Privateers Pull Historic Comeback, Defeat Warriors 6-5 To Open Playoffs
February 25, 2011 - Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL)
Watertown Privateers News Release
In the inaugural playoff game in Federal Hockey League history, the 1000 Islands Privateers faced archrival Akwesasne. The game featured two high-powered offenses that didn't disappoint. However, the game will be remembered for the Privateers' gutsy comeback, scoring four goals in the final period to win 6-5 and take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-5 North Division Final.
Privateers forward Tyler Fernandez started the postseason with the opening goal, adding to an impressive regular season, assisted by Alex Goupil and Michael Byrd. Warriors' captain Patrick Deraspe answered and Luc Mazerolle gave Akwesasne the lead before the first period ended. Mazerolle also scored in the second before Goupil tallied from Fernandez to make it 3-2. Goals from Miguel Delisle and Martin Beaulne stretched Akwesasne's lead, allowing the 453 in attendance to think the Warriors would hold home ice and put the pressure on the Privateers for Saturday night. The best third-period team in the league had other plans. Ryan Pearson scored from linemates Justin Levac and Adam Mcallister to close the deficit to 5-3. Following a cross checking major-miscodunct to Deraspe, Pearson lit the lamp on the power play with Mcallister getting the lone helper. As tension mounted, every shift became more and more important. Mcallister collected a turnover and tied the game after the third period's halfway point. Less than a minute later, Fernandez fed Goupil and the FHL-leader in game-winning goals added the league's first playoff game-winner to his gaudy resume. The Privateers' penalty kill successfully fended off the league's top power play in the regular season to preserve the comeback victory. Richard Sillery overcame a shaky second period to record the victory with 10 saves on 15 shots, while David Plouffe proved to be the hard-luck loser, stopping 31 of 37 Privateers offering.
The Privateers will take home-ice advantage to the Bonnie Castle Rec Center Saturday night for game 2 of the North Division Final, starting at 7 PM. It's Thunderstick Night, as the first 500 fans will receive a pair of Thundersticks, compliments of FX Caprara Kia.
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. ¬ÅThe future is now ¬Â 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 February 25, 2011
- All Good Things Come To An End; New York's Run Stopped in Final Game - Brooklyn Aviators
- Privateers Look To Stretch Series Lead Hosting Warriors - Watertown Privateers
- Privateers Pull Historic Comeback, Defeat Warriors 6-5 To Open Playoffs - Watertown Privateers
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