Pirates Hold Their Nerve in Home Thriller

The Paisley Pirates produced a performance full of grit, composure, and no small amount of nerve to claim a dramatic 4–3 victory over the Dundee Rockets at Paisley Ice Rink.

In a game that swung in momentum and had supporters on the edge of their seats right until the final hooter, the Pirates once again showed why they have built such a strong reputation on home ice this season.

Fast start sets the tone

The Pirates came out flying, delivering on a clear early message to play on the front foot. That intent paid off handsomely in the opening period, with goals from Craig Peacock, Jamie Crawford, and Chris Turley firing the home side into a deserved 3–0 lead.

It was a confident, attacking opening that put the Rockets under immediate pressure and gave the Pirates a strong platform to work from.

Rockets respond, pressure builds

As expected from a well-drilled Dundee side, the Rockets fought their way back into the contest. A second-period powerplay goal shifted the momentum and forced the Pirates to refocus defensively, with the visitors continuing to push hard as the game progressed.

Despite the pressure, the Pirates stayed disciplined and worked tirelessly to limit Dundee’s opportunities through the middle.

Decisive moment in the third

The home side regrouped early in the third period, calming the game down before finding a crucial fourth goal. A smart play through the middle from Ollie King created the opening, and Jamie Crawford finished clinically to restore a two-goal cushion.

That goal proved vital, but the contest was far from over.

Five minutes of survival mode

With Dundee pulling their netminder late on, the final five minutes became a true test of character. The Rockets threw everything forward, and the Pirates were forced into a determined defensive effort, blocking shots, closing lanes, and battling for every loose puck.

Speaking post-game, Head Coach Ian Turley reflected on the challenge posed by the visitors and his side’s response:

“It was a tough, tough game. We were very offensive in the first period, which was the message. Then we had a bit of a lull and they punished us. In the third, we settled things down, got the goal we needed, and then it was about hanging on. Dundee are a very good team with real depth, and they showed that again tonight. I thought it was a valiant performance from our guys.”

Man of the Match: Bari McKenzie

The Man of the Match award went to Bari McKenzie, whose contribution was pivotal during Dundee’s sustained pressure. McKenzie was outstanding defensively, working tirelessly to shut down channels, force the Rockets wide, and disrupt attacking plays during the most intense phases of the game.

Coach Turley highlighted the importance of that defensive commitment:

“Against a team like that, you have to keep them to the outside. It’s defence first — getting in lanes, blocking shots, and making life difficult for them. Bari was fantastic tonight.”

Another statement at home

The result reinforces the Pirates’ status as a formidable force at Paisley Ice Rink and underlines the resilience within the squad. Against one of the league’s strongest sides, the Pirates combined attacking intent with disciplined defensive work to secure another memorable home victory.

Final Score: Paisley Pirates 4 – 3 Dundee Rockets

Goals: Peacock, Crawford (2), Turley

Man of the Match: Bari McKenzie