Sharks Hold Off Pirates 3-2

Published on December 29, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Worcester, MA - The Worcester Sharks got revenge for their six goal loss last night at the Civic Center with a 3-2 win over the Pirates. Ryan Vesce had a pair of third period goals for the Sharks, including the game winner.

After last night's 7-1 thrashing at the hands of the Pirates, the Sharks came out firing in the first period. Just 91 seconds into the game, Worcester jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a one-timer from the top of the slot from Lukas Kaspar. Ryan Vesce and Matt Fornataro had the assists. Worcester continued to pepper Portland goaltender Jhonas Enroth with shots, holding a 16-6 edge after the first period but only finding the back of the net once.

For much of the second frame, the story remained the same and Jhonas Enroth continued to hold the Pirates in the game until they had a 5-on-3 power play late in the second period. Marc-Andre Gragnani took a pass at the top of the slot and blasted a slap shot past Taylor Dakers. Mark Mancari and Mathieu Darche grabbed helpers on the play as Portland tied it at one after two periods.

In the third period though, Worcester would grab back the league thanks to captain Ryan Vesce. The center scored a pair of third period goals to put Worcester up 3-1. The Pirates refused to pack it in though, as Marek Zagrapan scored a highlight reel goal to cut the deficit to one. Zagrapan skated around a hip check on the right wing, cut to the front of the net and deked around Dakers before sliding the puck home. Marc-Andre Gragnani had an assist on the play, but it would be the last goal of the night for the Pirates who fell 3-2.

Jhonas Enroth falls to 11-6-2 on the year after stopping 31 of 34 shots thrown his way. Taylor Dakers stopped 22 of 24 shots he faced and improves to 7-3-0 on the season.

Allied Home Mortgage Three Stars of the Game: 1. Ryan Vesce (WOR) 2. Lukas Kaspar (WOR) 3. Marc-Andre Gragnani (POR)

Notes: The Pirates suffered their sixth straight road loss... Attendance: 3,119.

The Pirates next game is Wednesday, December 31st when the Pirates host the Norfolk Admirals at 5:30 pm. The Pirates and the Cumberland County Civic Center are proud to bring you the annual Kid's New Years game presented by WJBQ. New England's largest indoor fireworks display, presented by U.S. Cellular, will follow the game. Youth Main Deck and Quarter Deck tickets are available for $8 in advance. Purchase tickets by calling (207)-828-4665, extension 350.

Fans can follow the Pirates on U.S. Cellular Pirates Radio Network or watch the game LIVE on the internet courtesy of AHL Live by clicking the icon on the left side of the home page. The U.S. Cellular Pirates Radio Network includes the Pirates flagship station, the Bay 1400AM and 1490AM (Portland) and affiliates WEZR 1240 AM (Lewiston-Auburn), WTME 780AM (Rumford) and WKTQ 1450AM (South Paris).

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American Hockey League Stories from December 29, 2008


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