Falcons Fly Past Sharks in Fight-Filled Affair

October 3, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release


SPRINGFIELD, MA- The Worcester Sharks dropped a 2-1 decision to the Springfield Falcons in a fight-filled American Hockey League exhibition game on Friday night in front of 512 fans at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. Bryan Lerg scored both goals for Springfield, while T.J. Fox scored a power play goal for the Sharks.

The two teams combined for 10 fighting major penalties, five for each side.

The rough stuff started early as each team recorded 21 minutes of penalties in the opening period, including three fighting major penalties each in the games first five minutes.

James McEwan dropped the gloves in a great battle at center ice with the Falcons. Garet Hunt at 2:54. McEwan threw rights and lefts while mixing in a few upper cuts.

Springfield took a 1-0 lead after Bryan Lerg found the back of the net behind Thomas Greiss at 4:52. Immediately after the goal, Ashton Rome dumped a Falcons player in front of the net and a ten player scrum ensued. Ashton Rome and Frazer McLaren each received fighting penalties as the Falcons Ryan O'Marra and Jason Bendfeld hit the ice. The Sharks were outshot 10-3 after the first 20 minutes of play.

The Sharks would find an offensive rhythm in the second period outshooting Springfield 14-5, but neither team could light the lamp. Worcester Shark Dominic Osman (6-0, 180) fought Falcon tough guy Hans Benson (6-0, 253) at 14:22. The score remained 1-0 after 40 minutes of play.

Springfield net minder Bryan Pitton made 12 saves on 12 shots before being relieved by Andrew Perugini midway through the second period.

The Sharks opened the third period with a 5-on-3 power play and T.J. Fox deflected a nice pass by Dan DaSilva behind the Falcons' goaltender. Matt Fornataro recorded the other assist at 51 seconds of the third period as the Sharks tied the game at 1-1. Minutes later, Sharks defenseman Brett Westgarth tangled with Garet Hunt as Westgarth got the decision in the bout at 3:11. Bryan Lerg would once again give Springfield the lead at 15:13 after Thomas Greiss made several nice saves.

Greiss played the entire game for Worcester, stopping 19 of the 21 Falcons' shots on goal.

The Sharks continue their exhibition schedule with a 7pm tilt with the Wolf Pack on Saturday in Framingham and a 4pm battle with the Monarchs in Fitchburg.

Worcester opens their third season in Lowell on Saturday, October 11th at 7:00 p.m. Worcester will then travel to Glens Falls in New York to battle the River Rats on the October 17th at 7:30 p.m., and then return home for the team's home opener against Providence on October 18th at 7:05 p.m. The first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive All-Star bobbleheads and magnet schedules courtesy of Charter Communications! All fans will also be treated to a pre-game concert by Joshua Tree, a U2 tribute band!

Ticket packages for the 2008-09 season are on sale now by contacting the Worcester Sharks Office at 508.929.0500 or by crashing the net at www.sharksahl.com. Secure your seat for the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Charter Communications by making your deposit today!



American Hockey League Stories from October 3, 2008


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