North Division Finals Game 4 Previw
March 3, 2011 - Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL)
Watertown Privateers News Release
The 1000 Islands Privateers have battled the Akwesasne Warriors all season, with games ranging from exciting comebacks, tight thrillers, and some laughers. The North Division Finals of the Federal Hockey League have seen more of the same. This Friday, the Privateers face a must-win situation at home as they host the Warriors at 7 PM.
Mike Elberty has seen his team drop a pair over the season and get knocked down. However, the more they hit the canvas, the harder they come back swinging. The Privateers have banded together many times, winning while undermanned, written off, or otherwise doubted. Games against Akwesasne have been physical and high-paced. The Privateers play a speed game but can dish out the punishment, particularly with tough guys like Evan Romeo and Brownville's Brian Marks on the blue line. The playoffs have been dominated by the ¬ÅKingston Trio, ¬Â as center Ryan Pearson and wings Adam McAllister and Justin Levac have combined for six of the team's 10 goals. This line of former Voyageurs has a tremendous amount of postseason experience from their junior hockey careers. Captain Alex Goupil has scored twice and has substantial postseason experience in his years of professional hockey. Rich Sillery has played better this past weekend despite losing both games. The Privateers have outshot the Warriors all three contests.
Angelo Sanseverino and the Warriors have battled and counterpunched their way to put their rivals on the brink of elimination. Akwesasne tied the series with a dominant 6-0 shutout at the Bonnie Castle Rec Center on Saturday and came back from a 2-goal deficit in the third period to win 5-4 on Sunday. The offense has scored more goals on fewer shots, something that has been their calling cards against 1000 Islands all season. David Plouffe has played strong in the net, allowing just 4 goals on 78 shots in the last two victories. The return of forwards Dan Tessier and Joshua Desmarais has sparked the offense and the Warriors look to continue that momentum. Miguel Delisle scored the game-winner on Sunday and he is tied with Tessier and Pearson for the league-leader in playoff points. FHL Rookie of the Year Ahmed Mahfouz has continued his excellent play, attacking with reckless abandon and backchecking the same way. The Warriors have some leeway tomorrow as they would host the climatic game 5 on Saturday night.
After a crowd of almost 1,500 on Saturday night, the Privateers expect another big showing from the North Country hockey fans. The first 1,000 through the door will receive a team photo collage. Fans can also sign up to win season tickets for next year - no purchase necessary.
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 March 3, 2011
- North Division Finals Game 4 Previw - Watertown Privateers
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