Hextall’s Pair Leads Pirates past Devils

Albany, NY – Brett Hextall scored twice and Mark Visentin made 34 saves in net as the Portland Pirates defeated the Albany Devils on Saturday night in Albany. The Pirates also received goals from Gilbert Brulé, Jordan Martinook, and Jordan Szwarz, along with another assist from Daine Todd in the victory.

The Pirates would again score the first goal of the game, with Jordan Martinook doing the honors. Martinook’s second goal of the season, a shorthanded tally, came with 13:05 left in the first and extended the Pirates streak of scoring first to six games. The rest of the period saw back and forth action until a heavy hit by Seth Helgeson on Jordan Szwarz shattered a pane of glass, sending both teams off for the first intermission with 3:02 left in the period. The period resumed without any further scoring, and the first frame ended with the Pirates holding a 1-0 lead and a 10-6 shot advantage.

Scott Timmins tied the game for the Devils at 8:06 of the second period, extending his point streak to 8 games. However, the Pirates struck back with a power play tally just 1:51 later. Gilbert Brulé scored his second goal as a Pirate, assisted by Daine Todd and Jordan Szwarz, and the Pirates regained the lead. Todd’s assist was his 4th in the last two games and his 5th on the year.

The Devils tied the game again 5:01 into the third period when Reid Boucher beat Mark Visentin for his second goal of the season. Again, the Pirates retaliated, with Brett Hextall taking a Kyle Hagel feed and beating Scott Wedgewood for his first of the year. Right after the Hextall goal, Brendan Shinnimin was assessed a double minor for high sticking, but the Pirates penalty kill was up to the challenge and killed the penalty. After the Devils pulled Wedgewood, Hextall would double the Pirates lead with a shorthanded empty net goal with 49 seconds left. Jordan Szwarz would then add another goal of insurance with 7 seconds left and the Pirates would leave Albany with a 5-2 victory.

Mark Visentin improves to 2-1-1 on the year, winning his second straight start after making 34 saves. The Pirates, who won their first game on Wednesday, now have 5 points on the season and a record of 2-3-0-1.

The Pirates will next play Wednesday when they host the St. John’s Ice Caps at 7 PM for the first of two games at the Colisée this week. Wear a costume to the game and get a $10 ticket at the box office – dress as a Pirate or a hockey player and be entered to win a game worn Pirates jersey as well! Center St. Dental will be giving out Tooth Care Packs at the game to help your teeth stay clean after all the Halloween Candy. For tickets, call the Colisee Box Office at 783-2009 ext. 525 or buy online at the colisee.com.