The Pirate Attack was Superb

"Plenty of offense, but where's the 'D'?

Not the result we wanted but...

It hurt more than the loss itself. "Pop Tom, you're old. You'll forget this loss as easily as you forget to bring your cell on the boat down in Florida. I can't," was Dill's first salvo in the anteroom of Sport-O-Rama. True, The Pirates dropped another heart breaker (6-5) to the Ramapo Saints with some shoddy play early in the third period as they let a 5-4 lead after two periods slip away. A scramble in front of the net and a flutterer from 30 feet four minutes into the third period determined the outcome. In a very entertaining game that had the Pirates up two-nil after one period, and rally late in the second period to recapture the lead after four unanswered goals by a gritty Saints team, there were many positives to take away from the rink. Our boys buzzed Saints goalie Sean Gordon throughout the contest and peppered him with shots with net minder Romoff pulled. The lads showed an ability to cycle effectively and fore check in the offensive zone. Yet miscues at the defensive blue line and weary legs on the back check was the ultimate deciding factor. As the Hooter slipped into his car Dillon quipped, "I only want you losing your voice in a winning effort. And don't forget to call me and Nana if you catch a fish bigger than the family record holder she caught in '03!"

A Near Miss

Luke Myers' back hand goes just wide in third period as Sean Gordon covers the post.

So close...so far.

"Dill, no problem we got 'em next week again" was the Hooter's response to an unhappy #22 as Dillon Krok entered the anteroom at Sport-O-Rama. The Pearl River Pirates had just dropped a 4-2 decision to the Ramapo Saints in the fog shrouded rink early Sunday morning. The Pirates gamely hung in there against a talented team that had played very opportunistically. The teams entered the final period tied at two on the strength of goals by Dolan Ocasal and Luke Myers in the first two sessions. Goalie Ramof, standing in for Sean Gordon, playing today for his primary team - the Saints, acquitted himself well in the loss. Turnovers at the blue line in the offensive zone, and later in the defensive slot, led to the two third period tallies that gave the Saints a win that might have gone either way. The Hooter's attempt to ease the pain of Dillon's disappointment went for naught. "Pop Tom, don't be telling me your usual twisted logic. Like, the first step to Saint hood is BE-AT-ification. I just want to BEAT them next week!"

Snatching Victory from...

the Jaws of Defeat. A total team effort for three periods can bring surprising results.

How Sweet It Is!

Pirates mob Sean Gordon (G) to celebrate remarkable victory.

Comeback Kids

"Well Pop Tom, how's that for a comeback!" cackled Dillon Krok in the anteroom of Sport-O-Rama upon seeing the Hooter. The Pearl River Pirates Squirt A team had just treated their loyal fans to a stirring third period, overcoming a two goal deficit to defeat the much heralded Greenwich Blues, 4-3. The Blues had stormed net minder Sean Gordon for three unanswered goals in the second period to negate the one nothing lead established by a nifty shot by Mike Ruthberg in the opening stanza. But a swarming group of determined Bucs turned the tide midway through the final period. Goals by Krok and Dolan Ocasal knotted the score setting the stage for the game winning goal knocked home by Luke Myers with less than two minutes remaining. Staunch defense by CJ McGee, Owen McGee, Brian Quinn and Anthony Margiatta protected the fragile lead. The Hooter noted strong work in the corners by Liam McCullough, Ciran McEnroe as they effectively dished the biscuit to Luke Myers, Ruthberg and Ocasal for many scoring chances. The smooth skating and dominant puck handling skills of centers CJ Greco and Ryan McLinskey who were double shifted effectively by Coach McGee, contributed mightily to the happy outcome. As Coach McGee spotted the Hooter exiting the building hastily coach yelled, "Hey Pop Tom, we like you coming back too. What's your hurry?" To that the Grumpy Grandpa remarked, "Gotta catch a plane to Prague. We need a goalie for tomorrow."