Pirates, UM benefit from Alfond contest AHL team eyes annual game in Orono

The Portland Pirates are anxious to return to the University of Maine’s Alfond Arena and the university wants them back.

The Pirates, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, played their first-ever game at the Alfond Arena in Orono nine days ago against the Manchester Monarchs with an announced crowd of 3,587 on hand.

Manchester, behind former Black Bear winger Teddy Purcell, beat the Pirates 6-2. Purcell, the Hockey East Rookie of the Year last season, had two goals and an assist.

Former Maine Hobey Baker Award winner Scott Pellerin is an assistant coach for the Monarchs, the top affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings.

Eric Weinrich, a former Black Bear All-America defenseman with 1157 NHL games to his credit, played for the Pirates in the contest.

Brian Petrovek, the managing owner and CEO of the Pirates, said he was happy with the venture.

“I was not only pleased with the quality of the product on the ice, but I was also pleased with the interest and enthusiasm of those who attended the game,” said Petrovek. “I definitely want to do it annually. I think there is a tremendous upside for both parties. We’ll learn from this and make some adjustments.”

Petrovek thought both teams played well and, “Teddy put on a show. I think we gave the fans a high-quality performance and that’s what they’ll see every time there’s an American Hockey League game.”

Maine athletic director Blake James said he hasn’t evaluated the numbers yet but he thought it was a “great” night.

“It was great to see Teddy and Eric on the ice and to also have Scott come back. Things are a little bit slow at that time due to finals and this gave our fans a chance to come out and enjoy it,” said James. “When you consider it was a Tuesday night and we didn’t get the student turnout we could have at a different time, I thought it was a great crowd for the first time.”

He said the game “definitely made money” for the university and they will evaluate its financial success at a later time.

James explained the university and the Pirates enter into a shared agreement similar to the one the university has with Portland’s Cumberland County Civic Center for their annual game there.

Once the university’s expenses are covered, they share a percentage of the revenue with the Pirates.

James said he would prefer to have future games during a time when there is a lull in the schedule and added “it is even more appealing if they can bring back former Black Bears.”