The season is far from over, though, and the IceCats had quite a busy schedule this past week. On Wednesday night (the 13th) the Baltimore Bandits rode into town to face off against the 'Cats for the teams' fifth meeting this season. The Bandits had held the edge in the series, 2-1-1, but fell to the 'Cats 6-2 in a fairly lop-sided match. Paul Broten and Chris Kenady had two goals each, while Fred Knipscheer and Alex Vasilevskii each added a goal to round out the Worcester attack. Goalie Jamie McLennan made 27 saves for his 7th win as an IceCat, earning the #1 star of the game. It was the 'Cats third straight victory and extended their unbeaten streak to five games.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and so did the 'Cats winning ways as they faced off on Friday night (the 15th) against the Binghamton Rangers (otherwise known as the 'Ferraro twins and a bunch of other guys who wear skates and occasionally step onto the ice'). Peter and Chris Ferraro, the brothers who you may remember from the U.S. Olympic team two years ago, lead their team - as well as the league - with 90 and 84 points, respectively (including this game). Their line made all the difference in the world against the IceCats, accounting for 5 of the Rangers 6 goals in a 6-3 win over Worcester. In all fairness, the 'Cats just weren't getting the lucky bounces and had the chances to fight their way to a tie game. Ranger goalie Jamie Ram made several outstanding saves to keep his team ahead for the win, but in the end it was the Ferraros (who scored three goals in the first five minutes of the game) who gave their team the victory. If you considered this a contest between three teams, however, then you could say it was the Ferraros - 5, IceCats -3, and the Rangers -1.... oh well, maybe not.
Worcester had no time for condolences, however, as they traveled up to Portland the next night (Saturday the 16th) to tackle the Pirates (tied for last place in the Northern Division) and then returned to Centrum ice on Sunday afternoon to play against the Rochester Americans (affiliated with the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL).
The 'Cats next home game is tomorrow night (the 20th) at 7:05, versus the Portland Pirates. Come cheer on the home team as they fight their division opponents for possible home-ice control in the playoffs. Also, be sure to purchase tickets from Student Activities for the IceCats "College Fest" game on April 12th (versus the Springfield Falcons). One last note - to any reader who enjoys hockey and is not graduating this spring: if you are interested in covering the IceCats for Newspeak next season (i.e. ~ one story a week and free access to all the games, players, coaches, etc.), contact me at Newspeak (basement of Riley Hall) or e-mail me at marsella @ wpi and I can take you to some of the remaining games and establish your press connection for next year.
Give feedback: newspeak@wpi.wpi.edu