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Pirates Double up P-Bruins in Preseason Opener

September 30, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Marlborough, MA - Rob Flick scored twice and Rob Schremp dished out a pair of assists to lead the Portland Pirates past the Providence Bruins 4-2 in a preseason game Wednesday night at New England Sports Center.

Flick's first goal of the night came 7:11 into the first period as he drove the net and accepted a pass from linemate Wade Megan to beat Providence starting goalie Zane McIntyre, giving the Pirates a 2-1 lead. They would not relinquish that lead for the rest of the night. Vinny Saponari also assisted on the goal.

Flick's capper iced the game for Portland at the 13:56 mark of the third period. He drove hard to the front of the net and was able to gather the rebound of a Jonathan Racine shot from the left point, beating Matt Ginn, who replaced McIntyre at the start of the third period. That goal gave the Pirates their final margin of victory and came just 32 seconds after Bruins defenseman Max Iafrate had cut Portland's lead to one goal on assists from Peter McIntyre and Max Everson.

The Bruins jumped out to an early lead just 1:38 into the game, as Colton Hargrove slid the rebound of a Colby Cave shot past Pirates netminder Mike McKenna. Eric Neiley also picked up a helper on the play.

But, the Pirates were quick to respond, as Rob Schremp broke into the Providence zone up the middle and cut to the right circle to take a shot. McIntyre stopped the initial chance, but Chase Balisy was uncovered in front of the net to bang home the rebound at 3:42 of the first period. Wayne Simpson also had an assist on the play.

After Flick gave Portland the lead, the Pirates withstood pressure from Providence in the second period as McKenna turned away some good chances.

Then, on Portland's only power play of the night, defenseman Brad Richard fired a hard wrist shot from the top of the right circle on a rush that glanced off of McIntyre's right arm and into the net with just 1:24 left in the period with assists from Schremp and McKenna.

McKenna (1-0-0) picked up the win in net, stopping 28 of 30 Providence shots. McIntyre (0-1-0) took the loss with 16 saves on 19 shots. Ginn made five saves on six shots in the third period for the P-Bruins.

Portland went 1-for-1 on the power play, while Providence was 0-for-4 on the man advantage.

The Pirates Preseason continues tomorrow night, as they host Pirates Youth Hockey Night at the OA Sports Center in Saco, taking on the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds at 7:00 p.m. It's the Pirates only home game of the preseason.

Admission to the game will be free, but limited to the first 500 fans because of seating capacity, so get there early! Youth Hockey players are invited to wear their jerseys and participate in raffles for Pirates Flex Packs and other great Pirates prizes. Pirates' Mascot Salty Pete will be on hand to help celebrate!

It will also be Pirates fans' first opportunity to purchase the team's new replica jerseys, including the throwback alternate sweater.

The Pirates open the 2015-16 regular season on the road Sunday, October 11 at the Dunkin Donuts Center against the Providence Bruins at 3:05 p.m.

The Portland Pirates begin their first season as the top affiliate of the NHL's Florida Panthers in 2015-16! The Pirates 23rd AHL home opener is set for Saturday, October 17 at Cross Insurance Arena against the Hershey Bears! Game time is 7:00 p.m. Home opening weekend continues with another game against Hershey on Sunday, October 18 at 3:00 p.m. Full-Season, Half-Season and 10 Game Season Ticket plans, as well as individual game tickets, are on sale right now! Log onto portlandpirates.com or call 207-PIRATES to lock in your seats today!

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