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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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.
Utica Comets at 10-game mark
25-26: 2-7-1-0
24-25: 0-8-0-2
23-24: 4-4-2-0
22-23: 4-4-1-1
21-22: 10-0-0-0
21: Like Fight Club, we don’t talk about it*
19-20: 8-2-0-0
18-19: 4-6-0-0
17-18: 5-4-0-1
16-17: 2-7-1-0
15-16: 4-4-1-1
14-15: 7-1-2-0
13-14: 0-8-1-1
*COVID season, ya know?
25-26: 2-7-1-0
24-25: 0-8-0-2
23-24: 4-4-2-0
22-23: 4-4-1-1
21-22: 10-0-0-0
21: Like Fight Club, we don’t talk about it*
19-20: 8-2-0-0
18-19: 4-6-0-0
17-18: 5-4-0-1
16-17: 2-7-1-0
15-16: 4-4-1-1
14-15: 7-1-2-0
13-14: 0-8-1-1
*COVID season, ya know?
November 9, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Utica Comets at 10-game mark
25-26: 2-7-1-0
24-25: 0-8-0-2
23-24: 4-4-2-0
22-23: 4-4-1-1
21-22: 10-0-0-0
21: Like Fight Club, we don’t talk about it*
19-20: 8-2-0-0
18-19: 4-6-0-0
17-18: 5-4-0-1
16-17: 2-7-1-0
15-16: 4-4-1-1
14-15: 7-1-2-0
13-14: 0-8-1-1
*COVID season, ya know?
25-26: 2-7-1-0
24-25: 0-8-0-2
23-24: 4-4-2-0
22-23: 4-4-1-1
21-22: 10-0-0-0
21: Like Fight Club, we don’t talk about it*
19-20: 8-2-0-0
18-19: 4-6-0-0
17-18: 5-4-0-1
16-17: 2-7-1-0
15-16: 4-4-1-1
14-15: 7-1-2-0
13-14: 0-8-1-1
*COVID season, ya know?
Comets can’t extend win streak to 3 as they’re shut out for 4x in 25-26 with road setback Saturday at WBS.
16 total goals in 10 games. Fewest in 32-team AHL.
Comets are 2-7-1-0 overall.
Comets at home Tuesday v. Cuse
16 total goals in 10 games. Fewest in 32-team AHL.
Comets are 2-7-1-0 overall.
Comets at home Tuesday v. Cuse
November 9, 2025 at 1:48 AM
Comets can’t extend win streak to 3 as they’re shut out for 4x in 25-26 with road setback Saturday at WBS.
16 total goals in 10 games. Fewest in 32-team AHL.
Comets are 2-7-1-0 overall.
Comets at home Tuesday v. Cuse
16 total goals in 10 games. Fewest in 32-team AHL.
Comets are 2-7-1-0 overall.
Comets at home Tuesday v. Cuse
My god that court is horrendous
Ant has 29, Julius is one rebound away from a triple double and the Wolves are rolling Utah
November 8, 2025 at 5:12 AM
My god that court is horrendous
The Utica Comets have back-to-back wins after that forgettable October; plus Nico Daws becomes the 5th Comets goalie with 5 shutouts
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
Utica Comets secure back-to-back wins for 1st time in 25-26; Nico Daws earns 5th AHL shutout
Nine players had a point and Nico Daws stopped 19 shots shots as the Utica Comets improved to 2-of-2 in November after starting the 2025-26 season 0-6-1-0.
Daws' shut out is his fifth with Comets, pu...
www.romesentinel.com
November 8, 2025 at 5:06 AM
The Utica Comets have back-to-back wins after that forgettable October; plus Nico Daws becomes the 5th Comets goalie with 5 shutouts
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
Asked Utica Comets coach Ryan Parent about the rookies to begin 25-26:
“I think the minutes they’re playing isn’t just speaking to the opportunity we’re giving them.”
With some thoughts from Ethan Edwards, too.
Plus, a look at Utica’s Veterans Day jersey
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
“I think the minutes they’re playing isn’t just speaking to the opportunity we’re giving them.”
With some thoughts from Ethan Edwards, too.
Plus, a look at Utica’s Veterans Day jersey
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
Rookies’ defensive reliability 'standing out' early with Utica Comets; AHL team reveals Veterans Day jersey
This season, the Utica Comets have their share of players making their first steps into the pro game in North America and taking steps to develop their game. There are seven players that have the rook...
www.romesentinel.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Asked Utica Comets coach Ryan Parent about the rookies to begin 25-26:
“I think the minutes they’re playing isn’t just speaking to the opportunity we’re giving them.”
With some thoughts from Ethan Edwards, too.
Plus, a look at Utica’s Veterans Day jersey
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...
“I think the minutes they’re playing isn’t just speaking to the opportunity we’re giving them.”
With some thoughts from Ethan Edwards, too.
Plus, a look at Utica’s Veterans Day jersey
www.romesentinel.com/sports/utica...