UPDATE: The Worcester Railers clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Norfolk Admirals on December 1, 2023, at the DCU Center, showcasing a heroic performance from veteran goaltender Parker Gahegan. Despite being outshot 27-15, Gahegan’s standout saves proved pivotal in securing the win for Worcester.
The Railers displayed resilience throughout the match, particularly in the second period, where they faced a staggering 12-4 disadvantage in shots yet managed to outscore the Admirals 1-0. Coach Nick Tuzzolino praised Gahegan’s skill, stating, “He is somebody who makes that casual save when we are not playing well.”
This victory marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time in the franchise’s history that the Railers won a game with fewer than 15 shots on goal. With this win, Worcester’s record in the last 15 games now stands at 11-3-1, tying it for the second-best stretch in team history.
Key contributions came from players Anthony Repaci, Cole Donhauser, and Drew Callin, who each scored crucial goals. Repaci and Callin both registered 1-1-2 stats, reflecting their impactful presence on the ice. Callin’s progression has been notable, as he now holds a commendable 4-7-11 scoring record in his last eight games. He remarked, “It’s definitely more fun to be on the power play, but there are plenty of ways guys can contribute.”
The game was further electrified by power play goals, with Callin netting a critical goal at 8:41 of the third period. This came after an assist from Repaci, emphasizing the growing synergy between the two players. Callin expressed the joy of playing alongside his brother, stating, “It’s awesome. We’ve wanted to do this for a long time.”
Despite the loss, the Admirals displayed skill with goals from Nathan Noel and Dawson Barteaux. Noel struck first with a shorthanded goal in the first period, while Barteaux capitalized on a power play in the third. The Admirals held a commanding lead in shots on goal, demonstrating their offensive pressure, but Gahegan’s performance kept Worcester in contention.
The teams will face off again on Saturday night for the series finale at 6:05 PM, marking Teddy Bear Toss Night. Fans are encouraged to bring stuffed animals to throw on the ice after the first Railers goal, which will be donated to Friendly House in time for Christmas.
Fans are buzzing with excitement as the Railers continue to showcase their tenacity and skill. Stay tuned for what promises to be another exhilarating match as the Railers aim to build on this momentum!
