Chris Clegg
South Peace News

Call them the first place Falher Pirates.

At the start of the NPHL season, Pirates’ coach Dan Aubin spoke about placing first overall because home ice advantage means so much in the playoffs.

A big 3-1 win over the visiting Dawson Creek Canucks Nov. 30 has vaulted the Pirates into first overall in the league standings. The team’s seventh straight win now has them sitting pretty with an 8-1-0-1 record.

Perhaps even more impressive is the Pirates have given up only 15 goals in 10 games while scoring 52.

“Our defensive play is a source of pride for the whole group,” says coach Dan Aubin.

“When the players commit to the defensive structure and hold each other accountable it’s not very hard to manage,” he adds.

“When we do have breakdowns our goaltending had been excellent. Ryan Noble and Chris Key have been great teammates and are key to our success.”

After a scoreless first period, Cruz Cote opened the scoring a scant 12 seconds into the second period.

However, Alex Hansen tied the game with just under three minutes left in the period.

In the third period, the Pirates caught fire. They outshot the normally stingy Canucks 23-8 but it was not until Walker Cote’s goal with only five minutes left gave the Pirates the lead. Dallas Brochu added an empty-netter with five ticks left on the clock to seal the win.

The win streak has the team red-hot.

“The guys are simply focused on the game at hand,” says Aubin.

“No point in worrying about games that are further down the schedule. Each week we prepare for our opponent that week. The wins come because the plyers are ready to go and focused on our game plan.”

Despite outshooting the Canucks 46-32, Aubin admits either team could have won.

“The game vs DC was tight hockey and just came down to a play or two. Truthfully, that game could have easily gone either way.”

The Pirates travel to Manning for their second and last visit this season Dec. 7.

“The team will be focused for the game. Every game is important, we know the value of home ice in the playoffs that’s our goal in the regular season,” adds Aubin