Bluefins Fall to Whalers

A lively crowd of hockey fans came to the last night and witnessed a well-played game between Federal Hockey League arch enemies Danbury Whalers and the home town Cape Cod Bluefins.

On a night when the Bluefins and the Army National Guard honored the Division 2A High School Super Bowl Champions from Dennis-Yarmouth High School, the action was furious from the opening faceoff. The Whalers shut out the hometown squad 1-0 behind an unbelievable performance by goalie, Peter Vetri.

A relatively clean game, the pace remained swift as there were many big hits and several great scoring chances including a breakaway by Bluefins defenseman Sam Sabky that Vetri turned aside with a kick save.  

It wasn’t until 9:08 of the second period that the visitors took a 1-0 lead when Anthony Pisano fired a high wrist shot through a screen of bodies that eluded rookie goaltender goalie Wes Vesprini. In an otherwise solid performance it was a goal that Vesprini probably wishes he could get back.

The shots after 2 periods the score remained 1-0 and the total shots on goal were 28-18 in favor of the Bluefins who have become accustomed to out shooting their opponents but, on this night struggled to score goals at the other end despite many good opportunities.

The third period began and remained just as the first two were played. Fast, furious and full of action.

If not for the outstanding net minding by Vetri, the Fins could have won this game handedly but the 26 year old back stop from Windam New Hampshire showed why he is one of the Whalers best players. In total, Vetri stopped all 41 shots that came his way and earned the shutout for the visitors.

The home town boys are not to be discounted as they played a good professional hockey game despite not being able to find the back of the net and not being able to cash in on six power plays. Vesprini, aside from the one goal also had a solid outing in which he saved 22 of 23 shots. 

The Bluefins are in action again tonight as they take on the Brooklyn Aviators at the Hyannis Youth and Community Center. Game time is at 7:05 pm and the Bluefins and The Army National Guard will again honor another Cape Cod High School Super Bowl Champion, Mashpee High School.

Contributed by Tim Lus