The Islanders Empire team scored a big win Sunday beating the Springfield Pics 6 to 2. “We have won 2 out of 3 and we have a big showcase weekend coming up at Valley next weekend.” Coach Mike Tenney said after the game.

 

The Islanders were in a dog fight early and after going down 1 to 0 to Springfield Jon Pate even the score in the last minute of the first period on assists from Keith Barnaby and Nick McNally. This combination of players would have a big day as all 3 players would have 4 points in the contest. (Jon Pate 3 goals 1 assist, Keith Barnaby 2 goals 2 assists and Nick McNally 4 assists) They struck again in the first 5 minutes of the second period giving the Islanders the lead. The lead would be short lived as the Springfield Pics would score minutes later on a 5 on 3 powerplay. 

 

“We had been dominating the whole game and at one point I asked coach Smink ‘when is our hard work going to pay off?’” Coach Tenney said. His answer would come with 5 minutes left in the second period as the Islanders started to buzz scoring 3 goals to take the lead into the second intermission 5 to 2. Will Platt was the Islanders other goal scorer adding an assist as well. Justin Fisher and Harris Montayne would also have assists in the game.

 

A shorthanded goal scored by Keith Barnaby in the first 5 minutes of the third would break the game open and extend the lead to 6 to 2. The Islander defense stepped up all game as the Pics put 36 shots on goalie Michael Kitts who was more than up to the task with 34 saves.

 

The Islanders Empire team next takes the ice Friday 11/9, Saturday 11/10 and Sunday 11/11 against tough Southern Empire teams at the Valley showcase in Haverhill.