Because of the way Division II is organized this season, none of the teams in the South Subdivision have been scheduled to play any of the teams in the North Subdivision.  A few South and North teams have arranged on their own to play each other, but those contests are considered to be non-league games and do not count in the divisional standings.  Earlier in the season, the coaches from Portsmouth and Pilgrim saw an opportunity to add a game during the last week of the regular season, when both schools are off for the winter ski-week break.  Since school was not in session, the teams could meet for an afternoon game when each unit would normally be on their home ice practicing.  The game would be good not only from the standpoint of giving the players another chance to compete, but also because it would give each squad the chance to have a look at a team that could be a possible playoff opponent in the post-season tournament.  That game was played today at Thayer Arena in Warwick.

Pilgrim, the other Patriots team in Rhode Island, is currently in second Place in D-II North.  It is the only team this season to have beaten league leading Coventry.  Portsmouth expected a good game and it got it.  Despite being edged out 2-1 in the final score, Portsmouth played well and showed that they can be competitive with one of the better teams in the North. 

Although Pilgrim outshot the Patriots 30-8 in the game, goalie Matt Maggiacomo was solid in the net making 28 saves; a .933 save percentage.  Were it not for his exceptional performance, Pilgrim could have easily run away with the game.  Portsmouth’s lone goal was notched by the team’s leading scorer, Chris Oliveira; it was his 30^th goal of the season.  Matthew Harrigan had the lone assist.  The Patriots were unable to score on two power play opportunities, but were successful in killing three penalties of their own.

Overall the Patriots play improved throughout the game.  A number of players turned in excellent performances on the ice.  One player of note that stepped up to answer the challenge was freshman defenseman Kevin Manning.  Manning has seen only limited ice time in the games this season because of the more senior and experienced defensemen on the team.  With three of the Patriots’ key blue liners out of the line-up in today’s match, Manning played regular shifts the entire game.  His remarkable view of the play allowed him to be in the right place on the ice the entire game.  Coupled with aggressive play he was an important factor in both containing Pilgrim’s offense, and supporting the Patriot’s when they had the puck in their opponent’s zone.  Manning’s effectiveness was highlighted in the last minute of play in the game when he blocked two Pilgrim shots taken at close range in front of Portsmouth’s empty net to keep it a one goal game.

The Patriots have only two games remaining in the regular season and both will be played this coming weekend.  Friday night, February 24, at Thayer Arena in Warwick, Portsmouth will host the Narragansett Mariners at 8:00 PM.  Portsmouth dominated the Mariners in the previous two games this season, but the Patriots won’t be taking anything for granted when they meet them again.  The next evening, Saturday February 25, the Patriots will take on the Prout Crusaders at the West Warwick Civic Center at 7:30 PM.  Two of the Patriots first three games this season were against the Crusaders who have already clinched first place in D-II South.  The series is split between the two teams at one game apiece.  Both contests this weekend are very important to the Patriots as they work to hold off the hard charging South Kingstown Rebels and capture third place in the South.  Portsmouth can use your support at both games.  There is sure to be lots of exciting play, so make the trips to the rinks this weekend and cheer for the Patriots.