Short Shifts Around the EShow
Off and Running in February
BOSTON, MA -- The calendar flips to February, meaning we’re in the final month of the regular season for the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) and the Eastern Hockey League Premier (EHLP).
New York Apple Core and the New Hampshire Avalanche both extended their winning streaks, so naturally, they take the spotlight once again in this week’s edition of Short Shifts around the #EShow.
The Big Apple Core
- New York Apple Core defeated Team Maryland 3-2 on Thursday; and by extending their winning streak to 15 games, they also passed the Railers Jr. Hockey Club for the number one spot in the Central Division.
- Ryan Crowshaw made 40 saves on 42 shots, improving to 10-0-0 since joining New York. That’s also the 10th start this season (between the Chiefs and Apple Core) where he has faced 40 or more shots.
- With a goal and an assist in that win, Apple Core forward Peter Unger now has 45 points (22g, 23a) in 36 games. Along with Nick Sweet, Unger has been one of the most consistent forwards for New York this year.
- While getting the loss, Jake Hugessen was excellent in goal for Maryland, making 44 saves on 47 shots.
An Avalanche of wins
- Earlier this week, the Avalanche beat the Boston Jr. Rangers by a score of 7-4. New Hampshire extended the winning streak to 10 games, and it was the first time since Jan. 21, 2023 that the Avs defeated Boston.
- David Basin and Rory Andriole both erupted for six points; each player recorded two goals and four assists in the win.
- Speaking of Basin, he has 65 points (27g, 38a) so far this season and 27 points in just 12 games with the Avs. New Hampshire has 12 more regular-season games, and if Basin can somehow keep up his current pace, there is a chance he can finish the year with 90 points or more.
Eastbound Express
- The Express Hockey Club has won three straight, earning 4-2 wins over the Bridgewater Bandits and Railers, then picking up a 3-2 victory over the Boston Jr. Terriers.
- Cody Walker scored twice against the Jr. Terriers and now has four goals in his last three games. He leads the team and is fourth in the league with 24 goals so far this season.
- As of this writing, the Express and Wizards both have 50 points, but the Express is first in the East Division. They have two more wins than the Wizards while also having a game in hand.
- While we’re talking about the Wizards, they have also won three in a row. Their last two victories came in overtime, 4-3 against the Railers and 3-2 over the Jr. Terriers; George Kolovos and Emmanuel Damianakis scored the game-winning goals in those matchups.
Extra notes
- The New Jersey 87’s defeated the New Jersey Bears 4-3 in overtime on Wednesday. Landon Adams scored his third overtime-winning goal this season.
- New England Wolves goaltender Cam Reardon is having a remarkable season in net. He leads the league with 1644 minutes played, nearly 300 minutes more than any other goaltender, and is the only one in the EHL with more than 1,000 saves. Even with that work load, he is rocking a .925 save percentage with two shutouts.
- The Bridgewater Bandits have been improving as of late; they have five wins in their last 11 games including victories over the Seahawks Hockey Club, Vermont Lumberjacks, Pennsylvania Huntsmen and the Jr. Terriers.
Around the EHLP
- Express forward Charlie DiMartino is lighting the EHLP on fire with 66 points (34g, 32a) in 30 games. If he keeps up his current pace, he’d finish the year with 92 points; that would put him fifth all-time for points in a single EHLP season.
- Three different teams in the Boston Division are on winning streaks right now; the Express have won three straight, the Railers have won their last five and the Valley Jr. Warriors are on a seven-game heater.
- The Warriors are now second in the Boston Division, yet they only have one player who is top-20 in the league with points (Owen Walsh with 37 points). It’s a testament to the Warriors’ depth; 14 players are in double digits for points while seven skaters have 10 or more goals.
- It’s been a tough year for the Union Jr. Thunder, but they picked up three wins in their last five games, including a pair of victories over the Philadelphia Little Flyers. They also came close to ending the Pennsylvania Huntsmen’s winning streak, but came up short in a 4-3 overtime loss.
- Shawn Kline has played a big part in Union's recent success, as he ranks third in the EHLP with a .922 save percentage.
Anthony Di Paolo
Anthony Di Paolo covers the EHL for HNIB and can be followed on Twitter @DiPaolo_016
Anthony Di Paolo has spent the last four seasons with the New Jersey 87's organization. Anthony's familiarity with the junior hockey landscape at the Tier II and Tier III levels provide him with a wealth of knowledge in covering our league showcases and events. In addition to writing features and player spotlights throughout the season, Anthony is a fixture on the weekly #EShow podcast.
