WORCESTER, MA– The Sharks started an important 3-in-3 weekend with a hard fought 2-0 victory over the second place Manchester Monarchs at the DCU Center Friday night. Combined with a Providence win over the Connecticut Whale, the Sharks are now just two points out of the final guaranteed playoff spot with five games remaining.

 

John McCarthy scored both goals for Worcester with Brandon Mashinter adding two assists for the multi-point game. Carter Hutton made 27 saves for the shutout and his 11^th victory of the season.

 

The Sharks got on the board first as John McCarthy (5^th) put home a rebound on a Sean Sullivan shot at 11:55 just as a Manchester penalty expired. Brandon Mashinter also recorded an assist on the McCarthy goal. Carter Hutton made several big stops to preserve the 1-0 lead, and the Sharks took the one goal lead into the locker room.

 

Both teams traded odd man rushes and scoring chances in the second, but once again it was Worcester who tallied a goal. John McCarthy (6^th, 2^nd of game) parked himself on top of the crease and banged home a rebound after Tommy Wingels tried a wrap around at 8:16. Worcester led 2-0 heading into the third period with shots at 17-16 in favor of Manchester.

 

Worcester played shutdown defense in the third period to seal the victory. Manchester managed late pressure with 2:13 remaining as they went on a power play and pulled goalie Martin Jones to go on a 6-on-4 man advantage. But the Sharks held firm and killed off Joe Loprieno’s penalty on their way to a 2-0 win.

 

 

 

 

On Saturday, it’s Fan Appreciation Night at the DCU Center as the Sharks host the Providence Bruins at 7pm!  Doors open at 4:30pm for the Boston Bruins alumni double header! The Help Wanted Band will entertain the crowd between the alumni and the Sharks game and will perform during the first intermission of the Sharks game! Cheer on the annual Parade of Champions as several youth hockey teams will parade around the ice and welcome the Sharks before the game!  Steve Donovan from WXLO will serve as host for the Sharks BIG game vs. the Bruins.  The Sharks will auction/raffle off their game worn 5^th anniversary teal jerseys… and make sure to stick around after the game and bid on some select jerseys right off the back of the players!

 

 

 

Marina Riva, Chris Curtis, Jonathan Forsberg, Jason Jones, and Matt Renzulli are all selling group ticket specials and exciting flex pack ticket offers!  Jump in today and save up to 40% off box office prices!  Find out how to receive free 2011 Calder Cup playoff tickets by purchasing 2011-12 season tickets! Some of the exclusive benefits for full season ticket holders will include:

 

·         Guaranteed same seat for all 40 home dates and playoff home games at the DCU Center

·         Priority access to purchase tickets to DCU Center events (subject to availability)

·         Five FREE friends and family vouchers

·         Exclusive events with the Worcester Sharks players

·         Merchandise discounts and much, much, more!

 

Season ticket packages for the 2011-12 season are on sale now by contacting the Worcester Sharks Office at 508.929.0500 or by crashing the net at www.SharksAHL.com.

 

All games can be heard live on 580AM and 94.9FM WTAG, as well as online through AHL Live, by following the link on the Sharks website at www.SharksAHL.com.