On 19 January 2013, the USCGA Bears playing their second game in 6 weeks travelled to New Hampshire to take on the Daniel Webster Eagles. The Bears fell behind early in the first period but 4/c Louis DePaolis tied the score with a goal assisted by 1/c Jonathan Salinas. The Bears took the lead before the end of the 1st period on a power play goal by 3/c Jake Wawrzyniak, assisted by 1/c Andrew Horvath and 4/c Louis DePaolis. Daniel Webster tied the game in the early in the second period before the Bears stunned Daniel Webster with three power play goals in 45 seconds scored by 1/c Jonathan Salinas (assisted by 3/c Jake Wawrzyniak and 3/c Mike Rossi), 1/c Jonathan Salinas (assisted by 1/c Andrew Horvath and 3/c Mike Rossi) and 4/c James Rizzo (assisted by 1/c Andrew Horvath and 3/c Mike Rossi). Daniel Webster regained some of the game’s momentum and closed the score to 5-3 before the end of the second period. In the third period, the Bears undisciplined play allowed the Eagles to tie the score with just over twelve minutes to play. The Eagles regained the lead on a power play goal with just over seven minutes to play. 1/c Jonathan Salinas (assisted by 4/c Louis DePaolis and 2/c Ryan O’Neill) tied the game scoring his third goal of the night and setting up a wild last five minutes of play. Unfortunately, with just over a minute to go in the game, the Eagles leading goal scorer capitalized on a power play opportunity resulting in a 7-6 loss to the Bears. The Bears next games is away on January 25th against the University of New Haven, followed by a home game on January 26th against UMASS-Lowell.

On 12 January 2013, the USCGA Bears played their first game in five weeks by hosting the USMMA Mariners in a highly anticipated game. The first period was very evenly matched with the Bears outshooting the Mariners 11-10, but trailing on the scoreboard 1-0. During the second period, the Bears took the play to the Mariners and outshot them 16-4. However, the Mariners were more efficient with their opportunities by scoring two more times and taking a 3-0 lead. During the second period, the Bears hard work paid off and 1/c Sam Ruby capitalized with an individual effort closing the score to 3-1. The Bears fell behind 4-1 by giving up an early third period goal. After a timeout taken by the coaching staff, the Bears rallied by scoring twice with goals by 4/c Louis Depaolis and 3/c Mike Rossi. Unfortunately, some undisciplined play by the Bears allowed the Mariners to regain the game’s momentum resulting in their fifth goal. The final score of the game was 5-3 in favor of the Mariners.

We would like to personally thank all the fans who came out to support. The Bears’ next game is a NECHA league game on Saturday, 19 January at Daniel Webster College.

On 16 November 2012, the USCGA Bears travelled to Hartford, CT to take on Trinity College.  The first period was tightly contested with Trinity taking an early lead.  However, the Bears tied the score with a goal from 3/c Jake Wawrzyniak assisted by 4/c Stephen Board and 4/c James Rizzo.  Trinity scored their second goal of the night leading 2-1 at the end of the 1st period.  The second period provided more opportunities and scoring for both teams.  Trinity capitalized with five goals while the Bears countered with four goals of their own.  Bears goals came from 1/c Andrew Horvath (unassisted), 3/c Jake Wawrzyniak assisted by 4/c James Rizzo, 2/c Ryan O’Neill assisted by 3/c Jake Wawrzyniak and 4/c James Rizzo, 3/c Jake Wawrzyniak assisted by 2/c Ryan O’Neill.  The Bears came out strong in the third period and tied the score on goals by 1/c Andrew Horvath assisted by 3/c Jake Wawrzyniak and 1/c Jonathan Salinas assisted by 4/c John Trautwein.  Unfortunately, Trinity scored two goals in the last five minutes of the game resulting in a Bears 9-7 loss.

On 17 November 2012, the USCGA Bears hosted Lyndon State College.  The Bears took an early first period lead on goals by 1/c Sam Ruby and 3/c Neil Clarkin.  Lyndon State responded by scoring two goals tying the game 2-2 at the end of the first period.  The second period had both teams lacking discipline and taking penalties.  Despite trading penalties with Lyndon State College, the Bears had goals from 1/c Sam Ruby and 3/c Neil Clarkin, each scoring their second goal of the night.  Lyndon State College also scored cutting the Bears lead to 4-3 at the end of two periods.  The back and forth action of the game continued in to the third period with Lyndon State College getting some good scoring opportunities.  However, the Bears were able to counter Lyndon State’s opportunities with two goals by 4/c James Rizzo, the second of his goals was assisted by goalie 3/c Matt Panciocco.  The Bears closed out the scoring on the with a late goal by 3/c Jake Wawrzyniak and solidified their first win of the season, 7-4.

On 09 November 2012, the USCGA Bears travelled to Eastern Connecticut State University.  From the drop of the puck the Bears struggled to find any offensive flow or defensive stops, which ended up costing them.  3/c Ben Lesniak started in goal but was replaced in the third period by 1/c Carl Schemel.  The lack of offensive opportunities and struggles in the defensive zone resulted in a 12-0 loss.

On 10 November 2012, The USCGA Bears travelled to Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 3/c Ben Lesniak again started in goal for the Bears.  The Bears started this game with an aggressive forecheck and numerous scoring opportunities.  Despite the opportunities, WPI was able to capitalize for 2 goals in the first period.  4/c James Rizzo, 3/c Mike Rossi, and 2/c Ryan O’Neill moved the puck well and kept control of the game throughout most of the first two periods while they were on the ice.  In the second period, WPI was able to capitalize with four more goals.  Despite numerous scoring opportunities, the Bears only goal came from 1/c Sam Ruby.  Between the second and third period, the coaches replaced 3/c Lesniak with 1/c Schemel and reiterated determination and resilience to the team.  Following their coaches lead, the Bears battled back and capitalized on scoring opportunities and had one of their best periods of the season with two goals from 4/c Louis DePaolis, one goal from 1/c Andrew Horvath and one goal from 1/c Jonathan Salinas.  Unfortunately, the Bears lost the game 7-5.

The Bears are scheduled to play an away game on 16 November 2012 at Trinity College and a home game on 17 November 2012 against Lyndon State.

On 02 November 2012, the USCGA Bears played at home Springfield University.  The first period was evenly played with Springfield University taking an early 1-0 lead.  However, the Bears showed their resilience and battled back on goals by 1/c Andrew Horvath and 3/c Mike Rossi closing out the first period leading 2-1.  In the second period, Springfield University capitalized on some defensive breakdowns and scored four times.  The highlights for the Bears second period were several stellar stops by 1/c Carl Schemel and a goal by 1/c Sam Ruby with an assist going to 1/c Jonathan Salinas.  During the third period, Springfield University pulled away from the Bears by capitalizing on several power play opportunities.  The Bears closed out their scoring for the night on the second goal of the night by 1/c Andrew Horvath.  The Bears lost 13-5.

On 03 November 2012, the USCGA Bears traveled to Tufts University to try and avenge an opening night loss.  Tufts lead 1-0 at the end of the evenly played first period.  However, the Bears let the game get away from them in the second and third periods with some undisciplined and careless play that gave Tufts University a decided edge in play.  In the end, Tufts was able to capitalize on many of their opportunities resulting in an 8-0 loss for the Bears.

The Bears next two games are away at Eastern Connecticut State University on 09 November 2012 and Worcester Polytechnic Institute on 11 November 2012.

26 October at Roger Williams:

Coast Guard 0, Roger Williams 12.

27 October vs. Worcester Polytechnic Institute:

Coast Guard 5, WPI 10

Goals scored by DePaolis (4) and O’Neill (1).

On 19 October 2012, the Bears hosted Sacred Heart University and their high powered offense.  This game marked the first game of the year for goaltender 3/c Matt Panciocco and forward 3/c Neil Clarkin.  From the drop of the puck, Sacred Heart University kept the pressure on the Bears and scored five first period goals.  The highlights of the first period for the Bears were 31 saves made by 3/c Paciocco and two goals by 4/c Louis DePaolis.  Sacred Heart University continued their pressure style of play in the second period resulting in 23 shots on 3/c Panciocco.  4/c DePaolis also continued his hot hand by scoring his third goal of the night in the second period.  In the third period, the Bears made a goaltender change and called on 3/c Ben Lesniak to slow the offense of Sacred Heart University.  Despite the goaltending change and unwavering effort made by the Bears, Sacred Heart’s offense was too much, resulting in a 20-3 loss.

On 20 October 2012, the Bears traveled to Norwich University for their second game in two nights.  The Bears started 3/c Ben Lesniak in goal.  The first period was a back and forth battle.  The Bears struck first on 1/c Jonathan Salinas first goal of the season on an assist from 4/c Louis DePaolis giving the Bears an early 1-0 lead.  Norwich University scored three unanswered goals taking a 3-1 lead. 3/c Mike Rossi tied the game scoring back to back goals with an assist on each from 4/c DePaolis.  After Norwich University scored two more goals, 4/c DePaolis closed out the period with a goal and cut Norwich’s lead to 5-4.  The second period had both teams playing tighter defensively, but Norwich was able to capitalize on the Bears defense and scored three goals, taking an 8-4 lead.  Norwich University came in to the third period energized and scored the next four goals which resulted in 1/c Lezniak being replaced by 1/c Carl Schemel as the Bears goaltender.  1/c Schemel held Norwich University to two goals in the final twelve minutes of the game.  The Bears closed out the scoring on the night after 1/c Josh Forteza made a key hit of a Norwich player in the offensive zone resulting in the first goal of the season by 3/c Alex Mead.  The final score of the game was 14-5 in favor of Norwich. 

A special thanks to the fans who traveled to Norwich University to support your USCGA Bears. 

The Bears have two games next weekend:

26 Oct 2012, AWAY – Roger Williams University @ Driscoll Arena, puck drops at 1800

27 Oct 2012, HOME – Worcester Polytechnic Institute @ Dayton Arena, puck drops at 1930

The USCGA Bears Ice Hockey team opened their 2012 – 2013 season on 12 October 2012 against Tufts University.  After losing a number of players to graduation, the players and coaching staff were excited to see the start of this season.  This game, played before an enthusiastic crowd, had the teams evenly playing until Tufts struck for four goals in the opening period countered by the Bears first goal of the season by 1/c Sam Ruby off an assist by 3/c Mike Rossi.  In the second period, Tufts University was able to efficiently capitalize on their scoring opportunities despite being outshot by the Bears.  The Bears had plenty of scoring chances during the second period, including a power play where a majority of the man advantage was spent in the Tufts end of the ice.  Despite the second period shot advantage, the Bears were unable score on the Tufts University goaltender.  During the third period, the Bears again outshot Tufts and goals by 1/c Andrew Horvath and 3/c Alex Mead closed out the scoring for the game resulting in a 12-3 loss.

Saturday night had the Bears playing the second game in two nights, this time against the University of New Haven.  This game had the Bears quickly falling behind in the first period and unable to recover from the early deficit.  Following adjustments made by the coaches, the Bears showed signs of life during the second and third periods, but they were unable capitalize on their opportunities until 4/c Louis DePaolis erased the shutout with a late third period goal resulting in a 9-1 loss.

Despite losing both games, the coaches were pleased with the overall effort during the two games.  The Bears will have a chance to rebound with two games next weekend, at home against Sacred Heart University on 19 Oct 2012 and their first away game at Norwich University on 20 Oct 2012.

The United States Coast Guard Academy hockey team is preparing for the start of the 2012-2013 season. The team has high hopes for the season after losing a talented group to graduation. Captain Jon Salinas and Alternate Captains Aaron Lee and Sam Ruby will lead the way, with the first game scheduled for Friday, October 12th at Dayton Arena against Tufts University. Puck drops at 7:30pm.

Fans and followers of the team will notice a new look behind the bench as well. LT Brian Crimmel, CDR Stephen Adler, and LT Victor Galgano have joined the Coast Guard Academy staff and will take over for LT Tyler Kelley who departed after guiding the team the previous two seasons. Also assisting this year will be Mr. Eric Gempp, LT Jeff Young, LT Michael Bell, and Dr. George Stetson.

Look forward to seeing you at our first game!