A Night at Harbor Yard

Once upon a time, on a dark and snowy night, a young blogger and his father ventured across the Long Island Sound to see their first Bridgeport Sound Tigers game of the season. The hated opponent of those cuddly Sound Tigers was none other than the Hartford Wolfpack. In a grueling and gritty full 60 minutes of hockey, the Sound Tigers prevailed 2-1, on goals by usual suspects Trevor Smith and Ben Walter. Nathan Lawson played extremely well in net for the Tigers as he was peppered with 30+ shots by the Wolfpack, while only surrendering a nice goal by Artem Anisimov in the 3rd.

There were some fisticuffs that flared up in the 1st and 3rd periods. Micheal Haley decisively won his bout against Hartford's Sauer in the 1st. In the 3rd, it was Jack Hillen's turn to drop the mitts with DiDiomete of the Pack. For the record, Jack is definitely not a fighter by any stretch of the imagination.

Mitch Fritz and Brandon Sugden, the two heavyweights in attendance, didn't even exchange pleasantries. Many of you will remember Brandon from the heartfelt story first covered by Chris Botta in the first incarnation of Islanders: Point Blank. I'd like to report that it looks as if Sugden is doing fine on the Pack and obviously has toned down his usually aggressive demeanor (at least on the ice).

I'm on my way back through rough seas to that little sliver of an Island I call home. Only to be faced with a 45 minute to an hour drive through snow and sleet from Port Jefferson. It was a nice time and certainly something everyone should take their family to at least once. You can call the Port Jeff/Bridgeport Ferry Service at (631) 473-0286 to schedule a round trip ferry ticket and seats at a Sound Tigers home game. Prices for the event range from $29.00 for adults to roughly $13.00 for kids. It's a great time to spend with family and it certainly doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I recommend it to anyone that enjoys good hockey at a beautiful location, Arena at Harbor Yard. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. I'll be back Tuesday for the Islander/Ranger game.

For a full recap of tonight's game and great coverage of the Islanders AHL affiliate please visit Mike Fornabaio's Soundin' Off Blog. Also, don't forget your own NYI Blog Box member, Tom Liodice, who provides great Tigers coverage on his blog The Tiger Track.

Photos courtesy of cdn.nhl.com and cluster.leaguestat.com

For Questions, Comments or Bonehead Calls e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net.