SUNDAYS #1 vs. DIRE WOLVES:

(vol. 15S, no. 1; newsletter by c.g.)
The Sunday Coastal Pirates' squad kicked-off the Fall 2003 season looking to rebound from their stunning Finals loss, with a game against the Dire Wolves. In the past the Dire Wolves haven't presented much opposition, as we've won two games last season against them by a combined score of 14-4.

The Pirates skated with Doug Collimore in net, and ten skaters (missing only Glenn Farkas). The blueline consisted of the tandems of Nicolosi-McLaughlin and Farrell-Richardson, while the forward lines were LeMatty-DiPierro-(and the returning) Ferraro with Wildman-Ralz-Goione playing second line duties.

The Pirates jumped out into the lead just over 1:00 minute into the game, when Mike Farrell blasted a shot from the point to beat the Wolves' goalie; after a brief discussion, though, the goal was waved-off as it was decided Scott LeMatty was in the crease. LeMatty would get his revenge on the same shift, however, when he set up Jimmy Ferraro with the one-timer for the true 1-0 lead. The second line would then get things going when Wildman would scooped-up a loose puck and raced in alone for the breakaway goal and the 2-0 lead. The defense was tight and limited the Wolves chances throughout the period. #19 would add the period's final goal when he put home his own rebound for the commanding 3-0 lead at the first buzzer.

Ralz would get things started in the 2nd period when his line played tic-tac-toe with the puck and ended-up getting the Pirates the 4-0 lead. However, Mike Farrell would help the Wolves get on the board finally when he took not one, but two shots at Collimore which left him with no chance to prevent the easy poke in by a stunned Wolf (Mike was trying to bang the puck safely into the corner, but just mistook Doug for the corner). The chances throughout this period were numerous as both lines kept heavy pressure on the puck. Richardson, had a sure breakaway, but was hauled down at center ice by an out-of-position Wolves defenseman; somehow both DiPierro, and the Wolves defenseman ended-up going to the box, and the period would expire with both teams at four skaters apiece for 1:30 minute to start the final period. At the end of the 2nd period, though, the score was a comfortable 4-1.

Ralz would keep the scoring going in the 3rd by putting home a Mike Farrell pass for the 5-1 lead. The Pirates kept the pressure on and the defense continued to step up and create opportunities at both ends. Midway through the period Russ took down a Wolves player on a breakaway; instead of a powerplay, the Wolves lobbied hard for the penalty shot, but Doug was up to the task (as he had been all night), and easily stopped the shot. Kevin would get his name on the scoresheet when he weaved through traffic and blasted one past the shell-shocked goalie for the commanding 6-1 lead. Finally, Ralz would finish off the hattrick by again putting away a Farrell pass in front for the dominating 7-1 Pirates victory.