Tonight marked the last home game of season 2 for the Savannah Ghost Pirates. After fighting hard all season, they unfortunately did not clinch a spot in the playoffs for this postseason. The Ghost Pirates finished out the season at home with tonight’s game vs. Greenville, in which they won 3-0. Tomorrow will officially mark the end of the season as they will face the Swamp Rabbits again in Greenville. To celebrate the end of the season, the team hosted many fun activities throughout the day in front of the arena. They had inflatables and a mechanical bullpen, as well as other activities. They even had a bus bring the players to the front of the arena so the fans could welcome and celebrate with them before the game started. On each and every seat in the arena there were green and white rally towels, and the fans swung them in unison throughout the game to further show their excitement and support for their team.
The first period ended with no goals scored, but there were lots of penalties. Just three seconds into the game, before the puck even fully hit the ice, gloves were dropped on both sides, and fists were thrown. Anthony Collins and J.D. Greenway went after each other with such intensity and adrenaline coursing through their veins. As they got ejected, Collins made a dramatic exit, hyping up the crowd as he left the ice. This not only got the players amped up but also the entire arena. The energy and hype continued on throughout the duration of the game. The rest of the period was full of shots here and physicality there.
It was not until 2:06 into the second that somebody scored. Luckily for the home team, Kyle Jeffers perfectly planted the puck in the net. Keeping up the lead throughout the rest of the second period, the Ghost Pirates faced a lot more aggression and physicality. Knowing the Southern Georgian team, they fought back harder and more aggressively.
The Ghost Pirates carried the lead throughout the third period, and eventually, the Swamp Rabbits pulled their goalie. Typically, when Savannah pulls its goalie, an empty net is scored. However, in this last home game, Savannah turned the tables and not only scored one but two empty net goals. With just about two minutes left in the game, Nolan Valleau and Brandon Estes both scored back-to-back empty net goals. Michael Bullion got his fourth shutout of the season, the fifth for the Ghost Pirates.
The three stars of the game were all from Savannah:
- Michael Bullion
- Kyle Jeffers
- Nolan Valleau
The Ghost Pirates will play their last game of the season tomorrow in Greenville. Although they did not get a spot in the playoffs, we can look forward to a great postseason, as well as the team coming back even stronger next season. Hopefully they can finish the season with a clean sweep this weekend against the Swamp Rabbits. For now, this is so long and see you next season, Savannah!
