Privateers Defeat Akwesasne 5-3, Earn Tie for First
January 8, 2011 - Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL)
Watertown Privateers News Release
Saturday night at the Bonnie Castle Rec Center was different from most. The day was busy as local youth players competed in the 4th annual Eric Hutchinson Memorial Hockey Tournament. The evening brought a rivalry match between the 1000 Islands Privateers and rival Akwesasne Warriors. The fans who stayed for the nightcap left happy as the Privateers rode two Clay McFadden goals and solid defense late to a 5-3 victory and joined Akwesasne atop the Federal Hockey League standings.
The game started with a ceremonial puck drop and local fans honoring the memory of Eric Hutchinson, who skated the Bonnie Castle Ice for the Alexandria Central Purple Ghosts and other local teams. The Warriors weren't giving up first place without a fight, as Ahmed Mahfouz opened scoring. The Privateers answered as Ryan Pearson buried a rebound in front, with Harry Mahesh and Michael Byrd getting the assists. Both teams successfully skated off penalties in the first. McFadden opened second period scoring as Mahesh and Alex Goupil got the assists. Goupil extended his point streak to 12 games. Mahesh scored his second goal in as many games off a Nikita Poliakov feed. Pat Deraspe cut the lead to one on the power play but McFadden responded before the second period ended, with Goupil drawing the lone assist. The third period saw tense action, with Mahesh dropping the gloves with Aaron Naphan. Mahfouz tallied again on the power play but the Privateers were able to kill a Tom Ranae hooking minor that left three minutes between them and first. Warriors goalie David Plouffe stayed in net until the last minute, but Alex Lacombe fed Goupil for his team-leading 25th goal of the season on the empty net to salt away victory. Josselin St. Pierre stopped 30 of 33 Warriors' shots to get his league-leading 15th win, while Plouffe stopped 32 of 36 shots in a losing effort.
These two teams will play at Akwesasne Sunday afternoon at 2 PM for the outright possession of first place. The Privateers will return to the Bonnie Castle Rec Center on January 16th to host the Rome Frenzy at 3 PM. Following the game will be the Privateers auction. Fans can bid on signed gear, game-used equipment, and unique fan experiences with proceeds benefiting the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northern New York. The crowd was 1,436 for the memorable evening.
The 1000 Islands Privateers operate in Alexandria Bay and are a founding franchise in the Federal Hockey League. The Privateers play at the Bonnie Castle Recreation Center in Alexandria Bay. "The future is now" in the Federal Hockey League as the top talent play professional hockey with a chance to advance their careers.
Federal Prospects Hockey League Stories from January 8, 2011
- Danbury Scoring Avalanche Buries Rome, 5-1 - Danbury Whalers
- Privateers Defeat Akwesasne 5-3, Earn Tie for First - Watertown Privateers
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