Chris Clegg
South Peace News
Taking three of a possible four points to open the NPHL season isn’t too shabby!
But when you have set the high standards the Falher Pirates have, there is a bit of work to do to reach the promised land.
The Pirates began the season on the road Oct. 25 with a 4-3 shootout loss to the Manning Comets before rebounding the next night in their home opener to blast the Fort St. Jon Flyers 10-1.
The Pirates outshot the Comets 46-33 but that was not the story as far as Pirates’ coach Dan Aubin was concerned.
“I’d say we were our own worst enemy in Manning,” he says.
“We had ample opportunities to win that game but couldn’t finish and didn’t capitalize on a 5-on-3 power play,” he adds.
Trevor Tokarz scored the only goal of the first period.
In the second period, the Comets struck to take 2-1 lead on goals from Austin Ward and Madden Terriff.
In the third period, the Comets extended the lead to 3-1 on a goal in the second minute from Mark Simpson.
“We were lacking finish and our timing was off which is to be expected on the first weekend,” says Aubin.
But the Pirates caught their stride later in the third. Cruz Cote scored just before the four-minute mark to make it 3-2 before Pat Rowan’s goal with 51 seconds left and the net empty for an extra attacker tied the game.
“We got better as the game went on,” says Aubin.
The Pirates pressed in overtime outshooting the Comets 7-2.
“(We) had great opportunities in overtime where we missed pass or missed the net,” says Aubin.
Usually, Comets’ goaltender Braden Gamble is the story but not so much this night.
“Gamble was OK but (Pirates’ goaltender Ryan) Noble was better and we just couldn’t help him,” surmised Aubin.
Defenceman Michael Gillen was the only shooter to score in seven rounds of the shootout to send the Comets’ fans home happy.
“We weren’t crisp and lacking on details,” says Aubin.
“It was a case where we gave the game away versus them taking it from us.”
The Pirates returned home the next night for their home opener and crushed the Fort St. John Flyers 10-1. The Pirates enjoyed period leads of 2-0 and 6-1 before adding four more goals in the third period to complete the rout.
Aubin was obviously pleased.
“We were good from the puck drop, focused on details and finished our opportunities,” he says.
Nine different Pirates scored including two from Wyatt Noskey. Trevor Tokarz, Bailey Tokarz, Rob Lemay, Eric Sorenson, Tyrell Boucher, Denis Rochon, Rowan and Josh Sylvian each added a goal. Rowan added three assists while Rochon and Jayden Rothwell each added a pair.
Still, the Pirates aim to improve.
“We still have things to clean up on the defensive side of the game which will be our focus this week in practice,” says Aubin.
The Pirates play the Grande Prairie Athletics at home Nov. 2 before going to High Prairie Nov. 7.
“I think the schedule is perfect for the beginning of the season,” says Aubin.
“Sure, the guys are itching to play games but being prepared requires practice time. The guys know what the end goal is here and that it’s a process to get there.”