Pirates Clinch Eimskip Port-To-Port Challenge Cup

Published on January 28, 2016 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME - The Portland Pirates (25-15-1-0) secured the Eimskip Port-to-Port Challenge Cup, with a 4-1 victory over the St. John's IceCaps (19-15-6-3) Wednesday night at the Cross Insurance Arena.

Mackenzie Weegar led the way offensively, tapping in his fourth goal of the season past IceCaps' netminder Zach Fucale at 14:09 of the first period. Brett Olson and Garrett Wilson picked up assists on the play.

The Pirates opened the second-period on the power play after IceCaps' John Scott was issued a double minor penalty for elbowing and unsportsmanlike conduct.

Rocco Grimaldi capitalized on the man advantage just 1:49 into the period. The forward collected a Shane Harper pass from the right circle, before ripping the one-timer in behind Fucale for the 2-0 lead.

John McFarland and Connor Brickley teamed up to make it 3-0 Pirates, before the end of the second.

Mike McKenna was eyeing his second shutout of the season, when rookie Nikita Scherbak put the IceCaps on the board with less than 5 minutes left to play. Charles Hudon and Sven Andrighetto picked up the assists on Scherbak's goal.

Brett Olson proved fatal with the empty net, flicking in his third empty-netter of the season with 17 seconds left in regulation.

Fucale made 34 saves and drops to 10-9-3, while McKenna improves to 20-8-1 on the season.

McKenna's 26 saves in the winning effort brings the Gorham Savings Bank Saves for Charity total $5,430 so far this season. The win improves Portland to 25-15-1-0, on the year, while St. John's dropped to 19-15-6-3.

Exchange tickets from Wednesday's game at the Trusted Choice Box office inside the Cross Insurance Arena for a free ticket to the Pirates game on March 23, 2016 when the team hosts the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

The Pirates and IceCaps face-off in the final game of the Eimskip Port-to-Port Challenge on Friday at Cross Insurance Arena. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. Friday is Go Red Night! Fans are encouraged to wear red as the Pirates team up with the American Heart Association to raise awareness of Women's heart health through the Go Red for Women campaign. Heart Packs are available for purchase and include two main deck tickets and an autographed mystery puck. Proceeds from the night will benefit the American Heart Association. CALL 207-PIRATES or visit portlandpirates.com to get tickets.

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American Hockey League Stories from January 28, 2016


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