Portsmouth kept its playoff hopes alive Saturday evening when Matthew Harrigan scored his third hat trick of the season and Dallas Wynegar added an unassisted goal to lead the Patriots over the North Kingstown Skippers 4-1 at Thayer Arena.  Myles Arkins had two assists in the contest and Ben O’Hearn and Tyler Fleig were each credited with one.

The Patriots outshot the Skippers 24-18.  Both teams had six power plays in the game.  Two of Harrigan’s goals came with the man advantage, as did the single tally by North Kingstown.  Ben Hood delivered another strong performance between the pipes for the Patriots in turning away 17 shots.

 During the game the squad had the dubious distinction of setting a new Portsmouth hockey team record for penalty minutes in regular season league games.  With one contest still to be played the team has already amassed 218 minutes in penalties, eclipsing the old mark of 208 minutes set during the 2009-10 season.

At the same time Portsmouth played North Kingstown, Cumberland took on East Greenwich at the Levy Rink in Burrillville and came away with a 4-3 win.  The loss by East Greenwich is important to Portsmouth because it ensures the Patriots a playoff berth if they beat East Greenwich in the final game of the year for both teams.  That all-important game will be played tomorrow, Monday February 24, at the Abbey at 7:30 PM.  In addition to this being the deciding game for the Patriots’ playoff hopes, it is also Seniors Recognition Night, the final home game of the regular season when the team traditionally honors its seniors and their parents.  Between the celebration of the five seniors on the team, and the critical game that will determine if the Patriots move ahead to the post-season, this will be a spectacular conclusion to the regular season.  If there is a game you definitely want to attend, this is it.  Come out and support the team.  Bring your friends.  Fill the Abbey, and cheer the Patriots into to the playoffs.  It will be a fun time and the team will appreciate your support.  See you at the rink.