We complete the preseason schedule 0-1 with a loss to the Fiestas and move on to week 1......(phone rings).....Hello?  Wait what? Last week was week 1?  So that game counted?  When did we stop doing preseason games?  We never did?  Oops........

In all seriousness, the Aerostars look to forget about last week's "preseason" game and get on a winning streak.  This week we take on the 0-1 Galaxies who remind me a lot of the 2023-2024 Aerostars including some familiar faces in Chapman and Schultz.  Galaxies like us failed to get the W in week 1 but you can make a case they deserved a win. 

The first period plays to a stalemate with opportunities from both teams.  Early 2nd period the elder Rea hits the deck on some entangled feet with Austin.  As Phil tries to get up off the ice, Curtis trips over Phil's stationary stick and draws a penalty.  Perfect 10 on that dive (I kid).  Dolega and Crisi pressure the Galaxies on the PK, resulting in Dolega carrying the puck into their zone and snipping one into the net for a SH goal.  The funny part of this is Rod was seen in the locker room 5 minutes before the game with a hacksaw cutting his brand new twig down, looks like a keeper.  We get two more in the 2nd with a breakaway for Chet and an effort play by Crisi to clean up the garbage in front of Caldwell.  We give one back on odd-man rush that saw the van's rep versus Austin and Rocco.  Let's be honest I had no chance, but I didn't do enough to make it hard on them.  We get an insurance goal in the 3rd period and hold on for dear life late as the Galaxies are all over us. Game ends 4-1. 

Great game by the boys.  Galaxies had a lot of possession late in the game but proud of our team for blocking shots and doing enough to help out Marc. Great comeback game for Marc who played outstanding.  

Onto week 3 and the Cobras.  

No need to panic. 

Through two games, the Galaxies have only mustered two goals, and zero wins.  That's not for lack of hustle, offensive pressure, or chances.  We just can't seem to find the back of the net.  There is no question where the blame lies.  The simple fact is that after two games a key member of the roster has failed to put up a single point.  That, of course, is Killer Caldwell.  As a rep, there is only so much I can do.  I've tried to impress upon him how important his contribution is to our success.  Unfortunately, he's uncoachable.  A real pain in the ass, frankly.

Turning to game 2, with Conner back from his Rocky Mt adventure, the Galaxies, and the Aerostars for that matter, played as-drafted.  A rare occurrence, indeed.

Whereas the Galaxies had near constant pressure the first week, this one opened up with the 'stars all over us in our end.  Killer withstood the opening punches, though, and the first period ended scoreless.  The Galaxies went on the PP early in the second.  Things took a turn when Dolega stole the puck in the neutral zone and ripped a laser into the top corner for a SHG.  I've said it before and I'll say it again.... I've seen more SHGs than PPGs during my time in the FHL.  Still hurts, though.  Defensive breakdowns led to a couple more for the Aerostars that period.  Rocco with a nice feed to Chapman on a 2on1 late in the 2nd cut the lead to 3-1.  Aerostars tacked on their 4th goal of the night about halfway through the 3rd after another defensive miscue (and a bit of a lucky bounce) left Killer alone with two Minivans in front of the net.  No quit in the Galaxies, however, and in an attempt to turn the tide we stacked a line with Chapman, Rocco, and Barta, who kept the puck in the offensive zone for several minutes, but the game still ended 4-1.

Looks like it's going to take this team a few weeks to gel.  In the meantime, I've got to say that I'm impressed with the effort the boys are giving both on the ice and postgame.  Next week is Fiesta time!