After Friday night’s setback loss to PSW, Portsmouth got back on the wining track Sunday afternoon at the Abbey.  Hosting the defending Division II state champions, the Patriots played a statement game shutting out the Cranston West Falcons 2-0.  The Falcons previously were undefeated last season and had not lost a game this season until facing off with Portsmouth.

The Patriots stifling defensive play limited the high-scoring Falcons to just 20 shots in the game.  Portsmouth goalie, Stephen Dutra, stopped every shot, highlighted by several show-stopping saves.  It was Dutra’s first high school career shutout and his second win of the season.

After a scoreless first period, freshman Shane Temple, skating on Portsmouth’s top line, notched his first career goal halfway through the second period.  From a crowd in front of the Falcon’s net, he took a pass from team captain Mac Dunn behind the goal line in the right corner and went too shelf to beat Cranston’s goalie.  The tally turned out to be the eventual game winner.  Dunn later put the game away for the Patriots with an empty net goal with five seconds remaining in the third period,  Dutra starred once again being credited with the assist on Dunn’s goal.

As expected, the Falcon’s were a tough opponent.  It took Portsmouth 32 shots on goal to secure their second win of the young campaign.  For his part, Cranston’s freshman goalie, Brayden Nebus, also had an outstanding game, allowing only the goal by Temple.  The Patriots are sure to see him in the Falcon’s net in the remaining two games the teams have scheduled later this season.

The well-played game was remarkable in one other respect – no penalties were called on either team throughout the entire contest.  There was no lack of physical play or highlight-reel moments in the contest, but it was all played clean and at even strength.

Portsmouth will take a break from league play until after the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, but the team will not be idle.  First on the schedule is the annual Alumni Game where the current varsity team takes on a pick-up squad of former Portsmouth hockey players in an informal no-checking game just for fun.  It’s serious hockey but played only for camaraderie and bragging rights good for the next year.  This year’s game will be played on Thursday, December 23 from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Abbey.  The event is free for any spectators to watch.  For more information see the article in the news section on this website.

As for official games, the Patriots will, once again, take part in the Christmas Classic Tournament hosted by Prout High School.  The team has participated in this non-league event the past three seasons, which features teams from both Rhode Island and other nearby states.  This year’s tournament runs from Monday through Wednesday, December 27–29 with all games being played at the Benny Magiera Ice Rink at the West Warwick Civic Center.  On Monday Portsmouth is set to meet the Dighton-Rehoboth Falcons, from Massachusetts, at 12:50 pm, and on Tuesday the Patriots will face off against the Calvert Hall Cardinals, a squad from Maryland, in an early starting contest a 8:00 am.  Wednesday’s opponent and starting time will be determined by the outcome of the tournament.  Information on that game will be posted on this website as soon as it is available that Tuesday.  This will be a good opportunity to see the team play some very good opponents from other programs.  Make the trip to West Warwick and cheer for Portsmouth.  See you at the rink.