SUNDAYS #3 vs. RINK RATS:

(vol. 19S, no. 3; newsletter by c.g.)
The Coastal Pirates met the Newcomb-led Rink Rats in action on Sunday night. For those unaware, Newcomb has scored ten goals in three games this season for the Rink Rats. The offense was a rotation of five skaters, consisting of #19-Farkas-Wildman-LeMatty-Ralz; the defense was the trio of Keith-Kevin-Scooby. Bob Brooks lined-up between the pipes for the vacationing Harris.

The Rink Rats jumped on top just :12 seconds into the game when Newcomb fired a laser shortside between Brooks and the iron. #19 would quickly knot the score when he fired a shot from a Wildman pass; Doug Collimore initially blocked the shot, but the rebound fluttered up and over him and bounced into the net. Both teams traded opportunities throughout the period and Newcomb would again add another score when he kept pounding away at a puck that was trapped beneath Brooks' pad. Scott LeMatty teamed-up with Kevin for a beautiful goal that would again tie the score, 2-2; on the play Kevin wound up and fired a slapshot form the point while LeMatty skated across the crease in full stride, and redirected the puck past the goalie. Scott would then add his second goal of the period when he intercepted a clearing pass in the slot and easily beat the goalie with a mere :10 seconds remaining in the period. The pace of the game throughout the 1st period was fast, with each team getting quality chances. Defensively the Pirates played well, as forwards and defensemen got back to help out.

The 2nd period was much the same, except the Pirates seemed to hold a slight advantage in possession over the Rink Rats. # 19 would add his second tally of the night after he took a pass off the boards from Kevin; he skated-in alone on the goalie and beat him with a backhand shot from the left circle. Kevin would add his own tally shortly after when Brooks made a great clearing pass up the boards to #19, who then dropped the puck to a wheeling-McLaughlin—he then blasted one from the slot to give the Pirates a 5-3 lead. With a comfortable two-goal lead the Pirates played sound defense, until a Rink Rat player was able to score and make the last moments interesting. They would get no closer, though, as the defense tightened-up and held on for the victory.