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Philadelphia Force

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11/03/03 - Warminster, Pa

Little Things Mean A Lot, Force Fall to Fury 7-2

Playing in their 3 game in 5 days, the Force committed some small mental errors that turned a close game into a 7-2 loss. The Force got caught trying to clear the puck up the slot in their defensive zone a number of times, which turned into 3 goals and put the game out of reach.

On the positive side of the ice, the Force continued to play a solid team defensive game, supporting the puck and each other in the defensive zone. The Force also began to carry the puck and look for offensive chances coming out of their zone, with resulted in 2 goals and their first power play goal of the season.

The Smokers Line had another impressive game, racking up 4 points total. More importantly, they capitalized on a defensive breakdown by the Fury, with center Ben Diaz and left wing Mike Baron streaking into the zone with precision passing. Jumping on the opportunity, Baron broke right to the net, beating all Fury defensemen on a breakaway and firing a laser on goal. Diaz, jumping on a fat rebound, chipped the puck into the net for the first Force power play goal of the season. Diaz also punched in a nice goal earlier in the game, resulting from nice passing from left winger Mike Baron and playmaker right wing Josh Rose.

Another impressive game by the Force improved defensive corps, which will improve even more when Alternate Captain Dan Brown rejoins the team next season. The Force can see the beginnings of a solid, defensively responsible team that has explosive offensive capabilities.

Force Fodder - Rumors of the possible return of right wing and Captain Paul Fraatz apparently have not been just rumors. Fraatz should be available for the next match up between the much improved, bitter rival Wharton Wildmen, attempting to add some additional offense to an already explosive Force squad. Where he will play in this lineup is up in the air, as chemistry is starting to form in certain lines.

In other IR related news, it seems that the shoulder injury to star center and Alternate Captain Ian Rose is worse than expected and he will be sidelined for the rest of the season. Alternate Captain and defensive leader Dan Brown is still undergoing rehab on his knee injury and still looks to be sidelined for the season as well. Left wing Rich Clancy has been battling through a left shoulder injury the past couple of games. Force medical staff has reviewed the injury and has recommended additional beers for Clancy after each game, with liberal application of wings.

Next up for the Philadelphia Force will be an important divisional match up, with the Force battling the Wildmen of Wharton on 11/7/03 at Face Off Circle in Warminster, Pa.

11/01/03 - Philadelphia, Pa

Improving Force fall short against Galaxy

After taking a quick 1 day break, the Force took to the ice against the HNA C1 Champion Philadelphia Galaxy, and fell to them 7-0. Despite the score, the Force had nothing to be ashamed of, putting forth a solid effort and giving the Galaxy a good game. The Force's star goaltender was the story of the night, stopping 51 of 58 shots, including 21 in the third period and some of them spectacular.

Solid play in the second period off of the opening face off gave the Force something to be proud of, not allowing the Galaxy out of their own zone for almost a full two minutes, while throwing 7 shots on goal.

Next up for the Force, making it their 3rd game in 5 days, will be the C1 division's Philadelphia Fury.

10/30/03 - Philadelphia, Pa

Force Team Effort Nets First Win Of Season, 7-4 Over Wildmen!!!

Mike Sweeney lead the Force in a 7-4 grudge match win over the Wharton Wildmen tonight, with a goal and 3 assists, while rookie defensemen Greg Verni and Mike Jensen solidified the Force defense to shut down the Wildmen. The Smokers line of Mike Baron, Ben Diaz and Mike Sweeney combined for 8 points, while rookie Stew Solomon, jumping into the center position with gusto, fired home two goals, one a shorthanded tally in the first period, which opened the scoring for the Force. Goaltender Ben Forman shook off the first two losses of the season and came back with a solid performance, stopping 21 of 25 shots and coming up huge in the third period, shutting the Wildmen down.

The biggest news of the night was the offensive explosion from the Force's defense, accounting for two goals and two assists, from rookies Verni and Jensen. Solid on both ends of the ice, Verni and Jensen jumped into the lineup and made an immediate impact. Defensemen Todd Safra and Rich Salita used their muscle to keep the front of the crease clear, while Mike Kuhlen and Matt Morse made some spectacular defensive plays to limit the Wildmen's chances late in the game.

Next up for the Philadelphia Force will be a challenging game against the HNA C1 champion Philadelphia Galaxy on Saturday November 1st.

10/20/03 - Warminster, Pa

Rose Clipped in 13-0 Loss Vs. Stampede

In a hearty effort, the Philadelphia Force dropped a 13-0 decision to the Philadelphia Stampede tonight. In the process, the IR list got that much longer, with Alternate Captain Ian Rose joining the ranks with Captain Paul Fraatz and new Alternate Captain Dan Brown. Rose took a stick up high in the middle of the first period, separating his shoulder and leaving the ice for the night. Preliminary exams by the Force training staff determined that Rose will need additional beers and probably should see a doctor, only if shaking it off doesn't work.

In other news, goaltender Ben Forman did not need an IV after the game, after taking 50 shots during regulation. The Force medical staff informed this reporter that the shell shocked Forman should return to form next game and the flinching should dissipate in time. The Force medical staff also suggested additional drinking after the game for the star goaltender.

Next up for the Force will be a rematch with the Wharton Wildmen.

10/18/03 - Philadelphia, Pa

J Rose, Baron Net 2 Each Vs. Wharton!!!!!

The Philadelphia Force took to the ice for the first time this season, looking forward to putting some points on the board and getting off on the right track for the 2003-2004 season. While missing three of their top scorers from last season and their top defenseman, the Force battled till the very end, unfortunately dropping a 12-4 decision to the Wharton Wildmen. Mike Baron slipped the first goal past Wharton goaltender Brian Holzer at the 12:23 mark of the first period, capping some nifty passing from linemates and newcomers Ben Diaz and Mike Sweeney. But Baron wasn't done for the night, when he stripped the Wharton Wildmen of the puck and used his blazing speed to race into the offensive zone and fire the puck past the stunned Wharton goaltender.

With the first period ending with a 3-2 Wharton advantage, 2nd year Right Wing took the team on his back in the offensive zone and bulled his way to two goals. Rose rifled his first goal through the Wharton goaltenders five hole, after fighting off tough defense and controlling the puck in the slot. Rose then battled at the side of the net later in the second period, punching in a point shot from rookie Charlie Kaiser. Rose showed his grit a second time on this goal, again making something happen in the offensive zone by winning his one on one battles with the Wharton defense.

Also notable was the rock solid defensive play of rookie Stew Solomon, a late off season pickup for the Philadelphia Force. Solomon's tight defensive play in the offensive zone kept the Force alive for Josh Rose's second goal and was defensively sound in his own zone.

Next up for the Force will be C1 division Philadelphia Stampede

09/29/2003 - Oak, Pa - Captain's Meeting

After a little layoff, the HNA league administrators and the team captains met to discuss the upcoming season. With most issues staying the same, the Force was issued their first 5 games and their division opponent. The Force's rival this year will be none other than the Wharton Wildmen's C2 team. The Force expects to have a fantastic year this season, hopefully playing well and hard enough to make the teams first trip to the League Championships in Toronto. The Force will have to do this without gritty defenseman and Alternate Captain Dan Brown, who suffered a knee injury in the summer season. Also Captain Paul Fraatz will be continuing his never ending quest for 100% health and will not be with the team on the ice this season either. Both Dan Brown and Paul Fraatz will be very involved with the team, either behind the bench during games or assisting at practice.