Thursday night was quite an eventful night in Savannah, with it being the last night of Hanukkah, as well as Marvel night for the Ghost Pirates. They wore Rocket Raccoon-inspired jerseys from the Guardians of the Galaxy as they faced the Jacksonville Icemen. Some of Savannah’s best offensive players were out on reserve, but Alex Swetlikoff was back from spending time with the Henderson Silver Knights. After many goals that either tied the game or broke a previously tied score, the Icemen came out on top. To celebrate Marvel Night, the Ghost Pirates not only had their jerseys, but they also used songs from the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack and graphics based on the series’ themes.
Vincent Marleau scored the first goal of the game as he came skating down the wing and fired a shot that beat Michael Houser blocker-side to open up the scoring just 2:02 into the opening frame. The Icemen retaliated a few minutes later with a goal from Christopher Brown, got a pass from Chris Grando in the slot, and fired it past Michael McNiven to tie the game just 2:01 after the Savannah goal. Jordan Kaplan broke the tie with a goal late into the first period on an assist from Ross Armour. With less than a minute left in the first, Alex Swetlikoff announced his return by hitting the net with a one-timer shot, assisted by Ross Armour and Logan Drevitch.
Jacksonville scored two PP goals in the second period as Brown got his second of the night, and Brendan Harris found the back of the net for his 10th of the year. Vincent Marleau set Pat Guay up while the two were on an offensive breakaway together as the Ghost Pirates would regain their lead and would head into the third with a one-goal lead.
In the third period, Derek Lodermeier tied it up just three minutes into the period for his first of two goals in the period. As the Ghost Pirates were unable to beat Houser for a fourth time, it would be Lodermeier who took advantage of a Ghost Pirates giveaway and gave the Icemen a 5-4 lead that they would hold on to until the final whistle.
Although last night’s game did not go according to the Guardians’ plan, they still showed great resilience and played amazingly throughout all 60 minutes of the game. They next play at home on Sunday against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.
