 1 – 3 at 7:02 to play.  Finally the trail of defenders attacking Bilancini draws the attention of the referees and a Bulldog penalty for interference sets up a Comet powerplay.  A high line drive by the Bulldogs is snatched mid-air by Sorrell’s glove. He drops the puck and sends in a line drive that lands in the goalie’s smoking glove.   

Smith and Ashton are tied up in a dog fight behind the net and a whistle blows as the net is knocked loose and a Bulldog is sent to his pen for boarding. Willard is everywhere, providing hard hits and setting up passes. The Comets need to score and shots are flying in from all angles.  #23 Sochacki keeps control of the puck and sends it in from the blue line, the shear force of his shot, deflects, and the puck soars skyward.  Another shot, deflected by a tiring goalie, drives up past the glass and out of play.  Morris takes the face-off, juggling the puck off his skate blade to keep under control.  Then as if on cue, Ashton’s waiting to send in a backdoor pass, from Morris and Matt Sochacki that rallies the Comets to a 2-3 contest and brings the teams back to full strength contention.   

Sorrell answers the rallying cries with a solo goal less than one minute later to tie the game.  The Bulldogs aren’t happy and tempers flare and things start flying and when the whistle blows it’s Bilancini who takes the misconduct penalty for his response of a glove to Willard’s helmet.  It’s always the second glove thrown that sees the inside of the penalty box as the noise from the crowd drowns out the noise from the bench.  

Period 3
Opening play and a tie game sets the stage for the last period.  Smith and Ashton are set to score on a breakaway play but the referee calls off-sides and the crowd clamors their disapproval as does the Comet bench.  The Olmsted Falls goalie is taking shots from all sides.  Willard, Sorrell and Morris all take shots on net that fail to find a mark.  Sorrell shoulders his way through a pack of dogs to bring the puck into Bulldog territory but shots are deflected.  Watson readies for a pass from Willard but first takes a direct glove to his facemask.  Willard is knocked off his feet but shoots from his knees as the bleachers jump to their feet.  Pure adrenaline is pushing skaters net to net.  Bulldogs surround the Comet goal and Eli reaches a glove back around the net to cover a loose puck.   

With less than two minutes to play Morris takes the face off and sends to Sorrell who performs some fancy footwork before passing off to Bilancini.  Now it’s just Sorrell and Bilancini in what appears to be a rerun of earlier play as the ref once again calls offsides to a stunned crowd and a goal is out of reach as the puck is pulled back for a center ice faceoff.  Bobkovich grabs a missed Bulldog pass and more shots are fired.  Watson races to Comet territory and just grabs the puck as it reaches the boards south of the net and  plays is stopped as the ref signals icing and again the fans are surprised by the call as Watson is forced to turn over the puck.   

When play continues there’s a pile up at the net.  Willard is slow to get up from his sitting position above a prone Bulldog defender.  There’s one Bulldog in the box and with less than 8 seconds to play the Comets call a time out.  But even pulling the goalie didn’t help the Comets who couldn’t score, not from a lack of shots on goal, and there’s a five minute break before over time starts.  Play ends with a 3-3 tie and Comets out-shooting their opponents by an outstanding 41-19 margin. 

OVERTIME
It’s a slow, rhythmic, series of passes that start the Comets on their first overtime ride.  The Comets have just over 1 ½ minutes to take advantage of a power play before the Bulldogs come back to full strength.  A succession of shots set up opportunities but both teams have trouble keeping up the all-out fury that marked previous play.  Ashton and Brian Sochacki have the puck tied up behind the net. Watson keeps Bulldogs at bay and Smith sends a puck cross net but no one is there to answer.  Teams volley control of puck and are digging deep for strength and depth.  Sorrell hip checks a player hard against the board to knock him out of play. 

Now Brian Sochacki takes a face-off.  Watson sends a shot overhead that lands at a Bulldog stick and he shoots.  Eli stops the puck and covers as Bobkovich stands guard.  Now a faceoff in the Comet zone.  Bilancini is on his knees as Willard dives for the puck and a Bulldog shot pings off the tip of Branscums stick and a collective sigh of relief washes over the fans.  Matt Sochacki returns the puck to set up a scoring opportunity and the whistle blows as now North Olmsted calls time out with 44 seconds to play in OT.   

The Bulldogs take the face off and are called for icing bringing the puck back to Amherst’s ice.  Morris now takes the face off.  The Bulldogs take back the puck but not without a fight. They send the puck flying cross ice past Branscum in the net but no one is there to relay a shot.  That was way to close for Willard who sets up a lively defensive move and the Bulldogs are whistled down for a hooking penalty at six seconds to play.  The Comet bench is calling out commands to the ice but it’s hard to hear over the fans who see that Branscum is no longer in the net and it’s six against four on the ice.  But the seconds wind down too quickly and a desperate Bulldog shot heads net to net and pings off the post as the time hits double zero, resulting in a stick smashed in frustration and the crowd taking a few seconds to realize that the game ends in a tie. 

The Comets gave up two goals during Bulldog powerplays that were the only time Olmsted Falls could gain any advantage.  The Bulldogs racked up seven penalties to the Comet’s three and failed to find many shooting opportunities thanks to a Comet defense that robbed them of the chance.  With the Comets sending in more than 88 shots and a total of 41 on goal compared to only 19 Bulldog shots that found their target, it proved an outstanding game for Bulldog Butterfield who was forced to answer a Comet offense that never stopped knocking at the net. 

Shots on Goal:
43 (Amherst) to 19 (Olmsted Falls)

Scoring stats:
Goal 1 - #17 Sorrel, assist by #22 Morris from #26 Willard 
Goal 2 - #36 Ashton, assist by #22 Morris from #23 M. Sochacki
Goal 3 - #17 Shamus Sorrel 
Winner of the 55^th Chuck-A-Puck:  Wayne Neidert  

The Comets traveled to Sylvania’s Tam-O-Shanter Sports Center to take on the Oregon Clay Eagles in game one of the Toledo Holiday Tournament on Friday, December 19.  Perhaps it was the late show time slot of a 10 p.m. start time that caught the Comets sleeping as the Eagles came out to a quick lead at 2-0 within the first three minutes of play. 

A late hit after the whistle earned us our first penalty and soon both boxes were double stacked and one Eagle was thrown off the ice for misconduct.  Another penalty ends the period with Montagnese getting two minutes for interference giving the Eagles the advantage for the second period face off.  The first period ends with the score 2-0, Eagles, scoring on just 6 shots to the Comets 11 tries. 

Cowbells, airhorns, and cheers from the large aerie of fans who turned out to support the local team fill the air but the Comets have yet to wake up.  As if short handed wasn’t enough of a hindrance, a defensive pass lands right on the Eagle stick, he shoots, but the shot goes wide.  Seconds later the Eagles blow past us to score shorthanded increasing the score to 3-0.  The score clears out the penalty boxes and both teams take the face off, full strength.  But with only three minutes played in the second period the Eagles score yet another goal, leaving the Comets behind by 4-0.   

Smith gets hold of the puck and tries a solo trip to the net.  Speed is on his side but the Eagle goalie claws at the puck, and snatches all hope away in his glove.  Now Smith heads to the box on a hooking penalty and once again the Eagles get the gift of the power play advantage. But wait, Sorrell finds himself keeping company with Smith, leaving just three Comets to defend against a full Eagle force.  A clean slap shot from the blue line scores easy goal number five for the Eagles and Willard, Matt Sochacki, and Ryan Morris get set to take another face off.  The Eagles are quick to take control of the puck and a slapshot from the line goes wide to the left buying the Comets some precious seconds to regroup.  But it’s a short tap in the back door that scores Eagle goal number six as the airhorns continue to clamor and the crowd is going wild. 

The Comets can’t seem to get the puck out of their end and the whistle blows to stop a standoff against the boards with Smith and Orseno in the center of the scrum.  Bartizol takes a full frontal check in an attempt to stop the drive and Reed sends in a pass to Bilancini who shoots but the puck is deflected as the groans go up from the Comet crowd.  The Eagles score again, goal number 7, goes in unanswered by the Comets.  An Eagle penalty breaks the momentum giving the Comets powerplay line a shot at goal.  Bobkovich, Willard, Morris, Bilancini, and Matt Sochacki take the ice but the Eagles gain control in hard hitting play. Suddenly an Eagle breaks away from the mix and heads unheeded to the Comet goal.  A defensive rolling dive by Bobkovich, wows the crowd and sends the Eagle off course, breaking up what was sure to be another notch on the Eagle scorecard.  It was #23, Matt Sochacki, who on his own sends in the first Comet goal at 3:26 left in the second period, putting the Comets on the board but seemingly out of contention unless something big happens. 

Penalties continue to plague the Comets and #31 Eli Branscum takes control of the net with minutes to play in the period.  The puck drops and a hard hitting barrage of force ensues, the staccato of sticks on the ice is silenced by the referee whistle and Bransum comes up from the pile with the puck tight in his glove.  Bilancini has a little trouble getting up after the scrimmage but steadies himself, pushing down against an Eagles jersey numbers for support.   

Period three continues what has already become an ugly scene.  Maple takes the puck behind the net but the Comets can’t seem to make the passes and quickly the Eagles put in goal number eight.  It’s a physical battle and play is fast and hard, Comets scramble, moving past the blue line, the Eagle forward is knocked to his knees and still reaches out to shoot…and scores again.  Now with the score 9-1 the game goes to a running clock.  This time the puck slides in between the goalie leg pads scoring goal number 10.   

Bilancini now takes a pass from #23 to score a second Comet goal, making it 10-2, but there is no dream of catching the Eagles who have flown away with all hopes of a Comet victory.  Bobkovich sends ina slap shot from the blue line but the Eagles are quick to recover the puck.  Bilancini is creative with the stick handling but the Oregon goalie stops every shot.  Another Eagle goal clinches their victory as tempers flair and helmets clash in front of the net.  The Eagles land two in the box but there’s no advantage left for the Comets.  Somewhere in the stands amidst the fanclub hoots, and the cowbells ringing, the fat lady sings and the Comets have a long drive home with a final score of Eagles 11, Comets 2.

Sunday, December 28, finds Amherst back at Ries Rink in Parma to take on Holy Name as the Parma Holiday Classic Tournament continues.  The way the scoring lays out the tournament the Comets need a win here to move into the championship game on Monday night. The game gets started late and as the teams line up for introductions there’s no anthem sung here tonight, an omen that no one will be singing praises at the end of the game.

The Holy Name Green Wave, a team we consistently contribute to their illusion of supremacy, again comes to the ice ready to play.   Within the first two minutes of play the Green Wave scores on a cheap shot that finds its target.  Seconds later it’s a slow rolling puck that slithers past the crease untouched.  Morris grabs the puck from in front of the Holy Name bench and answers solo with the first Comet goal of the game. The Green Wave doesn’t blink an eye and fires back with their third goal on just four shots and there’s still 8:48 to play in the first period. 

Branscum takes over the goal from Ross and less than one minute later the Comets score with 7:49 on the clock.  Matt Sochacki found the back door wide open off a pass from Bilancini. Don’t fix something that isn’t broke so Bilancini takes a pass from Morris and sends it to Sochacki again who scores exactly one minute into play and ties up the game. 

Several penalties follow, Holy Name draws a hooking penalty and Sorrell gets called for charging but it’s still an even game.  There’s a scramble along the boards that drifts to the Holy Name net.   The net comes loose as the puck sneaks into the corner.  The crowd leaps to its feet to see what the referee will call.  The ref on net looks over to the other ref who shakes his head yes and it’s counted as a goal for Smith assisted by #23 Matt Sochacki that pulls the Comets into the lead with 30 seconds to play in the period.

The Comets fail to score on the opening period power play.  Two shots by Sorrell are gloved like fly balls as the goalie cans the corn on the attempted drive.  Amherst proceeds to gain penalties including a 2 and 4 that costs the Comets valuable scoring opportunities.  Branscum is on top of his game deflecting shots and holding tight.  Holy Name shoots and seems to break the crease but hits the post and the call of “no score” does not please the home crowd.  With just over 3 minutes to play in the third period Holy Name scores to tie up the game 4-4. 

Each team takes a time out and when the Comets return to the ice it’s with six men and an all out drive to score.  A tie won’t help them in the standings and they need a goal to win and advance to the championship game.  An all out wrestlemania play against Bilancini knocks him to the ice and Smith almost scores but is blocked. Bobkovich receives a check that sends him into the air in a somersault front roll and when the dust settles Holy Name scores on an empty net, sending the Comets back home, another victory drowned out by the Green Wave.

    Scoring stats

Goal 1 - #22 Ryan Morris unassisted
Goal 2 - #23 Matt Sochacki, assist by #12 Bilancini
Goal 3 - #23 Matt Sochacki, assist by #12 Bilancini from #22 Morris
Goal 4 -   #6 Smith from #23 Sochacki   

The Comets head back to Michael A. Reis Rink for game two of the Parma Holiday Tournament on Saturday, December 27 at 6 p.m.

A roll of the dice sees a needed shake up of lines as tonight the Comets set out, determined to win against the Olmsted Falls Bulldogs.  Taking the opening face off are Willard, Smith, Morris, Bilancini, and Matt Sochacki.  The teams seem evenly matched as play progresses back and forth, an even volley between the nets as players pass and defend their goals.  Willard gets wings along the boards and skates into Bulldog territory, passes cross net but no one’s there and the shot goes wide. 

The penalties begin to escalade and so does the physical contact.  Five minutes into the period a Bulldog is charged with tripping, then seconds later another is chained for a hard check from behind as the Olmsted Falls bleachers send up declarations of bad calls.  Amherst answers with their first goal, taking advantage of the power play Sorrell scores with an assist from Bilancini from Brian Sochacki. 

The Comets continue to batter the Bulldog goal with their strategy appearing to be shutting down the offense.  Smith juggles the puck on a break away but Bradon Smith, a familiar face behind the goalie mask, fills the net like a fireplug, extinguishing shot after shot.  But the barrage is too much and even he can’t stop them all as Sorrell sends in a line drive by the goalie’s right ear, ringing in goal number 2 for the Comets with an assist by Bilancini. 

With just seconds to go the whistle sounds to peel bodies off the pile-up behind the net.  The Comets still get off several more shots before the buzzer, ending the period at 2-0, with 15 shots on goal and not letting the Bulldogs fire a single shot.

Period two opens with a determined Bulldog line hunting down a goal.  Ross stops the first shot of the contest then a penalty on Stropko for interference sets up the first power play of the evening.  Ross continues to defend the net stopping three determined shots.  Matt Sochacki steals the puck and passes to Morris who shoots but no score.  Smith sends a puck flying but it lands high and wide.  Both teams are at full strength and scuffles break out at the net.  Bilancini continues to assault the line but the goalie flattens out, squashing the play.  Bilancini gets the face off and brings the puck down again, it’s a sea of black and yellow jerseys jammed in the net and the goalie is stuffed, helmet flying onto the ice and the whistle stops the action as players are slow to respond to the call.

It’s all out warfare against the Bulldog goalie that’s like a tank deflecting armored shots.  Tyler Bransum chips one high.  Morris and the Comets continue to dominate the ice. Ross stops another Gatling round of shots.  Sorrel breaks away and sends in a shot that’s deflected off the post and Olmsted Falls picks up the puck on the rebound.  Brian Sochacki takes a hard check, pirouettes and recovers but it draws a Bulldog penalty.  The petulant dog slams into the box, his unheard rebuff adds on a four minute disorderly conduct on top of his hooking penalty much to the chagrin of the Olmsted crowd.  The Comets end the period with a score of 2-0 and a whopping 34 shots to the Bulldogs 9.

The third period opens with Morris taking the face off.  Smith passes to Brian Sochacki who turns to take a full frontal assault by the Olmsted lineman as the crowd groans in anticipated pain.  We’ll take the powerplay advantage and Sorrel sets up and shoots a line drive into the net. The goalie takes a split second to think as his stick goes up to the right the puck sails over his left shoulder to for a hat trick at 11:30 left in the period thanks to assists by Morris and Bilancini. 

Amherst takes a two minute roughing penalty as we’re mugged from both sides.  Watson takes a mean upper cut block but holds his position.  Late hits seem to be the norm as the hard hitting game escalates.  Orseno fires off a shot.  Bilancini sandwiches a would be scorer against the boards and rides him into the corner and away from the net. 

Now it’s a high-sticking call against #10 but we still manage to fire off shots short handed.  Watson out powers all contenders and keeps the puck in play.  Suddenly a loose shot scores against the Comet net and Olmsted Falls is back in the game, now 3-1, with 6 minutes left to play.  A Bulldog breakaway catches the Comets changing lines and the black jersey shoots like a bullet, skating on net unaccompanied.  The crowd jumps to its feet as he fires off a shot head on that Ross packs neatly into his glove. Screams go up from the Comet fans. 

The Comets continue to keep a defensive curtain around the net.  They drive the dogs down sending an amazing 50 shots to the net against Olmsted Fall’s 14 for a win and a final score of 3-1.

Shots on Goal: 50 (Amherst) to 14 (Olmsted Falls)

Scoring stats

Goal 1 - #17 Shamus Sorrel, assist by #12 Bilancini from #10 Sochacki 

Goal 2 - #17 Shamus Sorrel, assist by #12 Bilancini

Goal 3 - #17 Shamus Sorrel, assist #22 Morris from #12 Bilancini

The Amherst Comets hockey team hosted Normandy High School at the Barons Rink on Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m., bringing home their first league win of the season, overpowering the Invaders for a final score of 6-1.

Coming off a recent loss to Western Reserve Academy at Kent State University it was a stronger, more focused Comet team that took to the ice against the Invaders.  The coaching staff had shuffled lines and the addition of freshman John Reed to the line up proved invaluable as the Comets dominated both on offense and defense throughout the game.

Taking the ice for the Comets first period face-off were Shamus Sorrell, Josh Bobkovich, Matt Sochacki, Kyle Bilancini, and Ryan Morris.  Morris wins the face-off sending the puck into Invader territory but allegations of a hand pass stops the play.  The Comets don’t lose momentum though as Anthony Montagnese delivers a hard check against the boards to clear the way for Steven Stropko who skated in a solo score less than three minutes into the first period. 

Comet goalie, Adam Ross, was in top form and kept the Normandy offense at bay with the help of a strong defensive line that continued to keep the opponent off balance.  When Normandy sent a player to the box on a tripping penalty it gave the Comets the power play advantage as Matt Sochacki sent in goal number two, assisted by Bilancini and Bobkovich at 7:59 to play in the first.  Just seconds later with both teams at full strength, Morris again takes the face-off and the Comets descend on the net as Matt Willard sends in two successive shots that are deflected by the goalie.  It’s been less than thirty seconds from the last score as the Comets beat down the Normandy goalie and Bilancini, one of the top point leaders in the Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League’s White Division, nets a hard hitting goal assisted by Morris and Bobkovich.

Ryan Morris, named one of the top hockey players in Lorain County , continued to open up scoring opportunities for the Comets.  It was Bobkovich scoring the only Comet goal of the second period, assisted again by Morris and Matt Sochacki.  The third period saw a pressured Invaders team crumbling as Normandy ’s Matt Grandinetti’s check from behind lands him in the penalty box along with a game misconduct penalty that gives the Comets a full ice advantage.  It was a goal by Drew Ashton, assisted by Bobkovich from Stropko that shut down the Invaders prompting Normandy to pull their goalie and add an extra skater in an attempt to score.  But the empty Invader net was like a magnet as Bilancini, assisted by Willard and Ashton, sent in the puck for a goal, nailing the Invaders to a final score of 6-1.

The Comets travel to Toledo and Parma for holiday tournaments and return to league play on January 3, 2009, at 4:45 p.m. when they take on Brecksville at the Brooklyn Recreation Center , 7600 Memphis Avenue in Cleveland .

The Amherst Comets Hockey Team opened the regular season by hosting the Holy Name Green Wave. Holy name broke out to a 2 goal lead in the first two minutes of the game. Amherst found their stride 2 minutes later by scoring their first goal and following it up with 2 more to take a 3 to 2 lead. Unfortunately, that was the last time the home team would lead as Holy Name again scored 3 unanswered goals. The Green Wave took a 5 to 3 lead into the first intermission.

Holy Name added their final goal midway through the second period. In the third period, Jaron Smith snatched an errant Green Wave pass, charged the net and added another tally for the Comets. The final 3 and a half minutes were very exciting as the Comets pulled out all the stops to get back into the game. With the Comets using 6 attackers on Holy Names 4 defenders, Amherst added their final goal of the night with 2.9 seconds remaining on the clock.

The final score was 6 to 5 in favor of Holy Name and it was an exciting start to the regular season.

Amherst Scoring Sequence
Goal 1 - Brian Sochacki from Ryan Morris
Goal 2 - Shaun Hunt from Kyle Bilancini
Goal 3 - Shamus Sorrell from Josh Bobkovitch / Brian Sochacki
Goal 4 - Jaron Smith
Goal 5 - Drew Ashton from Matt Sochacki / Kyle Bilancini