ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY – The 1000 Islands Privateers rode a four-goal second period and goaltender Rich Sillery’s first professional shutout to a 5-0 victory over the Danbury Whalers tonight in Federal Hockey League action. Forward Alex Goupil scored twice as 709 watched the Privateers win their sixth straight at the Bonnie Castle Rec Center.
The strength of the Privateers recent winning streak has been their power play efficiency. That was on display early as Michael Byrd and Tyler Fernandez set up Goupil for a tip-in shot to open scoring in the first period. Goupil tallied early in the second as Byrd and Fernandez earned the assists. Fernandez now has a 13-game scoring streak. Brownville’s own Brian Marks and Harry Mahesh set up Sebastian Panetta for his 15th goal of the season as Mahesh earned his first point with the team. Byrd lit the lamp with helpers going to Goupil and Fernandez. Nick Laporte and James Kirkwood broke Adam Mcallister who used a close deke move to beat Whalers’ goalie Ryan Donovan to the post. That was the last goal of the night and the end of Donovan’s, who gave way to Nick Neidert.
The teams skated a scoreless third. Much of the anticipation surrounding this contest regarded Corey Fulton, Danbury’s toughman and the FHL’s leader in penalty minutes and fighting majors, perhaps dropping the gloves with Clayton’s own Sean Crump.
Crump received many cheers from the crowd but never got to thrill them with his fisticuffs. Privateers’ forward Ryan Pearson did earn a decision as he bloodied Andrew Willock in the second period.
During the offensive explosion, Richard Sillery collected his first professional shutout, stopping all 29 shots he faced. He later gave much of the credit to his teammates: “It feels good. The whole team played sick defense tonight. They cleared guys out and forced routine shots from the outside.”
The Privateers conclude their Holiday Homestand on Friday against Rome.
The 1000 Islands Privateers operate in Alexandria Bay and are a founding franchise in the Federal Hockey League. The Privateers play at the Bonnie Castle Recreation Center in Alexandria Bay.
“The future is now” in the Federal Hockey League as the top talent play professional hockey with a chance to advance their careers.
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