For the second weekend in a row, the Portland Pirates hit the road, this time for a Saturday afternoon tilt in Albany.
The Pirates are coming off their first win of the season, a 4-2 decision over the Hartford Wolfpack, who had yet to lose in regulation time.
“We played a really solid game, more like what we expect,” Pirates’ coach Ray Edwards said after the win. “It’s nice to win on the road.”
The Pirates will try to make it back-to-back road wins Saturday against the Devils, who have started the season 5-1-0-1 and are coming off a Friday night victory over Hartford.
But the Devils will be without perhaps their best puck-moving defenseman, former Lewiston Maineiacs defender Eric Gelinas. The towering blueliner was called up to the New Jersey Devils earlier this week and made his NHL season debut Thursday, scoring a goal in a New Jersey victory.
But Albany still poses a threat. Forwards Joe Whitney and Scott Timmins lead the team in scoring, each with better than a point per game production so far this season. Defenseman Jon Merrill is hot on their heels with six points in seven contests.
The Pirates have some offensive power of their own, and it shined bright Wednesday. Andy Miele leads the team with five goals in as many games, and his eight points are also best on the team. Defenseman Brandon Gormley is also producing a point per game for Portland with five assists in as many games.
Pirates raise $2,500
With their Pink in the Rink event at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Saturday, Oct. 19, the Pirates raised more than $2,500 for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, according to a release from the team Friday.
“We’re grateful for the support that the Lewiston/Auburn community has shown for the Pink in the Rink event over the last two seasons,” Pirates Managing Owner and CEO Brian Petrovek said in the release. “Central Maine Medical Center and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer are two great organizations and we’re glad that we can host this event to raise awareness and funding in the hopes that they help find a cure for breast cancer.”
“We thrilled to be this year’s title sponsor for Pink in the Rink,” Randall Dustin, Central Maine Medical Center’s communications director said. “CMMC’s Sam & Jennie Bennett Breast Care Center was one of the first in the state and we are always happy to partner with an organization such as the Pirates to raise awareness about such a critical issue.”
The Pirates have raised more than $5,500 for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and the American Cancer Society during the past two Pink in the Rink events, which have both been held at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.
Jerseys from this year’s Pink in the Rink night will be auctioned off at a later date.
Halloween with the team
The Pirates will celebrate Halloween a day early as they take on the St. John’s IceCaps on Oct. 30 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston at 7 p.m., their next home contest. Pirates fans who wear costumes to the game will receive a $10 adult day-of-game ticket (regularly $12) at the box office.
All fans who dress as either a pirate or as a hockey player will receive a $10 adult day of game ticket (regularly $12) at the box office and will also be entered to win a game-worn Pirates jersey by signing up at guest services. Each pirates/hockey costumed attendee will be entered into the contest once, with the winner being announced during the third period.
Goals for Good
The Pirates announced the inaugural Goals for Good program for the 2013-14 season on Friday. On-Target Utility Services, Baxter Brewing Company, L.L. Bean, and Provider Power will serve as the corporate partners for the Goals for Good program.
The Goals for Good program was conceived by the Pirates’ marketing partner, Shamrock Sports and Entertainment, to help further the charitable efforts of the Pirates and tie team performance, corporate partners, and foundations together for the betterment of the local community. Each of the Goals for Good sponsors has an in-ice advertisement for the 2013-14 season at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston. For every goal scored by the Pirates from the sponsor’s portion of the ice, a $100 donation will be made to a charity of the sponsor’s choosing. The four corporate sponsors have paired up with the following charities: Provider Power and New Beginnings; L.L. Bean and Healthy Hometowns; On Target Utility Services and Maine Children’s Cancer Program; Baxter Brewing and Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice.
The amount each charity will receive will be tracked online on the Pirates’ website, as well as announced during every Pirates home game.
“We’re excited to increase our charitable efforts though the Goals for Good program.” Petrovek said. “Shamrock Sports and Entertainment has created a dynamic program that benefits both our sponsors as well as local charities through the talents of our players.”
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