UPDATE: The Worcester Railers clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Norfolk Admirals at the DCU Center on December 1, 2023. This thrilling match showcased the Railers’ resilience despite being heavily outshot, with the Admirals leading 27-15 in shots on goal.
This pivotal win marks a significant achievement for the Railers, as it stands as the first time in team history they have won a game with 15 or fewer shots. Veteran goaltender Parker Gahegan was instrumental in securing this victory, making crucial saves and maintaining composure under pressure. Coach Nick Tuzzolino praised Gahegan’s performance, stating, “He is somebody who makes that casual save when we are not playing well.”
The victory improves Worcester’s record to 11-3-1 over their last 15 games, tying for the second-best stretch in the franchise’s history. The Railers’ goals came from Anthony Repaci, Cole Donhauser, and Drew Callin, with Callin scoring during a power play in the third period.
The Railers capitalized on special teams, going 2 for 5 on the power play. Callin expressed his excitement about contributing offensively, stating, “It’s definitely more fun to be on the power play, special teams and stuff like that.”
The brotherly duo of Callin and Repaci showcased their chemistry on the ice, contributing to Donhauser’s power play goal at 5:42 of the third period. Drew Callin shared, “It’s awesome. We’ve wanted to do this for a long time. Everything just sort of fell into place.”
Despite the Admirals dominating in shots, they faltered in crucial moments. Norfolk’s goals came from Nathan Noel and Dawson Barteaux, with Noel scoring shorthanded in the first period. The Admirals maintained a lead until Repaci equalized at 10:53 of the second period, setting the stage for an electrifying final period.
The teams will face off again tomorrow at 6:05 PM on Teddy Bear Toss night, encouraging fans 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.
In roster news, Gleb Veremyev was recalled by Bridgeport, while T.J. Walsh stepped in to replace him. Attendance for the game was 2,024 fans, showcasing the community’s support for the Railers as they continue to build momentum this season.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Railers seek to extend their success in upcoming matches.