Pirates Weekly

Published on March 9, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


The Pirates suffered through a difficult weekend on the road dropping three, one-goal games and experiencing three consecutive regulation losses for the first time since October. Last week began with a 5-4 loss to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Friday followed by a 4-3 setback in Syracuse on Saturday. Portland completed the weekend Sunday afternoon at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, NY coming out on the short end of a 3-2 decision to the Rochester Americans. The stretch of games left the Pirates with a 35- 21-5-3 record, good enough for second place in the Atlantic Division.

Trevor Smith's second goal of the game turned out to be the game winner as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers posted a 5-4 come-from-behind victory over the Pirates Friday night at Arena at Harbor Yard. Mike Radja, Tomas Marcinko and Matt Martin also scored for the Sound Tigers. Mike Weber, Nathan Gerbe, Marc-Andre Gragnani and Philip Gogulla scored for the Pirates while Mark Mancari registered two assists.

The next night in Syracuse, a furious late rally fell short on a goal-mouth scramble at the buzzer as the Crunch shaded the Pirates 4-3 at the Onondaga County War Memorial At Oncenter. The Pirates rallied for three goals in the third period to set up the late opportunity. Weber and Gogulla, with a pair of goals in the final three minutes of the game, engineered the comeback attempt. The Pirates celebrated a last- second goal which was ultimately waved off by the referee. Brendan Bell, with two, Jared Aulin and Nick Holden staked the Crunch to a 4-0 advantage through two periods.

Jeff Taffe netted the game winner with 65 seconds remaining in regulation as the Rochester Americans slipped past the Pirates 3-2 Sunday at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, NY. Victor Oreskovich and Mike York netted the other goals for the Americans. Travis Turnbull and Cody McCormick replied for the Pirates.

This Week:

The Pirates will be busy on home ice this weekend with three games in three days. Friday the Pirates host the Manchester Monarchs at 7 p.m. Saturday the Binghamton Senators visit the CCCC at 7 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. the Springfield Falcons pay a visit.

Friday, March 13, 2010 vs. Manchester (CCCC), 7 p.m.

Manchester enters this week's action with a 34-22-3-5 record and sit only two points behind the Pirates for second place in the Atlantic Division.

The Monarchs have allowed the third fewest goals against this season (156).

Jonathan Bernier is at the top of almost every goaltending statistic in the League. His eight shutouts and.939 save percentage lead the League while his 2.01 goals against average ranks second.

Forward Corey Elkins is tied for ninth in rookie scoring with 19 goals and 20 assists for 29 points in 59 games.

The Pirates are 4-1-1-0 against the Monarchs this season including a 3-2 shootout win on January 26th, which started the Pirates franchise record 11-game winning streak.

Saturday, March 13, 2010 vs. Binghamton (CCCC), 7 p.m.

The Senators are 25-30-5-3 heading into this week's action and sit 14 points out of a guaranteed playoff spot in the East Division.

Martin St. Pierre is tied for 10th in League scoring with 20 goals and 39 assists for 59 points in 60 games.

The Senators shaded the Pirates 4-3 in their only other meeting this season, played January 8th in Binghamton.

Sunday, March 14, 2010 vs. Springfield Flacons (CCCC), 4 p.m.

Springfield enters action this week with a 21-33-9-3 record and sit last in the Atlantic Division.

Charles Linglet has been an offensive bright spot for the Falcons. The veteran forward is fourth in AHL scoring with 18 goals and 49 assists for 67 points in 66 games. Linglet's 49 assists are more than any other Springfield player's point total.

The Pirates are 3-2-0-0 against the Falcons this season including a 2-0 victory on December 18th.

The Falcons have gone 97:40 without scoring a goal against the Pirates.

Recent Pirates Transaction:

3/6/10 Mark Mancari, recalled from loan by Buffalo (NHL)

Pirates Events:

Friday, March 12th vs. Manchester 7 p.m.

Camp Bow Wow Adopt-A-Pet Night & Gritty's Mug Club Night

Experience the first ever Adopt-A-Pet Night at the Portland Pirates sponsored by Camp Bow Wow. Bring in dog food and blankets to help local shelters and receive a pair of free Pirates ticket. Fans will even get a chance to see dogs up close for adoption. For more information visit www.campbowwowusa.com

Attention all Gritty's Mug Club members! Make sure you stop by your Gritty's location in Portland, Freeport, or Lewiston and receive 2 FREE Pirates tickets and special discount tickets for any additional tickets purchased courtesy of the Portland Pirates and Gritty's. For more information on how to become a Mug Club member visit www.grittys.com. Tickets for the game are available by calling (207) 775-3458, visiting the Cumberland County Civic Center Box Office or going on-line at portlandpirates.com.

Saturday, March 13th vs. Binghamton 7 p.m.

Calder Cup Retro Jerseys presented by Bath Savings, Treasure Chest Night & Girl Scout Sleep Over

Saturday is Labatt Blue Light Hockey Night in Portland! Get the full Labatt Blue Light experience before and after the game by visiting Binga's Stadium ($3 Labatt drafts before and after all Pirates games), Brian Boru (Saturday nights $2.40 Labatt drafts), Frosty Pint (Saturday $2.50 Labatt Drafts and Labatt Light bottles), and Spring Point Tavern ($2 Labatt drafts every Saturday night). The Pirates will wear special jerseys, presented by Bath Savings Institution, worn during the 1993-1994 championship season.

After the game, fans will be able to bid on select jerseys at www.portlandpirates.com. In addition, the Portland Press Herald will also be distributing a reprint of the front page from the Press Herald following the Calder Cup-clinching game to the first 2,000 fans into the game and Championship team members Kent Hulst and Jeff Nelson will be on hand and available for autographs during the first intermission. All hands on deck for Treasure Chest Night. One game a month the Pirates will have Salty Pete's Treasure Chest in the main lobby filled with over $500 worth of prizes from the Pirates and participating sponsors. Simply fill out a survey at the Customer Service Booth in the main lobby for your chance to win. The Pirates will also welcome Girl Scouts from around the area, along with their families and friends. There will be a post-game skate for the Girl Scouts, followed by a movie on the videoboard and sleepover in the arena. The Girl Scouts will also be selling Girl Scout Cookies in the lobby. The game is the fourth Student Achiever Night of the season as we welcome all Student Achievers and their families from across the state to the game. There's still time to become a Pirates Student chiever and get a free ticket to a future Pirates game. Visit portlandpirates.com for details. Can't make it to the game? See it live on Time Warner Cable. For channel listings in your area, visit www.yourtownscable.com. The telecast begins live at 7 p.m. Tickets for the game are available by calling (207) 775-3458, visiting the Cumberland County Civic Center Box Office or going on-line at portlandpirates.com.

Sunday, March 14th vs. Springfield 4 p.m.

State Farm Teddy Bear Toss & Sudzie Family Five Pack

State Farm presents the 2nd Annual Teddy Bear Toss. Fans are encouraged to bring teddy bears to the game to throw on the ice after the Pirates score. All teddy bears will be donated to local charities including Ronald McDonald House of Maine, the Center for Grieving Children, Mid Coast Hospital, and many other local charities. State Farm will also be giving away 1,000 Bear Print Pamphlets and 500 hackey sacks. The Pirates welcome all DARE graduates and their families from around the State of Maine to the game. Sudzie Family Five Packs are available for all Sunday home games - five Main Deck tickets, five hot dogs or pizza slices, five sodas, one Daily Scroll game program, and one free Sudzie Minuteman exterior car wash for $60. That's more than half the $123 value. Tickets for the game are available by calling (207) 775-3458, visiting the Cumberland County Civic Center Box Office or going on-line at portlandpirates.com.

Pirates Promotions:

Sudzie Family Five Packs - Are available for Sunday games during the 2009-10 season and provide you with five Main Deck Tickets, five Hot Dogs or Pizza Slices, five Sodas, and one "Daily Scroll" all for the discounted price of $60. This season, with each purchase of a Sudzie Family Five Pack, fans will receive a coupon for one (1) free Sudzie Minuteman Exterior Wash (valued at $11). In total, that's a value of $123! For more information call a Portland Pirates Ticket Representative at 207-828-4665 ext. 350.

SUBWAY Flex Books - Flex Books made fresh by SUBWAY are packs of five or 10-ticket vouchers that can be used for any Pirates 2009-2010 regular season home game (subject to availability). This season, SUBWAY will provide one (1) promotional coupon valid for one (1) FREE 6" sub for each set of five flex tickets purchased. Fans that purchase a 10-pack will receive two (2) SUBWAY coupons. Coupons are available while supplies last. For more information call a Portland Pirates Ticket Representative at 207-828-4665 ext. 350.

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American Hockey League Stories from March 9, 2010


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