Purcell, Monarchs power up against Pirates

ORONO -- Teddy Purcell stole the show in the return of several former Black Bears to their old haunts on Tuesday night.

Purcell moved back into the American Hockey League scoring lead with a 2 goals and an assist in the barn he used to call home, leading the Manchester Monarchs to a 6-2 win over the hosts-away-from home Portland Pirates. The game was played at the University of Maine's Alfond Arena, the first time Purcell had been back to the cozy little rink since scoring 16 goals and 43 points as the Hockey East Rookie of the Year last year while at Maine.

Manchester continued to torch the opposition with the league's best power play, scoring 4 times Tuesday with the man advantage. Purcell first scored as the Monarchs built a 3-0 lead in just over 22 minutes (the team's 3rd goal on just 6 shots), and he also set up Matt Moulton's power play strike late in the second period to thwart a brief comeback attempt by the Pirates.

"Obviously, we got some fortunate bounces and the power play was clicking tonight," said Purcell, who now has 11-26--37 totals on the season. "It was just one of those nights where luck was a little on my side."

Purcell and David Meckler added third-period goals for Manchester (12-12-3-1), which blanked Portland 4-0 last Friday night and registered only 21 shots on goal. Bruno St. Jacques and Brandon Segal had the goals for the Pirates (16-12-1-1).

In addition to Purcell, the game featured the return of former Black Bears Eric Weinrich, a Pirates defenseman, and Scott Pellerin, Manchester's assistant coach. Weinrich played 18 years in the NHL, while Pellerin also played in the NHL after winning the Hobey Baker at Maine in 1992.

The game was the first home game played away from the Cumberland County Civic Center in the 15-year history of the franchise.

Click here for the complete game summary.