ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – The St. John’s IceCaps’ youth was served on Tuesday night.
St. John’s rookies carried the day as the IceCaps earned a convincing 5-2 win over the Portland Pirates in American Hockey League play.
The young guns put on a clinic for St. John’s (41-21-8) as freshmen Will O’Neill and Danny Dries both scored their first professional goals in the AHL.
“I liked our effort overall, I liked the energy the young guys had,” said IceCaps head coach Keith McCambridge. “I thought they had some real key plays.
“They’re showing they can play at this level, that they can contribute.”
Rookie Eric O’Dell led the IceCaps with three assists. John Albert and Zach Redmond scored a goal and added an assist, and Aaron Gagnon also scored.
Marc-Antoine Pouliot and Brett Sterling both scored for the Pirates (32-30-9).
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O’Dell understands his role as a depth player and does not take his ice time for granted.
It has been a transition from star to grinder for the former Sudbury Wolves star.
“It was kind of tough before the season. I played a lot of minutes (with Sudbury) and then coming here and sitting out a few games when you’re healthy is kind of weird,” said O’Dell. “There are a lot of guys doing the same things, so every time we get the chance we just go hard.”
The IceCaps have been forced to rely on many of their depth players for some key roles as the team is still struggling with as many as eight injured players.
O’Dell understands he must work hard to keep his spot in the lineup.
“Every game I play I just try to work hard. I know there are a lot of veteran guys that are going to come back,” he said. “If I keep working hard I think he will keep me in the lineup, so I’m happy about that.”
Goaltender Peter Mannino returned to St. John’s for the first time since being loaned to the Portland Pirates, but his return did not go well.
Mannino allowed two goals in the first five minutes of play, but made 17 saves in the first period.
IceCaps starting goaltender David Aebischer was in a three-goalie rotation with Mannino to start the year, and played down any rivalry.
“The good thing about goaltenders is you’re so far apart you barely notice,” said the St. John’s goaltender.
Aebischer finished with 31 saves, and Justin Pogge had 26 saves in relief of Mannino.
Portland’s power play went 1-for-5 in the game while St. John’s was 0-for-7.
Portland sits in ninth place in the Eastern Conference, three points behind the Manchester Monarchs for eighth place.
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