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Derbys Defeated 6-4 by Patriots

Date: Jan 24, 2010

Streetsville, ON: The Patriots defeated the Streetsville Derbys tonight 6-4 at Westwood Arena. Big saves from Jay Pelletier gave the Patriots a strong foundation to build off of, and the offense was on fire tonight to swarm the Derbys end. Two goals to forward Jordan Spear; goals scored by Jeff Schilling, David Italiano, Nick Perruccio, and Mitch Wild.

Both teams performed well for the start of the period, with several on-net opportunities for Upper Canada. A nice recovery in Upper Canada's end from the Derbys sent Ryan Martin up the ice, out-deaking the Streetsville defenseman for a solid shot on goaltender Eric Szymczyk. Streetsville doubled back to take a few nice shots of their own, but Patriot Jay Pelletier blocked many of their attacks, minus a shot from Justin Baker that went over blocker. The Patriots were down for only a short period of time, as Nick Perruccio of the Patriots bounded back up the ice with Ryan Martin and defensive strength Mitch Wild, scoring one of his own on Szymczyk. A scramble in the Patriots' end left Pelletier on his belly and even being in that vulnerable position was still a wall against the Derbys' shots.

Several big saves from Pelletier at the start of the second period, using the defensive support from Erlich Doerksen to help boost the puck out of Upper Canada's end and over to Jeff Schilling for a break up the ice. A wrap-around attempt by Streetsville was blocked by Ryan Martin, who noticed the open-backdoor on Upper Canada's net, and prevented further play by knocking the opponent off his feet and taking the puck out. Two big goals for Upper Canada as Jordan Spear and David Italiano, both of which scored powerful goals using the support of forward line-mates, lit up Szymczyk. A quick turn-around put the lead-scorer of Streetsville Justin Baker back in the open to score on Pelletier with a nice wind up, bringing the score to 3-2 Patriots. Nearing the end of the second period, a nice blast from Mitch Wild - while on powerplay - from the blueline got the puck nicely in the crease; Streetsville to get the puck out of danger but through passing from Ryan Martin and Nick Perruccio got the puck back to Wild, who then fired a bullet, this one past Szymczyk and in.

Streetsville got two early third period goals within 30-seconds apart, from Nick Marinac and former Patriot Justin Wehniainen, who tied up the game at four apiece. Upper Canada scored a nice goal to take the lead once again; a fast shot from Jeff Schilling, assisted by Michael Sicilia and Marko Brelih with just under halfway through the third period, which Szymczyk didn't appear to see. Another Patriot goal was scored in the dying minutes of the period, cementing that Upper Canada victory at 6-4. Jordan Spear brought the fire tonight and earned his second of the game, scoring Upper Canada's sixth goal of the game with just over a minute left in the period, and finishing off the game.

Upper Canada takes on the St. Michael's Buzzers Friday night at the MasterCard Centre, 8 p.m., followed by a Saturday game at the home of the Dixie Beehives.

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