Big Weekend Set Coming up for Privateers
January 28, 2011 - Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL)
Watertown Privateers News Release
The 1000 Islands Privateers sit comfortably in second place of the Federal Hockey League and are in prime position for a long playoff run. That's not good enough. The team has chased the Akwesasne Warriors for all of the season, engaged in a tug-of-war after hacking away at the lead established in early December. The Privateers will face Akwesasne twice this weekend with a chance to overtake the Warriors for first place with a sweep. Between the two high-powered offenses and a potential battle of two heavyweights, this is primed to be the most exciting match-up of the FHL season.
Mike Elberty has seen his Privateers endure bouts of adversity and continue to play strong hockey. Players have been injured, missed games, and the team continues to win even with a short bench. The Privateers won 10-5 last night in Rome despite having just 10 skaters and backup goalie Richard Sillery between the pipes. Captain Shawn Fensel, one of the best defenseman in the league, signed with Missouri in the Central Hockey League last week. This week, the team lost starting goalie Josselin St. Pierre for the weekend while he plays with Mississippi in the CHL and starting center Alex Lacombe joined Fayetteville in the Southern Professional Hockey League. The team has been able to install new players into the system to continue their success. The second line pairing of Alex Goupil and Tyler Fernandez has propelled the offense. Goupil's four-goal night against Rome gives him a league-leading 34 goals, while Fernandez set a new FHL mark with six assists and has scored every game he has played since the start of December. To protect the skill players, the Privateers have signed Chase Tippin, a tough guy who has established himself in other professional leagues. At 6'3 and 238 pounds, the Warriors may think twice before attempting to engage him.
Angelo Sanseverino took over the Warriors in November and has kept his team the ones to beat in the FHL. They have a talented veteran roster with a lot of offensive firepower. While FHL scoring leader Pierre Dagenais left Cornwall to play in Europe, the bench includes Pat Deraspe, Martin Beaulne, Ahmed Mahfouz, and top-scoring defenseman Carter Trevasani. The Warriors match the Privateers' skill and youth with power. Games with the Warriors are physical and a tough victory, particularly at home. The Warriors rarely go to overtime and have won all 5 appearances. They have dominated on the power play all year, and the improved play of starting goalie David Plouffe has brought their penalty kill atop the FHL rankings. The Warriors recently signed Travis Stacey, a 6'4, 245-lb winger to throw fists. Fans at Akwesasne are looking to see him challenge Tippin.
The home-and-home begins Saturday night at Akwesasne and concludes Sunday afternoon at the Bonnie Castle Rec Center at 3 PM. The Privateers are offering a family four-pack, featuring two adult tickets, two child tickets, 4 vouchers redeemable for choice of: hamburger, hot dog, or chicken fingers, and 4 Pepsi products, all for $40. For more information on this and other Privateers' information, call 315-382-5656.
The 1000 Islands Privateers operate in Alexandria Bay and are a founding franchise in the Federal Hockey League. The Privateers play at the Bonnie Castle Recreation Center in Alexandria Bay. ¬ÅThe future is now ¬Â in the Federal Hockey League as the top talent play professional hockey with a chance to advance their careers.
Federal Prospects Hockey League Stories from January 28, 2011
- Warriors Win A Wild One - Akwesasne Warriors
- A's Keep Rolling with Ninth Straight Win; 5-1 Over Cape Cod - Brooklyn Aviators
- Big Weekend Set Coming up for Privateers - Watertown Privateers
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