Sharks Close out 2012 with a Bang in Manchester

Published on December 31, 2012 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


Manchester, NH- The Worcester Sharks (17-11-1-2, 37pts), in their 13th straight one goal game (8-4-0-1), defeated the Manchester Monarchs (14-15-2-2, 32pts) 3-2 on Monday evening in front of 9,051 fans at the Verizon Wireless Arena. With the win, the Sharks finished the calendar year 2012 with a 32-35-9 record (thanks Bill Ballou).

Jon Matsumoto (8th) extended his point streak (2-2-4) to three games in the Shark's 3-2 victory. Harri Sateri was awesome in net, stopping 35 of 37 Manchester shots, including 12 in the third period, to secure the win for Worcester. Captain John McCarthy scored with 66 seconds remaining for the game winner and Freddie Hamilton scored his first professional goal for Worcester as the Sharks grabbed their first three game win streak of the season.

Harri Sateri was sensational in the first period including back-to-back point blank saves early in the opening frame to keep the game scoreless. Jon Matsumoto (8th) gave the Sharks a 1-0 lead with a snap shot from on top of the right circle with James Sheppard providing a screen on Peter Mannino at 6:56. Worcester went ahead 2-0 as rookie Freddie Hamilton (4th) scored his first professional power play goal with a rocket from the right slot past the blocker of Mannino at 9:50. James Sheppard and Matt Tennyson picked up the assists on the power play strike. The Sharks dominated the body checking in the first period but were outshot 11-4 in the opening frame.

Thomas Hickey (3rd ) scored in the middle period at 11:25 on the power play and Brandon Kozun (9th) at 19:12 on a breakaway to tie the score at 2-2 through 40 minutes of play. Curt Gogol was injured at 12:55 and left via a stretcher after a head shot by Monarchs rookie Andy Andreoff. Gogol laid motionless on the ice for several minutes but did give a thumbs up to the crowd after he left on a stretcher. The Sharks did not score on the major power play which also included a two minute 5-on-3 power play try. Manchester held a 25-10 shot advantage through 40 minutes.

Harri Sateri made 14 more saves in the third period and captain John McCarthy slammed home the game winner with 66 seconds remaining after Peter Mannino misplayed the puck behind the net to Tim Kennedy. Matt Pelech also assisted on the game winning goal at 18:54 of the 3rd period for the 3-2 win.

The Sharks overall record improves to 17-11-1-2 (37pts in 31gp) and 10-6-0-1 on the road this season.

Notes: FIVE GUYS BURGERS Three Stars: 3rd star: Brandon Kozun (1-0-1) 2nd star: John McCarthy (GWG) 1st star: Harri Sateri (35 saves, W)... Final shots were 37-18 in favor of Manchester... Peter Mannino made 15 saves on 18 shots for Manchester... Harri Sateri made 35 saves on 37 shots for Worcester.... Worcester went 1-for-4 on the power play while Manchester went 1-for-5... Danny Groulx (inj), Taylor Doherty (inj), Yanni Gourde (scr), Nick Petrecki (inj), Travis Oleksuk (inj), Sena Acolatse (inj), and Jimmy Bonneau (scr) did not dress for Worcester... Worcester now has 40 fighting majors through 31 games... Worcester improves to 13-5-1-1 against the Atlantic Division... defenseman Denny Urban was signed to a PTO before the game and skated in his 2nd AHL game with the Sharks and picked up an assist... the Sharks improved to 32-30-4 all time vs. the Monarchs... the Sharks are now 3-3-0-0 in games played on New Year's Eve....the win marked the Sharks first three game win streak of the season; they had five previous two game winning streaks... James Sheppard now has eight points (5-3-8) in his last seven games.

Coming up...

The Sharks four game road trip continues in Wilkes-Barre Scranton, PA on Saturday with a 7:05pm start vs. the Penguins

Score a family fun pack today for only $79! Four tickets, four hot dogs, and four sodas for a portion of the price! Available only through the Sharks front office for every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday games this season! Click HERE to purchase today!

2012-13 Flex ticket packages are on sale now! Score your 40 or 10 ticket flex package by contacting the Worcester Sharks front office at 508-929-0500. You decide how many tickets and how many games YOU want to attend while saving $$$ off box office pricing! It is that EASY!

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American Hockey League Stories from December 31, 2012


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