Black Aces ready to step in
The St. Catharines Falcons have added, from left: Luca Santostefano, Easton Lynds, Jake Salvatore and Tyler Rowland to its roster for the playoffs. Photo: BILL POTRECZ
The St. Catharines Rankin Construction Falcons dressing room is a little more crowded these days with the addition of four players from minor hockey now that their seasons have concluded.
Forwards Jake Salvatore and Easton Lynds along with rearguards Luca Santostefano and Tyler Rowland have been added to the roster, available for St. Catharines head coach/general manager Tyler Bielby to use at his discretion.
“When you look back at our Sutherland Cup year, Luca Testa and Noah Reinhart played significant roles,” Bielby said. “Those were two Black Aces for us at the time that ended up being big contributors and it’s no surprise both are having successful careers.”
Black Aces is a term used for players who practise with a team and are required to be ready to jump into the lineup at any time.
The term was coined in the 1940s by former Bruin Eddie Shore when he was the owner of the AHL’s Springfield Indians. The name Black Aces refers to the “dead man’s hand” in poker, which includes the black aces and black eights, and is considered unlucky after Old West gunfighter Wild Bill Hickok was murdered while holding that hand in a game of poker 1876.
While the name refers to something unlucky, Bielby feels it is a huge positive to have a taxi squad of capable replacements.
“You take something from that and how they (Testa, Reinhart) were able to help you win just as everyone who has been in our dressing room and everyone who has been here all year are capable of being successful,” he said. “Those APs aren’t here to replace them, they are here to add value and support as it’s a grind. You go through playoffs and whether it’s injuries or suspensions or just needing to change things up from time to time, it’s always nice to have players that can come in and help the team be successful.
“We believe the four young men in our dressing room can come in and help and any given time.”
Salvatore, a 17-year-old student at Saint Michael in Niagara Falls, played for the Southern Tier Admirals this season scoring 34 goals in 34 games. He suited up for the Falcons for one game in the regular season and another in the first round of the playoffs.
“He had 34 goals in the midget level from going to the blue paint, going to the dirty areas,” Bielby said. “When you look at the playoffs, there’s no bigger goals scored than from in front of the net and that’s a kid that’s willing to go there. After the game he gave us in Game 1, if we need to call on him again, he’ll be ready to help us.”
Salvatore said the transition from minor to junior has been made easier by the players.
“It feels amazing. The boys have been very welcoming. It feels like home, they took me right in,” he said. “It feels so good when you get in the change room and they’re all talking to you like you’re one of their own. It makes you feel so good and makes you play better too.”
Salvatore quickly noticed the difference on the ice from minor hockey.
“You have always be prepared for the game and always work as hard as you can every day, every shift,” he said.
Lynds, a 16-year-old Thorold native, spent the season with the Peterborough Petes U18 AAA where he netted 18 goals and 33 points. He also scored a pair of goals for the Falcons in two regular season games and has already dressed for two playoff games.
“He brings a lot of speed and a lot of toughness finishing his checks and getting in on the forecheck and disrupting,” Bielby said. “He’s done a lot of developing in Peterborough. He was making some good hockey plays in Game 4. Really excited to get him going again. Don’t know exactly what that’s going to look like but we know he is going to help us.”
Lynds, who was selected by the Petes in the ninth round (173 overall) of the 2023 Ontario Hockey League draft, loves being able to continue his season.
“It’s awesome to be part of the team again and to keep playing as long as possible. I didn’t want to be done in March so it’s great to keep the grind going and be able to stay at the rink,” he said. “It is a whole different ball game. It’s way more intense and it’s a different game in the playoffs but I like it better.”
Santostefano, a 17-year-old Welland native, played in nine games for the Falcons this season.
“He helped us deal with some of our adversity on the back end and came in and helped us get some big wins,” Bielby said. “We have plans for him in the future and he was so steady for us in the regular season we are more than comfortable to have trust in him.”
Santostefano, who had four goals and 11 points in 34 games for the Niagara North Stars this season where was coached by former Falcons assistant Brody Kritsch, loves being part of the Falcons for the playoffs.
“It’s awesome. It’s definitely a higher-paced game but I feel like my game has gone up because of that higher pace and I’m just working to keep developing for the team,” he said.
Rowland, an 18-year-old Thorold native, played for Ridley College this season under former Niagara IceDogs coach Mike McCourt.
“Mike has been such a great coach. I’ve gained so much confidence and so much skill. He’s helped me so much as a player,” Rowland said.
Bielby loves Rowland’s skill set.
“He’s an exceptionally good skater,” Bielby said. “Mobile young defenceman who is very strong and physical so making the adjustment playing with some 20-year-old men hasn’t been much of an adjustment for him.”
Rowland dressed for one game in the regular season and four of the five games in the first round of the playoffs, garnering two assists.
“It’s great. I love all the boys, love being here. Getting to play a pretty big role on the team has been awesome,” Rowland said.
The Falcons take on the Fort Erie Meteors in a best-of-seven semifinal series beginning Saturday in Fort Erie. Game 2 is Monday, March 25 at St. Catharines. Game 3 is Wednesday, March 27 at Fort Erie. Game 4 is Friday, March 29 at St. Catharines.
Dear reader. If you liked this story or one of the 5,800 other stories found on our website, please consider hitting the Support Us button on the right-hand side of our home page and making a PayPal contribution to our website. Your support would be much appreciated. If you are a business owner, please consider advertising on our site. Our rates are reasonable and we provide plenty of exposure for your business. Contact bpotrecz@outlook.com for more information.
