Junior Rangers come up Big in EHL Showcase

The Junior Rangers EHLteam came into the Christmas Shocase, locates in Simsbury, CT, looking to get above .500 in the standings. In order to do that the team needed to win all 3 games. That is what they did 

It all started on Friday against the New York Bobcats. The Rangers came out strong in the game. They applied pressure all over the ice.  The Rangers were able to get on the board with a goal by Nick Aleva 5 minutes into the game.  However, the Bobcats were able to get on the board a minute and half later to make it 1-1. The Rangers took the lead for good at 10:58 of the first with a goal from Chris Hinrichs and then again 5 minutes later with a goal from Drew Dawson. The Bobcats added a goal late to make it a final of 3-2 

The Rangers killed off 6 of 7 power plays and Cole Burak had 26 saves.

The second game of the weekend saw the Rangers pick up a 4-2 win against the New York Applecore. The rangers jumped out on the Applecore quick and often. The Rangers scored 3 in the first twelve minutes of the game.  Greg Stoya started the scoring off a minute into the game.  Alan Boozer scored the second one on a short handed penalty shot. Garrett Otten finished the Rangers first period scoring off with finishing a nice passing play from Boozer and Theodoulou. 

The Applecore scored 2 in the second half.  But Nick Aleva finished off the Applecore finishing a Chris Hinrichs shot from the point. The rangers killed off 7 penalties and Cole Burack made 27 saves. 

The Junior Rangers finished off the un-defeated weekend with a 2-0 win over Wilkes Barre Scranton. The game was was played with an early morning start time.  Both teams came out sluggish in the first half. The second half saw the Rangers scored 2 in the second half. Both goals were scored by Alan Boozer. The first coming on the power play off a pass from Tyler Theodoulou.  The second came off nice puck movement of the defensive pair of Chardon and Standish, getting the puck too Boozer who finished scored the goal and finish off Wilkes-Barre. 

Cole Burack had 43 saves and finished the weekend off 3-0 to lead the Rangers into the break with a 13-12-2-2. They start the second half against against the Boston Bandits, who they look to catch in the standings, on January 8th at 1pm at Breakaway Ice Center. 

Boston Jr. Rangers: Top scoring line laying on the hurt with showcase approaching

Looking back on the Boston Jr. Rangers’ last six games before the EHL Showcase in Connecticut, it would be tough to point out the immediate positives.

The team went 2-3-1 from the start of the showcase they hosted in late November/early December through Dec. 13. This week’s showcase sees them play three games between Dec. 20 through Dec. 22 at the International Skating Center of Connecticut in Simsbury, Conn.

After those games, the Rangers have a break from games until Jan. 8.

Looking into the scoresheets, the Rangers were certainly excited to go into the Connecticut weekend with their top line simply on fire.

Leading the charge are returning players captain Tyler Theodoulou (nine points in those six games) and alternate captain Alan Boozer (eight points in five games).

The ’93-born Bedford, N.H., native Theodoulou scored 28 points in 41 games in his first year with the Rangers, and he’s already more than matched that with 30 points in 26 games.

Boozer, who started the year with the Trenton Golden Hawks (Ontario Junior League), had 21 points in his first 24 games this year after scoring 28 points in 44 games in 2012-13.

“Boozer and Theodoulou have been on a tear. They play really well together. When Alan came back to the team, I knew immediately I’d be putting them back together. They played most of the season last year together,” said head coach Mario Martiniello. “It wouldn’t take long before they’d start to click.”

Their linemate is Garritt Otten, a first-year Ranger who played a few games for the Laconia Leafs in the Atlantic Junior League last year. He had 16 points in 25 games.

“Garritt is creeping up with points. He’s a real thinker out there, he sees the ice well, and both Boozer and Theodoulou bring a lot of energy,” said Martiniello.

Garrett Chardon was the Rangers’ captain last year and played for the Boston Jr. Bulldogs before that franchise was sold to the Rangers organization. He rejoined the Rangers after starting the season with the P.A.L. Junior Islanders (USPHL), and he had five points in his first eight EHL games.

“He missed being with us and he enjoyed his time with us last year,” said Martiniello. “We were thrilled to get him back. He’s one of the better defenseman in the league.”

Chardon has attracted attention from Division 1 and 3 schools, with the U.S. Military Academy (Army) being his top choice, but no decisions have been made yet.

Another new acquisition, Cole Burack, joined the Rangers prior to their Nov. 22 game. He had three wins already and four losses, one of which saw him make 62 saves in a 6-5 loss to the Northern Cyclones on Dec. 5.

“He gave up just three goals in three showcase games,” said Martiniello.

- See more at: http://www.usajuniorhockey.com/2013/12/boston-jr-rangers-top-scoring-line-laying-on-the-hurt-with-showcase-approaching/#sthash.kOYMkDRy.dpuf

EHL Loses tough one to Little Flyers

The Rangers came into the game with the Little Flyers looking to avenge an early season loss 4-0.  The First half was an up and down game with both teams getting multiple scoring chance. again the Rangers played a very strong defensive game.  While the Little flyers posted 15 shots in the half, most of them came from the outside, where Burack steered them aside.

The second period the Rangers were able to get the offensive game going.  For the first 10 minutes of the period it was all the Rangers.  At the 7 Minute mark it was the line of Theodoulou, Boozer and Otten that put the Rangers on the board with continuos pressure. It was Theodoulou that scored off some nice puck movement by the trio.

The rangers continued to control the game until the 13 minute mark off the period.  With the Flyers coming in on a 2 on 2.  With the flyers forward crashing into Burack, and no call on the play, the flyers were able to slip the puck by a sprawling Burack for the goal.

The Flyers went up on top on the power play goal at the 16 minute mark, off a questionable call to put them on the power play.  The Rangers pressured the rest of the game, but were unable to put one by the flyers goalie.

Junior Rangers Start Thanksgiving Showcase Strong

The Jr Rangers looked to get the ball rolling early against the NJ Rockets.  That is just what they did, Alan boozer scored just 30 seconds into the game.  He banged home rebound off a shot from Mason Nichols.

The Junior Rangers would struck again half way through the period with Tyler Theodoulou stealing a puck and walking in scoring to put the Rangers up 2-0.

The Rangers played an extremely strong defensive game.  While the Rockets are young and very skilled, with multiple players already committed to D1 schools.  The rangers held the Rockets high flying attack to only 19 shots.  When did get a quality scoring chance, Cole Burack was there to turn them away.

The game ended with the score 2-0

EHL Looks to Avenge Early season loss

The Jr Rangers look to avenge an early season 7-3 loss to the NH Monarchs.  The Rangers have been playing much better since that loss, and they came out looking to prove it.  However it was the Monarchs who jumped out to early lead.  Th score was 2-0 and looked the Rangers were going to take another one on the chin.

The Rangers game out in the 2nd period and finally got their game going against the Monarchs. The Rangers scored on the power play half way through the period.  Alan Boozer banged home loss pouch caused form a shot from Andrew Standish. The rangers went into the 3rd period down 2-1, but felt good about themselves.

The Rangers came out in the 3rd looking to prove they could make it game.  That is what they did.  Andrew Standish scored off a pass from Garret Otten.  Two minutes later on the power play alan boxer scored off a rebound shot from Tyler Theodoulou to make it 3-2.  The Rangers thought they had this on in the books.  It was not to be, Th monarchs scored with a minute to go to force overtime. The Rangers were able to get a point out of the game, but the monarchs scored in the extra frame. To win 4-3 in overtime.  Tyler Fay had a 50 save night.

EHL Team ties New York Bobcats

The Boston Junior Rangers came back on Saturday night to face another New York team the NY Bobcats.  The Rangers came in looking to get above 500 for first time this season.

The Rangers came out strong with a Mason Nichols scoring off a pass from Chris Hinrichs 3 minutes into the game.  The Rangers held a 1-0 lead for ten minutes than the Bobcats scored while on the Power play.  Th first ended 1-1.

The Rangers came out in the second flying.  They went back up 2-1 with power play goal form Blake Waldersen.  The New york Bobcats tied the game 7 minutes later.  The second period ended 2-2.

The 3rd period and overtime were uneventful.  Both teams exchanged opportunities.  The holies form both teams stole the show and the game ended 2-2.  Matt Beliveau had another 35 save night, and still has not lost this season.

Jr Rangers EHL win over Applecore

The Boston Junior Rangers EHL came into the game against the New York Aplecore looking to get back to 500 in the standings.  The team started out the season with and 0-4 record.

The Junior Rangers got going early in the game with a goal from Tyler Theodoulou off a nice pass from Andrew Standish.  The rangers finished the first period with 1-0 lead.

The Rangers came out in the second period looking to extend the lead.  It took the rangers only 5 minutes to get back on the board.  Garret Otten scored off a rebound off a Michael Bears shot.  TEh apple core scored 3 minutes later to make it a 2-1 game.  It was the play off goalie Matt Beliveau that kept the game 2-1 going into the 3rd.

The Applecore came out in the 3rd looking to even the game.  They did that 9 minutes in to the period.  The game was tied with under 2 minutes to go in the game when Greg Stoya sniped a shot over the Applecore goalies glove to make it 3-2.  Then with 20 seconds to go off great individual effort from Garret Otten who ended the game with an empty net goal.  Matt Beliveau was solid in net with a 39 save night.

Matt Beliveau Outstanding Play Earns Him Goalie of the Week Honors

Matt Beliveau, the 1994 birth year player from Goffstown, N.H., ran his record to 5-0-0-0 on the season by backstopping both Rangers victories this week.  The wins brought the Rangers to within one game of .500 after an 0-4-0-0 start to the season.  Beliveau made 67 of 70 stops (.957) as to help lead his team to wins over the Bandits (2-1) and the Warriors (6-2).

Rangers Win Again to Make it 3 Straight

The Jr Rangers EHL team looked to keep their game going against the Valley Jr Warriors in an afternoon showdown.  In a game that saw 17 penalties, and not much 5 on 5 play. Th Junior Ranger recorded a 6-2 win.

It was the Rangers that took control off this game early and fast.  The Rangers who went on the power play early and scored on some on nice puck Movement from Donaldson, Bears, and Hinrichs, with Donaldson scoring the goal. The score did not remain 1-0 for long, Devlin took a pass from Donaldson and walked in the zone and let blast go from the top of the circles beating the Valley Jr Warriors goalie over the glove. Six minutes later back on the power play Alan Boozer banged in a loose puck in front of the net to make it 3-0. Th Rangers weren't done there. It was Tyler Theodoulou killing a penalty who netted his 3 shorthanded goal of the season to make it 4-0 at the end of the first.

The Rangers came out early in the second period and skated like they already won the game.  The Rangers Took a couple early penalties that allowed the Valley warriors to try and get back into the Game.  The Warriors finally got on the board with a Power play goal. The play of Matt Beliveau in the Jr rangers net is what the lead at 4-1 going into the locker room.

The Rangers came out in the third period determined to not let the Warriors back into the game.  The pressured the warriors early and often and Greg Stoya scored on the power play to make it 5-1 and effectively put the game out of reach.  The warriors would score another goal later in the period, but Cam Smith scored with 10 minutes to go in the game to make it 6-2 and finish off the Valley Warriors.

This would put the Rangers at 6-7 after starting the season 0-4.  The Rangers are heading in the right direction, and it has been the play of Matt Beliveau that has lead the way.  Matt is 5-0 this season, and will be relied on to continue playing this way.  The Rangers have a tough weekend come in up playing 3 central division team, Applecore, Bobcats and Wilkes Barre.

Jr Rangers EHL Win Against Bandits

The Boston Junior Rangers came into the game against the Bandits Looking to exact some revenge. In an earlier meeting the Bandits beat the Rangers 5-2 with out much effort.  Since that time the Rangers have started to turn their season around winning the previous 3 of 4.

The game was started off with a fast pace in the first period.  Both teams were getting the puck up and  down the ice.  The first period belonged to the goaltenders.  The Rangers Goalie Matt Beliveau stopped 13 shots to hold back the Bandits.

The second period was much more of the same with both goalies facing 14 shots.  It was the Bandits that would break through on a goal with 3 minutes left in the period.  This has been the achilles heal for the Rangers, allowing the other team to score first. The team had to dig deal to make sure not to give up another one before the end of the period.

The Rangers came out of the locker room determined to turn this game around. Th Rangers pressed the Bandits al over the ice.  About half way through the period they were rewarded with a Greg Stoya goal off some nifty passing from Donaldson and Devlin. The Rangers second goal came shorthanded.  With Alan Boozer breaking up the defenseman and racing up the ice, he sent a pass to Tyler Theodoulou who walked in alone and sent a shot up over the goalies glove under the cross bar.

The Rangers played a strong came lead by the outstanding goaltending of Matt Beliveau. Who faced 35 shots on net.  Matt has won all 4 games that he has started to this point in the season.

Stoya Named Offensive Player of the Week in the EHL

Greg Stoya helped get the Rangers back on track during a 2-1-0-0 road trip through New Jersey and Philadelphia.  The Jr Rangers Forward from Lake George, N.Y., had two goals and an assist in the 8-3 win over the New Jerseys Rockets on Friday night.  He also had 2 goals and 2 assists, including the game-winner in the 5-3 win over the Junior Flyers on Oct. 27.

Jr. Rangers EHL finish weekend on a positive note

The Junior Rangers EHL looked to get back into the win column against the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers. Unfortunately it was more of the same flat play in the first period. If not for the play of Matthew Beliveau  in the first the Rangers would have found themselves in another early hole. The Rangers were out shot 15-3 in the first.

The second period saw the Jr Rangers finally get their legs going. They game out early and fast pumping 3 goals in the first 10 minutes of the period. The scoring started off with a good play by Andrew Standish getting the puck up to Greg Stoya who sniped a short side shot but the Philly goalie.

A few minutes later the Rangers struck again with some good down low play Stoya and Donaldson and getting the buck to James Devlin who put a backhand past the Jr. Flyers goalie. The Rangers continued to apply pressure and a minutely later Mason Nichols scored from the blue line on thee power play with a nice play from Stoya to get him the puck to make 3-0.  

The Rangers struck again with a minute left in the period with Thomas Evans getting the puck up to Greg Stoya to send him in on a 2 on 1 and blowing a shot past the Flyers goalie.  The Jr. Flyers got on the board with 30 seconds to go in the second to make the score 4-1 at the end of the second. 

The third period saw the Jr Flyers came ou in the third period looking to get back into the game.  The flyers were able to score to goals to make the score 4-3. The Rangers were able to finish off the Jr. Flyers with a great individual effort from Garrett Otten who blocked a point shot and was able to out race to Jr. Flyers to the loose puck for the empty net goal. 

Greg Stoya finished the game with 4 point and Matt Beliveau made 34 saves.  The Rangers finished the weekend taken 2 out of 3 games. They play again on Friday at home, looking to avenge a early season loss the Boston Bandits. 

Jr Rangers drop game to Little Flyers

The Jr Rangers came out looking to follow up on the strong effort from the night before.  They came out to start the game and pinned Philadelpia in there own zone for much of the first period. Then the Little Flyers went on the power play.  While the Junior Rangers killed the penalty, it was the Little Flyer who took control game.  They scored 2 goals in the remaining 10 minutes of the period.

The second period was much of the same for the Rangers. The little flyers scored early which caused the Rangers to change goalies.  Matt Beliveau came into the game, while he allowed a goal the team seamed to stabilize.  The Rangers try to sustain some pressure they were unable to mount much offense against the physical flyers team. The game ended with the Little Flyers taken a 4-0 win. 

EHL Gets Win Against Rockets

The Boston Junior Rangers opened their 3 gam weekend with a 8-3 win over the New Jersey Rockets in Newark, NJ.  The Jr Rangers came out flying to start the game.  They opened the scoring a 1:30 in to the game with goal by Greg Stoya who was setup by Austin Donaldson and James Devlin.  Three minutes later the James Devlin struck off a beautiful passing play being setup by Stoya and Donaldson. The Rangers took 2-0 lead in to the locker room at the end of the 1st.

The  second period  saw more off the same from the Rangers.  This time it only took 8 seconds.  Alan Boozer scored off the rush on a back door pass from Tyler Theodoulou. That line struck again 30 sends later on a by Nate Philbrick who tipped in s shot form the point by Chris Hinrichs. The rangers took a 5-0 lead 7 minutes later off a goal form Greg Stoya.

The Rangers gave back a goal s few minutes later to make the score 5-1. the Jr Rangers struck again on the power play. Garret Otten scored on tip from a James Devlin point Shot. The Rangers lead 6-1 after the second period.

The Jr Ranger tried to make interesting by coming out slow in the 3rd period they Gave back 2 goals and the score was quickly 6-3.  After the Rockets scored their 2 goal of the period the Rangers started to play again.  They finished with a pair of goals from Drew Dawson.

The Rangers take on the Philadelphia Little Flyers at 4 pm on Saturday.

EHL scores win against NJ Titans

The JR Rangers scored a big win against the Jersey Titans. It was one off the better efforts that the tam put together this year. After coming off a loss the night before to the Philadelphia Revolution. The Rangers had a lot to prove. 

The Rangers got on the board early with Garret Otten making a beautiful on on on play to beat the Titans defenseman than placing a laser underneath the cross bar. Than about 3 minutes later it was Otten again taken a pass off the face off from Tyler Theodoulou and sniping one 5 hole.

The titans got a goal back a few minutes later with a shot from the high slot. Then with 3 minutes left in the period Greg Stoya scored off a beautiful pass from James Devlin, who made a great rush up the ice.

The scored remained 3-1 till the 3rd period when the Titans struck to make it a 3-2 game.  The Jr Rangers controlled most of the period from that point forward. Tyler Theodoulou finished the scoring with empty net goal to finish it off. 

The jr rangers look to get on a roll next weekend when they travel too NJ and Philly to take on the Rockets, Little Flyers, Jr Flyers. 

The Boston Junior Rangers EHL Drops Game to Revolution

The EHL team travel to Philly to play the Philadelphia Revolution on Saturday night. The Junior Rangers started off slow.  And were being outshout to start the game by a 2-1 margin.  The Revolution struck 5 minute into the game with a goal on the power play.  After the goal the Rangers finally got their legs going, and finally getting on the board with a goal from Tyler Theodoulou to make it 1-1.  Theodoulou struck again with about a minute to go in the period so the Rangers could take a 2-1 lead in  to the locker room to end the 1st period.

The second period saw the Rangers having to kill multiple penalties including multiple 5 on 3s.  The penalties in the period allowed the revolution stay close. The Revolution struck with 3 minute s to go in the second to ti the game at 2-2.

The third period started off were the 2nd period ended.  The parade to the penalty box started early and often with the Junior Rangers having to kill penalties in the first 8 minutes.  However, it was the Rangers who struck first with Drew Dawson picking up a loose puck near the boards and firing a puck through the 5 hole to make it 3-2.  The lead did not last long with the penalties finally catching up to Rangers.  The Revolution scored on the powerplay to make it 3-3 and then again 3 minutes later to take the lead for good.

Jr Rangers EHL Start the Season with a 3-2 Loss

The Boston Jr Rangers EHL team start off the season with a Sunday Matinee with the Connecticut Wolfpack at home in Tewksbury.  It was not the game that the team was expecting to have.

The Jr Rangers started the game off with a tough first period giving up 22 shots to the Wolf Pack.  The Jr Rangers did start the scoring the firsts goal with a beautiful rush up the left side by Drew Dawson. He blew around the defense of CT and scored walking in alone.  The rest of the period was not as good for the Jr Rangers. They took 6 minutes in penalties.  The Wolfpack scored on the first one with a shot from the point and then scoring on the rebound.

Then a few minutes later the Wolfpack scored on centering pass from the corner that was scored on the back door.

The Jr Rangers tied the game in the third off a shorthanded goal from Michael Beers.  Beers put pressure on the defense of the Wolfpack that turned it over to Beers, and he raced in on a breakaway putting the puck under the cross bar.

The game did not remain tied for long as the Wolfpack scored on a rush were the Jr rangers defense lost track of a Wolfpack forward going to the net scoring a n empty net goal.

"We need to do a better job in front of our goal," said coach Mario Martiniello, "all three goals were scored in the slot area."

The Junior Rangers look to get in the win column on Wednesday when they host the Cyclones at 1pm at Breakaway

EHL Captains Named

The Boston Jr. Rangers are proud to announce the captains for the upcoming EHL season. The captain of the team will be Tyler Theodoulou. Tyler was an important part of last years team. He will be counted on to be a key contributor on and off the ice this year.   "Tyler has come such a long way since the beginning of last year. He was the obvious choice to lead this years club," said coach Mario Martiniello.  

The two assistants will be Chris Hinrichs and Greg Stoya. Chris Hinrichs is a returning member of last years AJHL club. He too has shown tremendous growth in the last year and Rangers expect even bigger things this year.  He will be counted on to lead the defense core.  

Greg Stoya had a monster year last year with he Junior Rangers MET Team posting 40 + goals. He helped lead the team to division championship, and was one win away from heading to nationals.  The Rangers will look for him to bring the same winning ways to this years EHL campaign. 

Congratulations to these three. There are many other Rangers that will be counted on to be leaders this year. These 3 won't be able to do it alone. Everyone must step up to make this year the best that it can be. 

Training camp ends with a Blue Victory

The Boston Junior Rangers closed camp today with a victory from the Blue team 6-3. Both teams played a strong game with the score being 1-1 mid way through the first. The Blue team team struck late in the the first to go up 2-1 of a turn over in the corner and Greg Stoya picked up the lose puck and snapped the puck far side.

The Red team came out in the second determined to tie up the game but it was the Blue team that scored first off a 2 on 1 rush and Donaldson scored off a wrist shot over the goalies glove. Red came back and scored off a rebound goal from Dawson. 

The third period started off a little slow. Then blue struck off a beautiful feed from Theodoulou to Donaldson who banged the puck into the open net to make it 4-2. Red team struck again to score a rebound goal. It was Blue team that took control from this point forward. The line of Theodoulou, Stoya, and Donaldson took control and scored 2 more times. They should be a fun line to watch this year.  

With training camp coming to close the teams were divided into the EHL and MET clubs. Both teams will take a few days off and get pack at it with practice on Tuesday. Both teams will then head to Connecticut on Saturday to scrimmage the wolfpack. Then on Sunday the wolfpack head to Tewksbury to complete the home and home scrimmages. 

Day 4 ends with another Red Team win

The Red team continued its strong play with another win 5-2.  It did not look look good starting the game with Theodoulou, Stoya, and Donaldson almost scoring 30 seconds in to the game.  It took some great goaltending from Tyler Fay to keep the Blue team off the board.

The scoring started half way through the first half off a rush with Jordan Hollaway launching blast from the top off the circle putting it under the bar. The red team struck again off a goal from Tommy Royer in front  of the net off a rebound.  The red team wen into the break with a 2-0 win.

The Blue team came out with every intention of getting things rolling in the second half.  Austin Donaldson put the Blue team on the board.  He took a pass from Tyler Theodoulou and let slap shot go from the top of the circle beating the goalie to the far side.

The Red team came right back with a goal to put them back up by 2.  Devlin made rush and made a beautiful goal off a spin-o-rams in the slot and banged a shot past the goalie.  The red team struck again off a 2-1 with Derek Mecrones putting a shot under the cross bar.  The Red Team finished its scoring off a end to end rush form Ed Griffin.

The teams play again on Saturday morning at 10:30 am, the final day of training camp.  The coaching staff has been very pleased with the level play.  Coach Mario Martiniello said, "we are farther ahead of where we were this time last year at this time., we are very pleased at the progress we have this far."

Day 3 ends with a strong effort from the red team.

Day 3 was probably the fastest day of the camp. Both teams came out ready to play. The play started out up and down the ice, with very little stoppage of play. The goalies held both teams at bay until mid way through the period. The read team struck first with Michael Bears scoring off a nice feed from Jordan Holloway. 

The red team struck again a few minutes later. With Jordan holloway chipping a puck home from a shot from the point. The line of Datillio, Holloway, and Bears finished the day as line +6. 

The final score of the game was 8-2. With the red team scoring 4 goals in the last 5 minutes the to extend the lead out. 

The boys will get back after on Friday, lets see if the blue team can get even.

Second Day ends with a Big Win From Blue Team

UDay 2 started off again with 2 practices.  The players had a great skate and they started to learn the systems that both the EHL and MET teams will use this upcoming year. Today also saw the return of former Boston Bruin and current Radio Analyst Bob Bears join the team on ice to work with the defenseman.

The Scrimmage today did not got the Way the red team wanted from the start.  The blue team came out of the gate flying with the line off Theodoulou, Donaldson, and Stoya shredded the starting five of the red with a goal in the first minute.

It continued this way for most of the first half and the Blue led 5-0 at the end of the first half.  The 5 goal being scored very late on a laser slap shot from Garrit Otten.

The second period the red team tried to make a game off it with a beautiful goal from James Devlin on a nice rush up the ice, finishing with nice backhand up under the crossbar.  The red also received other goals form Michael Beers and Charlie Shepard.

The game finished 7-2.  The red team will look to bounce back on Thursday.

Day 1 Ends Successfully

The first day of camp started off with 1 morning skate each for the red and blue team. The potential for the teams was evident in the first skate of the morning and continued on to the second.  The pace and flow off the practices was not quite mid season forum, but was much faster than expected.

The day ended with a red vs blue scrimmage.  The compete level of the game was very high.  The red team jumped out midway through the first half on a goal from Andrew Standish who jumped in from the point to finish a rebound that was kicked up to the slot. About five minutes later the red team struck again with some excellent down low play from Holloway and Datilio.  With Holloway putting home a goal down low.

The blue team came out strong in the second half looking to get back in the game.  A few minutes in to the period the line of Theodoulou, Stoya, and Donaldson were buzzing around the zone. With Stoya picking up a loose puck in the high slot area and snapped a wrist shot home.

About 4 minutes later the red team tried to put the game away with a beautiful rebound goal off a James Devlin shot from Drew Dawson. A goal he has scored many times for Chelmsford High.

The Blue team game back with about 5 minutes to go on a goal from Nick Sorabella who drove the net and put a goal through the five whole off a pass from the wall.

The Blue team continued to push the pace but the goaltending from Aaron Lickwar at the end of the game held them at bay.  He robbed Tyler Theodoulou who thought he had an open net goal off a rebound of a Donaldson Shot.

The teams Skate again today in a scrimmage at 3 pm.

Training Camp Opens Today

Camp Schedule

Tuesday                      8/27

                  9:30 am & 11:00 am                         60 Minute Flow Practice

               

                  3:00 pm                                                     Scrimmage

Wednesday                 8/28

                  9:30 am & 11:00 am                         30 min flow, 20 min D-Zone coverage, 

10 min 1 v 1     battles

                 

                  3:00 pm                                                     Scrimmage

Thursday                     8/29

                  9:30 am & 11:00 am                         30 min flow, 20 min Fore-check , 10min Gretzky game

                 

                  3:00 pm                                                     Scrimmage

Friday                          8/30

                  9:30 am & 11:00 am                         30 min flow, 20 min Neutral Zone , 10min Meat & Potato’s

                 

                  3:00 pm                                                     Scrimmage

Saturday                     8/31   

      10:30 am                                                  Red/White Game

If your in the area stop down and check out the daily scrimmages.  Last year they were ultra competitive.  If they are anything like open skate the players had on Monday, it will not disappoint. 

A conduit to the college game

Boston Junior Rangers provide straight shot to hockey hotbed
By Joshua Boyd, courtesy of USAJUNIORHOCKEY.com

Just about a mile from the Boston Junior Rangers’ home office in Tewksbury, Mass., lies the on-ramp to Interstate 93. That highway extends another 22 miles into downtown Boston. An Original Six city, it is one of the hockey hotbeds of America.

That, and its general vicinity includes most of the Hockey East Association Division 1 schools, as well as Harvard University, Bentley University and a wide array of Division 3 colleges offering men’s hockey.

So, when the Junior Rangers offer a “Road to College Hockey,” they essentially mean a left, a right and you’re there.

The Junior Rangers’ teams in the new Eastern Hockey League (EHL) and the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League (or MET) represent the top of a long hockey development ladder that starts with Mites. The youth organization has been around since 2007. After just one year as a junior organization, however, the Junior Rangers already sent 12 players to the college game, including two to Division 1 – Sam Bernard (Sacred Heart) and Chris Paulin (Niagara).

“We’re proud of what we have here. There’s a lot of work involved, a lot more that goes on behind the scenes than people may see when they see you on the bench or at practice,” said Mario Martiniello, general manager, head coach of the Jr. Rangers’ EHL team and part owner of the organization.

“I like working with the players at this level. They really try to push their careers forward,” said Martiniello, a former coach of the Valley Jr. Warriors and long- time area high school coach. “Most kids playing junior hockey strive to play at the collegiate level.”

Logan Brown committed to the State University of New York at Potsdam and he can’t imagine how he could have gotten there without the Rangers’ help.

“They did a lot. They called and put in a good word for me, they pushed pretty hard,” said Brown. “Mario was on the phone with [Potsdam coach Chris Bernard] and made it all go through really easily.”

“A lot of the college coaches are guys who have been around a long time,” said Martiniello. “I’ve had a relationship with many of them in the past, so I was not too surprised at how we did with our placements.” Kevin Airoldi committed to Babson to play lacrosse, but wanted to get back to hockey. He played a season for the Junior Rangers and is now committed to Stonehill for hockey.

Reentering the junior hockey world, Martiniello was able to see firsthand the benefits – young men furthering their knowledge of the game and taking that knowledge to the next, higher level – and the challenges.

“Entering Year 2 here, the biggest thing being involved with junior hockey has taught me is player management,” said Martiniello. “Back in the mid-to late-‘90s, when I was with the Jr. Warriors, you didn’t have all the social media stuff. A lot of it now is teaching kids how to present themselves to colleges and keep their noses clean.”

“You need to make them understand that something that’s a joke on Twitter or Facebook might get out there and negatively affect them in the eyes of a college coach,” said Martiniello. “On-ice, the game hasn’t really changed that much, so what is new for me is managing players off the ice.”

That said, it generally went smooth in Year 1 for the Rangers, which also happened to be the final season of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League. The Rangers finished fifth overall in the AJHL at 22-11-9-2, but were eliminated in two straight games by the eventual champion Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights to close their season.

“I think we had a very good season for our first year. We were able to surprise some people who may have thought we’d struggle out of the gate,” said Martiniello.

“Thanks to the help of coaches Chris Hills and Rich DeCaprio, we were able to put a competitive product on the ice. After looking at things we need to address, we struggled in the goal-scoring department, but we did very well in net and defensively.” In the MET, the Rangers won the Fracis Division in their inaugural season, going 32-10-0-3 and reaching all the way into the Keegan Cup Final. There, they fell to the New Jersey Rockets, but sent a message that the Rangers are here to stay and a force to be reckoned with.

Setting up the Ranger station

The Junior Rangers’ history runs intermingled with their top-of-the-line facility in Tewksbury, Breakaway Ice Center.

The Rangers were founded in 2007 while Breakaway was still under construction, mainly icing summer tournament teams right off the bat. Martiniello’s Superskills Hockey, a skill development company, built the first ink in 2004. In 2008, with the construction of the second sheet, the Rangers brought Martiniello aboard as a partner, in addition to his hockey operations duties. Martiniello maintains Superskills Hockey company as a separate entity from the Junior Rangers.

Once the two sheets at Breakaway were installed and up and running, the Rangers put together a full slate of youth hockey teams.

“At the youth level, we still run Mite through Midget, totaling 18 boys teams. We also have a girls program running from U10 through U19,” said Martiniello. “The next real step that we didn’t have to round out our program was a junior program.”

During the 2011-12 season, the Boston Junior Bulldogs were as much of a force as ever in the AJHL. However, longtime Bulldogs owner/general manager/head coach Mike Addesa was open to the idea of selling his junior empire. “There was a point at which we had talked with [Addesa] about the possibility of obtaining or starting up a junior program,” said Martiniello. “After a time, he was up for the idea and we started talking again and we went from there to negotiating a sale, purchasing the team from Mike last spring [of 2012].”

Now that they had the junior team, the Junior Rangers needed to bring players in.

The facility they call home was a big help in recruiting. Along with two NHL regulation size rinks and two locker rooms for the exclusive use of each of the junior teams on the premises, Breakaway Ice Center also includes a 7,000-square foot workout facility, Xcelerated Performance. XP prides itself on being the first gym in the Boston area with a skating treadmill, where players can work on their stride in place.

“A lot of teams have a weight training facility in their rink, but not a lot of teams have what we have. Pat Gigante owns and operates XP and he gives us a home right outside of our locker room,” said Martiniello. “The junior kids are constantly in there warming up before games. Pat sets them up with a routine. It’s another way for players to bond off the ice and out of the locker room.

“There’s really nothing we can’t cover in XP. There’s a shooting area on synthetic ice, a mini-track if kids want to do sprints and a basketball net for kids to loosen up,” said Martiniello.

“[Gigante] is always willing to help us out. I didn’t even have to go to a physical therapist for a shoulder problem because he knew what he was doing with it,” added Greg Stoya, the leading scorer for last year’s MET Rangers. He will likely move up to the EHL after a 56-point season last year. “Breakaway always has the ice for us. Rangers players have as much time as wewant,” Stoya said. “Last year, you [could pick out] the players who took advantage of that and those who didn’t. They make it easy for everyone who wants it, and hopefully, this year, everyone wants it.”

“It’s a great rink with good amenities to help you fulfill your goals,” added Tyler Theodoulou, a returning player for Martiniello’s top team and the incoming captain for 2013-14.

Guidance to the top

The Rangers work, work and work again on their game from August through March (not including the many summer tournaments they take part in).

“During the season, we run two days a week off-ice – Tuesdays and Thursdays – and we have practices on ice Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,” said Martiniello.

“If we have film work to do, we do that on Wednesday after practice. Friday is a light skate if we don’t have a game. “We have two hours of ice a day, and we’ll judge whether we’ll use it all or not, so if we only practice for an hour, that extra hour is open to players to work on their own individual skills,” he added.

The Rangers’ plan during the season certainly helped Theodoulou to pick up his game quite a bit.

“I played for the Bulldogs and Coach Addesa told me the Rangers would be a good place to play high-level junior hockey,” Theodoulou said. “Mario is a coach that is hard on you, but he’s looking to push you to continue to get better.

“One of the things I learned was that I was a good skater, but I never used it as fully as I could,” he added. “Coach [Martiniello] taught me how to drive the net and really use my feet. I went from third line at the start of the year to the first line and scoring more points by the end.”

“He’s ready to fill that [captaincy] role for us,” said Martiniello, of Theodoulou.

“He got to this point by working hard. Talent and skill are great, but if you don’t work hard, talent and skill can lose out. Tyler has both, and I couldn’t ask for a better kid to lead our team.”

Along with his experience coaching the Valley Jr. Warriors, Martiniello had years of experience teaching power skating through Superskills, and he also led high schools to state and regional championships in New Hampshire (Salem) and Massachusetts (Andover), respectively. He has worked as a scout in pro hockey and is a USA Hockey-certified Master Level Coach.

“Coach was able to sit down with me and point out the parts of my game I was able to improve upon to be a better team guy,” said Brown. Chris Hills, the EHL and MET assistant, has been an assistant coach at several different levels – from college hockey (Manhattanville, Framingham State) to high school (Acton-Boxborough, Mass.) to girls youth hockey (Assabet Valley, a regular national champion). DeCaprio, a high school star with Chelmsford (Mass.) High School and a Division 1 player for Niagara University, was the head coach of the Bulldogs’ M ET League team before the sale.

“When the sale took place, Rich and I met and I had a good feeling and that really turned into a good relationship,” said Martiniello. “Last year, Rich took our M ET League team to the finals and was one win away from the Nationals.”

“When the Bulldogs traded over to the Rangers, Coach DeCaprio remained so I felt comfortable,” said Stoya. “I had a bad leg break and the Rangers knew about that and were willing to take me to see how I would do with my skating. I came back and had a good year with the MET team.”

“He scored close to 40 goals with the MET team last year,” said Martiniello, of Stoya. “He’s really matured as a player and understood what it takes to play at the next level. I’m expecting a great season. His knock last year was his skating and that has improved dramatically, so I’m excited.”

There’s a lot to be excited about. There are 18 teams in the new EHL (and 27 in the expanded MET), so that means a lot of teams for a player to test himself against.

“I’m excited about it,” Stoya said. “It’ll be a lot more good competition in my final year.”

- See more at: http://www.usajuniorhockey.com/2013/08/a-conduit-to-the-college-game/#sthash.esmYmnVd.dpuf

Rangers look to a fast start with returning players.

The Boston Junior Rangers look to start a second season with a successful camp which is set to open August 26th. 

The Rangers boast several key returners to the team that should lead it to a fast start in th EHL. The Rangers will look to Tyler Theodoulou to lead the offense with his speed and determination. Also, adding too the mix up front will be returning EHl players James Devlin and Nick Govig.  The Rangers will also rely on last years leading scorer on the MET team Greg Stoya, who is being promoted to EHL team this year.  The penalty kill should be solid with Theodoulou and Cam Smith. 

The defense will be lead by offensive defenseman Chris Hinrich. After a slow start to last years season Chris raised his level play to earn himself consistent playing time, as well as time on both special teams units to end the season.  The Junior Rangers will also look to Miko Minobi who is being promoted to the EHL team.  He had solid campaign last year with the MET. He will look to continue his play that led to him being called up last year, where he played extremely well with others out injured. 

Check back for the next article on all the newcomers and all new goalie group. 

Boston Jr. Rangers: Incoming Rangers impressive in summer games

By USA Junior Hockey News

During the middle weekend of July, Boston Jr. Rangers general manager and head coach Mario Martiniello was all over Massachusetts.

The Rangers had one team in the Senior Chowder Cup in three southeastern Massachusetts towns. They had another the same weekend in the Eastern Junior Summer Showcase at the six-rink New England Sports Center in Marlborough. Both teams competed under the name Super Skills Hockey.

“We had our guys split, with Eastern Hockey League and Metropolitan Junior League guys on each team,” said Martiniello. “I was at the Chowder Cup for one game and then at the EJ Showcase for two other games. The guys are already getting to the point of starting to compete for spots and jobs. We have a lot of depth.”

He’s looking forward to the contributions this coming season from former New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (Empire League) Nate Philbrick and Michael Bears. Both played for the Rangers team in the EJHL Summer Showcase.

Philbrick, a ’94 from Henniker, N.H., scored 12 points in 26 games and Bears had 24 points, playing all 40 regular season games for the Monarchs. He is a ’94 from Londonderry, N.H.

“The two of them moved the puck very well. Nate has a nice touch around the net. He had [three] goals this weekend and did a nice job,” said Martiniello. “Michael did a nice job moving the puck. He was a pleasant surprise.

“[Philbrick and Bears] have an opportunity to play now for our EHL team, at a higher level, and they look good,” Martiniello added.

Another newcomer that impressed Martiniello at the EJ Showcase was Garritt Otten, a Suwanee, Ga., resident who scored 19 goals and 40 points in 42 Met League games last year for the Laconia (now New Hampshire) Lakers and the Northern Cyclones.

“He looked really good. He’s got size, 6-feet-5-inches and 210 pounds, and he can skate and hold the puck well,” said Martiniello.

Returning players Chris Hinrichs and Tyler Theodoulou also put up good performances over the weekend.

“Chris is rock solid on defense and he’ll have a strong season,” said Martiniello. “Tyler is one of those players who is just really good.”

Rangers players report for camp on Aug. 26 and ice sessions begin Aug. 27. The following weekend, the Rangers will hold a scrimmage series against the Connecticut Wolfpack.

“We’ll split up into the two teams after that,” said Martiniello.

EHL Partners With Educate Athletes For Full Suite Of Educational

BOSTON, Mass. – Continuing its groundbreaking progress in USA Hockey’s Tier III Junior classification, the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) is the first USA Hockey-sanctioned league to formally partner with a professional educational system to help guide student-athletes and parents in their journey toward college hockey.

The EHL and Educate Athletes have come together to ensure that any parent or player looking at a Junior hockey situation can be assured that all 18 Eastern Hockey League teams have professional guidance and educational options, in addition to information on NCAA eligibility.

Educate Athletes is an online education provider built on a leadership network of elite athletes and professionals dedicated to promoting innovative learning for critical thinking students.

Educate Athletes is operated by Sean O’Brien, who is a former NCAA Division I student-athlete who played nine years of professional hockey after graduating from Princeton University.  O’Brien’s experience as a former Ivy League student and hockey player, in addition to his professional expertise on the NCAA eligibility process, makes him a valuable resource for EHL student-athletes.

“In its first season as a newly formed League, the EHL has made a strong statement about the importance of education in junior hockey by providing additional academic resources with Educate Athletes,” said O’Brien.  “The League’s dedication to the program demonstrates important leadership by improving academic standards for all of its members.  We’re looking forward to collaborating with all of the coaches in the EHL to help find the best NCAA approved academic plan for every individual player.”

“The junior hockey experience is not just about hockey,” said EHL Director of Hockey Operations, Mark Kumpel.  “The EHL prides itself on offering a complete, comprehensive life experience to its athletes.  Our alliance with Educate Athletes gives our programs unmatched expertise helping student-athletes gain admission to colleges where they can excel in both hockey and academics.  The college admissions environment is constantly shifting and can be difficult to understand completely. Our familiarity with programs at every level is a significant advantage for the young men we work with.”

MET Announces Division Format For 2013-2014 Season

FLORHAM PARK, NJ – The Metropolitan Junior Hockey League is pleased to announce that in follow-up to the addition of nine new members, division realignment is complete for the 2013-2014 season. The league will operate with three divisions, Francis, Mullen and Dowd.  

Eight teams comprise the Francis Division: the Boston Bandits, the New Hampshire Lakers, the New Hampshire Monarchs, the Boston Junior Rangers, the Walpole Express, the Cranston Reds, the Valley Junior Warriors and the Northern Cyclones.

Eleven teams make up the Mullen Division, making it the largest division in the MJHL: the Connecticut Wolfpack, the Connecticut Junior Oilers, the Brewster Bulldogs, the New York Applecore, the Metro Fighting Moose, the Long Island Royals, the North Jersey Avalanche, the Jersey Wildcats, the Richmond Generals, the New York Saints and the two-time defending Keegan Cup Champions, the New Jersey Rockets.

The Dowd Division will also have eight teams: the Philadelphia Revolution, Philadelphia Junior Flyers, the Philadelphia Little Flyers, the Central Penn Panthers, the Washington Junior Nationals, the Frederick Freeze, the Junior Titans and the New Jersey Renegades.

“We are excited to announce our new divisions,” said AMHL Director of Hockey Operations Paul Maciejewski. “They will offer competitive balance to the league along with creating new rivalries, while allowing existing ones to continue.”

The MJHL will announce the 2013-2014 season schedule in the coming weeks.