Disappointment reigns in Crusherland

Disappointing is the understatement of this past week in Crusherland. An embarrassing home loss to Halifax Lions and a road defeat at the hands of the Summerside Western Capitals have put the Crushers in a tougher position coming down the stretch in the Bent Division standings.
The losses have left the Crushers only five points up on both Halifax and Bridgewater for the pivotal home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. With eight games left for each team, the Crushers begin a three game homestand which will see them play Thursday night against Bridgewater, Saturday against the Dieppe Commandos and the following Thursday against Dieppe as well. All games are 7:30 p.m. starts at the John Brother MacDonald Stadium.
On Thursday, the Crushers came out of the gates firing on all cylinders sporting their new Olympic themed jerseys and led the Lions in shots 12-1 midway through the frame. That's where the positives ended as the Lions scored a late first period goal and never looked back as they won the game 4-1. Ryan Fortune spoiled Kody Blois's shutout bid with only 22 seconds left in the final frame.
Sunday's visit to the Island was a much better effort for the Black and Red despite falling short in their comeback attempt. Trailing 3-1 in the second period, the Crushers evened the score at four after two periods but were dealt three questionable penalties in the third, resulting in a power play goal for Summerside and a 6-4 empty net goal loss. Adam Chipman led the visitors with two goals, while singles came off the sticks of Dan Joyce and Michael Hynes.
With only four games remaining on the home schedule, the Crushers continue to hold off Miramichi and Yarmouth for the league's best attendance. The Crushers are averaging 912 fans over the first 20 games of the regular season. Let's get out this week and help the Crushers celebrate the Olympic theme and clinch second place and home ice advantage in the first round.
Crusher of the Week
This week's Crusher of the week goes to Adam Chipman. The 20-year-old forward had two goals and one assist for three points in two Crushers games last week. Adam was recently acquired from the Amherst Ramblers in a January deal. He will attend Royal Military College in Kingston, Ont. next year.