By Calum Wilson
Paisley Pirates enjoyed a perfect four-point weekend with back-to-back victories over North Ayrshire Wild and Solway Sharks, continuing their strong run of form as the league season approaches its conclusion.
The Pirates opened the weekend in style on Saturday night, 14 March, with an 8–3 victory over North Ayrshire Wild. Goals came from Marcus Murdoch (2), Craig Peacock (2), Marty Simpson, Bari McKenzie, Jamie Crawford and Magnus Wrottesley in a commanding team performance.
The night also marked a hugely emotional moment for the club as Fraser Kerr (pictured above) returned to the line-up after a long spell out with a serious injury that required surgery, with doubts earlier in the season about whether he would return at all. Kerr was named Man of the Match, capping a remarkable comeback and receiving a warm reception from teammates and supporters alike.
The Pirates carried that momentum into Sunday night at Braehead, defeating Solway Sharks SNL 8–3 in their final home league fixture of the season. Magnus Wrottesley opened the scoring, with further goals from Chris Wilson, Calum Blair, Craig Peacock, Ryan Parkin (2), Aiden Wilson and Marty Simpson securing another convincing win. Goaltender Callum Donaghy was named Man of the Match after a strong performance between the pipes.
Head Coach Ian Turley was pleased with the weekend results, though acknowledged there are still areas for improvement as the team prepares for the postseason:
“Happy with the overall result. At times we made things more difficult than they needed to be, but it’s good to get another win and complete a four-point weekend,” Turley said.
“This was our last home league game and we’ve only lost one here in regulation all season, which is a great effort from the guys. We’re building towards the playoffs now, so it’s important we stay focused for the full 60 minutes.”
Turley also highlighted the progress the team has made as the season has developed:
“Overall we’ve had quite a decent season. We know where we dropped points earlier on, but the group has really bought into what we’re trying to do and we’re playing much better hockey now than we were at the start of the year.”
The Pirates now turn their attention to the final league fixture of the season, which will see them face the Edinburgh Capitals on Saturday 21 March, 6.30pm at Murrayfield Ice Arena, Edinburgh.
Although officially a Pirates home game, the match will be played in Edinburgh due to ice availability at Braehead. Tickets are already selling quickly, with the Capitals expecting a sell-out crowd.
Supporters planning to attend are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance via Fanbase, as availability on the door is unlikely.
With the league leaders coming to town and playoff preparations on the horizon, the Pirates will be hoping for one final push of support as they close out their league campaign.
