BROOKLYN, NY – The opening game of this EPHL championship series was a tight affair marked by the goaltending of both teams with the Aces coming out on top in OT.  Friday night’s game two was no different. 

Except the Rockhoppers of West Orange, New Jersey was the team picking up the victory in OT to tie the EPHL finals at one game apiece.

A three goal third period pushed the contest to the extra session before Jersey’s Tom Boudreau knocked in a shot off an assist from Matt Puntureri at 7:10 of the extra session on the power play.

Photo by Bill Thebert

The Aces appeared ready to skate a cup around the Aviator Arena ice when after two periods they held a commanding 3-1 lead.  But the Rockhoppers’ Matt Tyree and Chris Ferazzoli scored in the third to knot the game at 3. 

Brooklyn’s Kyle McCullough gave the Aces a 4-3 lead with less than 5 minutes on the clock in regulation.  At that point the game appeared sewn up. 

But Tyree and Ferazzoli hooked up 13 seconds after McCullough’s goal and Tyree’s goal gave the visitors the chance to tie the series and force a decisive game 3 in Brooklyn on Saturday.

Nick Niedert was once again stellar in net for the Hoppers in stopping 45 of 49 shots on the night to earn the victory.  Eddie Neville was nearly equal to the task as the Rockhoppers launched 43 shots on net and Neville made 38 saves. 

Photo by Bill Thebert

The three stars of the game were the Rockhoppers’ Tom Boudreau, Chris Ferazzoli, and Brooklyn’s Chris Holmes. 

Jersey was 1 for 2 on the power play and the Aces were scoreless on five man advantage opportunities. 

Now it comes down to one game.  Jersey has a hot goaltender and a roster that believes they can beat the regular season champs.

Contact the author at lou.lafrado@prohockeynews.com and bill.thebert@prohockeynews.com.