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Falher Pirates lose to Grande Prairie Athletics on the road
Emily Plihal
for Express
Falher Pirates are starting to feel the breath of every other team in the East Division as they close the gap, inching closer to the Pirates in the standings.
As of press time, the Pirates were sitting in second position, right behind the Lakeland Eagles, who had two games in hand.
After a quick start to the season, the Pirates are on a bit of a downturn, losing two straight games.
Falher visited Grande Prairie on Nov. 21, hoping to prove to the West Division team that their game would surpass expectations. Unfortunately, with a bit of bad luck on the Pirates side, Falher succumbed to the Athletics, losing 8-6 in regulation.
Bad luck began shortly into the first period, when Falher captain Jason Bouchard was sent to the dressing room with a game misconduct.
Despite losing Bouchard for the game, the Pirates held the lead through the first period of play.
Grande Prairie opened up the scoring, with a goal from D.J. McDonald 1:58 into the first period. Assists were awarded to Kelly McLeod and Mark Wallman.
Pirates answered back at 6:26 with a powerplay goal scored by Davis Baroldi. Baroldi’s goal was assisted by Daniel Aubin and Matts Maisonneuve.
Denis Rochon scored even strength at 9:39, allowing the Pirates to take the lead. Assists were earned by Ryan Hicks and Daniel Aubin.
Baroldi scored his second of the game at 14:57 of the first period, with assists by Daniel Aubin and Shawn Hicks.
Pirates went to the dressing room with a 3–1 lead.
Grande Prairie came out in the second period with a vengeance.
Athletics opened the scoring even strength at 1:58 of the second, with a goal by Shane Mudryk, assisted by Rod Bowers and Ryan Hirtle.
Falher came back to score two goals just 1:17 apart. The first goal marked a hat trick for Baroldi, assisted by Keith Reade.
Matts Maisonneuve scored the Pirates fifth goal, assisted by Keith Reade.
Grande Prairie had three goals at the end of the second period, tying up the game going into the third period.
The first two goals were scored even strength by Shane Mudryk and captain Kelly McLeod. Assists were awarded to Rod Bowers, Kelly McLeod, and Troy Yarosh.
Athletics fifth goal of the game was scored by Mudryk on the power play at 19:22 of the second, assisted by Rod Bowers and Chad Wilchynski.
Third period was a free for all, with the game up for grabs.
Four goals were scored in the third period, with three even strength, and one short handed.
Grande Prairie’s first goal came at 11:08 in the third, scored by captain Kelly McLeod, assisted by Rod Bowers.
Just over a minute later, Dean Watson put the nails in the proverbial coffin, assisted by Jordan Bombier and James Seney.
The Pirates attempted a come back at 16:34, with a goal by forward Denis Rochon.
Little too late for the Pirates, who pulled goalie Todd Rodgers at the end of the third. Pirates were on the power play at the time, but with less than a minute left, Grande Prairie scored a shorthanded goal in the empty net.
Falher was more disciplined in the Grande Prairie battle than in previous games, only allowing seven power play chances to the Athletics.
Both teams managed to score one goal on seven power play opportunities throughout 60 minutes.
Up next for the Pirates is a battle against the Lakeland Eagles tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m. in McLennan.
They will then take on Peace River at home on Saturday, Dec. 5. Game starts at 8:30 p.m.
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