The Islanders Empire team was faced with the daunting task of playing three games in three nights against three teams (Jr. Bruins, NH Monarchs and Bay State Breakers) that had a collective winning percentage of .800. “We knew it was going to be one of the hardest weekend’s of our season going in.” Coach Mike Tenney said. The Islanders were more than ample to the task as they took 5 out of 6 points in the three games. “We got great efforts in all phases of the game in all three games.” Tenney added.

Friday night saw a hard fought battle between the Islanders and the Bruins. The Bruins struck first on the powerplay mid way through the second period. The Islander defense would keep the Bruins at bay for the rest of the game as they blocked 22 shots in regulation and were aided by 33 saves from goaltender Brendan Tidman. The Islanders would even the game at 1 in third period on a goal by Justin Fisher assisted by Cody Reagan and Thomas Missert. The Islanders would eventually lose the game on a powerplay goal in overtime.

Saturday saw another dominant performance in net by Tidman as he made 36 saves in a 3 to 1 victory over the 17 and 1 Monarchs. The Islanders again played superb defense only allowing one powerplay goal in the first period. The Islanders were faced with a 1 to 0 deficit after 1 period when Keith Barnaby scored twice in 45 seconds to take the lead in the second period. David Wilcox, Cody Reagan and Nick McNally assisted on the goals. The third period saw the Islanders play steady defense limit turnovers and pad the lead as Thomas Missert scored to put the game away on assist from Wilcox.

Sunday would be the last leg of the weekend and the Islanders again got great goaltending this time from Michael Kitts who made 32 saves in a 4 to 3 victory over the Bay State Breakers. It was a back and forth contest that saw Bay State get out early to a 1 to 0 lead. By the end of the first period the Islanders had tied it on a goal by Will Platt that was assisted by CJ Maksut and Josh Vernot. In the second period the Islanders struck 15 seconds in on a goal by Cody Reagan assisted by Thomas Missert and Justin Fisher. Bay State would respond late in the period to make it 2 to 2 with 5:05 left in the period. Keith Barnaby would make sure the Islanders did not go into the locker room tied as he scored with 24 seconds to go in the second period to give the Islanders the lead at 3 to 2 on assists from David Wilcox and Will Platt. In the third period the Breakers scored on a powerplay to pull even. The tie was short lived as the Islanders scored 4 minutes later on a goal by David Wilcox to secure the victory. Chris Gravelle had an assist on the goal.

The Empire team nexts plays Tuesday December 11 in Marlboro against the Jr. 8pm.