Ben Birnell
@benbirnell.bsky.social
Daily Sentinel sports guy, covering Utica/Rome athletes/teams, including Utica Comets • Maria's husband • Emma's godfather • MN native • Ellery Award recipient
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Jakub Málek stops 3 shooters in the SO and the celly game is 🔥
Comets are 7-15-3-1 overall.
Comets are 7-15-3-1 overall.
December 21, 2025 at 3:42 AM
Jakub Málek stops 3 shooters in the SO and the celly game is 🔥
Comets are 7-15-3-1 overall.
Comets are 7-15-3-1 overall.
Free idea.
What if Tate McRae met Basil McRae and they talking hockey and stuff?
What if Tate McRae met Basil McRae and they talking hockey and stuff?
December 19, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Free idea.
What if Tate McRae met Basil McRae and they talking hockey and stuff?
What if Tate McRae met Basil McRae and they talking hockey and stuff?
Stick taps to Ryan Schmelzer on becoming the 3rd Utica Comets player to reach 300 games with the team
Photo cred: me
Photo cred: me
December 18, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Stick taps to Ryan Schmelzer on becoming the 3rd Utica Comets player to reach 300 games with the team
Photo cred: me
Photo cred: me
3-1 W for Utica, which earns 2nd road win of 25-26 Wednesday.
1/2 on PP, 3/4 on PK, including 2 in 3rd.
Daws 19/21
Melovsky, Gruden, Gs. Vilen’s 2nd (!) GWG.
After 10 losses to Devon Levi, Comets have won back-to-back vs. goalie.
Nice outing given: 5 call-ups, 2 injured
Utica: 6-14-3-1 overall
1/2 on PP, 3/4 on PK, including 2 in 3rd.
Daws 19/21
Melovsky, Gruden, Gs. Vilen’s 2nd (!) GWG.
After 10 losses to Devon Levi, Comets have won back-to-back vs. goalie.
Nice outing given: 5 call-ups, 2 injured
Utica: 6-14-3-1 overall
December 18, 2025 at 3:16 AM
3-1 W for Utica, which earns 2nd road win of 25-26 Wednesday.
1/2 on PP, 3/4 on PK, including 2 in 3rd.
Daws 19/21
Melovsky, Gruden, Gs. Vilen’s 2nd (!) GWG.
After 10 losses to Devon Levi, Comets have won back-to-back vs. goalie.
Nice outing given: 5 call-ups, 2 injured
Utica: 6-14-3-1 overall
1/2 on PP, 3/4 on PK, including 2 in 3rd.
Daws 19/21
Melovsky, Gruden, Gs. Vilen’s 2nd (!) GWG.
After 10 losses to Devon Levi, Comets have won back-to-back vs. goalie.
Nice outing given: 5 call-ups, 2 injured
Utica: 6-14-3-1 overall
With Legare up to Devils, Utica Comets without:
White
Crookshank
Parent
Addison
Legare
Man-games lost due to call-ups Wednesday will be at 51.
Not gonna get any easier for a team averaging 2.13 goals.
And had 5 wins in the first 23 games.
White
Crookshank
Parent
Addison
Legare
Man-games lost due to call-ups Wednesday will be at 51.
Not gonna get any easier for a team averaging 2.13 goals.
And had 5 wins in the first 23 games.
December 16, 2025 at 4:14 PM
With Legare up to Devils, Utica Comets without:
White
Crookshank
Parent
Addison
Legare
Man-games lost due to call-ups Wednesday will be at 51.
Not gonna get any easier for a team averaging 2.13 goals.
And had 5 wins in the first 23 games.
White
Crookshank
Parent
Addison
Legare
Man-games lost due to call-ups Wednesday will be at 51.
Not gonna get any easier for a team averaging 2.13 goals.
And had 5 wins in the first 23 games.
So weird how my allergies just started bothering me
December 16, 2025 at 4:02 AM
So weird how my allergies just started bothering me
Babe, wake up.
A new meme just dropped.
A new meme just dropped.
December 15, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Babe, wake up.
A new meme just dropped.
A new meme just dropped.
I started a parks and rec rewatch from the beginning last night and I guess I forgot Chris Pratt was “only” a “guest star” in the first season
December 15, 2025 at 5:27 PM
I started a parks and rec rewatch from the beginning last night and I guess I forgot Chris Pratt was “only” a “guest star” in the first season
I had no idea one could announce being someone’s dad twice in one week.
Congrats to Josh Allen.
Congrats to Josh Allen.
December 14, 2025 at 9:39 PM
I had no idea one could announce being someone’s dad twice in one week.
Congrats to Josh Allen.
Congrats to Josh Allen.
Ryan Schmelzer on one-goal setback Saturday: "It feels like we have a couple games of that script this year. (Friday) was one of them. We have to find a way to bear down.”
Also, please look at that hockey shot I took. turned out alright, I guess.
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
Also, please look at that hockey shot I took. turned out alright, I guess.
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
'Find a way to bear down': Utica Comets drop 1-goal game to end homestead
Despite the Utica Comets totaling 34 shots and trying to possessing the puck in the waning minutes of the third period, Springfield got the eventual game-winning goal on a redirected shot in the third...
www.romesentinel.com
December 14, 2025 at 3:15 AM
Ryan Schmelzer on one-goal setback Saturday: "It feels like we have a couple games of that script this year. (Friday) was one of them. We have to find a way to bear down.”
Also, please look at that hockey shot I took. turned out alright, I guess.
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
Also, please look at that hockey shot I took. turned out alright, I guess.
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
I didn't see (😏) a large majority of John Cheyna's (editor's note: on purpose) run in WWE because I tuned out on consistent basis from 2002 to March 2020.
Obviously, I was aware of him because: pop culture.
Has been fun to witness these last months with Cena as a regular.
To a special "last one."
Obviously, I was aware of him because: pop culture.
Has been fun to witness these last months with Cena as a regular.
To a special "last one."
December 13, 2025 at 9:13 PM
I didn't see (😏) a large majority of John Cheyna's (editor's note: on purpose) run in WWE because I tuned out on consistent basis from 2002 to March 2020.
Obviously, I was aware of him because: pop culture.
Has been fun to witness these last months with Cena as a regular.
To a special "last one."
Obviously, I was aware of him because: pop culture.
Has been fun to witness these last months with Cena as a regular.
To a special "last one."
And there goes Calen Addison to NJD.
He joins other recalls:
Colton White
Angus Crookshank
Xavier Parent
He joins other recalls:
Colton White
Angus Crookshank
Xavier Parent
December 13, 2025 at 3:12 PM
And there goes Calen Addison to NJD.
He joins other recalls:
Colton White
Angus Crookshank
Xavier Parent
He joins other recalls:
Colton White
Angus Crookshank
Xavier Parent
Utica Comets have point-streak end at 4 with 1-goal setback to Hartford on Friday in Utica.
Heck of a push over the last 4 minutes.
2 SHGs allowed makes the difference. Malek stops 22 of 24
Comets are 5-13-3-1 overall.
Comets close 3-game homestand Saturday vs. SPR TBirds
Heck of a push over the last 4 minutes.
2 SHGs allowed makes the difference. Malek stops 22 of 24
Comets are 5-13-3-1 overall.
Comets close 3-game homestand Saturday vs. SPR TBirds
December 13, 2025 at 3:13 AM
Utica Comets have point-streak end at 4 with 1-goal setback to Hartford on Friday in Utica.
Heck of a push over the last 4 minutes.
2 SHGs allowed makes the difference. Malek stops 22 of 24
Comets are 5-13-3-1 overall.
Comets close 3-game homestand Saturday vs. SPR TBirds
Heck of a push over the last 4 minutes.
2 SHGs allowed makes the difference. Malek stops 22 of 24
Comets are 5-13-3-1 overall.
Comets close 3-game homestand Saturday vs. SPR TBirds
Xavier Parent gets the call-up after he was absent from Comets’ game Wednesday.
Thought that was the case when I asked Ryan Parent if he was injured and was told he “was unavailable.”
Good for X.
Smart, creative, solid shot and a motor for days.
Thought that was the case when I asked Ryan Parent if he was injured and was told he “was unavailable.”
Good for X.
Smart, creative, solid shot and a motor for days.
December 11, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Xavier Parent gets the call-up after he was absent from Comets’ game Wednesday.
Thought that was the case when I asked Ryan Parent if he was injured and was told he “was unavailable.”
Good for X.
Smart, creative, solid shot and a motor for days.
Thought that was the case when I asked Ryan Parent if he was injured and was told he “was unavailable.”
Good for X.
Smart, creative, solid shot and a motor for days.
Dmitry Ospiov remains an absolute beaut:
On 2-goal game in Utica Comets' 3-2 win: "I'm a loss for words right now. It is unbelievable.
It feels amazing. ... It would have been nice to get the hat trick."
www.romesentinel.com/sports/dmitr...
On 2-goal game in Utica Comets' 3-2 win: "I'm a loss for words right now. It is unbelievable.
It feels amazing. ... It would have been nice to get the hat trick."
www.romesentinel.com/sports/dmitr...
'We needed it': Dmitry Osipov's 2 goals help Utica Comets top Syracuse, extend point-streak
Defenseman Dmitry Osipov had his first two-goal game of his pro career and the Utica Comets never trailed in a 3-2 win over the Syracuse Crunch on Wednesday in downtown Utica.
It snapped a five-game w...
www.romesentinel.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:35 AM
Dmitry Ospiov remains an absolute beaut:
On 2-goal game in Utica Comets' 3-2 win: "I'm a loss for words right now. It is unbelievable.
It feels amazing. ... It would have been nice to get the hat trick."
www.romesentinel.com/sports/dmitr...
On 2-goal game in Utica Comets' 3-2 win: "I'm a loss for words right now. It is unbelievable.
It feels amazing. ... It would have been nice to get the hat trick."
www.romesentinel.com/sports/dmitr...
Jim Kramer on stepping aside at New Hartford:
“This is something where as my kids get bigger and older and start to participate in different activities, I want to make sure I don't miss out on those opportunities."
www.romesentinel.com/sports/jim-k...
“This is something where as my kids get bigger and older and start to participate in different activities, I want to make sure I don't miss out on those opportunities."
www.romesentinel.com/sports/jim-k...
New Hartford's Jim Kramer steps down as football coach after 9 seasons
Jim Kramer has chosen to step down as New Hartford football coach after nine seasons.
During his tenure as coach, he helped mold the Spartans into a top team in Section III. Over the last three years,...
www.romesentinel.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Jim Kramer on stepping aside at New Hartford:
“This is something where as my kids get bigger and older and start to participate in different activities, I want to make sure I don't miss out on those opportunities."
www.romesentinel.com/sports/jim-k...
“This is something where as my kids get bigger and older and start to participate in different activities, I want to make sure I don't miss out on those opportunities."
www.romesentinel.com/sports/jim-k...
So, Kevin Dineen is known for wearing No. 11 in career.
In the AHL, he’s 6th in wins and 5th in games coached. (11)
Friday is 12/5, Saturday 12/6. (11)
For every goal the Utica Comets score in 2 games Friday and Saturday, I’ll donate $11 to American Cancer Society.
In the AHL, he’s 6th in wins and 5th in games coached. (11)
Friday is 12/5, Saturday 12/6. (11)
For every goal the Utica Comets score in 2 games Friday and Saturday, I’ll donate $11 to American Cancer Society.
December 5, 2025 at 5:07 PM
So, Kevin Dineen is known for wearing No. 11 in career.
In the AHL, he’s 6th in wins and 5th in games coached. (11)
Friday is 12/5, Saturday 12/6. (11)
For every goal the Utica Comets score in 2 games Friday and Saturday, I’ll donate $11 to American Cancer Society.
In the AHL, he’s 6th in wins and 5th in games coached. (11)
Friday is 12/5, Saturday 12/6. (11)
For every goal the Utica Comets score in 2 games Friday and Saturday, I’ll donate $11 to American Cancer Society.
Angus Crookshank gets call from Comets.
4 things:
- 7 points with the Comets has been playing a top 6 role.
- can play W or C. Has mostly played wing recently, which I think allows him to be a little more dynamic.
- has worn an A in what seems every game this season.
- Sticks say “Buster.”
4 things:
- 7 points with the Comets has been playing a top 6 role.
- can play W or C. Has mostly played wing recently, which I think allows him to be a little more dynamic.
- has worn an A in what seems every game this season.
- Sticks say “Buster.”
December 5, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Angus Crookshank gets call from Comets.
4 things:
- 7 points with the Comets has been playing a top 6 role.
- can play W or C. Has mostly played wing recently, which I think allows him to be a little more dynamic.
- has worn an A in what seems every game this season.
- Sticks say “Buster.”
4 things:
- 7 points with the Comets has been playing a top 6 role.
- can play W or C. Has mostly played wing recently, which I think allows him to be a little more dynamic.
- has worn an A in what seems every game this season.
- Sticks say “Buster.”
Enjoyed getting to know new Utica Proctor hoops coach Carvon Brazier: "I'm passionate about the game."
His team opens the regular-season Friday against rival RFA.
(They're also planning to honor the late Norm Stamboly before the game.)
www.romesentinel.com/sports/carvo...
His team opens the regular-season Friday against rival RFA.
(They're also planning to honor the late Norm Stamboly before the game.)
www.romesentinel.com/sports/carvo...
New era: 'Passionate' Carvon Brazier takes over Utica Proctor boys basketball program
Carvon Brazier, who is originally from Harlem but has lived in the Utica for more than 30 years, is beginning his first season as Utica Proctor boys basketball coach in 2025-26.
It is his first head c...
www.romesentinel.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Enjoyed getting to know new Utica Proctor hoops coach Carvon Brazier: "I'm passionate about the game."
His team opens the regular-season Friday against rival RFA.
(They're also planning to honor the late Norm Stamboly before the game.)
www.romesentinel.com/sports/carvo...
His team opens the regular-season Friday against rival RFA.
(They're also planning to honor the late Norm Stamboly before the game.)
www.romesentinel.com/sports/carvo...
Xavier Parent has 99 career points and Wednesday's game-winner is 1.
And the Utica Comets - finally — snap an extended winless streak
www.romesentinel.com/sports/xavie...
And the Utica Comets - finally — snap an extended winless streak
www.romesentinel.com/sports/xavie...
Xavier Parent's OT winner helps Utica Comets earn first road win of 25-26
The speedy winger scored late in overtime on a nice individual effort, allowing Utica to escape with a 4-3 win over the Rochester Americans on Wednesday in the third meeting this season between the No...
www.romesentinel.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Xavier Parent has 99 career points and Wednesday's game-winner is 1.
And the Utica Comets - finally — snap an extended winless streak
www.romesentinel.com/sports/xavie...
And the Utica Comets - finally — snap an extended winless streak
www.romesentinel.com/sports/xavie...
Utica Comets D-man Calen Addison: “Negativity never helps and never makes anything better. I try to say positive and try work hard every day. I just try to grind as hard as I can in the games and show my teammates how much I want to win.”
www.romesentinel.com/sports/defen...
www.romesentinel.com/sports/defen...
Defenseman Calen Addison 'a stabilizer' for Utica Comets
Utica Comets defenseman Calen Addison is in his sixth pro season and seen as a 'stabilizer' for the team's blue liners, according to coach Ryan Parent.
While the team has struggled in the opening two...
www.romesentinel.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Utica Comets D-man Calen Addison: “Negativity never helps and never makes anything better. I try to say positive and try work hard every day. I just try to grind as hard as I can in the games and show my teammates how much I want to win.”
www.romesentinel.com/sports/defen...
www.romesentinel.com/sports/defen...
New meme just dropped
December 1, 2025 at 2:49 AM
New meme just dropped
Winless streak stretches on for the Utica Comets — both overall and against Syracuse.
Utica ends November with a 2-6-1-1 mark.
Comets are 2-12-2-1 overall.
Utica ends November with a 2-6-1-1 mark.
Comets are 2-12-2-1 overall.
November 30, 2025 at 2:28 AM
Winless streak stretches on for the Utica Comets — both overall and against Syracuse.
Utica ends November with a 2-6-1-1 mark.
Comets are 2-12-2-1 overall.
Utica ends November with a 2-6-1-1 mark.
Comets are 2-12-2-1 overall.