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Pirates Celebrate End of 2015 with Victory

December 31, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME - The Portland Pirates (16-12-1-0) scored three consecutive third period power-play goals in three minutes, topping the Providence Bruins (12-14-5-1) on Thursday night at the Cross Insurance Arena. The Pirates have now won the last five New Year's Eve home games.

Providence started the scoring at 4:17 of the second when Matt Irwin scored his fourth of the season. Zack Phillips and Colton Hargrove were credited with the assists.

Shane Harper tied the game for Portland 1-1 with assists from Kyle Rau and Jonathon Racine.

Providence took its last lead of the night at 14:49 of the second period with Frankie Simonelli scoring his first goal of the season. Justin Hickman threaded the needle to defenseman, who released the puck from the right circle beating Portland goaltender Mike McKenna high blocker side.

The Bruins discipline unraveled at the end of the second and the Pirates took advantage. Portland had a four-minute power play when Rocco Grimaldi knotted the game up with assists from Rob Flick and Brent Regner

A hooking penalty on Providence's Tommy Cross allowed Flick to give the Pirates their first lead of the night at 3:34 in the third with assists from Dylan Olsen and Harper.

John McFarland put the nail in the coffin for the Portland with yet another power play goal. Wilson and Rob Schremp collected the assists.

Providence added a goal from Hargrove at 19:15 of the third for the 4-3 final.

McKenna made 31 saves in the winning effort bringing the Gorham Savings Bank Saves for Charity total to $3,300 so far this season. The win improves Portland to (16-12-1-0) on the year, while Providence dropped to (12-14-5-1)

The Pirates' homestand continues Saturday, when the team welcomes the Leigh Valley Phantoms to the Cross Insurance Arena at 7 pm. Kids dressed as pirates and princess will receive $5 off main deck tickets. For tickets and more information call 207-PIRATES.

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