Pirates first place in Empire
Administrator | Nov 01, 2011 | Comments 0
The Picton Pirates (8-4) have moved into first place in the Empire B Junior C Hockey League after back-to-back wins this week over the Amherstview Jets and Port Hope Panthers. The Pirates have been rolling as of late winning five straight at home and eight of their last 10 games overall.
Thursday at Prince Edward Community Centre, the Pirates were led by new comer Nick Ferguson and captain Mitch Rosborough’s two goals each in a 7-2 home win. Also scoring for Picton were Scott Boultbee, Tyler Kearns and Abbott Girduckis.
General Manager and Head Coach Ryan Woodward was pleased with the overall effort.
“The line of Ferguson, Dylan Leduc and Nolan Vanvlack were fantastic Thursday night,” he said. “The trio was creating turnovers and trouble for the Jets defensemen all night.”
Saturday, the Pirates travelled to Port Hope to take on the Panthers who were undefeated at home coming into the match-up. The game was an emotional one as both teams battled to a draw through 60 minutes of play and five minutes of overtime. In a shootout, the Pirates were able to score on all three of their chances (Ryan Sizer, Girduckis, Dylan Mountenay) to comeback and defeat the Panthers 4-3.
Abbott Girduckis, 16, scored two goals (not including the game winner in the shootout), while Jack Davison netted a single for the Pirates in regulation time. As a result of a Port Hope player crashing the net, newly acquired goaltender from the Wellington Dukes, Andrew Pearson had to relieve standout Matt Kaludis in the 3rd period Saturday night. Pearson put in a solid performance stopping 12 of 13 Panther shots and closed the door in extra time to help earn the 2 points on the road.
“The game was very physical and I was very happy with the way the guys handled some adversity killing off penalties and battling back in the 3rd period,” said Woodward. “It’s never a good feeling to see your goaltender lying on the ice in pain. Thankfully Matt will be alright and Pearson showed he can get the job done.”
The play of the Pirates 95 born player has impressed the coach early on.
“Abbott has a tremendous work ethic and passion for the game. He wants to get better every day and is willing to make the sacrifices to get to the next level. He is playing with tons of confidence right now and I expect to see him to continue to improve over the course of the season,” Woodward said.
The Pirates are back in action Thursday Nov. 3rd at 7:30pm, as they take on the Napanee Raiders at Prince Edward Community Centre.
Filed Under: Local News • Sports & Recreation
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