SUNDAYS #2 vs. SLACKERS:

(vol. 11S, no. 2; newsletter by c.g.)
Last night the Coastal Pirates faced-off against the old Rink Rats and — coming off a disappointing loss last weekend — the Pirates were looking to get back on track. Even with a late game, the Pirates were able to ice a full 10-man team, missing only Ed “Scooby” Southworth and goaltender Harris.

The Pirates opened-up the game with a goal on the first shift as Goione redirected a shot from Weiss for the 1-0 lead. On the play, the line of Wildman-Ralz-Goione dumped the puck in while Weiss and (newly-acquired) Mike Farrell manned the blueline. After a brief exchange, Roger found himself alone at the top of the circle on the left side; he wound up, and blasted a shot that found Goione breaking to the net for the easy tip-in. The hustle continued throughout the period with the Pirates jumping on the majority of the loose pucks, and creating good opportunities. The Rink Rats would answer back though midway through the 1st to draw the score even at 1-1 by the end of the period.

The 2nd period is where the score sheet really began to fill up, as both teams clawed for the lead. First up was Jimmy Ferraro, netting his first of the night on a rebound from a Dan DiPierro shot. Next up, Roger again found his way onto the scoresheet, with a goal of his own this time as he trickled one through the goalie's five-hole from just inside the circle. The rink Slackers/Rats came right back, however, not letting the game get too far away from them for the 3-2 score. Jimmy Ferraro picked up his second of the night (and the period), as he picked up a loose puck and easily put it past the goalie for the 4-2 lead. In what was looking to become a trend, the Slacker/Rats again answered right back to draw within one as the 2nd period expired. The Pirates survived a scare as fill-in Goaltender Doug Collimore blocked a wicked slapshot with his groin, and crumpled on top of the puck; Doug was able to play on however, and the injury didn't look to faze him.

As the 3rd period unfolded it seemed as though both teams had left their scoring touches in the previous period, as the defenses took over. Lots of strong play from Weiss-Farrell, and LeMatty-Nicolosi, kept the Slacker/Rats off the board. Some quality penalty killing and stingy goaltending by Collimore, were able to keep the lead as first Goione, then Ferraro found their way into the Box. Overall, a strong effort of Pirates hockey, with lots of good hustle and smart play proved to be too much for the Slacker/Rats on this night — though their refusal to lie down, will make them a tough foe in the future.