Sharks Trump Wolf Pack In Overtime In An Exhibition Battle
October 4, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release
FITCHBURG, MA - Matt Jones and P.J. Fenton notched two points apiece and Patrick Traverse netted the game-winner 2:20 into overtime as the Worcester Sharks downed the Hartford Wolf Pack by a 3-2 score in their first home preseason game on Saturday night at Loring Arena in Framingham.
The Sharks brought plenty of energy to the ice in the first period partly thanks to rookie James McEwan, who dropped the gloves against Hartford wingers Brodie Dupont and Will Bodine during the opening frame. Worcester responded by dominating the first twenty minutes, forcing Hartford netminder Martin Houle to make 17 saves en route to a 17-6 shot advantage in a scoreless first period.
A hooking minor on Wolf Pack forward Dane Byers gave Worcester a power play early in the second period, and the Sharks wasted no time in converting the mistake into a 1-0 lead. Just six seconds into the power play, Matt Jones cleaned up the rebound of a blue line slap shot from P.J. Fenton, poking the loose puck through the legs of Houle at 1:40 of the middle frame. Worcester held the lead for nearly ten minutes before Hartford struck back to tie the score. Dupont slid the puck to linemate Michel Leveille inside the right circle, and Leveille threaded the puck through traffic to beat Sharks backstop Kyle Jones at 11:17. Dupont came up big again six minutes later, as he capitalized on a Worcester turnover and beat Jones top shelf to send Hartford into the locker room with a 2-1 lead after forty minutes.
Meanwhile, the physical battles continued in the second period. Dan DaSilva's battle with Hartford's Dan Byers was followed just seconds later by an inspired bout between Sharks redliner Frazer McLaren and Jared Nightingale. McLaren landed multiple quick jabs before tearing Nightingale to the ice.
Worcester set the tone again to start the third period, and Fenton capitalized with his second point of the night, beating Houle on a quick shot from between the circles at 4:17. Andrew Desjardins and Jones were credited with assists. Kyle Jones remained strong to force overtime, making seven saves through the remainder of regulation, including four on Dupont.
Two late minor penalties produced a 3-on-3 situation to begin the overtime, and the teams traded chances before Sharks defenseman Michael Wilson scooped up an errant pass and fed Traverse for the definitive tally.
Worcester wraps up their preseason slate tomorrow with a 4:00 puck drop against the Manchester Monarchs at the Wallace Civic Center in Fitchburg. The game is being presented by the Sentinel & Enterprise. The Sharks begin the regular season in Lowell on Saturday, October 11th at 7:00 p.m. Worcester will then take on the Albany River Rats in Glens Falls, New York on October 17th at 7:30 p.m., and then return home for the team's home opener against Providence on October 18th at 7:05 p.m. The first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive All-Star bobbleheads and magnet schedules courtesy of Charter Communications, and all fans are welcome to enjoy a pre-game concert by Joshua Tree, a U2 tribute band.
Notes: Kyle Jones finished with 22 saves on 24 shots for Worcester. Houle stopped 34 of 37 shots for Hartford. Traverse, who scored the overtime game-winner, was in the penalty box when the overtime period began. Seven players were involved in fights in the game, with Worcester's McEwan dropping the gloves twice. Power plays: Worcester 1 for 6, Hartford 0 for 4. Three stars: 3. Dupont (1g, 1a), 2. Fenton (1g, 1a), 1. Traverse (GWG).
Ticket packages for the 2008-09 season are on sale now by contacting the Worcester Sharks Office at 508.929.0500 or by crashing the net at www.sharksahl.com. Secure your seat for the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Charter Communications by making your deposit today!
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American Hockey League Stories from October 4, 2008
- Sharks Trump Wolf Pack In Overtime In An Exhibition Battle - Worcester Sharks
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