Marlboro, MA – The Islanders Hockey Club opened the Fall Beantown Showcase dropping a 2-0 game, the 2nd goal an empty net goal to the Boston Bandits.  Despite outshooting the Bandits 23-20, they were unable to solve Connor McAnanama who would shut down the IHC. 

The only goal of the game would come mid-way though the second period when Billy Grant would somehow get behind both IHC defensemen after an Islanders rush.  Jared Thomas would pick up the puck and slide it through the middle of the ice to a wide-open Grant who would skate in and unleash a solid snap shot under the glove of Kalle Andersson.  It would be the only strike needed, as McAnanama would not surrender on this day.  The only other goal would come when the IHC would leave the net open for the final 1:47 of the game.  The Bandits would get their second of the game with just :02 seconds left in the game on the open net.

“It is certainly frustrating,” stated GM/Head Coach Sean Tremblay.  “We generated some great chances, but just didn’t have a real sense of urgency to put it away when we had our opportunities.  It is rare for us to be shutout and I give Connor a lot of credit for some huge saves that secured the win for them.  Kalle was great for us too.  I have been telling our guys if we can score just a few goals each game we won’t lose often, but when you don’t score you don’t have a chance.  Some of our guys simply have to step up and start getting it done.  I really like the way we are playing without the puck right now, but we have to find some guys who are going to get it done on the offensive side other than Hunter McCoy.”

Next up the team will head back down to Marlboro for a Saturday 8:30pm game with the Syracuse Stars.  They will then face the NJ Rockets Sunday at 3:40pm.