It's rare when a first-period shot acts as a microcosm of the entire night on the ice.
Unfortunately, at least for the Williamsport Outlaws, that very scenario transpired Thursday night at Airmen Pond at Bowman Field as a shot in the first period skidded to a stop two feet from the goal.
The Outlaws, despite a relentless snow fall, attempted to play their game against 1000 Islands. And, much like the puck in the first period, the Outlaws came up short as they were forced to suspend the game just 45 seconds into the second period. It was the first game interrupted by weather this season as the Outlaws play their Federal Hockey League home schedule outdoors.
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Players for the Williamsport Outlaws and 1000 Islands Privateers wait out a delay Thursday night at Airmen Pond at Bowman Field.
In the contest, which only lasted one period, the Outlaws defensive struggles continued as the Privateers posted 18 first-period shots. But, in what's becoming the norm for the Outlaws, they made the most of their six attempts on goal as Jamie Zaleski put the team's second shot past 1000 Islands' goalie for a quick 1-0 lead.
Zaleski took advantage of a rebound in front of the net and sent the attempt in high over the goalie's shoulder.
With their defensive woes still apparent, Mike DiLorenzo, who replaced the injured Chris Whitley on Dec. 8 continued to face plenty of shots from the opposition. In just six games, DiLorenzo has faced 289 shots on goal, and Thursday's contest continued in that trend as 1000 Islands posted 18 first-period shots.
In the final minutes of the opening period, DiLorenzo made a nifty glove save to keep the Outlaws in front.
The first period ended with an awkward moment due to the scoreboard being out. Midway through the opening 20 minutes, the horn sounded when the scoreboard came back to life and quickly counted down the time. The players then, anticipating the real horn, stopped with just under 20 seconds left to play.
After the third run of the night by the zamboni, both teams took to the ice for the start of the second period. But, once on the ice, the game lasted only 45 seconds before both teams stopped for another zamboni run.
The surfaced refused to corporate and 20 minutes after the second period's start, fans were told the game was suspended. All fans in attendance were issued refunds for the game.
Outlaws coach and team president, Chris Firriolo said he will await word from the league.
"If we played two periods we'd be okay," Firriolo said. "We'll just have to wait and see what the league says."
