2012 FHL Playoffs - Round 1 Preview

FHL PLAYOFF PREVIEW

ROUND 1

The 6^th installment of the Franklin Hockey League playoffs, have finally arrived.  After a grueling 20-game season, the FHL’s weekend warriors are ready to put it all out on the table and show what they’re made of.  It seems like just yesterday the league did not have a home, and it was uncertain of the 2011-2012 season would ever take place.  Fast forward 7 months and arguably the most highly anticipated playoff tournament is set to get under way.  We’ve seen some intense battles dating back to the Christmas break, but nothing will compare to the action we’ll see these next 3 weeks.  It all starts this Saturday, May 26^th at 11:30 AM. 

(1) Crosbys- Bye

(2) Thunder- Bye

11:30 AM---(3) Moose vs. (6) Bishop Boyle

Captains: Moose- Zack Siniawski (3g,4a), Boyle- Brian Grise (15g,7a,16pim)

Goalies: Moose- Unknown (regular Marty Terrick will not be available), Boyle- Rick Severa (1.39 GAA)

Top 5 leading scorers:

1. Drew Hruska- Moose, (25g,14a)

2. Ryan Mains- Moose, (16g,18a)

3. Jason Kortz- Moose, (11g,22a)

4. Brian Grise- Boyle, (15g,7a)

5. Zack Wahal- Boyle, (10g,11a)

Brian Grise quote on how to beat the Moose: “Speed and hustle.  Our best is good enough.  I believe we want it more and in the playoffs that’s what it comes down to.”  Grise is the all-time leading scorer in FHL playoff history.

Zack Siniawski quote on how to beat Boyle: “We gotta play our game ya know.  Posses the puck and control the flow.”  Siniawski and the Moose are only a year removed from winning the cup.

Andrew McDonald prediction: Moose in 3, Zack Siniawski series MVP.

John George prediction: Moose in 4, Jason Kortz series MVP.

1:00 PM---(4) Jets vs. (5) Whalers

Captains: Jets- Zak Campbell (6g,8a), Whalers- Joe Rogers (0g,5a)

Goalies: Jets- Craig Hixon (0.72 GAA), Whalers- Jim Besterci (0.86 GAA)

Top 5 leading scorers:

1t. Ryan Fish- Whalers, (12g,11a)

1t. Nick Siniawski- Jets, (13g,10a)

3. Shane Lucas- Whalers, (11g,11a)

4. Thomas Sheetz- Whalers, (9g,9a)

5. Adam Cristallini- Whalers, (6g,11a)

Joe Rogers quote on how to beat the Jets: “You really gotta keep their forwards in front of you.  They got a lot of speed.  And simplify the game offensively.  You’re not gonna beat their Dmen one on one.”  This is Joes first playoff series as a captain.

Shane Lucas quote on how to beat the Whalers: “We as a team have to get the puck deep behind their D and get pressure on the forecheck and cause turnovers that can lead to good scoring chances.”

Andrew McDonald prediction: Whalers in 5, Ryan Fish series MVP.

John George prediction: Whalers in 5, Jim Besterci series MVP.

Here’s a look at the top playoff performers in FHL history: (Stats have been kept since the 08-09 season)

1.      Brian Grise    15g7a 22pts    

2.      Tony Bonacorso  11g5a  16pts

3.      Andrew McDonald 9g4a 13pts

4.      Zak Campbell 6g4a 10pts

5.      Nick Siniawski 7g2a 9pts

6.      Zack Wahal 6g3a  9pts

7.      Tom Fetsko 5g4a 9pts

8.      Brian Barca  6g2a 8pts

9.      Matt Wierchowski 6g2a 8pts

10.  Drew Hruska 3g5a 8pts

11.  Zack Siniawski 1g7a 8pts

12.  Ryan Fish 5g2a 7pts

13.  Adam Cristallini 4g3a 7pts

14.  Jeff Rogers 2g5a 7pts

15.  Brian Hreha 2g5a 7pts

16.  Roy McDonald 1g6a 7pts

17.  Jason Kortz 3g3a 6pts

18.  Shane Lucas 2g4a 6pts

19.  Chad Kanz 4g2a 6pts

20.  Buddy Doyle 3g2a 5pts

21.  Jason Tatrai 2g2a 4pts

22.  Mike Stadleman 2g2a 4pts

23.  Ben Bobick 2g1a 3pts

24.  Jeff Pingor  1g2a 3pts

25.  Bill Seaman 1g2a 3pts

26.  Ryan Cleary 1g2a 3pts.

27.  Thomas Sheetz  1g1a 2pts

28.  John George 1g0a 1pts