Good Morning SSBHL

I apologize for the delay in the weekly write up, I honestly thought I already did it but just occurred to me, I never did. So, Small recap from last week.

We need to be better as a community to keep our emotions in check, I am aware calls got missed a few times, emotions flared, its hockey, I get it. We are humans with emotions, not robots. I would just like though, at the end of a game, if maybe you got Chippy with another player, to just shake hands and bury the hatchet at the end. Make up with each other. I know Everyone of us in the league are good people and have great hearts. No one is out to intentionally hurt each other here. This is just a game and its for fun, we want to win but no one is trying to injure anyone. Lets just keep that mind going forward. And remember, the refs also are not perfect, they are humans as well, be kind to them, they are doing the best they can. Alright, lets jump into some numbers now of the top performers of the week!

Offensive Dominance

1)       Our Top performer of the week absolutely belongs to the Stone Hands Elite forward, Aidan Lovett! Aidan delivered an unforgettable performance this week, solidifying his place at the top of the SSBHL spotlight. In a game that will be talked about for weeks to come, Lovett racked up an astounding 7 points—netting 4 goals and adding 3 assists to his stat sheet. His offensive dominance powered his team to victory and showcased his elite skill set and hockey IQ. Whether it was lighting the lamp with pinpoint accuracy or setting up his teammates with perfectly timed passes, Lovett was simply unstoppable. His relentless energy and ability to read the game at a high level made him a constant threat every time he touched the ball. Thanks to this incredible outing, Lovett has rightfully earned the title of SSBHL’s Top Performer of the Week. With performances like this, he’s not only elevating his team but also setting the standard for excellence across the league.

2)       In a performance that will be remembered for seasons to come, Matt Swan, captain of the Smokey Joes, delivered an extraordinary offensive showcase by netting five goals and adding an assist in a dominant win on the second game of a back-to-back.

The veteran forward seemed to defy fatigue, leading by example with relentless energy and laser-focused execution. From clinical finishes to creative setups, Swan was simply unstoppable. His performance not only electrified fans but also galvanized the entire roster. “Matt’s the heart of this team,” said Star Forward Ryan Doherty. “What he did out there today is what leadership looks like—talent, grit, and refusing to let tired legs be an excuse.”  With 6 points on the night and ice in his veins, Swan reminded everyone why the “C” on his jersey is more than just a letter—it's a symbol of resilience, excellence, and pride in the Smokey Joes crest.

3)       Despite the scoreboard not tilting in their favor, the Beavers had a standout performance from forward Nick Provenzano in their recent 10-5 loss. Provenzano put on a clinic in offensive determination, netting four goals and adding an assist to account for all but one of the Beavers' tallies on the night.

From the opening ball drop, Provenzano was a constant threat in the offensive zone. His ability to find space, capitalize on rebounds, and finish under pressure gave the crowd something to cheer about even as the opposition surged ahead. Whether it was his slick wrist shot from the slot or a gritty goal scored off a rebound in tight, Provenzano showed poise, precision, and persistence. While the Beavers will look to tighten up defensively heading into their next matchup, Provenzano’s offensive explosion is a strong silver lining. With efforts like this, it’s clear he remains a vital spark plug for the team’s attack and a player to watch in the games ahead.

Defensive Determination

1)       In a game that demanded grit, discipline, and high hockey IQ, Smokey Joes defenseman Max Schraut put on a defensive masterclass that proved pivotal in the team’s impressive win this week. With his relentless effort and unshakable presence on the blue line, Schraut was the backbone of a defense that held firm against constant pressure.

Facing a skilled and aggressive opponent known for exploiting odd-man rushes, Schraut’s ability to read plays and position himself perfectly turned what could have been dangerous scoring chances into routine clears. Time and again, he broke up rushes with well-timed stick checks and confident movement, frustrating the opposing forwards and stopping momentum before it could start.

But Schraut didn’t just hold the line — he sacrificed his body for the team. Blocking shots with fearless resolve, he absorbed ball after ball, halting scoring opportunities with both his feat and his body. His commitment to protecting the net was a clear signal to teammates and fans alike: nothing was getting through on his watch. What made Schraut’s performance even more special was his contribution on the other end of the ice. Displaying sharp vision and quick decision-making, he registered three assists on the night, jumpstarting the transition game and pushing the puck up ice with confidence. His ability to seamlessly shift from a shutdown role to offensive facilitator was a key reason the Smokey Joes were able to capitalize when it mattered.

2)       In the second game of a grueling back-to-back, defenseman Josh Charmatz delivered a standout performance for the Smokey Joes, anchoring a resilient defensive effort that helped secure a crucial win.

Charmatz was a wall in the defensive zone, breaking up multiple high-danger chances in the slot and consistently disrupting the opposition’s offensive rhythm. His active stick and strong positional play frustrated attackers all night, forcing turnovers and denying second-chance opportunities.

But Charmatz wasn’t just stopping plays—he was starting them, too. The blue-liner chipped in offensively with two key assists, showcasing his two-way game and sharp hockey IQ. His smart breakout passes helped turn defense into offense, fueling the Smokey Joes' transition game and maintaining pressure on the counterattack.

Through two straight games of action, Charmatz’s endurance and poise stood out, setting the tone for a team determined to stay sharp as the season heats up.

3)       The Stone Hands got more than they bargained for when they tapped Flex Player Eddie Chin to fill in for their latest game. While not a regular on the roster, Chin delivered a performance that could easily fool anyone into thinking he was a mainstay on the team.

Defensively, Chin was a force. He repeatedly shut down high-danger opportunities in the slot, using sharp positioning and quick decision-making to disrupt the opposition’s play. Every shift saw him neutralizing threats and breaking up plays with accuracy.

But Chin didn’t stop at defense. He also made his mark on the scoreboard, tallying a goal and an assist in a well-rounded showing. Whether he was springing a breakout or jumping into the offensive rush, he proved he could influence the game at both ends of the rink.

Though technically a hired hand, Chin played with the poise and presence of a seasoned leader. In a game where depth mattered, Eddie Chin wasn’t just a fill-in—he was a game-changer.

Grandiose Goaltending

1)       Smokey Joes starting goaltender Nick Bonofiglio proved once again why he's the backbone of the team, delivering an outstanding performance in the second half of a back-to-back set. Facing 34 shots on goal, Bonofiglio stood tall and turned aside 32 of them, leading the Joes to a hard-fought win.

Despite the physical and mental toll that comes with consecutive starts, Bonofiglio showed no signs of slowing down. He remained sharp throughout all three periods, showcasing exceptional positioning, quick reflexes, and the ability to make clutch saves when his team needed him most.

The 2^nd game this weekend earned Bonofiglio a sparkling .941 save percentage on the night, along with a goals-against average of 2.00—numbers that highlight just how dialed in the netminder has been. Whether it was shutting down odd-man rushes or calmly controlling rebounds, Bonofiglio brought poise and consistency to a high-pressure situation.

“He gave us a chance to win every minute he was out there,” said a teammate following the game. “You can’t ask for more from your goalie on a back-to-back.”

With Bonofiglio anchoring the crease, the Smokey Joes are building a strong foundation as they continue their campaign. Performances like this not only boost the team’s confidence, but also make a statement to the rest of the league: the Joes are a tough matchup with Bonofiglio guarding the net.

2)       Brad Wall was a difference-maker in net as the Spiders ran to a commanding 6–3 win, thanks in large part to his rock-solid goaltending. Facing a relentless offensive push, Wall stood tall and turned aside 43 of 46 shots, finishing the game with an impressive .935 save percentage and a goals-against average of 3.00.

The Spiders’ offense did their part on the scoreboard, but it was Wall’s performance that kept the momentum firmly in their favor. Whether it was denying breakaways, shutting down rebounds, or making timely glove saves, Wall showed elite focus and technique throughout all three periods.

His calm presence under pressure gave his teammates the confidence to play an aggressive game, knowing they had a dependable last line of defense. With performances like this, Brad Wall is quickly solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the Spiders’ success this season.

3)       Al Burbank may not be a regular name on the Pitbulls’ roster, but he certainly made an impression when he stepped between the pipes as an emergency fill-in during their recent matchup. Facing a relentless offensive onslaught, Burbank stood tall and turned aside 46 of the 52 shots he faced — an impressive feat for any goaltender, let alone one not typically in the crease for the squad.

With a final score of 6–3 in favor of the opposition, the scoreboard didn’t quite reflect the effort Burbank brought to the ice. His 6.00 goals-against average and .884 save percentage tell a story of a netminder who battled hard to keep his team within reach, despite facing an overwhelming volume of shots.

Though the Pitbulls came up short, Al’s performance was a bright spot. Stepping into a tough situation and delivering under pressure, he earned the respect of teammates and fans alike — showing that heart, hustle, and a willingness to step up when called upon still mean everything in hockey.

STANDINGS SO FAR…

1^st) Smokey Joes: 4-2-0 / 8 Points / 39 GF / 28 GA / +11 GD / 6 GP

2^nd) Stone Hands: 4-2-0 / 8 Points / 39 GF / 36 GA / +3 GD / 6 GP

3^rd) Beavers: 4-2-0 / 8 Points / 40 GF / 38 GA / +2 GD / 6 GP

4^th) Hooligans: 3-2-0 / 6 Points / 35 GF / 32 GA / +3 GD / 5 GP

5^th) Spiders: 2-3-1 / 5 Points / 29 GF / 31 GA / -2 GD / 6 GP

6^th) Pitbulls: 0-4-1 / 1 Point / 16 GF / 33 GA / -17 GD / 5 GP

Upcoming Games…

5/11/25: Spiders at Beavers 9:00am (Key Matchup) Leary Vs Gianni

5/11/25: Hooligans at Smokey Joes 10:30am (Key Matchup) Ritz Vs Thomas

5/11/25: PitBulls at Stone Hands 12:00pm (Key Matchup) Pedro Vs Steve Wilde

5/11/25: Hooligans at PitBulls  1:30pm (Key Matchup) J-Mac Vs Norty