Pennsylvania Center-Pedes vs. Portland Sled Hockey Pirates  

A botched line change and a broken stick contributed to an exciting comeback win for the Center-Pedes who were down 2-0 in the third period of a well-fought rematch between two very good teams.  Maine had scored earlier in the game with two beautiful team goals and only had to hold on to that lead to insure themselves a good shot at the Prudential Dryden Cup. Instead, with nothing to lose, the Bugs poured on the offensive pressure and Maine's armor gave way. The loss for Maine does not eliminate them from Cup contention, but is does create an improbable scenario in the March 19 Game Day where NY would have to lose to both ME and PA, and then PA would have to lose to the 1-5 New Hampshire Wildcats.

This is the second time that PA has stuck it to Maine in the final minutes of the game. In a December 4 match-up, ME had a 1-0 lead with less than 1 minute remaining in the game only to have PA score the equalizer. This time Maine was unable to change personnel in a timely manner prior to a critical rush by PA and later in the game a broken stick in the corner took one of Maine's defensemen out of the play for only a few moments, but the 5 on 4 advantage proved to be just enough with Maine already reeling. "They're a good, young team," said Pirates player/coach Craig Gray. "We give them a lot of credit for their tenacity and the fact that they didn't give up. With that said, we would love to play them again this afternoon if we could."

If the 2006/2007 PNESHL schedule is approved by the Board of Governors as currently proposed, Maine and Pennsylvania, as well as all 3 of the other PNESHL teams, would face each other 4 times next season in league play. You can bet that the Bugs and Pirates games will certainly feature some good hockey. Game Photos.

Return to Home

Copyright © 2008, Northeast Sled Hockey League