WORCESTER, Mass – Friday evening, the Worcester Railers took a 3-1 lead into third period against the Maine Mariners. Ruley Piercey would make it 4-1 less than a minute into the third. The Railers, who are fighting for a playoff spot needing every point they can get, couldn’t find a way to close out the Maine Mariners, allowing three goals in the final frame, and an overtime winner by Ryan Mast.
Worcester goal scorers were Jake Pivonka and Ashton Calder in the first period, Anthony Callin had the only goal by either team in the second frame. Maine got goals from Alex Kile in the first period, William Provost, and Wyllum Deveaux two goals in the third period, including the game tying goal with 1:19 to play in regulation. John Muse made 19 saves in the loss for Worcester as Kyle Keyser make 34 saves in the win for Maine. Three stars of the game, 1-Ryan Mast-MNE, 2- Aston Calder-WOR, 3- Wyllum Deveaux-MNE.
The bright spot of the evening was the Worcester Railers hosting Jake Thibeault and Thomas Smith, founder of the Thomas E. Smith Foundation, for an inspirational “Night for Jake Thibeault”. Jake was paralyzed from the waist down when he suffered a spinal cord injury while playing in a local hockey tournament. The Railers held an auction to raise funds for the Thomas E. Smith foundation, and Jake, along with Thomas Smith dropped the ceremonial puck. Jake was present before the game in the Railers locker room to announce the starting line-up, and provide some inspirational words.
Check out this photo gallery from Inside The Rink’s Rich LeBlanc for highlights from the game.
Great shots. The puck above Keyser’s head is crazy!!