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Pirates Fall to Comets 3-2 in First Ever Meeting

November 4, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Utica, N.Y. - The Portland Pirates (3-5-0-0) lost to the Utica Comets (4-4-1-0) by a score of 3-2 on Wednesday night at the Utica Memorial Auditorium in Utica, New York. With this loss, the Pirates extend their road winless streak to four to start the 2015-2016 season. The game was notable, as it was the first-ever meeting between the two franchises.

Portland seemed to carry the play for a good part of the game, but late goals in both the first and second periods for the Comets proved to be costly for the Pirates. Portland had the chance to tie the game late in the third with a 6-on-3 opportunity in the final minute, but they were unable to capitalize, and Utica ultimately came out on top.

The Pirates had many man-advantage opportunities throughout the evening, with Utica accumulating over 18 penalty minutes on the night, but Portland's power play stalled on many occasions and finished only 1-for-9.

Vinny Saponari opened the scoring for the Pirates 8:19 into the first period with assists from Zac Larraza and Chase Balisy. Utica then struck swiftly at the end of the period. Darren Archibald found the back of the net, with help from Alex Friesen and Joseph LaBate, at 18:04. Then, Ashton Sautner gave Utica a 2-1 lead 56 seconds later, with assists credited to Hunter Shinkaruk and Blair Jones.

Rob Schremp tied the game 2-2 6:53 into the second stanza on the power play, with helpers form Cameron Gaunce and Rob Flick. Jones then scored the go-ahead goal for the Comets with 1:21 left in the second period, with the lone assist going to Carter Bancks.

Utica scored all three of its goals within the last two minutes of the first or second periods.

Mike McKenna (2-3-0) got the start for Portland and stopped 19 of Utica's 22 shots. Joe Cannata (4-3-0) manned the net for Utica, and earned first star of the game, saving 25 of Portland's 27 attempts.

The Pirates are in action next on Friday, November 6, when they take on the Springfield Falcons at the Cross Insurance Arena at 7:30. They will then host the Hartford Wolf Pack on Wednesday, November 11 at 7:00 PM and Friday, November 13 at 7:00 PM. November 13th is Military Appreciation Night and fans are asked to bring donations of items that can be sent in care packages to troops serving overseas. Fans that bring items to that game will receive two tickets to a future Pirates game. For tickets and more information, call 207-PIRATES.

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