WORCESTER, Mass.- The Worcester Railers hosted the Adirondack Thunder on Saturday evening for their annual Teddy Bear toss game, benefiting the Friendly House, and Shine organization in Worcester Mass. The Railers wore “Ugly Sweater” jerseys during the game, which were auctioned off to benefit the charities involved.
The Adirondack Thunder would score the first goal in the game coming at 10:21 of the first period. Worcester forward Keegan Howdershell would score the Railers’ first goal with 53 seconds to play in the first period, unleashing the hurling of teddy bears onto the ice from the crowd of over 5000 fans in attendance. The two teams would trade goals in the second period, with Mike Gillespie scoring at 5:44, and Anthony Repaci tying the game at 2-2 at the end of two periods. There was no scoring in the third period or overtime, and the game would go to a shootout. Adirondack’s Patrick Grasso would score the only shootout goal, and Thunder goalie Vinnie Purpura stopping Worcester’s three shots, secured the 3-2 victory for Adirondack.
The three stars for the game: 1st star- Vinnie Purpura-ADK, 2nd star- Keeghan Howdeshell-WOR, 3rd star- Anthony Repaci- WOR.
Check out this photo gallery from Inside The Rink’s Rich LeBlanc, for highlights from the game.