Monday, April 16, 2007
The season didn't end Sunday for a number of Portland Pirates.
After the game against Hartford, right wing Joe Motzko and center Drew Miller left for Boston, where they will try to fly to Minneapolis today to join the Anaheim Ducks.
The Ducks are scheduled to play the Minnesota Wild in Game 4 of their best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinal series Tuesday night.
On Tuesday, goalie Gerald Coleman, defenseman Brian Salcido, forwards Tim Brent, Mike Hoffman and Ryan Carter will leave for Anaheim.
Petteri Wirtanen, who is being treated for an injury, is already there.
Last Tuesday night, defenseman Aaron Rome was called up.
Motzko and Miller were healthy scratches for the Sunday's game.
"If they have to play Tuesday night, that would have been four games in five nights," Portland Coach Kevin Dineen said.
"We took them out of the lineup to give them a little rest."
ERIC WEINRICH hopes his playing days aren't over.
In January, Weinrich, an 18-year NHL veteran who grew up in Gardiner, came out of retirement to join the Pirates as a player after serving the first half of the season as an assistant coach.
"It's up to Anaheim, but I'd like to play again," he said. "I know (the AHL) is a developmental league, and the (Ducks) are not developing me. If I can be of some value to them as a player, I'd like to do it again."
In 36 games with the Pirates, Weinrich had two goals, 14 assists and a plus-minus rating of minus-7.
"I wouldn't do it if I wasn't doing it right here in Maine," Weinrich said. "It's a great place to play and for us to do something here would be awesome."
IN A CEREMONY after the game, Trevor Gillies received the Ebright Award, given to the player who best exemplifies what it means to be a Portland Pirate, and the Most Popular Player Award, as voted on by fans.
The Unsung Hero Award, also selected by fans, went to Clay Wilson.
The Players' Player Award, chosen by a vote of Portland players, went to defenseman Greg Amadio.
Center Petteri Wirtanen received the Jack Button Award, given to the top prospect.
The Most Valuable Player Award, which is decided by a vote of the fans, went to Motzko.
Miller received the Pirates Man Of The Year Award for his outstanding contributions to the Portland community.
RYAN AVERY, a 28-year-old teacher from West Gardiner, got to suit up with the Pirates after winning Subway restaurant's Pirate for a Day promotion. Avery participated in the pre-game warm-up.
During the game, he sat in the runway with backup goalie David McKee.
Staff Writer Paul Betit can be contacted at 725-8795 or at:
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