Portsmouth came away with a loss in its first away game of the new season Friday night.  The Patriots made the trip to Lynch Arena in Pawtucket for a late evening game with PSW, the cooperative team from Providence Country Day, Saint Raphael Academy, and The Wheeler School left, and left on the short end of the final 2-1 score.

The Patriots fell behind PSW 2-0 after giving up a power play goal in the first period and a short-handed tally in the second.  The team finally got on the scoreboard as Aidan Toner notched his first goal of the season with just under two minutes left in the third period.  Andrew Alvanas and Mac Dunn were credited with assists on the goal.  The squad made a good effort to tie the game, even pulling goalie Stephen Dutra from the net in favor of an extra skater on the ice, but the clock ran out before they could tie the game.

Offensively, the team had 23 shots on goal in the contest.  Despite picking up the loss, Dutra had a good night in the crease making 23 saves on 25 PSW shots.  Portsmouth had three power play opportunities in the game but did not score and allowed a goal on one of two penalty kills.

The team is back at the Abbey tomorrow for an afternoon game beginning at 2:30 pm. The Patriots will take on the Cranston West Falcons in the matinee event.  It is the first of three scheduled meetings for the teams this season.  The Falcons are the reigning Division II state champions and are sure to be a challenging opponent for Portsmouth.  This is the last game before the Christmas, so head to the Abbey and root for the Patriots.  See you at the rink.