The Falher Pirates played back-to-back games the weekend of Dec. 5 and 6, pulling out one lone win against Valleyview Jets. Spirit River Rangers skated into town with a mission to leave with a win under their belts. The game, which ended 7-3 in favour of the Rangers, featured three fights, a coach kicked out of the game, high-intensity fast skating hockey, and a few bruises that favoured the Rangers line-up. Referee Brad Buchinski handed out 16 penalties to the two teams, who were at each other’s throats all night. “The refs did a really good job keeping the game in control,” says Pirates’ forward Denis Rochon. “I think the game was even closer than what the score showed.” Rangers’ Mark Wallmann was handed 25 minutes of penalties for roughing up Pirates’ defence Shawn Gervais. Kyle Zaichkowsky earned himself a game misconduct for fighting Pirates’ forward Jean Meunier. “Spirit River is a really good team,” says Rochon. “They are a big, physical team and its always fun to see how we can compete against them.” Intensity flared as the Rangers’ coach was kicked out of the game for yelling at Buchinski. Two final game misconducts were given to Pirates’ Tim Clayton and Rangers’ Trevor Mazurek who fought half way through the third period. Pirates goals were scored by Denis Rochon (2) and Tim Clayton. Rangers tallies were made by Mark Wallmann, Donny Lloyd (2), Colin Letley, Trevor Mazurek, Evan Boire, and Brandon Misty. Jumping right back on the horse Saturday night, the Pirates played the Valleyview Jets, coming away with a better outcome after squeaking out a 6-5 overtime win. “We were really tired with a back-to-back set of games,” says Rochon. “When we were up by two goals we thought we had the game in the bag. We let up and they caught up.” Pirates led after two periods by a score of 4-1, but the Jets stormed back to push the game into overtime with four third period goals. Pirates’ assistant captain Shawn Gervais scored the overtime marker, joining his teammates Tim Clayton (2, Dan Aubin, Jason Bouchard, and Jean Meunier on the score sheet. The Pirates next game is Dec. 27 when the team travels to Peace River to face the Stampeders.