Week One: 12/19/09 - Preview

by Adam Cristallini

Crosby’s (2009: 9-8, Semi-Finalist) vs. Bishop Boyle Lancers (2009: 7-10, Semi-Finalist)

This is the oldest rivalry in the history of the league, and what better way to start the year with an 11:00am blood bath. Captain John George brings in the new militia, along with franchise player Roy McDonald, looking to start the year off with a bang. On the other side Brian Grise, Tom Fetsko, Dustin Hess, and the rest of the Lancers are hungry to beat the Crosby’s.

• The Lancers and Crosby's split four games last season.
• This will be the debut of Crosby's winger Jeremy Jones.

Prediction: Bishop Boyle Lancers 3, Crosby’s 2.

Pirates (2009: 7-10, FHL Runner-Up) vs. Jets (2009: 13-4, FHL CHAMPIONS)

In a rematch of last year’s Championship series, the Pirates are looking to avenge a series in which they were over matched 3 games to 1. But the new look Pirates look like a team to watch out for this year, after a strong finish in 2009. Without franchise player Tony Bonacorso this week, old Pirate players such as Ryan Cleary and Brian Hreha look to follow up a great campaign in 2009, along with new faces like Buddy Doyle and Mark Zelena. Brian Barca, Jason Tatrai, Zak Campbell, and Jason Kortz lead the way for the revamped Jets team.

• Pirates Franchise player Tony Bonacorso will be out due to undisclosed reasons.
• Congratulations to Pirates defenseman, Joe “Package” Rogers, who is graduating from California University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Education and will not play.
• Jets players returning from last year will receive their championship rings before the game.

Prediction: Pirates 3, Jets 1.

Kings (2009: 8-9, Lost in 1st Round) vs. Moose (0-0, First Season)

A confident Kings team coming off a so-so year with ups and downs meet the Moose in their first ever game in the FHL, replacing Matt Gori’s Hawks franchise. Zack Siniawski, in his first game as captain, is hoping to start his career with the Moose on the right foot. Along with Zack are Jeff Rogers and Mark Fetsko behind him on Defense. The Kings, led by scorers, Drew Hruska, Adam Cristallini, and Matt Wierchowski, are looking to start their second year in the league with a bang.

• Before the game, there will be a ceremony for the retirement of Chad Kanz into the FHL Hall of Fame. Kanz played for both the Kings and the Hawks in his career. Prediction: Kings 3, Moose 2.

Weather Report Expect some snow showers most of the day, with a light wind and a high of 33°F and 40% precipitation. Other News

• This will be the third annual FHL Toy Drive. Don't forget to bring a toy, as they will go to Children's Hospital.
• All league entry fee's are due as soon as possible. The fee is $10 for everyone, except high-schoolers, who will be charged $5.
• Former FHL Goaltender Mr. Meade will serve as the referee, and will play goalie in any necessary case.