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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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.
Artist Unknown.
Slap Shot (2025).
Piece of hockey equipment on building material.
This work is the traces of a sports team’s struggles in the 11th month of 2025.
Notice the curved edge showcasing the precision of the artist’s general displeasure following a difficult evening on a frozen surface.
Slap Shot (2025).
Piece of hockey equipment on building material.
This work is the traces of a sports team’s struggles in the 11th month of 2025.
Notice the curved edge showcasing the precision of the artist’s general displeasure following a difficult evening on a frozen surface.
November 27, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Artist Unknown.
Slap Shot (2025).
Piece of hockey equipment on building material.
This work is the traces of a sports team’s struggles in the 11th month of 2025.
Notice the curved edge showcasing the precision of the artist’s general displeasure following a difficult evening on a frozen surface.
Slap Shot (2025).
Piece of hockey equipment on building material.
This work is the traces of a sports team’s struggles in the 11th month of 2025.
Notice the curved edge showcasing the precision of the artist’s general displeasure following a difficult evening on a frozen surface.
Well, the Utica Comets might not be to thankful for the neighboring Syracuse Crunch on the ice this Thanksgiving
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
'They counter-punched': Utica Comets' winless stretch continues vs. Syracuse
The Utica Comets had an early lead and tied the game at 2 before Syracuse pulled away Wednesday in Utica.
It was the first time in five meetings in Utica's nearly annual night before Thanksgiving game...
www.romesentinel.com
November 27, 2025 at 4:31 AM
Well, the Utica Comets might not be to thankful for the neighboring Syracuse Crunch on the ice this Thanksgiving
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
Word(s)
On Nico Daws and a challenge from the New Jersey Devils goaltending staff: They've challenged me this year. It is tough as a goalie to be an outward leader or a big speaking leader. But, leading by example is something I've really been trying to do this year."
www.romesentinel.com/sports/nico-...
www.romesentinel.com/sports/nico-...
Utica Comets' goalie Nico Daws: 'Leading by example' is focus
Nico Daws' Utica Comets teammates have told the Daily Sentinel he's provided Utica a chance to win on many nights as the American Hockey League team has navigated a struggle-filled opening 15 games of...
www.romesentinel.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Word(s)
On Nico Daws and a challenge from the New Jersey Devils goaltending staff: They've challenged me this year. It is tough as a goalie to be an outward leader or a big speaking leader. But, leading by example is something I've really been trying to do this year."
www.romesentinel.com/sports/nico-...
www.romesentinel.com/sports/nico-...
Utica Comets' goalie Nico Daws: 'Leading by example' is focus
Nico Daws' Utica Comets teammates have told the Daily Sentinel he's provided Utica a chance to win on many nights as the American Hockey League team has navigated a struggle-filled opening 15 games of...
www.romesentinel.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:58 PM
On Nico Daws and a challenge from the New Jersey Devils goaltending staff: They've challenged me this year. It is tough as a goalie to be an outward leader or a big speaking leader. But, leading by example is something I've really been trying to do this year."
www.romesentinel.com/sports/nico-...
www.romesentinel.com/sports/nico-...
A plethora of moves for the Comets:
Shane Lachance returns.
To AdK Thunder:
Jackson van de Leest
Tag Bertuzzi
Jakub Málek
JvdL and Bertuzzi had been the “extra” options.
Málek has had a tough start to the season.
Shane Lachance returns.
To AdK Thunder:
Jackson van de Leest
Tag Bertuzzi
Jakub Málek
JvdL and Bertuzzi had been the “extra” options.
Málek has had a tough start to the season.
November 24, 2025 at 10:36 PM
A plethora of moves for the Comets:
Shane Lachance returns.
To AdK Thunder:
Jackson van de Leest
Tag Bertuzzi
Jakub Málek
JvdL and Bertuzzi had been the “extra” options.
Málek has had a tough start to the season.
Shane Lachance returns.
To AdK Thunder:
Jackson van de Leest
Tag Bertuzzi
Jakub Málek
JvdL and Bertuzzi had been the “extra” options.
Málek has had a tough start to the season.
Look at this play between New Hartford’s Johnny Vitullo and Peyton Way.
Helped New Hartford rally from 20 down. This play late in 4th helped NH tie the game (and take a brief lead.)
Easily one of the best plays — dare I say, the best — I’ve seen in a football field.
Helped New Hartford rally from 20 down. This play late in 4th helped NH tie the game (and take a brief lead.)
Easily one of the best plays — dare I say, the best — I’ve seen in a football field.
November 23, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Look at this play between New Hartford’s Johnny Vitullo and Peyton Way.
Helped New Hartford rally from 20 down. This play late in 4th helped NH tie the game (and take a brief lead.)
Easily one of the best plays — dare I say, the best — I’ve seen in a football field.
Helped New Hartford rally from 20 down. This play late in 4th helped NH tie the game (and take a brief lead.)
Easily one of the best plays — dare I say, the best — I’ve seen in a football field.
#ThrowbackFriday to that time 8 (!) years ago noted Utica Comets goaltender Thatcher Demko found an unconventional place for a goalie siesta.
November 21, 2025 at 4:39 PM
#ThrowbackFriday to that time 8 (!) years ago noted Utica Comets goaltender Thatcher Demko found an unconventional place for a goalie siesta.
Utica Comets’ Mike Hardman, who is coming up on 275 pro games: “That’s what I try to tell the younger guys (i.e. #njdevils prospects): It takes time.”
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
'Has to be one of our leaders': Mike Hardman looks to make mark with Utica Comets
Forward Mike Hardman has played throughout the Utica Comets' lineup this season while also having a role on the team's penalty kill and power play.
He also recently sported an A on his jersey as an a...
www.romesentinel.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:10 AM
Utica Comets’ Mike Hardman, who is coming up on 275 pro games: “That’s what I try to tell the younger guys (i.e. #njdevils prospects): It takes time.”
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
Checked in on Raw in Netflix for first time in nearly 11 months.
Hyped up a mystery wrestler and then had him lose.
Botched the celebration for a new champ.
Yeah, might be another 11 months before I check in again.
Hyped up a mystery wrestler and then had him lose.
Botched the celebration for a new champ.
Yeah, might be another 11 months before I check in again.
November 18, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Checked in on Raw in Netflix for first time in nearly 11 months.
Hyped up a mystery wrestler and then had him lose.
Botched the celebration for a new champ.
Yeah, might be another 11 months before I check in again.
Hyped up a mystery wrestler and then had him lose.
Botched the celebration for a new champ.
Yeah, might be another 11 months before I check in again.
Most read story on the Sentinel website last week, bay bee
November 17, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Most read story on the Sentinel website last week, bay bee
Hell yeah the Instagram sportsfluencers are ripping off other people’s work and not crediting them for it.
Awesome times.
Awesome times.
November 16, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Hell yeah the Instagram sportsfluencers are ripping off other people’s work and not crediting them for it.
Awesome times.
Awesome times.
Well, the head-scratching continues for the Utica Comets.
Turned in 2 really solid games to open November and then have put up 2 duds.
2-8-1-0 overall with a loss Tuesday.
Turned in 2 really solid games to open November and then have put up 2 duds.
2-8-1-0 overall with a loss Tuesday.
November 12, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Well, the head-scratching continues for the Utica Comets.
Turned in 2 really solid games to open November and then have put up 2 duds.
2-8-1-0 overall with a loss Tuesday.
Turned in 2 really solid games to open November and then have put up 2 duds.
2-8-1-0 overall with a loss Tuesday.
I like nobody wants this.
But the end of season 1 and season 2 are the same.
Nothing changed in 10 episodes.
But the end of season 1 and season 2 are the same.
Nothing changed in 10 episodes.
November 11, 2025 at 2:55 AM
I like nobody wants this.
But the end of season 1 and season 2 are the same.
Nothing changed in 10 episodes.
But the end of season 1 and season 2 are the same.
Nothing changed in 10 episodes.