Luciano Aquino

2007-08 Update: April 1, 2008: Luciano Aquino went 10-12-22 in 12 games played with the Fort Wayne Komets during the month of March. On the power play he went 5-4-9. Aquino recorded the game winning goal in a game on Mar. 28th, one of three goals scored that night. He assisted on game winners 3 times: Mar. 7th in a 4-3 win at Muskegon, Mar. 9th in a 3-1 win at Port Huron, and Mar. 21st in a 3-2 win at Port Huron. On the month Aquino had a 12 game point scoring streak upon returning from a 2 game suspension he received after an incident against Bloomington on Feb. 29th. In games he played in, he actually put together a 14 game point scoring streak in which he went 12-12-24 dating back to Feb. 24th. Aquino had a 3 game goal scoring streak in games he played in in which he tallied 3 goals from Feb. 24th to Mar. 5th. Aquino had a 6 game assist streak (7 assists) from Mar. 7th to 17th. On the month he was a +5. Aquino was named one of the three stars of the game 5 times during the month of March, including 3 times against Flint. His hat trick on Mar. 28th was his second of the season. Aquino went 0/3 in the shootout on the month missing on opportunities on Mar. 14th, 15th & 17th. He is 0/4 on the year in the shootout. Fort Wayne posted a record of 13-0-1 during the month and they are 50-12-7 overall. They went on a 10 game winning streak dating back to Feb. 24th to Mar. 17th. They finished the month of March with another 5 game winning streak. Their only loss of the month came at Kalamazoo, 5-4 in a shooutout on Mar. 17th.

March 1, 2008: Luciano Aquino went 5-6-11 in 12 games played with the Fort Wayne Komets during the month of February. On the power play he went 2-2-4. Aquino assisted on game winners 2 times: Feb. 1st in a 5-0 win vs. Flint and Feb. 8th vs. Port Huron. He had a 6 game point scoring streak From Jan. 30th to Feb. 13th in which he went 4-7-11, recording an assist in all 6 games. Aquino was a +3 in a game on Feb. 8th. He fought Flint's F Jordan Fox on Feb. 1st and was given a game misconduct. On Feb. 10th Aquino fought Bloomington RW Brett Holmberg. He received a game misconduct after high sticking and an attempt to injure Bloomington RW Don Parsons who also received a game misconduct for leaving his teams' bench on Feb. 29th. On the month Aquino recorded 47 PIM's. He went 0/1 in the shootout missing on an opportunity Feb. 13th. Fort Wayne posted a record of 9-1-2 during the month and they are 37-12-6 overall. Their monthly record included a 7 game winning streak which began Jan. 30th to Feb. 15th.

February 1, 2008: Luciano Aquino went 5-8-13 in 14 games played with the Fort Wayne Komets during the month of January. On the power play he went 3-4-7. Aquino assisted on game winners on back to back nights: Jan. 18th in a 2-1 win vs. Muskegon and Jan. 19th in a 2-0 win at Port Huron. On the month Aquino had two 3 game point scoring streaks. From Jan. 9th to 12th he recorded 5 assists in 3 games. He then went 1-2-3 in 3 games from Jan. 18th to 25th. Fort Wayne posted a record of 10-4-0 during the month and they are 28-11-4 overall. Their monthly record included a 6 game winning streak which saw three straight come by shutout.

January 1, 2008: Luciano Aquino went 7-13-20 in 14 games played with the Fort Wayne Komets during the month of December. On the power play he went 2-3-5 and recorded a shorthanded goal on Dec. 29th. Aquino recorded the game winning goal in a game on Dec. 8th. He assisted on game winners 3 times: Dec. 9th in a 4-2 win at Port Huron, Dec. 14th in a 4-3 win at Port Huron, and Dec. 29th. On the month Aquino had two 4 game point scoring streaks. From Dec. 8th to 15th he went 1-6-7 in 4 games. He then went 4-2-6 in 4 games from Dec. 21st to 27th which included a 4 game goal scoring streak. For the second time on the season Aquino went +4 in a game on Dec. 29th. On the month he was a +10. He fought Bloomington's Sam Miller on Dec. 27th. Aquino was named one of the three stars of the game 5 times during the month of December. Fort Wayne posted a record of 9-4-1 during the month and they are 18-7-4 overall.

December 1, 2007: Luciano Aquino went 9-6-15 in 12 games played with the Fort Wayne Komets during the month of November. On the power play he went 3-1-4 and recorded a shorthanded goal on Nov. 3rd. Twice Aquino recorded game winning goals: Nov. 3rd and Nov. 16th. He assisted on the game winner Nov. 18th. On the month Aquino had a 5 game point scoring streak in which he went 5-4-9 from Nov. 16th to the 23rd. He also had a 5 game goal scoring streak during that time. Aquino went 1 for 2 in the shootout on the month. He scored in the shootout of a win on Nov. 23rd. Aquino was a +4 in a game vs. Port Huron on Nov. 18th and he was a +6 on the month. Aquino was named one of the three stars of the game 7 times during the month of November which included 5 straight games and 4 first stars. Fort Wayne posted a record of 7-2-3 during the month and they are 9-3-3 overall.

November 1, 2007: Luciano Aquino was not invited to the New York Islanders training camp this year. He is currently in the final year of a three year contract with the Islanders. Aquino started the season with the Fort Wayne Komets of the brand new 6 team International Hockey League. He scored a goal in the first game of the season, a 4-0 win vs. the Port Huron IceHawks on Oct. 20th. Aquino recorded an assist on Oct. 26th in a 4-2 loss at Bloomington. Fort Wayne posted a record of 2-1-0 during the month of October.

2007-08 Highlights:

*Named first star with 3 goals (sh, pp, es, gw) in 5-2 win vs. Muskegon Fury November 3, 2007.
*Named first star with a goal (gw) in 3-2 win at Kalamazoo Wings November 16, 2007.
*Named first star with a goal & an assist in 3-1 win vs. Kalamazoo Wings November 17, 2007.
*Named second star with a goal & 3 assists in 7-4 win vs. Port Huron Icehawks November 18, 2007.
*Named third star with a goal (pp) & an assist in 5-4 loss vs. Port Huron Icehawks November 22, 2007.
*Named first star with a goal (pp) & SO goal in 3-2 win at Flint Generals November 23, 2007.
*Named third star with an assist in a 2-1 OT loss vs. Port Huron Icehawks November 30, 2007.
*Named second star with a goal (pp) in a 4-3 loss vs. Bloomington Prairie Thunder December 1, 2007.
*Named third star with a goal (pp , gw) in a 3-1 win at Kalamazoo Wings December 8, 2007.
*Named third star with a goal & 2 assists in 4-2 win at Muskegon Fury December 22, 2007.
*Named third star with a goal in 6-3 win vs. Bloomington Prairie Thunder December 27, 2007.
*Named second star with a goal & 3 assists in 9-1 win vs. Flint Generals December 29, 2007.
*Named third star with 2 goals (pp) in 5-2 win vs. Kalamazoo Wings January 5, 2008.
*Named second star with 2 goals (pp , en) & an assist in 5-2 win at Bloomington Prairie Thunder 1/30/08.
*Named second star with a goal & 2 assists in 4-1 win vs. Port Huron Icehawks February 8, 2008.
*Named second star with a goal in 4-2 win vs. Flint Generals March 5, 2008.
*Named third star with a goal (pp) & an assist in 5-2 win vs. Port Huron Icehawks March 8, 2008.
*Named second star with a goal & an assist in 4-3 SO win vs. Flint Generals March 15, 2008.
*Named second star with 2 goals (pp) in 5-3 win vs. Flint Generals March 19, 2008.
*Named first star with 3 goals (3 pp) in 4-3 win vs. Kalamazoo Wings March 28, 2008.

Fort Wayne's Luciano Aquino Named Aquafina IHL Rookie of the Year
Tuesday, 08 April 2008

ROCHESTER, MI--- The International Hockey League (IHL) announced Tuesday that Fort Wayne Komets right wing Luciano Aquino has been named the 2007-08 Aquafina IHL Rookie of the Year as selected by league head coaches, general managers, and members of the media.

The 23-year-old Missassauga, Ontario native has recorded 86 points in 74 games played so far in his IHL rookie season, with two remaining on the regular season. He currently leads all IHL rookies in points (86), goals (38), assists (48), power play goals (15) and is tied for first with five game winning goals. He also leads the Komets in points, goals, power play goals and is second in assists.

Aquino has had 25 multi-point games during the season. He recorded two hat tricks, his first of the year on November 3rd in a 5-2 victory over Muskegon. In that game, he scored one even-strength, one power play and one shorthanded tally against the Fury. His second came on March 28th, when he scored an individual game league-high three power play goals in a 4-3 win over Kalamazoo.

Aquino has earned the National City Forward of the Week honor once, Aquafina Rookie of the Week honor three times and Aquafina Rookie of the Month three times during the season. He will be presented with the award on Sunday, April 13th.

K's put record on ice
23rd straight home victory is a come-from-behind thriller
by Justin A. Cohn, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Mar. 29, 2008

History was made Friday night.

Not just in the form of a new record, one that swept 42 years under the rug, but also in what will be a memory few of the 9,212 fans in attendance at Memorial Coliseum will forget.

The third period was timeless.

The International Hockey League’s top team, the Fort Wayne Komets, won its 23rd consecutive home game, 4-3 over the Kalamazoo Wings. That betters, by one, the former IHL mark held by the 1965-66 Muskegon Mohawks.

But it took a three-goal barrage in the third period. It took P.C. Drouin wristing a shot from the left circle past goaltender Jeff Reynaert, cutting a Fort Wayne deficit to 3-2. It took Luciano Aquino, who scored early in the night, redirecting a Guy Dupuis shot for the game-tying goal.

And then it took center Colin Chaulk, who seemed all game like he was going to carry the team on his shoulders, taking the puck out of the corner and sending a crossing pass to Aquino, who blasted the puck so hard fans 10 rows up must have felt the breeze.

“Chaulk had been off for a week with the birth of his child, and I think Chaulker had too much energy tonight,” Komets coach Al Sims said, chuckling.

“He was just flying all over the ice.”

Aquino’s shot went into the net. Hats littered the ice honoring his three-goal feat. The comeback was complete, as many have been recently at the Coliseum.

“Guys believe in themselves,” Sims said. “Anybody who’s been around this group long enough knows a 3-1 lead isn’t safe going into the third period against the Komets, especially at home.”

Aquino, who leads the Komets with 37 goals, said the players were calm and focused during the second intermission. No great speeches were made.

They just needed something to get them going and Drouin’s goal, just after a faceoff, did the trick.

“P.C. got that goal right away, and it just changed the mood of the game,” Aquino said. “The guys were just on fire.”

For the Komets, who have captured the Huber Trophy regular-season championship, a victory seemed as if it wasn’t in the stars Friday. The Komets were cold early, failing to tally a shot in the first 11 minutes, then they were hot and cold again.

After Aquino opened the scoring, the Wings got second-period goals from Jamie Vanderveeken, Nick Bootland and Travis Granbois to take a 3-1 lead.

The Wings (30-31-7) had defeated the Komets (49-12-7) in only three of 13 previous games. They were without their coach, Brian Curran, who suffered a tendon injury in his arm after colliding with a player during the morning skate. They were being coached by general manager Wade Welsh and injured center Glenn Detulleo.

Komets win; Aquino on 2-game suspension
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Mar. 2, 2008

Even without forward Luciano Aquino, the Komets came away with a 3-1 International Hockey League victory at Bloomington, Ill., on Saturday, the second straight night Fort Wayne claimed a two-goal victory.

The Komets, a 4-2 winner over the PrairieThunder on Friday, were without Aquino, who sat out the first of a two-game suspension after an attempt to injure high sticking major penalty in Friday’s game. Aquino will also miss today’s game in Flint, Mich. Bloomington was without forward Don Parsons on Saturday, who was suspended for leaving the bench to retaliate against Aquino.

Komets Aquino earns IHL weekly honors
Feb. 4, 2008

Fort Wayne, IN --- The IHL announced Monday that Luciano Aquino has been honored as Aquafina Rookie of the week for the period ending Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008.

Aquino, 23, gets his fourth weekly award for scoring six points in the three games played during the week including three goals and three assists. The rookie right winger notched a three-point night Wednesday scoring two goals and adding an assist at Bloomington. Friday Aquino contributed two assists in Fort Wayne against the Generals. Saturday the Mississauga, Ontario native completed the week scoring the first Fort Wayne goal at Kalamazoo to finish the week with a three-game point streak. Aquino tops the Komets and ranks first among IHL rookies with 23 goals and 53 points after skating all 45 games. Aquino has also been named IHL Rookie of the Month three times this season for November, December and January.

One might think Fort Wayne Komets coach Al Sims would be all praise when it comes to his leading scorer, Luciano Aquino.

Quite the contrary.

Oftentimes, Sims has harsh criticism for his star, mixed in with praise, but that comes with the territory for a player like Aquino, a right wing, because expectations of him are always so high.

With two goals, Aquino looked to be the star of the 5-2 victory over Kalamazoo on Saturday. But Sims was more focused on Aquino’s early high-sticking penalty, the misconduct penalty he took for arguing that call and a penalty for having too many men on the ice he caused.

“A lot of negatives come with the positives. It kind of shows, I think ‘maturity’ is the word you have to use with him,” Sims said. “Certainly, he’s a force at this level and one of the leading scorers in the league. He wants to get back to the next level and is trying to go about it the right way and I’m doing what I can to help him.”

Aquino, who leads the team in goals (19) and points (39), knows Sims criticizes him frequently. Aquino doesn’t expect or want to be coddled, so he’s fine with it.

“I don’t know if he’s a perfectionist, but he expects a lot out of me and my line,” Aquino said. “I can’t complain about him. He’s been good to me. Every coach is different and you just have to know Al and his type. He keeps me on my toes. He gives me a kick in the butt when I’m not doing well and he also gives me a kick in the butt when I’m (rolling).”

Aquino, 22, was selected by the New York Islanders in the seventh round of the 2005 NHL entry draft and is in the last year of a contract with them. He has played 22 games at the AAA-level American Hockey League and last season had eight goals and 28 points in 31 games with Utah of the AA-tier ECHL.

But the Islanders didn’t foresee a future for Aquino in their organization, which is how he wound up in Fort Wayne, which leads the AA-level International Hockey League with a 21-8-4 record.

“It happens to a lot of players where you get stuck in a (NHL’s team’s) system. You think you deserve a chance to play and they don’t give you a chance,” Aquino said. “God’s honest truth, I don’t even worry about getting called up. I don’t even care. Hockey is a game you can’t control. There are so many good players who are in the NHL and so many bad players who are. It’s all about work and that’s what I’ll do.”

He’ll get another chance tonight, when the Komets play in Bloomington, Ill., against the league-worst Prairie Thunder (11-19-3).

And as the season progresses, he has a chance to complete one of the finest statistical seasons by a Fort Wayne player since the team dropped from the AAA to the AA level in the summer of 1999.

The most goals scored by Fort Wayne players since then were 48 by Bobby Stewart in the championship season of 2002-03 and 43 by J.C. Ruid last season. The most points since 1999 were Colin Chaulk’s 96 in 2003-04 and the 94 tallied by Keli Corpse in 1999-2000 and Ruid last season.

Aquino is on pace for 44 goals and 90 points.

Even during a power-play drill in practice, Luciano Aquino's demeanor changes every time the puck moves away from him - and then he cuts to the net. Like every goal scorer, the rookie has the drive and a little bit of selfishness that's required of every great goal scorer.

After scoring three goals in three games last weekend, Aquino has scored 15 goals in the Komets' first 25 games, meaning he has a chance to put up goal numbers like the Komets haven't seen in nearly two decades. Bobby Stewart scored 48 goals in 2002-03 and Konstantin Shafranov scored 46 in 1995-96, but no one has come close to scoring 50 since Lonnie Loach potted 55 in 1990-91.

That's so long ago 17-year veteran captain Guy Dupuis hadn't even arrived in town yet.

“If he believes he can do it, I believe Luch can do it,” Dupuis said. “A lot of guys get kind of tight when they get close and try too hard. If he just kind of stays loose and keeps it in his mind that he wants 55 or so, then he won't get so tight at 47 or 48. Then I think it's going to happen.”

Aquino has a chance because he has the speed to create easier opportunities, a top play-making center in Colin Chaulk, a top play-making defenseman in Dupuis and he's already getting four or five good chances every game with his quick shot. That was even before the Komets' power play started its recent revival.

“If he stays where he is or gets better and I do what I'm capable of, I think he can get there,” Chaulk said. “He's got to try and be hungry every night, try to score every night. He can't be happy with a good game in the first part of the weekend. Good scorers are hungry all the time to score more. You have to be the same every game, whether you are winning 3-1 or losing 3-1. You have to keep generating opportunities.”

Some things that could hinder Aquino are injuries, either to himself or Chaulk, a slump or a call-up. He's on a two-way contract for the New York Islanders and could be recalled to the ECHL or American Hockey League.

“The fact that he's close to leading the league as a rookie speaks volumes about his talent,” Komets coach Al Sims said. “I don't know if he'll be here long enough to get to 50, but we're certainly hoping he will be. When you are doing as well as he is, if somebody gets short-handed they could come calling. We're hoping that it doesn't happen, but we know that's Luch's goals and that's why we brought him here. I promised I'd try to help make him better as a player, and hopefully he'll get as many points as he possibly can, but I think he's capable of doing some great things.”

There will also be a slump somewhere along the way, maybe even a team slump, Aquino has to fight through. Because he's superstitious, Aquino said he doesn't even want to think about 50.

“It's a lot of luck sometimes, too,” Aquino said. “It's how the puck bounces and it's just consistency every game. The puck still isn't coming the way I want it to. Chaulk and I have been getting a lot of chances, but we were saying the other day, if we can capitalize on these chances a little bit more we'd have way more success.

“It's still early in the season, and I know there's much more both of us can do. When I'm with him, he helps me out so much on the ice and off the ice. I know with him I'll do well.”

Aquino leads IHL in scoring
by Gerry Timbers, mississauga.com, Dec. 26, 2007

December 26, 2007 - Mississauga’s Luch Aquino is blazing a scoring path through the International Hockey League like, well, a comet.
The five-foot-nine, 200-pound rookie centre from the Fort Wayne Komets was named the IHL’s rookie-of-the-week just before Christmas.
Aquino scored three goals and two assists over the week and now leads the six-team IHL in scoring with 15 goals and 32 points in 25 games.
The Komets are in first place, one point ahead of the Flint Generals. They are at home tomorrow to host the Bloomington Thunder.
Aquino, 22, is a former member of the Ontario Hockey League’s Brampton Battalion who was darfetd by the New York Islanders in 2005.

Aquino's 3 goals do the trick for K's
Komets solve woes on special teams
by Justin A. Cohen, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Nov. 4, 2007

In the waning seconds of the Fort Wayne Komets’ 5-2 victory over the Muskegon Fury, a fan slithered his way through the protective barriers and grabbed a seat on the Komets’ bench in search of the beloved AC/DC hat he had thrown onto the ice to celebrate right wing Luciano Aquino’s heroics Saturday.

He was quickly escorted from the area and it’s unknown whether he found his hat. If not, it would make sense for it to be in the possession of Aquino.

If the famed rock band were to describe his performance, they would no doubt say he shook the 7,923 Memorial Coliseum fans all night long.

Aquino scored three goals, one short-handed, one on a power play and an even-strength game-winner, for the first hat trick in the International Hockey League since it was resuscitated from a five-year hiatus.

“My line has been playing really well but we hadn’t been rewarded yet,” said Aquino, who has been playing alongside Colin Chaulk and either Jason Sessa or Konstantin Shafranov.

“I just knew one game, we were going to break out. We just clicked and it was one of those nights.”

Fort Wayne’s penalty killing (76.2 percent efficiency) was the worst in the six-team IHL entering Saturday. But the Komets killed 5 of 6 power plays against the Fury, and Aquino added a short-handed goal with a shot from the slot 6:20 into the game to tie it at 1.

As for the Komets’ power-play unit, it had scored on only 8.7 percent of its chances, second worst in the league. But on the second chance of the night, which happened to be a two-man advantage, Aquino accepted a short pass from Chaulk and blasted a 7-foot shot into the net for a 2-1 lead at 14:13 of the first period.

Fort Wayne scored on 1 of 4 power plays.

“The biggest thing is just staying positive,” Aquino said of the Komets’ struggles on special teams. “We all know we can do it. We’ve been practicing hard in practice and tonight it showed.”

Muskegon (1-3-1) answered with a power-play goal as right wing Robin Bouchard got to a rebound and easily sent it over sprawled goaltender Nick Boucher to tie the game at 2 at 1:59 of the second period.

But a picturesque rush down ice set up Aquino for his third goal, at 8:00, when he took Chaulk’s pass from behind the Muskegon net and flipped it past goaltender Isaac Reichmuth for a 3-2 lead. Aquino, 22, who is on assignment from the NHL’s New York Islanders, last had a hat trick in March, while playing for Utah of the ECHL.

Komets winger wants to shred journeyman image
by Justin A. Cohen, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Oct. 18, 2007

One might look at it on paper and think Luciano Aquino is on the scrapheap. In the final year of his contract, the NHL’s New York Islanders assigned him to the six-team International Hockey League instead of one of their top minor-league teams, not exactly convincing evidence that they foresee a future for him in the organization.

Aquino, however, isn’t bemoaning things, wishing he were in a more highly regarded circuit like the ECHL. Not for a second.

“This is much better, I’d say,” Aquino said, as the Fort Wayne Komets prepared to open their 56th season Saturday against the visiting Port Huron Icehawks. “Fort Wayne has got a great history. A lot of great players came out of here. You do well here, you can get places. You’ve just got to play well where you’re at.”

Aquino, a 22-year-old right wing, has landed on the top line alongside Colin Chaulk and Jason Sessa.

“He’s a young exciting player,” Chaulk said. “He skates hard and shoots the puck hard.”

Aquino, from Mississauga, Ontario, was selected by the Islanders in the seventh round of the 2005 NHL entry draft in the midst of a sterling junior career that saw him tally 53 goals and 143 points in 97 games with Brampton of the Ontario Hockey League.

Since then, he’s played 22 games for Bridgeport of the American Hockey League, scoring two goals and five points. In 36 games in the lower-level ECHL, with Trenton, Pensacola and Utah, he had eight goals and 30 points.

Take that experience, add it to some NHL training camps, and Aquino has seen things many of his peers haven’t. But Aquino doesn’t believe he’s guaranteed playing time because of that.

“Even here, everyone’s fighting for a job,” said Aquino, 5-foot-10, 200 pounds. “It doesn’t matter if it’s the NHL or over in Europe, you’ve still got to fight for a spot. The competition never stops.”

Aquino knows a good showing this season could open some eyes with higher-level teams, especially since he’ll be a free agent next summer.

“It’s always on your mind, but you’ve got to forget about it and play the game. It’s just a game, at the end of the day,” he said. “I’m not too worried about (being scouted). I just want to have a good time here, play well and win a championship. That would look good for me, too.”

Aquino’s philosophy on the ice is simple – work hard.

“Never give up on plays,” he said. “I think that’s the problem sometimes, people give up on plays and that’s where you get the goals or the assists. Playing with Colin and Jason, they’re great players to (skate) with, and I’m just a hard worker.”

And that can’t be measured on paper.

Islanders assign Aquino to Komets
by Justin A. Cohn, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Oct. 4, 2007

With the opening of training camp just days away, Fort Wayne Komets coach Al Sims was in his office putting the finishing touches on his roster Thursday.

Those touches included the addition of a top-line winger with NHL ties and a goaltender with gaudy numbers.

First came news that the New York Islanders had agreed to assign Luciano Aquino, a 5-foot-10, 200-pound right wing, to Fort Wayne of the new six-team International Hockey League.

Aquino, a seventh-round draft pick of the Islanders in 2005, played 13 games last season with the American Hockey League’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers, scoring two goals and three points. Aquino, 22, also played 33 games in the ECHL with Pensacola and Utah, tallying eight goals and 29 points.

His arrival in Fort Wayne came in no small part because former Komets coach Pat Bingham is an assistant in Bridgeport, the Islanders’ top minor-league affiliate, and suggested Fort Wayne would be a good spot for Aquino.

“Well, I know Toby O’Brien, an Islanders scout, who said ‘(Aquino) is extremely quick, can really skate and has a tremendous shot,’” Sims said.

Aquino’s most impressive work came in the Ontario Hockey League, where he had 53 goals and 143 points in 87 games over two seasons with Brampton. The Komets might use him on the top line alongside center Colin Chaulk.

2006-07 Update: May 1, 2007: Luciano Aquino did not play in the Utah Grizzlies final 3 games of the regular season during the month of April. All three games were played at the Alaska Aces and Utah went 0-3-0.

April 1, 2007: Luciano Aquino went 2-6-8 in 10 games played with the Utah Grizzlies in the month of March. He was a -6 and recorded 20 PIM's. Aquino had two fights in March: 3/3 he fought F Daniel Sparre of the Texas Wildcatters. Aquino slashed Sparre following a goal by Texas which set of a couple of fights. Texas won the game in Utah 6-0. Aquino's second fight came Mar. 10th against C Todd Griffith in a 4-0 loss to the Bakersfield Condors in Utah. His goals came in a 6-3 loss vs. the Stockton Thunder Mar. 22nd and in a 7-4 loss vs. Stockton Mar. 24th. He had three multiple point games. Aquino missed four games during the month of March: 3/17 & 3/18 at the Victoria Salmon Kings and 3/30 & 3/31 vs. Victoria. Utah posted a record of 2-9-3 during the month of March and they are 13-18-5 since Aquino joined the team.

March 1, 2007: Luciano Aquino went 6-6-12 in 11 games played with the Utah Grizzlies in the month of February. On February 2, 2007 Aquino recorded his first career ECHL goal vs. the Phoenix RoadRunners. He scored twice that night and it was the first of two multiple goal games for Aquino in February as he also recorded a hat trick vs. the Fresno Falcons on Feb. 16th. The hat trick consisted of the first goal of the game and another goal came on the power play. Aquino recorded a goal with one second remaining in an 8-3 loss to the Idaho Steelheads on Feb. 23rd. He had a 3 game point scoring streak in which he went 3-3-6 from Feb. 14th to 17th. Aquino missed one game: Feb. 10th vs. the Long Beach Ice Dogs. February was Aquino's best month yet as a pro. Utah posted a record of 5-6-1 in February and they are 11-9-2 since Aquino joined the team.

February 1, 2007: Luciano Aquino did not stay in Europe as previously rumored most likely because he is still under contract with the New York Islanders. Following the Spengler Cup, he was assigned by the Islanders to the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies. Aquino made his debut with Utah on January 10, 2007 at the Bakersfield Condors. He recorded an assist in a 7-2 loss. Aquino was placed on the Grizzlies top line along with Danny Stewart and Ryan Kinasewich. He recorded an assist in each of his first 5 games played (6 assists total) from Jan. 10th to the 19th. Aquino was a +3 in a 3-0 win at the Fresno Falcons on 1/12 and he recorded 2 assists in a 3-1 win at Fresno the next night, 1/13. He assisted on the game-winner in overtime in a 3-2 win vs. the Las Vegas Wranglers on Jan. 19th. Aquino wears #29 for the Grizzlies. He is playing his best hockey while receiving his best opportunity since leaving Brampton of the OHL last season. Utah has posted a record of 6-3-1 since Aquino joined the team.

January 1, 2007: Luciano Aquino reported to the Pensacola Ice Pilots on December 1st and played in his first game with them on December 2nd in South Carolina. He was a healthy scratch on December 5th vs. the Charlotte Checkers. Aquino played in his second game on December 8th and recorded an assist on a goal by Adam Taylor in a 7-5 loss vs. the Florida Everblades. Soon following his two games with Pensacola, Aquino decided to leave the team and go overseas to join Germany's EHC Eisbaeren Berlin for the 2007 Spengler Cup Tournament. He was suspended by Pensacola for unknown reasons leading up to his decision to leave. It's very odd that Aquino, of Italian heritage, would be allowed to play for a German team. But EHC Eisbaeren Berlin chose him as one of 5 players they are allowed to add to their roster as guest players. Former Islanders defensemen Aris Brimanis and Cole Jarrett were also members of the team. Aquino recorded an assist on a goal by Thierry Paterlini in EHC Eisbaeren's semifinal game, a 5-2 loss to Team Canada. There are some rumors that Aquino could remain in Europe and play for Bruneck SG in Italy. Luciano's older brother Anthony Aquino currently plays with Bruneck SG.

December 1, 2006: Luch Aquino played in 8 of the Bridgeport Sound Tiger's 13 games during the month of November. He did not record a point and was a -4. Aquino often creates offensive chances(he gets plenty of breakaway's), but he struggles to finish so far at the AHL level. He has also struggled to stay in the lineup. Aquino was scratched for the following games in November: 11/3 at Binghamton, 11/10 at Philadelphia, 11/15 vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, 11/17 at Worcester and 11/26 vs. Albany. He went 0-1 in the shootout, missing on an opportunity in a 5-4 win vs. Worcester on 11/12. It was announced on December 1st that Aquino would be sent down to the ECHL's Pensacola Ice Pilots for more playing time. He saw action in 3 games with the ECHL's Trenton Titan's during the 2005-06 season before returning to the OHL.

November 1, 2006: Luch Aquino played in 5 of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers 7 games during the month of October. The two games he missed he was a healthy scratch. Aquino scored his first career AHL goal on October 8, 2006 in a 5-3 win at the Binghamton Senators. It was a power play goal. He was scratched for the next game on October 13th. After playing on October 14th, Aquino was scratched again on October 20th. Both scratches were against the Hartford Wolf Pack. He scored the game winning shootout goal in a 3-2 win at the Hershey Bears on October 21st. Recorded his first multiple point game with a backhand goal, on the power play, and an assist in a 5-4 shootout loss at the Providence Bruins on October 27th. Aquino also recorded a two point game, with a goal and an assist, in a 5-3 triumph over the Providence Bruins at the University of Rhode Island's Boss Arena on September 27th, a preseason game.

MP3 of Luch Aquino's goal - October 8th

MP3 podcast interview of Utah Grizzlies Luch Aquino - Feb. 2007

2006-07 Highlights:

* Named first star with 2 goals in 5-2 win vs. Phoenix RoadRunners February 2, 2007.
* Named first star with 3 goals (1 PP) and an assist in 5-1 win vs. Fresno Falcons February 16, 2007.

Aquino's hat trick lifts Grizzlies
by Heidi Bruce, Deseret Morning News, Feb. 17, 2007

WEST VALLEY CITY — Despite playing without leading scorer Ryan Kinasewich, the Utah Grizzlies weren't lacking for offense Friday night at the E Center.
The Grizzlies capitalized on a stellar offensive night from Luciano Aquino, who recorded his first professional hat trick by scoring a goal in each period, and an excellent night in goal for Rob McVicar to bounce back from Wednesday night's overtime defeat and beat the Fresno Falcons 5-1.
The first period was full of timely bounces for Utah. Aquino started the Grizzlies off with a quick goal at the 17:54 mark when Falcon's goaltender Ryan MacDonald deflected a shot attempt by Utah's Chris Trick. Off the deflection, Aquino whizzed one by MacDonald to pick the corner.
Later in the first, Bill Kinkel put Utah up 2-0 when he scored his first ever goal for the Grizzlies by deflecting his shot off a Falcons player.
In the penalty-filled second period, Fresno went 0-for-5 on power-plays, while the Grizzlies went 1-for-4. The Falcons scored during one of the few times neither team was in the middle of a power play on an unassisted backhanded shot over Grizz goalie McVicar's right shoulder by John Morlang.
The Grizzlies shot back to extend the lead back to two goals during a power-play with only two seconds left in the period when Aquino got away from the defenders to score off an assist by Eric Nelson.
In the third period, it was all Utah. Only two minutes into the period, Danny Stewart scored off an Aquino assist to put the Grizzlies up three, and later in the period Stewart returned the favor, assisting on the goal that clinched Aquino's hat trick.
"It was just working at both ends tonight," Aquino said after the game. "The defense created shots for the offense."
Utah converted 1-of-5 power-plays on the night, while Fresno went 0 of 8.
MacDonald saved 25 out of 30 in goal for the Falcons, while McVicar stopped 39 of 40 shots to secure the win for the Grizzlies. The win puts Utah at 4-2-2 so far during the current 10-game home stand. The Grizzlies and Falcons face off again tonight at 7:05 p.m. at the E Center.

Grizzlies bounce back to top RoadRunners
by Chris Coombs, Deseret Morning News, Feb. 3, 2007

WEST VALLEY CITY — After suffering a heartbreaking shootout loss in Wednesday's series-opening game with the Phoenix RoadRunners, the Utah Grizzlies fought back with a 5-2 victory Friday night at E Center.
      The RoadRunners opened the scoring on their first power play opportunity of the game halfway into the first frame.
      Fortunately for the Grizzlies, recently acquired winger Luciano Aquino answered the team's need for an offensive spark just over eight minutes later — notching his first goal with the Grizz since being assigned to the team by the New York Islanders on Jan. 10.
      Aquino said he didn't know what to expect before arriving in Utah, but said that his stay has been great so far.
      "We switched up the lines before the game and we clicked tonight," Aquino said. "We need to get some wins together so we can get into the playoffs."
      The Grizzlies' ECHL All-Star Andy Sertich assisted Aquino's second goal, setting him up with a perfect pass while standing alone in front of the net and Brendan Cook scored on the power play giving Utah a 3-1 lead.
      Trailing by two goals Phoenix's Brock Hooten took advantage of a defensive lapse and scored on a breakaway to pull the RoadRunners within a goal at 8:11 of the second period. The two teams battled back and forth before West Valley native D.J. Jelitto put in an insurance tally and Chris Trick netted an empty netter from well-behind his own blueline.
      Utah Coach Jason Christie was satisfied with his team's effort as they make their push to qualify for the postseason.
      "I like how we played for the full sixty minutes, and you have to against a team like (Phoenix) — they are a tough club," said Christie. "We had to keep working hard after losing that game the other night. We're not in a situation to relax. We have to stay out of the bin and keep working." Utah's effort Friday was fairly disciplined, the Grizzlies were only called for five infractions in the match and the penalty kill successfully stopped four of the five RoadRunner's power play opportunities.
      The Grizzlies outshot the RoadRunners 47-29. Rob McVicar was in net, picking up his 14th win of the season. The teams play again tonight.

Off To A Running Start
utahgrizzlies.com, Jan. 15, 2007

2005 New York Islanders draft pick Luciano Aquino was assigned to Utah Wednesday by the Islanders. The 21-year-old recorded at least an assist in each of his first four games with the Grizzlies, including two assists Saturday in Fresno.

Kinasewich+Stewart+Aquino = Number One Line
That trio combined for eight goals and 10 assists in four games this past week.

Spengler Cup, December 22, 2006 (loosely translated)
Polar bears obligate Flügelstürmer as guest players
Luciano Aquino supplements Spengler Cup cadres

The citizens of Berlin polar bears, in this year again German representative with the renowned Spengler Cup in Davos/SUI presented with that only 21-jährigen Luciano Aquino of the New York Islanders a further guest player. Aquino is Aussenstürmer and by the Islanders 2005 was gedraftet. Only the 1,78m large however 90 Kilos heavy Stürmer played in this season in the Iceland R-S farm teams in the AHL and ECHL.

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers, top affiliate of the New York Islanders, have assigned right wing Luch Aquino to East Cost Hockey League affiliate Pensacola.

Aquino has two goals and an assist for three points, along with six penalty minutes in 13 games with the Sound Tigers this season.

The 21-year-old Aquino was drafted in the seventh round, 210th overall by the Islanders in the 2005 National Hockey League Entry Draft. In his career, Aquino has played in 22 AHL games, including nine with the Sound Tigers in 2005-06. Aquino is a 5-foot-10, 200-pound native of Mississauga, Ontario.

Off Ice and Personal with...Luch Aquino
Oct. 30, 2006

Aquino is a 5-foot-10, 200-pound center. The Mississauga, Ontario native was selected by the New York Islanders in the seventh round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. Aquino attended the University of Maine from 2003-2004 and spent the next two seasons with the Brampton Battalion of the OHL where he recorded 143.

On the jersey: Wears No. 19

Shoots: Left

Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario

When he first laced up the skates: Aquino says he skated for the first time at age two, just a short time after he took his first steps.

Best hockey memories: "Outdoor rinks," Aquino said. He says that his fondest memories of the sport are playing pond hockey as a child.

Who he rooted for: Aquino's favorite team growing up was the Detroit Red Wings. His all-time favorite player is Steve Yzerman.

Best places he's traveled to play hockey: Aquino enjoyed playing tournaments in Finland and Sweden. He says the culture of the countries and the tradition of hockey within them are what make them so great.

His biggest influence: His mother. Aquino says he's always had his mother's support and she's never let him down.

BRIDGEPORT — Goals are going to come for Luch Aquino, especially this year, when he's a little more mature and will get a lot more Bridgeport Sound Tigers ice time.

The first one came Sunday in the season opener, although not exactly as he'd draw it up. Moving the puck out of the right corner on a power play, Aquino was looking back-door to Allan Rourke, but the puck caromed in off a defenseman. Aquino pumped his fists skyward, credited with his first professional goal in his 13th AHL game. "The coaches told me all week to put the puck to the net," Aquino said. There's little doubt about Aquino's offensive abilities. When the 5-foot-9, 200-pound forward returned to junior hockey last winter after 12 games here and three more in the ECHL, he scored 72 points — including 28 goals — in just 32 games.

"He's really good at the big things," Bridgeport coach Dan Marshall said. "He brings energy. He's a fast skater. He plays hard. He shoots well. He's got to become much better at the little things in the game."

Marshall said a lot of improvement for Aquino, 21, must come off the ice: studying the game, following the lead of the team's veterans. Aquino, who was the Islanders' seventh-round pick in the 2005 draft, has a handle on that. He has a few away-from-the-puck things on which he wants to work this season. "Keep your head on a swivel," Aquino said. "Confidence in my own zone. If you play well defensively, you're going to get good chances offensively."

Aquino started last season in Bridgeport, assisting on the team's first goal of the season, but he received limited playing time. He was assigned to Trenton in November and returned to his junior team in Brampton, Ontario, soon after. That was tough on him, and he's hoping things work out better this time.

"Stay positive throughout the whole year," Aquino said. "There's going to be ups and downs like every year. This year, I'm prepared."

2005-06 Update: May 1, 2006 Update: Playoffs: The Brampton Battalion defeated the Belleville Bulls 4 games to 2 to advance to the second round of the OHL playoffs. In the series, Aquino went 5-8-13 in 6 games played. In the second round, Brampton faced the Barrie Colts. “They’ve got a great team, but I think this will be a very offensive series,” said Aquino. “They have three great lines. We’ll need to be on our game and play better than we did against Belleville. That last game gave us a lot of confidence. It showed us we can win there.” Brampton won the first game 4-1 but Barrie came back and won the next four straight to win the series 4 games to 1. In the series against Barrie, Aquino went 3-5-8 in 5 games played. In the third period of Game 3 Aquino fought Barrie's Bryan Little, who is a top prospect for the 2006 Entry Draft. The Battalion lost the game 6-1 and Aquino also received a double minor for unsportsmanlike conduct. In the playoffs overall he went 8-13-19 in 11 games played. Aquino led the OHL in playoff scoring for most of April. Including his last 17 regular season games and first 7 playoff games, Aquino went on a 24 game point scoring streak in which he went 23-39-62. He finished second all-time in Brampton playoff scoring behind only Wojtek Wolski with 30 points and is second all-time in playoff goals scored. After Brampton was eliminated, Aquino joined the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in time for their playoff series against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, but did not see action in the 7 game series. Because Aquino was a straight reassignment and not on the clear day roster he could only play in an emergency basis(3 players get hurt) for the Sound Tigers.

April 1, 2006: Luciano Aquino continued his unbelievable offensive tear into the month of March going 5-16-21 in only 9 games played to end the OHL season. He played in only half as many games this season than he did in 2004-05, yet Aquino managed to record career highs in goals with 28 and points with 72 in only 32 games played. His 44 assists were only two shy of the 46 he recorded last season. Aquino averaged 2.25 points per game and finished as a +27. Was a +12 during the month of March. He finished second on the Battalion in scoring to his linemate Wojtek Wolski, who registered 128 points largely with support from Aquino. Luch scored an overtime game winning goal in a 4-3 win at the Belleville Bulls on March 11, 2006. The Battalion went 9-0-0 in March and won their final 17 games in which Aquino dressed. In those 17 games Aquino went 15-26-41.

Playoffs: The Brampton Battalion lead their first round series over the Belleville Bulls 3 games to 2. They also defeated the Bulls 7-3 in the final game of the regular season. Aquino has been named one of the three stars 4 out of the five games. Three of those four were the first star of the game. He scored game winning overtime goals in both Game 1 and Game 4. He is among the leading scorers in the OHL playoffs having gone 5-7-12 in 5 games played. Prediction: islesinfo.com predicts that the Battalion will go to the OHL Championship where they will probably meet up with defending Memorial Cup Champs the London Knights. Not going to predict a winner there, but both teams are extremely good. London may be just a little deeper.

March 1, 2006 Update: Luch Aquino continued his hot streak into the month of February as he went 10-6-16 in only 6 games played. He's averaging a goal per game, 2.22 points per game, and is a +15 on the season. Aquino scored the game winning overtime goal in a 2-1 Battalion win at the Ottawa 67's on February 3, 2006. Aquino missed five games in February due to a suspension following a game on January 28th against the Sarnia Sting. Oddly, Aquino played two games before the suspension was announced. The suspension was a result of an incident in which he was sucker punched in a game by Sarnia's Kody Musselman. Aquino was given a misconduct and apparently raised his stick at fans who spit on him as he left the ice. He returned to the Battalion's lineup on February 17th. He had two straight games with 3 goals and an assist(6 goals and 2 assists) between games on February 19th & 23rd. Aquino was named first star of a game three times in February. The Battalion have won 8 straight in games in which Aquino has played. In that span Aquino has gone 10-10-20, scoring a point in every game. He needs just two more goals to equal his career high of 25 from 2004-05.

February 1, 2006 Update: Aquino continues to be on fire for the Brampton Battalion and has teamed up with Colorado Avalanche prospect Wojtek Wolski and Arron Snow to form one of the most dangerous lines in the entire OHL. In the month of January Aquino recorded 8 goals and 13 assists for 21 points in 11 games played, almost averaging 2 points a game. Starting on December 29, 2005 Aquino had an 11 games point scoring streak in which he went 12-17-29. During that time he also had a 5 game goal scoring streak in which he tallied 7 times from Jan. 8th to 20th(Brampton went only 2-3 in those contests). The goal scoring streak of 5 games tied a team record. Brampton went on a 7-3-1 streak which included 5 straight wins from Dec. 29th to Jan. 8th(Aquino's 11 game point scoring streak). Luch scored shorthanded goals in back to back games on January 13th in Mississauga and January 15th vs. Barrie. He had two other shorthanded breakaway's in two different games during late January but failed to score.

The line of Wolski, Aquino and Snow have combined for 92 points in 14 games since being united on Dec. 29 in Peterborough. The trio have combined for 35 goals and 57 assists over that time, helping the troops post a 9-4-1 mark over that time.

* Sent back to the OHL's Brampton Battalion on December 6, 2005. Recorded 14 points in his first 6 games back playing on a line with Colorado Avalanche's prospect Wojtek Wolski. 13 of those points came in a 3 game span on 3 consecutive nights from Dec. 29 to 31, 2006. Aquino missed three games late in December with a sore back.

* Sent down to the ECHL's Trenton Titans by the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on November 18, 2005. Recalled by Bridgeport on December 3, 2005 after he was a healthy scratch by the Titans for a number of games.

* Recorded his first professional point, an assist, in the Sound Tigers season opening 8-1 loss at the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins on October 5, 2005. He assisted on a power play goal by defenseman Allan Rourke.

* Luciano Aquino signed a three year entry level contract with the New York Islanders on September 25, 2005. He was sent to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers following Islanders training camp. Aquino is currently wearing #20 for the Sound Tigers.

Highlights:

* Named 3rd star in return to OHL 12/8/05 with a goal and an assist in 6-3 win vs. Kingston Frontenacs.

* Named first star with 2 goals and 3 assists, +4, GWG in 5-2 win at Peterborough Petes Dec. 29, 2005.

* Named first star with goal and 4 assists in 9-4 win at Toronto St. Michael's Majors Dec. 30, 2005.

* Named third star with goal and 2 assists in 6-5 OT win vs. Oshawa Generals Dec. 31, 2005.

* Named second star with a goal in 1-0 win vs. Sudbury Wolves January 8, 2006.

* Named first star with 2 goals in 7-3 win at Mississauga IceDogs January 13, 2006.

* Named third star with 2 goals and an assist in 8-3 loss vs. Barrie Colts January 15, 2006.

* Named second star with a goal and 3 assists in 9-4 win vs. Erie Otters January 22, 2006. (O'Marra: 1A)

* Named third star with 3 assists in 6-2 win at Sarnia Sting January 28, 2006.

* Named first star with 3 goals(EV, PP, SH) and an assist in 4-2 win at Sudbury Wolves Feb. 19, 2006.

* Named first star with 3 goals and an assist in 5-4 win at Toronto St. Michael's Majors Feb. 23, 2006.

* Named first star with 2 goals(GW) and an assist in 6-4 win vs. Ottawa 67's February 26, 2006.

* Named second star with 6 assists in a 9-3 win vs. Oshawa Generals March 3, 2006.

* Named second star with a goal and 2 assists in 4-1 win vs. Peterborough Petes March 12, 2006.

* Named third star with a goal(PP) and 2 assists in 7-3 win vs. Belleville Bulls March 19, 2006.

Playoffs

* Named first star with a goal(OT) and 2 assists in 3-2 win vs. Belleville Bulls March 24, 2006.(Game 1)

* Named first star with a goal(PP) and an assist in 3-1 win at Belleville Bulls March 27, 2006.(Game 3)

* Named first star with a goal(OT) and 2 assists in 4-3 win at Belleville Bulls March 29, 2006.(Game 4)

* Named second star with a goal(PP) and an assist in 3-2 loss vs. Belleville Bulls March 31, 2006.(Gm 5)

* Named first star with 2 goals(GW) and an assist in 4-1 win vs. Barrie Colts April 6, 2006.(Game 1)

* Named first star with 2 assists in 3-2 loss vs. Barrie Colts April 13, 2006.(Game 5)

OHL careers ended for overagers
battalionhockey.com, April 15, 2006

Aquino also opened the season elsewhere. Chosen by the New York Islanders in the seventh round of the National Hockey League’s 2005 Entry Draft, Aquino had stints with the Islanders’ American Hockey League and ECHL affiliates before returning to the Battalion on Dec. 6. Playing only 32 games, he finished tied for second in team scoring with 72 points from 28 goals and 44 assists.

“I wish I’d been here as a 16-year-old, but what’s happened in the past is done,” said Aquino, a Mississauga resident whose OHL rights were acquired in a trade with the Oshawa Generals on Dec. 1, 2003, while he was with the University of Maine Black Bears. “But I really enjoyed my time here and I’ll never forget it.”

Aquino, who led the Battalion in playoff scoring with 21 points on eight goals and 13 assists, said he was happy to get a chance to play regularly after getting little ice time in the professional ranks. He said he expects to report to the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers in the coming days.

“It’s always tough when you’re not playing. But I pulled through and now I’m looking forward to a strong pro career.”

Colts oust Battalion with 3-2 win
battalionhockey.com, April 13, 2006

BRAMPTON, Ont. – The Brampton Battalion played with pride and determination Thursday night, but it wasn't enough to avoid Ontario Hockey League playoff elimination at the hands of the Barrie Colts.

The Battalion pressed for the equalizer, but Barrie goaltender Dan LaCosta stopped Luch Aquino’s hard shot from the right-wing circle in the 10th minute and foiled him on a breakaway in the 18th.

Wojtek Wolski and Snow scored for the second-seeded Battalion, which finished the regular season as Central Division champions, one point ahead of Barrie. Aquino earned two assists, and Machesney faced 30 shots.

For the first time in the series, the Battalion opened the scoring, on the power play at 15:40 of the first period when Wolski deflected Aquino’s shot from the right point past LaCosta. It was Wolski’s seventh goal of the playoffs.

Snow, with his fourth goal of the playoffs, scored on the power play at 17:04 when he put home an Aquino feed at the front of the net.

Aquino, who led the club in playoff scoring for a second straight season, had eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points in 11 games.

Battalion beats Barrie 4-1 in opener
battalionhockey.com, April 6, 2006

BRAMPTON, Ont. – The Brampton Battalion has drawn first blood.

Luch Aquino scored two goals and added one assist Thursday night, powering the Battalion to a 4-1 victory over the Barrie Colts in the opening game of their Ontario Hockey League second-round playoff series.

Aquino scored what proved to be the winner at 16:53, converting the rebound of a Snow shot in the deep slot. Wojtek Wolski, who fed Snow on the rush, earned the second assist.

“Their defence is fast, but we have to get to the net and hopefully we can cause some trouble in their end,” said Aquino. “We did that tonight.”

Martin made it 3-1 at 7:18 of the third period, standing in the deep slot and burying Aquino’s pass from behind the net. It was Martin’s first goal of the playoffs.

Aquino completed the scoring at 18:56 when he banged home his own rebound through traffic.

Aquino leads OHL playoff scorers with seven goals and nine assists for 16 points, while Wolski is second with 13 points from four goals and nine assists.

“The first period was really sluggish,” said Aquino. “Both teams were dumping the puck, and there were a lot of icings and a lot of clutching and grabbing. We were a little flat.”

Aquino moved past Kamil Kreps into second place on the Battalion’s all-time playoff points list behind Wolski, who has 33 points from 16 goals and 17 assists in 36 games. Aquino has 12 goals and 13 assists for 25 points in 13 games.

HockeyNews.com
Mar. 31, 2006

Farm Report: Islanders 2005 seventh round draft pick (210 overall) Luch Aquino has been tearing up the Ontario League this season. A smallish center, Aquino is a late bloomer, which would explain why he wasn’t drafted until he was 20. He did not put up the numbers in a nine-game stint with Bridgeport of the American League earlier this year, and he did not overly impress in the ECHL either. However, once back in the OHL, Aquino put up 72 points in just 32 games for Brampton. That’s one more point than last season when he played 33 more games! He has 10 points in four games in the playoffs so far. It will be interesting to see if he can adapt to the AHL next season.

Aquino fires overtime winner
battalionhockey.com - Mar. 29, 2006

BELLEVILLE, Ont. – Luch Aquino scored at 2:33 of overtime to lift the Brampton Battalion to a 4-3 Ontario Hockey League victory Wednesday night over the Belleville Bulls, giving the Troops a 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal.

Aquino took a back pass between the circles from Wojtek Wolski on a three-on-two rush and drilled a shot behind Bulls goaltender Sebastian Dahm. It was the fourth goal of the series for Aquino, who also earned two assists.

Vernace opened the scoring at 11:04 of the first period. Machesney made a big save against Gibbons coming off the right wing just before Aquino and Vernace, who was fresh from the penalty box, raced off on a two-on-one rush. Aquino fed the puck to Vernace in the slot, and he tucked a backhander under Dahm.

Wolski and Aquino are the only players with at least one point in every series game, extending scoring streaks that ran to the end of the regular season. Wolski had a club-record-tying 18-game points streak to end the schedule, and Aquino had a career-high 17-game run

Machesney backs 3-1 Battalion win
battalionhockey.com - Mar. 27, 2006

BELLEVILLE, Ont. – Goaltender Daren Machesney made 28 saves to backstop the Brampton Battalion to a 3-1 victory Monday night over the Belleville Bulls, regaining home-ice advantage for the Troops in their Ontario Hockey League playoff series.

Aaron Snow, Luke Lynes and Luch Aquino scored power-play goals for the Battalion, which leads the best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal two games to one, with the fourth game at Belleville on Wednesday night.

Andrew Self scored during a two-man advantage at 17:08 of the third period to deny Machesney the shutout after the Battalion took a 3-0 lead on Aquino’s third goal of the series, at 15:13. Self’s goal marked Belleville’s first success in 22 power-play opportunities in the series.

Aquino lengthened it when he blasted a shot home from the mid slot on the second segment of what had been a two-man advantage. Brock McPherson, traded to the Bulls by the Battalion in January, drew a charging minor, misconduct and game misconduct at 13:09, and Cory Tanaka received a crosschecking call at 13:32.

Wojtek Wolski earned three assists and Kyle Sonnenburg two for the second-seeded Battalion, while Aquino added an assist on Lynes’s goal.

The Battalion nursed a 1-0 lead through most of the second period, killing a pair of two-man disadvantages before Lynes connected on a power play at 14:52. Aquino moved in for a shot from high between the circles, and Lynes, scoring his first-ever playoff goal, lofted the rebound over Dahm.

Phil Oreskovic was called for slashing 37 seconds later, but it was Battalion penalty killers who enjoyed the best chances in the next minute. Sonnenburg set Snow free on a breakaway, with Dahm making a blocker save, and Aquino followed with another breakaway during a delayed penalty call against Andrew Gibbons. Aquino held the puck in a sweep across the goalmouth, but Dahm sprawled to smother the shot.

Wolski and Aquino are the only players with at least one point in every series game. Aquino leads Battalion scoring in the series with three goals and four assists for seven points.

Leavitt levels series in overtime
battalionhockey.com - Mar. 26, 2006

BRAMPTON, Ont. – Jeff Leavitt scored at 9:35 of overtime to give the Belleville Bulls a 3-2 victory Sunday over the Brampton Battalion, evening the Ontario Hockey League teams’ best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal at 1-1.

Luch Aquino had one goal and one assist and Vernace earned two assists for the Battalion. Machesney faced 30 shots as the Troops saw a 15-game winning streak ended. It dated to a 5-2 loss Feb. 16 to the host Windsor Spitfires.

Aquino tied it with his second goal of the postseason on the power play at 10:12, hammering home a shot from inside the right point.

Aquino leads the Troops with two goals and three assists for five points in the series. He passed Rostislav Klesla into eighth place on the club's all-time playoff points list with 14, including seven goals.

Battalion wins opener in overtime
battalionhockey.com - Mar. 24, 2006

Aquino, who had two assists as the Battalion rallied from a 2-0 third-period deficit, buried a Wojtek Wolski feed from the deep slot to beat Dahm in overtime, who started in place of injured No. 1 goaltender Kevin Lalande.

“They played really tough on our line,” right winger Aquino, who as usual skated with centre Wolski and left winger Aaron Snow, said of the Bulls. “Snow made a good pass to Wojtek. I think the goalie pokechecked it, but the puck came right to me and I one-timed it.”

Snow converted the rebound of a Wolski shot at the right post on the power play at 7:03 of the third period for the Troops' first goal. Taylor Raszka tied it 2-2 at 16:14, taking a pass from Aquino and beating Dahm with a wrist shot from the high slot.

“I got a great pass from Luch and made a move on their defenceman,” said Raszka, who joined the Battalion as a free agent last August and played his first OHL playoff game in his fourth season. “I got a quick shot away. I saw that side open up a little bit and decided to go low on his blocker side.”

BELLEVILLE, Ont. (CP) - Luch Aquino scored 5:50 into overtime to help the Brampton Battalion edge the Belleville Bulls 3-2 Friday in the first game of their best-of-seven Ontario Hockey League series.

Broken records litter Troops' season
battalionhockey.com - Mar. 21, 2006

Among club career records, Wolski set marks with 130 goals, eclipsing Torres's 111, and 198 assists, bettering Bateman's 122. Wolski's total of 328 career points surpassed Torres's 223.

Wolski has played 253 games, second to Chris Rowan's 262 in club history, for a points-per-game rate of 1.30 compared to Torres's 1.21 over 185 games. Right winger Luch Aquino, the only other player apart from Spezza to average a point per game for his Battalion career, tops all with a 1.47 mark from 143 points in 97 games.

Wolski scored 58 career power-play goals, more than double Torres's 28, and nine career shorthanded goals, two more than Kreps. Wolski earned 83 power-play assists, beating the previous mark of 44 by Jason Maleyko, and totaled 141 power-play points against Torres's 67.

Aquino earned a club-record six assists March 3 against the visiting Oshawa Generals, eclipsing the mark of four shared by Torres, Kreps, McClement, Wolski and defenceman Vernace, the last two of whom reached it this season.

Battalion surges to Central title
battalionhockey.com - Mar. 19, 2006

BRAMPTON, Ont. – With a club-record 14th consecutive win, the Brampton Battalion completed its unlikely march to the Ontario Hockey League's Central Division championship Sunday.

Wojtek Wolski scored two goals and assisted on three others to power a 7-3 victory over the Belleville Bulls that gave the Battalion the division title by one point over the Barrie Colts, who beat the host Toronto St. Michael's Majors 5-3.

“To win 14 games and only win your division by a point is amazing,” said coach Stan Butler. “That’s a credit to the guys.”

The Battalion, which won its second division title after capturing the Central crown in 2002-03, posted a won-lost-extended record of 44-21-3 for 91 points. Barrie finished 43-21-4 for 90 points.

The Battalion, the second playoff seed in the Eastern Conference after the East Division's Peterborough Petes, meets seventh-seeded Belleville in a best-of-seven conference quarterfinal. The Battalion hosts the series opener at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The Troops, whose last loss came Feb. 16 by a 5-2 count to the host Windsor Spitfires, won a club-record eight straight road games in the 14-game streak.

Aaron Snow also scored two goals, while Luch Aquino had one goal and two assists and Graham McNabb and Jason Cassidy scored one goal each. Goaltender Bryan Pitton made 24 saves in his seventh consecutive victory, equaling Daren Machesney's club record of 16 wins by a rookie goaltender set last year.

Aquino said the Troops were determined to end the schedule on a winning note.

“The guys worked so hard, and we really wanted it. It’s a huge confidence boost for us heading into the playoffs, and I’m really excited about what’s to come.”

Aquino hammered a power-play shot from the blue line for his 28th goal at 8:30 before Snow collected his 30th on a shorthanded effort at 11:13, banking a shot off Belleville defender Matt Smyth past Murphy. Cassidy, with his 15th goal, buried a Luke Lynes power-play feed at 17:49.

Aquino extended a points streak to 17 games, with 15 goals and 26 assists for 41 points in the span.

Battalion award winners named
battalionhockey.com - Mar. 19, 2006

Right winger Luch Aquino was named top overager despite playing only 32 games after returning from the Trenton Titans of the ECHL on Dec. 6.

Centre Wojtek Wolski captured player of the year and most sportsmanlike player honours when the Brampton Battalion announced its 2005-06 award winners Sunday.

Left winger Aaron Snow won the Don (Hockey) Hadley Award presented to the Battalion’s most popular player as voted by Booster Brigade members.

The awards were announced before the Battalion’s final regular-season game, against the Belleville Bulls.

Battalion extends division lead with 4-3 win over Mississauga
battalionhockey.com - Mar. 17, 2006

Aaron Snow, Raszka and Luch Aquino also scored for the Battalion and earned one assist each, as did McNabb. Goaltender Daren Machesney made 41 saves, winning a club-record eighth consecutive decision, as the Troops collected a club-record eighth straight road victory.

Aquino, who failed to score on a breakaway out of the penalty box seconds earlier, connected on a pass from behind the net from Snow to give the Battalion a 3-2 lead on the power play at 1:34 of the third period.

Snow opened the scoring at 3:38 of the first period, beating Loverock with the second shot the goaltender faced. Aquino and Snow broke off on a two-on-one rush, and Aquino fed the puck across to Snow on the left wing for his 28th goal. Wojtek Wolski drew the second assist.

Aquino extended a points streak to 16 games, with 14 goals and 24 assists for 38 points in the run.

Powerless Petes lose
by Mike Davies - Peterborough Examiner - Mar. 13, 2006

“We talked a lot about penalties at the start of a game and before the last game as well,” Dick Todd said. “Again in the first period, we put ourselves down two men. (Brampton) has been feeding off, as has London, its power play. Their key players (Wojtek) Wolski and (Luch) Aquino are very dangerous on the power play and that’s how it started. The way the game is being played right now we have to be concerned with the number of power play opportunities we had that we weren’t able to cash in on.”

Wolski buried Aquino’s centering pass from the slot 16 seconds into the power play. Wolski then made an extra effort to dive and get the puck across to Aquino who beat Shantz for a 4-1 lead.

“If your best players are your best players, you’re usually successful,” Brampton coach/GM Stan Butler said. “A great example is the play Wolski made on that fourth goal, just the second effort. What can you say about him and Aquino today? They’ve been playing like that for a while.”

Win moves Troops into first place
battalionhockey.com - Mar. 12, 2006

Wolski snapped a Luch Aquino pass over Peterborough goaltender David Shantz’s right shoulder on the power play at 10:26, then made a great play along the left-wing boards to feed the puck to Aquino, alone in front of Shantz. Aquino faked twice and lifted a backhander over Shantz’s outstretched glove at 11:01.

Wolski's third-period goal was his 43rd of the season, equaling Raffi Torres’s club record from 2000-01, and his first-period goal was the winner, his club-record 17th in a four-year career, breaking a tie with Ryan Oulahen.

Jason Cassidy scored the Battalion's first goal, and Aquino and Michael Vernace each had two assists. Goaltender Daren Machesney made 23 saves to win a sixth consecutive decision, equaling a club record set by Bryan Pitton in a 4-3 overtime road win Saturday night against the Belleville Bulls.

Aquino extended a points streak to 14 games. He has 13 goals and 22 assists for 35 points in the span.

Aquino scores overtime winner
battalionhockey.com - Mar. 11, 2006

BELLEVILLE, Ont. – Luch Aquino scored at 1:14 of overtime to lift the Brampton Battalion to a 4-3 victory Saturday night over the Belleville Bulls, moving the Troops within one point of the first-place Barrie Colts in the Ontario Hockey League’s Central Division.

Wojtek Wolski worked the puck from behind the net to Aquino, who moved right-to-left across the goalmouth and swept it past sprawling Bulls goaltender Sebastian Dahm. It was Aquino’s 25th goal in 28 games this season.

Luke Lynes, Howie Martin and Aaron Snow also scored for the Battalion. Wolski earned four assists and Aquino one, while goaltender Bryan Pitton made 33 saves in winning a club-record sixth straight decision.

After Belleville forged a 1-0 first-period lead, Lynes tied it at 1:23 of the second frame, six seconds after a Battalion power play ended. Aquino sent the puck cross-crease to Lynes, who darted in to convert the pass for his 34th goal.

Aquino is on a 13-game points streak, with 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points in the span.

Battalion breaks season points mark with 81 after 4-2 win vs. Ottawa
battalionhockey.com - Mar. 10, 2006

Wolski scored his team-leading 41st goal at 3:30, taking a tap pass from Luch Aquino at the Ottawa blue line and blasting a high shot from the right-wing circle past Morrison.

Kyle Sonnenburg of the Battalion received the first penalty, a slashing call at 3:33, but the Troops enjoyed the best scoring chance when Morrison had to stop Wolski off a two-on-one rush with Aquino.

With the teams at full strength at the 13-minute mark, Machesney hit Aquino with a breakaway pass up the middle, but Morrison again came up big against a close-in shot.

Aquino, who had two assists, has a 12-game points streak, with 11 goals and 19 assists for 30 points in the span.

Troops' win tightens division race with 5-3 win over Barrie
battalionhockey.com - Mar. 4, 2006

Snow, who also had an assist, added a goal into an empty net, and Kyle Sonnenburg and Luch Aquino also scored for the Battalion, which extended a club-record winning streak to seven games. Wolski, whose goal was his 38th of the season, earned three assists.

Snow, Aquino and Wolski all served significant penalty time starting at 7:37 of the third period, receiving a fighting major, misconduct and double minor for roughing respectively after Barrie’s Nick Plastino jumped Snow. Plastino was assessed an instigating minor, fighting major and misconduct, while teammate Bryan Little got a double minor for roughing. It all worked out to a two-minute power play for the Battalion.

Aquino tied it 2-2 on the power play at 4:52 of the second period, blasting a shot from the right-wing circle after taking a pass from Wolski. Vernace had the second assist on Aquino’s 24th goal in 25 games this season.

Aquino is on a 10-game points streak, with 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points in the span.

Aquino Sets Club Record for Assists in a Game
battalionhockey.com - Mar. 3, 2006

While Nick Duff's three goals equaled a Battalion single-game mark for a defenceman, Luch Aquino set a club record with six assists.

Taylor Raszka’s 23rd goal, converted off a cross-crease feed from Aquino on the power play, put the Troops up by four at 12:19.

The Battalion record for assists in a game was four, accomplished by five players, including Wojtek Wolski and defenceman Michael Vernace earlier this season. “It was one of those games where everyone I set up put the puck in the net,” said Aquino. “It was a real confidence-builder to get those points early.”

Troops post club-record 35th win
battalionhockey.com - Feb. 29, 2006

BRAMPTON, Ont. – Luch Aquino and Luke Lynes had two goals and one assist each to power the Brampton Battalion to a 6-4 Ontario Hockey League victory Sunday over the Ottawa 67’s, the Troops’ club-record 35th win of the season.

Aquino scored the winner at 14:38. Wojtek Wolski collided with two Ottawa players at centre ice, freeing Aaron Snow, who broke in with Aquino on a two-on-one rush. Aquino buried Snow’s cross-ice pass for his 23rd goal of the season.

Hulit tied it 27 seconds into the second period, but Aquino restored the Battalion’s lead on the power play at 9:02, deftly hammering home Martin’s cross-ice pass.

"I can't say enough about the character the guys have shown,'' said Aquino who is hoping the Battalion can move from its current third seed in the East in its nine remaining games.

Troops fire at will on hapless 'Dogs
battalionhockey.com - Feb. 24, 2006

Luch Aquino had one goal and two assists and Taylor Raszka and Wojtek Wolski one goal and one assist each. Martin added an assist and Matt Smyth scored the other goal for the Battalion, which won a fourth consecutive game, all on the road.

Aquino blasted a rocket into the top right corner from just inside the blue line on the left wing at 9:32, and Knechtel relieved Lobsinger at a whistle 17 seconds later.

Martin greeted Knechtel with a power-play score at 10:48. Martin’s 19th goal, assisted by Vernace and Aquino, came on the first shot Knechtel faced.

Among the Troops who had early chances to score were Martin on a break down the left side, Aquino and Wolski during a shift that resembled a power play for its puck control in the offensive zone, and Raszka. Wolski hit the left post on a drive off the right wing in the sixth minute.

Aquino has seven goals and four assists for 11 points in the last three games, pushing his season totals to 21 goals and 26 assists for 47 points in 22 games since his return from the ECHL.

Battalion rallies for overtime win
battalionhockey.com - Feb. 23, 2006

Luch Aquino scored three goals and assisted on the winner for the Battalion, which trailed 4-1 early in the second period. Wolski had four assists for a five-point game and set a club record for points in a season with 93, surpassing Raffi Torres’s 91 in 1999-00.

Aquino’s 20th goal, on the power play at 16:34 of the third period, forced overtime. Aquino, who has scored three goals in each of the last two games, took a pass in the neutral zone from Wolski and cruised across the Toronto blue line to blast a shot from the top of the right circle.

Aquino was well rested after drawing a diving penalty and concomitant misconduct at 19:28 of the second period, taking himself out of action for more than half the third.

With the teams skating four-a-side, Aquino scored on a three-on-two rush at 13:36, slamming a cross-crease pass from Wolski into the open net from the right side.

Aquino tied it at 17:09. Wolski, carrying the puck, and Aquino raced into the Toronto zone and collided with a defender. The puck bounced to Aquino, who fired a 30-footer off the inside of the right post.

Brampton beats Sudbury
February 19, 2006

SUDBURY, Ont. (CP) - Luch Aquino scored a hat trick and added an assist to lead the Brampton Battalion to a 4-2 win over the Sudbury Wolves in Ontario Hockey League action Sunday.

Aquino trio clinches playoff berth
battalionhockey.com - Feb. 19, 2006

SUDBURY, Ont. – Luch Aquino scored three goals and added an assist to power the Brampton Battalion to a 4-2 victory Sunday over the Sudbury Wolves, clinching an Ontario Hockey League playoff berth for the Troops.

Aquino, who returned from a five-game suspension in a 4-3 victory Friday night over the host Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and indicated he was rusty in that game, shook off all effects of the layoff in his four-point performance that included one power-play and one shorthanded goal.

Aquino scored shorthanded at 11:07 of the third period to give the Troops a 3-1 lead. Wolski chipped the puck out of the Battalion zone off the left-wing boards, and Aquino raced off with it, blasting a rocket past Beech from the left-wing circle. It was Aquino’s 17th goal in 20 games this season since returning from the Trenton Titans of the ECHL on Dec. 6.

Aquino put the Battalion back in front during a two-man advantage at 15:18. Akim Aliu and Pouliot were in the penalty box for goaltender interference and boarding respectively when Aquino, stationed in the right-wing circle, one-timed a setup from Wolski in the high slot. Luke Lynes also assisted.

Aquino scored the only goal of the first period 33 seconds after the opening faceoff on the game’s second shift. Wolski dropped the puck to Aquino, who rifled a shot from the right-wing circle that beat Beech to the far side.

Seymour fought Ryan Hastings in an uneventful bout at 8:07 of the second period, and 47 seconds later Aquino and Pouliot drew unsportsmanlike conduct calls for a shoving match. Cassidy and Mark Versteeg-Lytwyn wrestled at 10:19 of the third period.

Aquino returns in Battalion victory
battalionhockey.com - Feb. 18, 2006

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. – Even though he didn't think his performance was up to the usual standard, Luch Aquino was happy to be back in the Brampton Battalion lineup Friday night.

Aquino returned from a five-game Ontario Hockey League suspension as the Battalion, which plays its third of five consecutive road games against the Sudbury Wolves at 2 p.m. Sunday, rallied to beat the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 4-3.

“I didn’t really feel too good out there,” said overager Aquino, who assisted on a second-period power-play goal by Wojtek Wolski, one of three he scored.

“I was tired and, even though I was practising, it’s a lot different from playing games. It was good to get it out of the way. I’ll be ready Sunday. You always want to play, and it was tough to be suspended. But as tough as it is, you have to ride it out.”

Right winger Aquino was reunited with his customary linemates, centre Wolski and left winger Aaron Snow, who scored the winning goal at 16:06 of the third period.

“I like to be quick and be the first guy on the puck,” said Aquino. “I don’t mind doing the dirty work to set guys up. It helps Wolski and Snow because it puts pressure on the defence. I don’t think I really did that too well against the Greyhounds, so they picked up the slack for me.”

The Battalion trailed only 3-2 after two periods despite having been outshot 33-15.

“Between the second and third periods we were trying to figure out what was wrong with us,” said coach Stan Butler, whose Troops lost 5-2 Thursday night to the Windsor Spitfires.

“We didn’t know if it was bus legs or a lack of competitiveness. But we were only down a goal after two periods and we were a lot better in the third.”

Said Aquino: “Good teams get lucky sometimes. We haven’t been getting many breaks lately.”

The Battalion heads into the Sudbury game, the last of eight season meetings between the teams, with a won-lost-extended record of 31-21-3 for 65 points, second in the Central Division. Sudbury, which lost 6-4 to the visiting Barrie Colts on Friday night, is six points behind in fourth place.

Machesney in top form, Aquino out
battalionhockey.com - Feb. 4, 2006

BRAMPTON, Ont. – Goaltender Daren Machesney and right winger Luch Aquino were instrumental in the Brampton Battalion's 2-1 overtime victory Friday night over the host Ottawa 67's.

The Battalion, which entertains the Sudbury Wolves at 2 p.m. Sunday, faces the northern visitors without Aquino, who has been suspended for five games by the Ontario Hockey League for actions in a 6-2 road win Jan. 28 over the Sarnia Sting.

Aquino, who was sucker-punched and jumped by Sarnia's Kody Musselman late in the game, raised his stick toward fans after being spat on while exiting the players' bench area. He is eligible to return Feb. 17 when the Battalion visits the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Musselman, who received an instigating minor, fighting major, misconduct, game misconduct and gross misconduct to Aquino's misconduct, also was suspended for five games.

Luch Aquino scores 2:25 into overtime as Brampton edges Ottawa 2-1
February 3, 2006

OTTAWA (CP) - Luch Aquino scored at 2:25 of overtime to lift the Brampton Battalion to a 2-1 win over the Ottawa 67's in Ontario Hockey League action Friday night.

The goal came on the ninth power play of the game for the Battalion, as 67's winger Aaron Alphonso was called for slashing just 24 seconds earlier. Rookie Michal Klenja had the other goal for Brampton (28-19-1-1).

Aquino gives Troops 2-1 win in OT
battalionhockey.com - Feb. 3, 2006

OTTAWA – Luch Aquino scored on the power play at 2:25 of overtime to lift the Brampton Battalion to a 2-1 victory over the Ottawa 67’s in Ontario Hockey League action Friday night.

After Ottawa’s Arron Alphonso was sent off for holding 2:01 into the extra period, Aquino blasted a shot from the high slot past goaltender Danny Battochio on assists by Michael Vernace and Wojtek Wolski. It was Aquino’s 14th goal of the season in 18 games and his third winning score.

The teams exchanged near misses early in the second period. Aquino shot wide on a shorthanded breakaway in the second minute, and Jamie McGinn almost handcuffed Machesney on a dangerous 35-foot shot from the inner edge of the right-wing faceoff circle in the fifth.

Aquino rang a shot off the left post on the power play in the 13th minute before the Battalion ran into penalty trouble late in the period. After killing a crosschecking call against Tomas Stryncl, the Troops saw Phil Oreskovic and Nick Duff sent off in quick succession, giving Ottawa a two-man advantage lasting 1:37 and spanning the second intermission.

The overtime winner was the last goal Aquino will score for five games, as he was handed down a suspension for an altercation as he left the ice in Sarnia last week. He waved his stick at hostile fans, who the veteran said were spitting at him. The OHL handed down their verdict on Saturday and Aquino sat out Sunday's match with the Wolves.

Battalion outclasses Sarnia 6-2
battalionhockey.com - Jan. 28, 2006

Goaltender Daren Machesney made 23 saves for the Battalion, which got three assists from Luch Aquino and two from Howie Martin.

Even with Battalion coach Stan Butler sending out makeshift power-play alignments in the third period, the Sting got stupid late. After Matt Smyth and Sarnia’s Mark Katic fought at 16:34, Kody Musselman jumped Aquino at 16:51. Musselman received an instigating minor, fighting major, misconduct, game misconduct and gross misconduct, while Aquino drew a misconduct.

With Brandon Mashinter serving a Sarnia bench minor, Wolski scored at 12:57 on a shot from the high slot just after a faceoff to Nie’s right. Martin and Aquino were credited with assists on the play.

Wolski connected on a similar score on another power play 38 seconds later when his shot appeared to deflect off a defender on the way into the net. Martin and Aquino again assisted on what proved to be the winning goal, the 14th by Wolski in his OHL career. Wolski now is in sole possession of second place on the Battalion's all-time list behind Ryan Oulahen's 16 game-winning scores. Wolski had been tied at 13 with Raffi Torres.

Snow made it 4-0 at 7:23 of the second period, assisted by Aquino. Snow, who has 21 goals this season, corralled the puck in the deep slot and took a shot that deflected off Katic behind Nie.

The line of Wolski, Aquino and snow has combined for 92 points in 14 games since being united on Dec. 29 in Peterborough. The trio have combined for 35 goals and 57 assists over that time, helping the troops post a 9-4-1 mark over that time.

Aquino had an 11-game point scoring streak snapped in Friday's 3-0 loss to Kitchener.

Wolski earns seven points in rout
battalionhockey.com - Jan. 22, 2006

Wolski shared the previous club record of five points with Jeff Bateman, Kurt MacSweyn, Michael Vernace and Luch Aquino. Wolski is the first Battalion player to score four goals in a game since Jay McClement did it in a 6-4 road victory over the Sarnia Sting on Jan. 4, 2001. Bateman had four goals in a 6-5 loss to the visiting Kitchener Rangers on Jan. 23, 2000.

Aquino scored one goal and had three assists while Lynes scored two goals and Snow had one goal and one assist. Matt Smyth also scored for the Battalion, which improved its won-lost-extended record to 25-18-2 for 52 points, second in the Central Division.

Aquino made it 2-0 on the power play at 12:48, one-timing a pass from Vernace. The goal, Aquino's 13th of the season, was his 100th career point, making him the 16th Battalion player to reach that level. Aquino needed just 79 games to reach the mark.

Aquino extended a points streak to 11 games. He has 12 goals and 17 assists for 29 points in that span.



Team success is Aquino's point
battalionhockey.com - Jan. 21, 2006

SUDBURY, Ont. – Even on an offensive tear, the Brampton Battalion's Luch Aquino would gladly trade personal accomplishments for team success.

Aquino earned two assists in a 4-2 Ontario Hockey League loss Friday night to the Sudbury Wolves to extend a points streak to 10 games, which equals a team high this season shared by Luke Lynes and Wojtek Wolski.

Right winger Aquino, who turns 21 next Thursday, has 25 points, including 11 goals, during the streak. He compiled a career-high 13-game points run, in which he earned 19 points, in his first OHL season a year ago.

“It’s tough when you’re losing,” said Aquino, who rejoined the Battalion on Dec. 6 after a stay in the minor professional ranks. “That’s very frustrating. It’s great to be getting points, but if you’re not winning you don’t look good. We’re kind of snake-bitten right now. ”

Aquino, who saw a career-high five-game goals streak end against Sudbury, has 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points in 13 games this season. He's 17th on the Battalion’s all-time scoring list with 98 points, including 37 goals, in only 78 games.

“He competes hard, and the effort has been there from him,” said coach Stan Butler, whose Troops will seek to break a three-game losing skid when they host the Erie Otters at 2 p.m. Sunday.

“The bigger the game, the better he plays. We have to hope some of his competitiveness rubs off on other guys.”

Said Aquino, a seventh-round pick of the New York Islanders in the National Hockey League's 2005 Entry Draft: “I’m trying to do my best out there, but I have things to work on, too. Stan is telling me to take shorter shifts because if the guys see me out there for a while they’ll stay out longer too.”

Aquino was involved in perhaps the most pivotal play of the loss to Sudbury. On the game’s first shift, he fed Aaron Snow a cross-ice pass that Snow snapped over the shoulder of Wolves goaltender Kevin Beech. But referee Joel Washkurak never signaled a score, and the goal judge, equipped with a white towel in the absence of a functioning goal light, never indicated the puck entered the net.

“It’s unfortunate, but things like that have a way of coming back to bite you,” said Butler. “Combine that with what I thought was a slow whistle on their first goal and that was the difference in the game.”

Little fight in Battalion
Troops lose showdown with Colts
by Robin Inscoe - BramptonGuardian.com - Jan. 18, 2006

The Barrie Colts struck first but the troops responded three minutes later when Howie Martin scored his 16th of the season on a wrap-around attempt. Luch Aquino and Kyle Sonnenburg drew the assists.

Luch Aquino found a loose puck at the side of the Barrie net and slipped it home. The goal came just 1:45 after the Colts had taken a 2-1 lead. Martin and Wojtek Wolski drew assists.

The troops managed to sandwich a shorthanded marker between the two Barrie goals as Martin made a perfect pass to free Aquino and send him in alone. He beat Dan LaCosta high on the glove side. John deGray drew the other assist.

Aquino continued his torrid scoring pace, notching two more to give him 11 goals in 11 games since his return from the professional ranks. Aquino scored one on the power play and the other whuile his team was shorthanded.

Aquino Playing to Impress
by Terry Koshan - Toronto Sun, January 18, 2006

Luch Aquino wears a New York Islanders workout shirt under his uniform, but for now, it's all about the crest on the front of his sweater.

Drafted by the Islanders last summer, Aquino has been on a tear since re-joining the Brampton Battalion last month with 23 points in 11 games.

"You don't want to come back here and look at it as a slap in the face," Aquino, a Mississauga native, said. "I wanted to work as hard as I can so (the Islanders) could watch and say, 'This kid is a player.' "

The Isles picked Aquino in the seventh round in July and he began the season with their top farm affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL. But in short stints with Bridgeport and Trenton of the ECHL, Aquino did not get much ice time. A return to Brampton, where he had 71 points in 65 games last season after leaving the University of Maine, was his best option.

"He's a game-breaker," Battalion coach Stan Butler said of the 5-foot-9, 200-pound overager. "One thing he does is he competes hard all the time. He will make mistakes like everybody will but he will compete in every situation."

Eight games ago, Butler moved his most talented player, Colorado Avalanche 2004 first-rounder Wojtek Wolski, to centre and inserted Aquino on the wing. Along with Aaron Snow, the line has been dynamic. Wolski has 20 points in those games, in which Brampton (third in the East) went 6-2.

First place central to Barrie victory
battalionhockey.com - Jan. 15, 2006

Luch Aquino scored two goals and added an assist and Howie Martin had one goal and two assists for the Battalion, which is 24-17-1 for 49 points. Goaltender Daren Machesney made 26 saves.

A charging Hamilton flipped a loose puck over Machesney, who had been bowled over by an attacking forward, to give Barrie a 2-1 lead at 9:30 before Aquino replied on the power play at 11:18, converting from the lip of the crease.

After Aquino, who took a nifty pass from Martin at the Barrie blue line, netted his 11th goal on a shorthanded effort at 15:22, Hamilton completed the scoring with his 27th goal on the power play at 17:55.

Aquino's power-play goal was the Battalion's club-record 67th of the season, breaking the mark of 66 set in 2000-01.

Aquino, who has scored in the last four games, extended a points streak to eight games. He has 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points in the run. He's scored shorthanded goals in each of the last two games.

Aquino scores twice to lead Brampton to 7-3 win over Mississauga
January 13, 2006

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. (CP) - Luch Aquino scored two second-period goals to lift the Brampton Battalion to a 7-3 victory over the Mississauga IceDogs Friday night in the Ontario Hockey League.

Aquino, who played minor pro hockey to start the season, had a power-play goal and a short-handed goal in the middle frame for the Battalion (24-16-1-0).

Aquino, who played in Bridgeport of the American Hockey League and Trenton of the ECHL before returning to Brampton in December, now has points in seven consecutive games with the Battalion.

Battalion blitz buries Mississauga
battalionhockey.com - Jan. 13, 2006

Luch Aquino scored two goals and Howie Martin, Aaron Snow and Michael Vernace had one goal and one assist each. Taylor Raszka and Nolan Waker had the other goals for the Troops, who got 51 saves, at least by the inflated Hershey Centre shots count, from goaltender Bryan Pitton.

Aquino took off on a shorthanded breakaway and scored at 13:02, chasing Mississauga goaltender Kyle Knechtel. Pitton received an assist on the play after he made a save and the puck went to Phil Oreskovic, who sent it off the boards to Aquino.

Aquino scored on the power play at 15:05, giving the Troops a 6-1 lead through two periods. Aquino blasted a shot from the top of the right-wing circle past Mississauga relieving goaltender Lucas Lobsinger with Wojtek Wolski and Snow drawing assists.

Aquino has a seven-game points streak featuring eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points.

Red hot Battalion keeps winning
Troops extend post-Christmas victory streak to five games
BramptonGuardian.com - January 11, 2006

The lone goal of the contest came late in the middle frame.

Luch Aquino took a clearing pass from Aaron Snow and outskated the Sudbury Wolves defenders, breaking in alone on Kevin Beech.

Aquino fired a bullet high over the Sudbury netminder's glove. The win was in sharp contract to recent victories. The troops had scored 25 goals in first four games of the winning streak.

Luch Aquino scores only goal of game as Brampton edges Sudbury 1-0
January 9, 2006

BRAMPTON, Ont. (CP) - Luch Aquino scored the only goal of the game at 16:22 of the second period as the Brampton Battalion edged the Sudbury Wolves 1-0 in Ontario Hockey League action Sunday.

Stingy Battalion wins tight one 1-0
battalionhockey.com - Jan. 8, 2006

BRAMPTON, Ont. – Luch Aquino scored on a second-period breakaway and goaltender Daren Machesney made 29 saves to give the Brampton Battalion a 1-0 victory Sunday over the revamped Sudbury Wolves, extending the Troops' Ontario Hockey League winning streak to five games.

Aquino, who rejoined the Troops from the pro ranks in December, scored his sixth goal in eight games this season at 16:22 of the second period after he took a freeing pass from Aaron Snow. Aquino broke in alone on Beech and snapped a wrist shot over the goaltender's left shoulder.

Sudbury goaltender Kevin Beech went to the bench for an additional skater in the final minute, but the Wolves couldn’t find the equalizer and Aquino just missed an open net in the closing seconds.

New line combination leads Battalion attack
Aquino, Snow and Wolski hold hot hand as troops win three straight
by Robin Inscoe - BramptonGuardian.com - January 4, 2006

Christmas came a little late for Brampton Battalion coach Stan Butler this year.

But he'll take it none-the-less.

The Battalion returned from its nine day Christmas hiatus to score three straight Ontario Hockey League victories, including a 5-2 win over the conference-leading Peterborough Petes. They also handled the rival Toronto St. Michael's Majors 9-4 and edged the Oshawa Generals 6-5 in overtime over the 2 1/2-day stretch to pull close to the division-leading Barrie Colts.

And Butler needed to look no further than the line of Luch Aquino, Wojtek Wolski and Aaron Snow as a main reason why the troops had weekend success.

The trio was united for the first time in Peterborough and it paid immediate dividends with Aquino and Wolski tying club records with five points each. Snow chipped in two.

The following evening at St, Michael's College Arena Wolski and Aquino weren't quite as effective. They each had four-point games while Snow added another pair of points.

On Sunday against the Generals, Wolski and Aquino completed 12-point weekends with three points apiece. Snow added four to give him eight points in the three games.

In total the line combined for 32 points in three games and earned Aquino OHL Player of the Week honours for his four goals and eight assists. Wolski finished the weekend with three goals and nine assists, including his first even-strength goal of the year. Snow wrapped up his weekend with three goals and five helpers.

"We were clicking a lot," said Snow after being named the first star in Sunday's overtime win. "They're both high-class players."

Snow hopes that playing with Aquino and Wolski can elevate his game to another level.

"They're both NHL-calibre players," added Snow. "And I want to get there."

Butler feels Snow is a good fit with Wolski and Aquino.

"Aaron's a good skater. He has the speed to play with those two," said the Brampton bench boss. "They're a good line."

Luch Aquino Named the CHL Player of the Week
January 3, 2006

Toronto - The Canadian Hockey League announced today that Brampton Battalion forward Luch Aquino is the CHL Player of the Week.

Aquino scored four goals and 11 points in three games last week. Aquino started the week with a five-point game in a 5-2 win over the Peterborough Petes. Aquino added a goal and three assists in a 9-4 win over the Toronto St. Michael's Majors and finished the week with a goal and two assists in a 6-5 win over the Oshawa Generals on New Year's Eve.

Aquino named OHL & CHL Player of the Week
battaliionhockey.com - Jan. 2, 2006

BRAMPTON, Ont. – Right winger Luch Aquino of the Brampton Battalion has been named Player of the Week for the period ended Sunday, the Ontario Hockey League announced Monday.

Aquino scored four goals and earned eight assists for 12 points in three games, tying a club record with five points, including two goals, in a 5-2 road victory over the Peterborough Petes on Thursday night.

He had one goal and three assists in a 9-4 rout of the host Toronto St. Michael's Majors on Friday night and scored one goal and added two assists in a 6-5 overtime win Saturday over the visiting Oshawa Generals.

Battalion coach Stan Butler moved Wojtek Wolski to centre between Aquino and left winger Aaron Snow for the Peterborough game, and the new line erupted. Wolski also had 12 points, including three goals, in three games. Snow had eight points, from three goals and five assists.

"It's a good way to start the second half," said Aquino.

"It seemed like everything was bouncing our way and we really clicked. I don't really know how to explain it, but hopefully we can keep it up. We're talking to each other all the time out there, and it makes it a lot easier when you're communicating to know where the other guys are."

Overager Aquino, a seventh-round choice of the New York Islanders in the National Hockey League's Entry Draft last July, rejoined the Battalion on Dec. 6 after playing a total of 12 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League and the Trenton Titans of the ECHL.

He has five goals and nine assists for 14 points in six OHL games this season.

Aquino was the Battalion's second-leading scorer last season, his first with the team, with 25 goals and 46 assists for 71 points in 65 games. The Troops obtained his OHL rights from Oshawa in a trade Dec. 1, 2003, while he was playing for the University of Maine.

Aquino, a Mississauga resident, is the second member of the Battalion to receive Player of the Week honours this season. Goaltender Daren Machesney was selected for the period ended Oct. 23.

Snow Piling up Points on Hot Line
battalionhockey.com, Jan. 1, 2006

BRAMPTON, Ont. – Aaron Snow’s point total and confidence have both received a big boost from playing on the Brampton Battalion’s red-hot new forward line.

Left winger Snow has eight points, including three goals, in three Ontario Hockey League games since joining a line with Wojtek Wolski at centre and Luch Aquino on right wing.

The trio combined for 10 points, including three goals, in a 6-5 overtime win Saturday over the Oshawa Generals in the Troops' annual New Year's Eve matinee. Snow had one goal and three assists, while Wolski and Aquino each had one goal and two assists.

“We had some really big games this week. I really wasn’t producing a lot at the start of the season, but I think I’m getting into it more. Those guys are helping me out, and I’m helping them with their games.”

Snow’s speed comes in handy with Wolski and Aquino, who have 12 points each in the last three games. The line debuted in a 5-2 road win Thursday night over the Peterborough Petes and dominated again Friday night in a 9-4 rout of the host Toronto St. Michael's Majors.

“Aaron’s a very good skater,” said Battalion coach Stan Butler. “He’s got the speed to play with those guys, and that might be the most important key in playing with them.”

Said Snow: “You have to be aware at all times with them. You have to know where they are, and you’ve got to find the holes and get them the puck. They’re high-class, professional-calibre players, and I want to get to that level one day. I have to keep up with them, so I’m working hard in practice.”

A second-round pick in the 2004 OHL Priority Selection from the Tecumseh Chiefs of the Western Junior B League, the 17-year-old Snow had a slow start to his second OHL season, with six goals in the first 29 games. He has since rebounded, scoring in seven of the last eight games.

Snow, first-time eligible for the National Hockey League's Entry Draft in June, said he feels reenergized after the Christmas break.

OHL: Battalion win third straight
Dec. 31, 2005

CP: After three wins in three days, the Brampton Battalion look like a team on a mission.

Taylor Raszka scored his second goal of the game 1:28 into overtime to lift the Battalion to a 6-5 win over the Oshawa Generals in Ontario Hockey League action Saturday.

Wojtek Wolski and Luch Aquino scored and each added two assists.

The two forwards have been a big part of the Battalion's recent success. They have combined for 24 points in their last three games, including tonight.

The Battalion beat Peterborough 5-2 on Thursday and routed Toronto-St. Michael's Majors 9-4 on Friday.

Aquino's Return Bolsters Battalion Attack
battalionhockey.com, Dec. 31, 2005

BRAMPTON, Ont. – Taylor Raszka’s second goal of the game, at 1:28 of overtime, lifted the Brampton Battalion to a 6-5 victory Saturday over the Oshawa Generals, extending the Troops' Ontario Hockey League winning streak to three games.

Aaron Snow scored one goal and added three assists and Wojtek Wolski and Luch Aquino each had one goal and two assists. Luke Lynes scored the other goal for the Battalion, which improved its won-lost-extended record to 21-15-1 before a crowd of 3,294. Goaltender Bryan Pitton made 34 saves.

Wolski put the Battalion back in front at 8:54 of the second period, taking a cross-ice pass from Aquino and banking a shot off a defender. It was Wolski's 15th goal.

McIlhone tied it 3-3 at 17:19 when he banged home a loose puck from the lip of the crease, but Aquino, with his fifth goal, restored the Battalion lead on the power play at 18:53. Aquino took a pass from Vernace, broke in alone and snapped a shot off Couture’s right arm.

Snow scored at 8:41 of the third period when he flipped a Wolski feed over a prone Couture for his 13th goal. Aquino also picked up an assist.

In three games playing on the same line, Aquino and Wolski have 12 points each and Snow has eight.

OHL: Wolski-Aquino on fire
Dec. 30, 2005

CP: For the second night in a row, Wojtek Wolski and Luch Aquino have led the Brampton Battalion to a convincing victory in Ontario Hockey League action.

Wolski and Aquino combined for two goals and eight points as the Battalion routed the Toronto-St. Michael's Majors 9-4 Friday.

Wolski, 19, and Aquino, 20, also picked up 10 points in Thursday's 5-2 win over the OHL-leading Peterborough Petes. Brampton has moved into second place in the Central Division, six points behind Barrie.

Aquino Records 4-Point Game
battalionhockey.com, Dec. 30, 2005

TORONTO – The final score didn’t reflect it, but the Brampton Battalion rode a roller-coaster 9-4 victory Friday night over the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors into second place in the Ontario Hockey League’s Central Division.

Luch Aquino and Wojtek Wolski each scored one goal and earned three assists. Luke Lynes scored two goals and added one assist, while Taylor Raszka, Tomas Stryncl and Aaron Snow all contributed one goal and one assist.

J.F. Houle and Howie Martin scored the other goals for the Battalion, which got 21 saves from goaltender Daren Machesney in his second victory in two nights. The line of centre Wolski, left winger Snow and right winger Aquino, playing a second straight game together, again burned the opposition with speed and creativity.

Houle opened the scoring on the power play at 5:49 of the first period, beating Savage between the legs with a screened shot from the left-wing circle, and Aquino connected at 8:22, tipping a pass from Wolski on the left-wing boards into the net from the lip of the crease.

Battalion Bomb Petes
by Mike Davies - Peterborough Examiner
Friday, December 30, 2005

Wojtek Wolski and Luch Aquino put on an offensive clinic with five points each as Brampton Battalion thumped the Petes 5-2 in OHL action before 3,760 fans at the Memorial Centre.

Wolski was playing his first game at centre this season on a new line with Aquino and Aaron Snow. The trio worked magic together.

After Jamie Tardif banked in Trevor Hendrikx’s rebound for a 1-0 lead 3:40 into the game, Snow finished off a slick three-way passing play from Wolski and Aquino to tie it at 7:47. Wolski rifled an Aquino pass from the corner over Petes’ goalie David Shantz for a lead they never relinquished at 8:25.

Only 14 seconds after Jordan Morrison fanned on a shot with an open net, allowing Brampton goalie Daren Machesney to slide over for the stop, Brampton extended the lead to 3-1. Aquino fought off a check from Justin Caruana to convert Wolski’s pass 11:07 into the second. Shantz got a piece of the puck which dribbled over the goal line.

Wolski faked a shot and then passed to Luke Lynes at the far post for a power play goal 1:47 into the third. Aquino made it 5-1 3:56 later stepping around a sliding Shantz to score.

Brampton coach/GM Stan Butler may have found a winning combination with his new first line.

We felt we lacked that number one centreman, Butler said. It’s so hard to make trades we felt if we can’t make a trade, maybe, we’ll take our best player and move him into the middle. We got Aquino back from injury and Snow has been on fire lately. That’s the first game they’ve ever played together and I really liked the way they played. There is so much speed on that line. They are a tough line to contain.

"It was the Wolski-Aquino show in here tonight," said Petes’ head coach Dick Todd. "They got five points each in their first time playing together as a unit. We didn’t match up to them. We have a number of players who have to play well and, even strength, we got no goals tonight. Five-on-five we have to be better. We look like we’re relying on breaks and power play opportunities to get ourselves back in games."

OHL: Aquino, Wolski lead Battalion
Dec. 29, 2005

PETERBOROUGH, Ont. (CP) - Luch Aquino and Wojtek Wolski each tied a team record with five-point games as the Brampton Battalion beat the Peterborough Petes 5-2 in Ontario Hockey League action Thursday.

Aquino scored two goals and added three assists, while line mate Wolski scored once and assisted on the other four Battalion goals.

Aquino Joins 5-Point Club
battalionhockey.com, Dec. 29,2005

PETERBOROUGH, Ont. – A line experiment paid big dividends for the Brampton Battalion in a 5-2 Ontario Hockey League victory Thursday night over the league-leading Peterborough Petes.

Wojtek Wolski, who has played the left side for four seasons, moved to centre between left winger Aaron Snow and right winger Luch Aquino, who returned to action after missing three games with a sore back.

The line generated the Battalion’s first three goals, and Wolski and Aquino each tied a club record with a five-point game. Aquino scored two goals and earned three assists, while Wolski had one goal and four assists. Snow scored one goal and added one assist.

Wolski gave the Battalion a 2-1 lead 38 seconds after Snow tied the game, one-timing a pass from Aquino past Shantz from the left-wing circle. It was Wolski's 13th goal and his first at even strength.

Aquino scored what proved to be the winner at 11:07 of the second period, taking a pass from Wolski and slipping the puck just over the goal line past Shantz’s left pad. Brock McPherson, returning to action after missing 25 games with a broken ankle, fought Peterborough’s Patrick Kaleta seven seconds after the goal.

Lynes scored his team-leading 23rd goal during a two-man advantage at 1:47 of the third period, assisted by Wolski and Aquino.

Aquino made it 5-1 at 4:43, taking a pass from Wolski and showing great patience in carrying the puck across the Peterborough goalmouth before slipping it home. It was the third goal of the season for Aquino, who rejoined the Battalion from the New York Islanders’ organization Dec. 6.

McPherson, Aquino set to return
battalionhockey.com, Dec. 28,2005

BRAMPTON, Ont. – Reinforcements will bolster the ranks when the Brampton Battalion opens the second half of its Ontario Hockey League schedule Thursday night against the host Peterborough Petes.

Overagers Brock McPherson and Luch Aquino are to return to action when the Troops play their first of three games this week. Left winger McPherson has been sidelined for 25 games since suffering a broken ankle Oct. 16, while right winger Aquino has missed three games with a sore back.

“I’ve been looking forward to this for a while,” McPherson said Wednesday.

“It’s a little earlier than we’d expected. It’ll be nice to get back out there with the boys again. The time went by quicker than I thought, but I was getting tired of just watching games. That’s why it’ll be great to get back out there. I still have some pain in my Achilles, but I'll have to play through that.”

Aquino rejoined the Troops on Dec. 6 after playing 12 games for two minor-league clubs in the New York Islanders’ organization. With one goal and one assist in three games, Aquino said he's eager to get back in action.

“I’m ready to go again. I haven’t played that much this season. I was working hard off the ice to stay in shape, but you need game situations. The doctors told me to rest my back over the holiday, and I feel a lot better now. I’m back to 100 percent.

“It’s always tough when you aren’t practising, because you lose some of the chemistry you had with the guys you play with, but we’ve been working hard.”

Said Aquino: “This game(coming up against Peterborough) will be a really good test. I thought we could have beaten them that night(a 4-3 loss Dec. 17), and hopefully I can be a guy who can make a difference tomorrow night.”

The Brampton Guardian
Dec. 28, 2005

The return of Aquino from the New York Islanders organization should certainly boost the Battalion's chances in the second half of the season. He was second in scoring last season before being drafted and signed by the Islanders. He got a pair of points in his debut this season but back problems shut him down until after the break.

"Two weeks off and he should be back to 100 per cent," smiled Butler. "Once he's healthy, he'll be a good addition."

The troops headed into the break with four overagers on the active roster, Aquino, McPherson, Nolan Waker and Nick Duff. The team must be down to three by January 10.

Troops have shown they'll compete
battalionhockey.com, Dec. 20,2005

But the club benefited from the return of left winger Wojtek Wolski from the National Hockey League’s Colorado Avalanche on Oct. 26 and overage right winger Luch Aquino, who came back Dec. 6 from the New York Islanders' organization. Aquino has missed the last three games with a sore back.

“I think both of them have had good seasons, and we need them to continue that in the second half,” said Butler. “And if Wolski can get Aquino going, that could be good for us down the road.”

Butler said he's pleased with the progress of left winger Aaron Snow after a slow start. The 17-year-old, who had three goals through 20 games, has four goals and eight points in the last five.

“I’m hoping he's turned the corner. Early in the year he put a lot of pressure on himself, and it affected him in a negative way. He’s backed off on that over the last few games, and as a result his results have been a lot more positive.”

Sarnia Stung
Battalion special teams hot in 9-2 win over Sting
Brampton Guardian, December 14, 2005

Centre Nolan Waker, who coach Stan Butler put as the centre on his top line, flanked by Luch Aquino and Wojtek Wolski, collected two goals and an assist.

Waker said he considers it a privilege to play between Aquino, who returned from the New York Islanders system last week, and Wolski, who started the season with the Colorado Avalanche.

"I played with some good players out west but not two who have been signed,'' said Waker. "I just get them the puck and let them do their thing.''

Wolski had a short-handed goal and three assists. Aquino who left the game in the second period with back spasms, did not get a point.

Troops snap Kingston's streak
Brampton Guardian, December 11, 2005

The Battalion scored three times in the final 16 minutes to break open a 3-3 tie as Brampton skated to a 6-3 win over the visiting Kingston Frontenacs in Ontario Hockey League action at the Powerade Centre. The win by the troops snapped Kingston's five-game winning streak.

Michael Vernace evened the score for the troops 1:19 later as he scored on the power play from Wojtek Wolski and Luch Aquino, who was making his first appearance for the Battalion this season. The forward, who picked up 71 points for the troops last season, was re-assigned to Brampton by the New York Islanders on Tuesday.

Luke Lynes' second of the game, and 20th of the season, gave the Battalion the lead for good three minutes later and then Nolan Waker sent Aquino in on a breakaway. The Battalion sniper made no mistake picked the top corner on Daryl Bordon, who had replaced Taylor in the Kingston cage.

Wolski admitted that having Aquino back can only help this team reach its long term goal.

"Luch is a great player," said Wolski. "He works hard and creates chances."

One of those chances came late in the game. Aquino laid out a solid hit, picked up the puck and fed it to wolski alone in front.

Aquino was pleased just to get back into action.

"It was good to play again," admitted the 5-foot 9 winger. "It's good to be back."

Like Wolski, Aquino thinks things are falling into place for the troops.

"I think we can still take it to another level," admitted Aquino. "With everyone chipping in, I think we can go all the way."

Trade winds blow
Troops must move overager
Brampton Guardian - Robin Inscoe, December 9, 2005

The return of forward Luch Aquino to the Brampton Battalion will pose some interesting decisions for head coach and director of hockey operations Stan Butler in the next few weeks.

Aquino, who was returned to the Ontario Hockey League team by the New York Islanders this week, was second in scoring for the Battalion last season with 25 goals and 46 assists for 71 points. That was good for 25th in the entire OHL.

The 5-foot 9, 201-pound right winger was expected to suit up for the troops last night (after press deadline) against the Kingston Frontenacs.

"Getting Luch back will help our hockey team," smiled Butler. "He was our top scorer in the playoffs last year."

Butler isn't expecting the diminutive forward to be in top form when he makes his return.

"It will take him a little while," admitted the Brampton bench boss. "He will get better and better."

Butler noted that Aquino will have six games to tune up before the Christmas break.

"Any time you get a top flight player back, it helps" said Butler. "Especially when you don't have to make a trade."

But the return of Aquino will force Butler to make a trade.

The troops now have four overagers (1985-birth-year players) on the roster and each OHL team can only carry three as of January 10.

By that time Nick Duff, Brock McPherson or Nolan Waker's time with the troops will be up.

""It's was unexpected," admitted Butler of Aquino's return. "But we have to welcome him back."

Butler does have a little time before pulling the trigger on a trade if he wishes.

McPherson has been out of the line-up since breaking an ankle on October 16 and has just had the cast removed. According to Butler the troops are targeting a December 29 return date for the veteran forward.

Until the January 10 deadline, each team is allowed to carry four overagers, with three dressing on any given night.

Butler hasn't ruled out any options yet, but his trading partners may be limited. Most OHL teams already have their three overagers and may not be willing to make a change. At present teams like Oshawa, Barrie, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie and Windsor only carrying two overage players. Any one of them would be likely destinations for one of the Battalion's overagers.

"It's going to be a tough decision," admitted Butler. "We'll make a decision as we progress."

Troops post a victory to remember
battalionhockey.com, Dec. 8,2005

A 6-3 victory Thursday night over the Kingston Frontenacs was the Battalion's 200th since starting play in the Ontario Hockey League in 1998-99.

Luch Aquino made a scintillating season debut, assisting on Vernace's early goal and scoring on a breakaway at 12:20 of the third period to give the Battalion a 5-3 lead and some breathing room.

“It’s good to be back,” said overage right winger Aquino, who joined the team Tuesday from the Trenton Titans of the ECHL and skated on a line with centre Nolan Waker and left winger Wolski.

“I thought our line played really well and I think we can step it up another level,” said Aquino. “We should have capitalized on some other chances we had.”

Luke Lynes potted the winner before Aquino took an outlet pass from Waker and broke in on Borden, beating him with a wrist shot to the glove side.

“I came in and saw that he had dropped his glove, and I put the puck where his glove had been,” said Aquino. “It was a great heads-up play by Waker. Those two-line passes can really help me out. For an offensive guy like me, it’s really good.”

Aquino back with troops
Brampton Guardian - Robin Inscoe, December 7, 2005

The Brampton Battalion's chances at post-season success got a little brighter on Tuesday.

Forward Luch Aquino, who picked up 25 goals and 46 assists for the troops last season, has re-enlisted for another tour of duty with the Ontario Hockey League team.

Aquino, who was second in team scoring one year ago just two points behind Wojtek Wolski's team-leading 73 points, was drafted by the New York Islanders in the summer and signed a minor league contract, has decided he wants to return to the OHL.

He was at Sunday's 4-3 win over the Plymouth Whalers and was hoping that the needed paperwork would be done to allow him to return.

"It's official" said the 5-foot 9, 201-pound right winger on Tuesday morning as he prepared for a team fitness workout.

According to coach Stan Butler, the decision to return to Brampton was Aquino's.

"I thought it would be better for my development," admitted Aquino, who had been playing with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in the American Hockey League. "Hopefully I'm the guy who can help this team to the top, to the Memorial Cup. I think this team can do it."

Aquino expects to be in the Brampton line-up tomorrow evening when the troops take on the Kingston Frontenacs at the Powerade Centre beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Eager Aquino rejoins Battalion
battalionhockey.com, Dec. 6,2005

BRAMPTON, Ont. – Luch Aquino is back with the Brampton Battalion and will play for the Ontario Hockey League team Thursday night when it entertains the Kingston Frontenacs.

Right winger Aquino, a seventh-round pick of the New York Islanders in the National Hockey League's Entry Draft in July, most recently played with the ECHL's Trenton Titans, earning one assist in three games.

“I wasn’t getting much ice time in Trenton, so I thought the best thing would be for me to come back and play more so it could help my development,” Aquino, 20, said Tuesday before his first practice this season with the Battalion.

“I didn’t get to play much, and that happens a lot there with first-year guys. I didn’t think I was going to learn playing a couple of shifts a game. I’m very happy with this decision, and it was an easy one to make because all I want to do is play.”

Aquino said his decision was supported by the Islanders, who signed him after their training camp and assigned him to the American Hockey League's Bridgeport Sound Tigers, with whom he had two assists in nine games before joining Trenton.

“I think they thought this move was in my best interests too. I’m still their property, so they want me to develop. They don’t want me to sit on the bench because that won’t help either one of us.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that I can play at the pro level, and that includes the NHL. I have a lot of self-confidence and all the tools are there, and I just think I need to get the right opportunity.”

Stan Butler, Battalion director of hockey operations and head coach, is happy to have the Mississauga resident back.

“There’s no doubt that Luch is a welcome addition to our team,” said Butler. “He’s a talented player. I think Luch is comfortable here. He likes the situation he's in, and he wants to contribute over the games we have left.”

Aquino was in his first season with the University of Maine when the Battalion acquired his OHL rights from the Oshawa Generals on Dec. 1, 2003. He joined the Troops last season, finishing second in team scoring with 25 goals and 46 assists for 71 points in 65 games before leading the Battalion in playoff scoring with five goals and four assists for nine points in six games.

“I think the guys are happy to see me and I think the fans will be too,” said Aquino. “Now all I need to do is show people what I can do again.”

He said he's excited at the prospect of playing with left winger Wojtek Wolski, who has 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points in 16 games since returning from the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche.

“That will be fun,” said Aquino, a left shot. “We can generate some offence, and I can help him out. He’s a great player, and I think we’ll really click.”

Aquino, who watched the Battalion's 4-3 win over the visiting Plymouth Whalers on Sunday, said he likes what he's seen of the Troops, including second-year goaltender Daren Machesney.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that we can win. I think, if Daren keeps playing as well as he has and we can get everyone on the same page, other teams will have to pay attention to us.”

Butler said he hopes Aquino’s energetic style is infectious.

“The one thing with Luch is he gives his best and works hard every shift,” said Butler. “The one thing you can never knock Luch on is his effort. We hope that’s contagious and will lift the other guys.”

Aquino’s return gives the Battalion four overagers, including Brock McPherson and Nolan Waker, both of whom can play varied forward positions, and defenceman Nick Duff. OHL teams may carry four overagers until Jan. 10 but may dress only three. McPherson is sidelined another four weeks after breaking his right ankle Oct. 16.

“Brock’s still a few weeks away,” said Butler, “and I told the overage guys the other day that any decision that is made will be by Jan. 9.”

C/LW Luciano Aquino
Born: January 26, 1985, Toronto, Ont.
2004-05: Brampton Battalion (OHL)
Central Scouting: not rated (rated 187th mid term for 2004 NHL Draft)

Considered quick and skilled offensively....His older brother Anthony, a former Merrimack Warrior, is property of the Atlanta Thrashers and plays in the AHL for the Chicago Wolves....lists his favorite NHL player as Martin St. Louis....originally drafted by the Oshawa Generals in the OHL's 2001 Priority Draft (8th round choice, 142nd overall)....His rights were acquired by Brampton in a multi-player deal that saw the Battalion send Ryan Bowness, son of former Islander coach Rick, to Oshawa....played for the North York Canadiens in the 1998-99 Quebec International Peewee Tournament....his North York bantam team finished third in the 2000-01 OHL Cup.

Led the Provincial Junior A League in scoring in 2002-03 while playing with the Wexford Raiders...started playing hockey when he was five and reached the Metropolitan Toronto Hockey League when he was nine ...Luch is a second-year psychology student at York University...his father, Sam, is a hostler with VIA Rail ...mother Mina is an accountant with Gottardo Construction in Woodbridge...younger sister Sara is a Grade 11 student at De LaSalle High School in Mississauga...Luch played competitive soccer and lacrosse in high school...enjoys golfing and water skiing in the offseason.

Troops' draft showing buoys Butler
Battalionhockey.com, Aug. 2, 2005

Stan Butler, the Brampton Battalion's director of hockey operations comments on the Islanders selection of Luciano Aquino....

Aquino, who left the University of Maine to join the Troops, finished his first OHL season as the Battalion’s second-leading regular-season scorer, with 25 goals and 46 assists for 71 points in 65 games. He led the Troops in playoff scoring with five goals and four assists for nine points in six games.

“Luch is one of the fastest players in the OHL, and he’s got great skills. For a small player, he’s fearless and gritty. I’m not surprised someone took an opportunity to take a player like Luch and see how he does.”

Butler knows that an impressive performance by Aquino at New York's training camp could produce a contract offer for the 20-year-old from Mississauga.

“Our job in a league like this is to move players on and, if he can go and sign a contract with the Islanders out of training camp and play in the American Hockey League or NHL, then we’ve done our job.”

Battalionhockey.com
April 9, 2005

First-year right winger Luch Aquino, who had 25 goals and 46 assists for 71 points, pressed Wolski for club scoring honours. Aquino, whose OHL rights were acquired in a trade with the Oshawa Generals, joined the Troops after spending the 2003-04 season at the University of Maine.

The speedy Aquino, who turned 20 on Jan. 26, had the numbers to be the league's top rookie scorer, but the OHL deemed him ineligible because of his play in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. He was the Battalion’s top scorer in its conference quarterfinal against the Sudbury Wolves, with five goals and four assists for nine points in six games.

“I’ve known Luch since he was a kid, and I knew he’d be a good player for us,” said Butler. “He came in and played extremely hard. He competes hard and he’s the kind of guy who becomes a fan favourite. He’s an energy guy with good hands, and he’s a fearless competitor.

“I think his goal for next year is to get drafted or signed by an NHL team, but if that doesn’t happen we hope he’ll come back here and be one of our key guys.”

Battalion looks back at elimination
Battalionhockey.com, April 5, 2005

After a scoreless first period, the Wolves built a 2-0 lead by 4:10 of the second on goals 19 seconds apart. Luch Aquino got the Troops on the board at 9:50 and, after Bobby Chaumont scored to give Sudbury a 3-1 lead at 14:55, Aquino cut the deficit to a goal at 17:35.

“When we were down 2-0, I knew I wanted to win and I thought everyone else did too,” said Aquino, who had two goals and two assists.

“I knew I had to step it up and show the guys that we weren’t quitting.”

Brampton lost to the Sudbury Wolves 5-4 in double overtime in Game Six of their first round OHL playoff series, losing the series 4 games to 2.

Aquino also scored the Battalion's lone goal in Game two's 4-1 losing effort.

Troops down 'Dogs, pass Petes
Battalionhockey.com, January 21, 2005

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – The Battalion, riding three first-period goals and the 40-save performance of goaltender Kevin Couture, defeated the Mississauga IceDogs 5-3 Friday night and moved into first place in the Ontario Hockey League’s Eastern Conference.

Dan McDonald, Howie Martin and Ryan Oulahen scored to stake the Battalion to a 3-0 first-period lead before Mississauga closed to 3-2 by six minutes into the second frame. Luch Aquino and Aaron Snow, the latter shorthanded, promptly scored in a span of 40 seconds to repel the suddenly surging IceDogs.

With the IceDogs energized, Aquino answered with his 15th goal, the eventual winner, when he positioned himself on Ouzas’s doorstep to tip home a nifty pass from Kyle Sonnenburg in the left-wing corner, giving the Battalion a 4-2 lead at 7:47.

“It was great to see Luch drive the net and take that nice pass from Kyle,” said Butler. “That goal was huge.”

Snow scored shorthanded at 8:27, taking a bouncing puck off the right-wing boards just inside the Battalion blue line and racing away alone to beat Ouzas with a 15-foot shot to the stick side.

McDonald, Aquino and Oulahen had assists to go with their goals.

January 17, 2005
snippet from the Toronto Sun

Thanks to solid performances by Tyler Harrison and Luch Aquino yesterday, the Battalion marched past the IceDogs to the top of the Central. Brampton has 52 points with 23 games left in the regular season. Mississauga has 50 points, one more than the Sudbury Wolves, with 25 games to go.

Brad Snetsinger and Daniel Carcillo scored first-period goals for the IceDogs (20-13-9-1) as they held a pair of one-goal leads. But Harrison's second of the day early in the second period was the eventual winner. Dan McDonald also scored for Brampton (22-15-6-2), and Aquino had three assists.

Luch Aquino overtime winner as Brampton beats the Wolves 3-2
November 26, 2004

SUDBURY, Ont. (CP) - Luch Aquino power-play goal at 4:50 of overtime capped a two-goal comeback as the Brampton Battalion defeated the Sudbury Wolves 3-2.

Aquino jammed the puck past Sudbury goaltender Patrick Ehelechner after circling behind the goal.

Luciano Aquino's 2003-04 Univ. of Maine Highlights

* Two of Aquino's 4 goals with the University of Maine in the 2003-04 season came in one game, a 5-2 victory over Northeastern on November 14, 2003. 

- NU entered the third period down a goal after Maine's Luciano Aquino took a second-period pass from Colin Shields and powered it past NU goaltender Keni Gibson (27 saves).

* Aquino's other tallies with the University of Maine came at Boston College in a 4-1 loss on November 7, 2003 and an 8-4 win over Boston University on January 23, 2004.

* Recorded two assists and named first star in a 4-0 win over U-Mass Lowell on November 16, 2003. Maine head coach Tim Whitehead: "Luciano Aquino played great today, and his speed opened things up. He drew the defenders towards him, which really opened things up for Colin Shields on the third goal."

* November 22, 2003: The Black Bears grabbed the lead for good on a great individual effort by reigning Hockey East Rookie of the Week Luciano Aquino. Aquino skated on to a loose puck and used his speed to create a two-on-one. Aquino waited for both the defenseman and goalie to commit to him as brought the puck near the crease. Aquino found Prestin Ryan who pounded the puck into the open net for his third of the season at 13:05 to put UMaine up 3-2. Immediately after the play, Aquino was drilled by Providence forward Jonathan Goodwin, who was assessed a five-minute major and a game disqualification penalty. Aquino was injured on the play and did not return to the game.

* InsideCollegeHockey.com: Maine’s Luciano Aquino has been outstanding of late, possibly his team’s best forward in its current four-game unbeaten streak (as of Dec. 3, 2003). Aquino, who was held without a point in October, had 3-4—7 in November and was named Hockey East’s Rookie of the Month.

* Maine went to the NCAA Championship game in 2004, losing to Denver 1-0. Aquino did not see action in any of Maine's Tournament games and would eventually decide to leave for the OHL's Brampton Battalion for more ice time in 2004-05.

Next Aquino makes Merrimack debut
By Kevin Conway - eagletribune.com - December 5, 2003

A pair of homecomings of sorts will take place at Lawler Arena this weekend. But don't expect the Warriors to be waiting with open arms.

Besides North Andover native Ben Murphy making his annual return with the third-ranked University of Maine, Black Bears freshman Luciano Aquino will skate for the first time on Merrimack College ice as a U.S. college player.

Until last season, Aquino was a familiar figure in the Volpe Center stands during the days when his older brother, Anthony, donned No. 26 as the Warriors' talented right wing. In fact, it was believed that their last name would stay on the jersey awhile longer after the older brother completed his four years and moved on to professional hockey with a degree in marketing to fall back on.

But Anthony Aquino opted to forego his senior season in 2002-03, gambling he could cash in on his status as the 2001 third-round NHL draft pick of the Dallas Stars. With him went the early verbal commitment Luciano had reportedly given head coach Chris Serino to continue the Aquino legacy at Merrimack.

With doubts surrounding Serino's coaching future during his throat cancer scare in the 2001-02 season, Aquino allegedly reconsidered his initial plans and began accepting offers from the heavy hitters of U.S. college hockey. Maine emerged the winner in the recruiting sweepstakes, beating out finalists Boston College and Ohio State for the Mississauga, Ontario, native's services.

Clearly the early returns have been more than worth the difficult chase for the 10-2-1 Black Bears. Just as Serino and Co. knew they would.

Aquino was named Hockey East rookie of the month for November this week after scoring four goals and totaling seven points in six games. He netted his first career goal in a 4-1 loss at BC, scored twice in a 5-2 win over Northeastern and set up Prestin Ryan's game-winning goal with a pretty feed during the third period of a 3-2 thriller at Providence. He also was also selected No. 1 star in back-to-back games against Northeastern and UMass Lowell.

"He made a great play to set up Prestin for the game-winning goal," said Murphy, enjoying the finest start of his career. "He showed great patience with the puck before sliding it over. He showed he's going to be a great player in this league. But there's always a freshman learning curve and he's still dealing with that."

Apparently more than he might realize.

Aquino provided the struggling Warriors with some bulletin-board material this week when he told the Portland (Maine) Press Herald that Merrimack was never on his short list of U.S. colleges.

"I wanted to be on a winning team," the 18-year-old was quoted. "No one likes to lose. I learned a lot from my brother."

Ouch.

Taking the high road, Merrimack captain Marco Rosa, a close friend of the Aquino brothers, took the comments in stride. The same couldn't necessarily be said, though, for some of his Warrior teammates.

"We've got Maine coming in for two games that are important for us and that's what we've got to concentrate on," said Rosa, whose been carrying the bulk of the scoring load lately. "Not the fact that he went there instead of coming here like he originally said.

"I was with him when he was trying to make the decision on where to go and he picked Maine, and I'm happy for him. I thought he was coming here for sure, but obviously he changed his mind and thought Maine would be the better fit, and I wish him the best."

When talking about his little brother, Anthony Aquino, who still holds the Merrimack Division 1 rookie scoring record, would insist Luch (as he's called) is "a better player than I am." At this point, the numbers may not bare that out.

Anthony, currently playing at Gwinnett, Ga., in the East Coast Hockey League after being traded by Dallas to the Atlanta organization last January, scored 15 goals and totaled 29 points in 1999-2000 on his way to earning an All-Hockey East Rookie Team selection.

Luciano, who was slowed by a knee injury that sidelined him for the Oct. 30 game in Orono against Merrimack, is on pace for only nine goals and 12 assists.

But keep in mind the Black Bears readily play far beyond the first round the of Hockey East playoffs, which the Warriors never got past during the elder Aquino's era.

"He's been a great addition to the team," said Murphy, whose eight points (2-6-8) are one better than Aquino. "He has great speed and works hard every day at practice. He's made some fine contributions, even as a freshman."

Again, ouch.

Black Bears take two at the Alfond
by Jeff Mannix, maincampus.com, Nov. 17, 2003

All it took was a weekend at home for the University of Maine men's ice hockey team to break its two-game losing streak. The fourth-ranked Black Bears improved to 9-2-0 overall and 4-2-0 in Hockey East with a 5-2 win over Northeastern on Friday night and then a 4-0 shutout of UMass-Lowell Sunday afternoon at Alfond Arena.

The star of the weekend for UMaine was freshman forward Luciano Aquino. He netted two goals on Friday and then added a pair of assists on Sunday.

"He brings so much [to the team]," Whitehead said after Sunday's game. "A lot like Jackson, Aquino can open things up with his speed."

"I felt great all week," Aquino said. "In practice, I worked really hard, and things went my way this weekend. I felt like things weren't going my way in the first four games, I didn't score any goals, but I was getting a lot of chances. Last week, against Boston College, I just put my head down and shot it, and things have been going well since."

Aquino scored his second and third goals of the season after scoring UMaine's only goal in the 4-1 loss to BC on Nov. 7. After UMaine was stifled all game long by Northeastern junior Keni Gibson, Aquino finally beat him on a second effort.

After Gibson stopped Colin Shields on a breakaway, Aquino cut to the front as Shields fed the puck to him. Aquino roofed it over Gibson at 14:12 of the second to put UMaine ahead.

"I saw [Gibson]'s shoulder drop," Aquino said. "He went down a little early. So I put it upstairs."

Troy Barnes, playing his first game since leaving the BC game with a concussion, scored his second of the season pounding home a slapper on a slowly rolling feed from Aquino and Michel Leveille at 10:17 to make the score 2-0.

"I watched the last two games in a row and I didn't like it all," Barnes said. "I'm happy to get back and just glad I can feel a part of the team again."

Aquino made the play on the third goal as well. His speed caused a two-on-two breakaway with Shields. He led Shields with a pass to the middle, allowing Shields to lose his man. Shields one-timed the puck through the opening between Davidson's arm and body and made the score 3-0 at 14:55 of the first. It was Shields' seventh goal of the year.

insidecollegehockey.com
December 3, 2003

The Brampton Battalion acquired Luciano Aquino’s OHL rights this week in a trade and plan to try to talk the Maine freshman into playing major junior hockey. Time will tell how it plays out – Aquino’s family history might suggest a jump (his brother, Anthony, left Merrimack for major juniors), but these deals often don’t play out for the major junior team (like the Calgary Hitmen’s acquisition of Cornell goaltender David LeNeveu around this time last year).

Maine Skates Past US Under-18 Team, 9-2
10/17/03

ORONO, Maine- Luciano Aquino (Mississauga, Ontario) recorded a hat trick to lead the University of Maine men's ice hockey team to a 9-2 win over the U.S. National Development Team in the Mid-Maine Communications Black Bear Classic (Exibition) on Friday night at Alfond Arena. Aquino scored two first period goals in the span of 26 seconds to give the Black Bears and early lead.

Aquino registered his third goal of the night when he raced the length of the ice and gained control of the puck and beat goaltender Jordan Pearce at 15:38. Aquino was named to the Mid-Maine Communications Black Bear Classic All-Tournament Team. The tournament consisted of Maine, Sacred Heart, Holy Cross, and the US Under-18 National Team.

U.S. National Under-17 Team Drops Exhibition Game to Team Ontario, 3-1
2002 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge

SELKIRK, Man. -- The U.S. National Under-17 Team was defeated by Team Ontario, 3-0, in an exhibition game at the 2002 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Selkirk, Manitoba. The tournament officially kicks off tomorrow when the preliminary round begins. Team USA will play in its first official game of the 2002 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. CST against the Czech Republic at the Stonewall Arena.

Ontario extended the lead to 2-0 early in the second period while short-handed. Ontario forwards Luch Aquino and Brad Richardson entered the U.S. zone on a 2-on-1, with Aquino sliding a pass under a diving U.S. defender to Richardson, who redirected it past Al Montoya.

Aquino tallied his second point of the night at 14:58 of the second period, when Team Ontario added a goal to extend its lead to 3-0. Aquino received a pass in the neutral zone from defenseman Kyle Quincey, which sent him into the U.S. zone on a breakaway. Aquino entered the zone and was able to beat U.S. goaltender Gerald Coleman (Evanston, Ill.).

Ontario forward Luch Aquino and U.S. forward Robbie Earl (Los Angeles, Calif.) were named the Players of the Game.