Weekend Roundup: Pirates Battle Hard in Double-Header, End on a High with Dominant Home Win

The Paisley Pirates faced another intense double-header weekend, with back-to-back games against the Dundee Rockets and North Ayrshire Wild. After a hard-fought loss on the road in Dundee on Saturday, the Pirates responded in perfect fashion at home on Sunday, delivering a statement 5-0 victory to close out their final home game of the regular season.

Saturday: Rockets Edge Pirates in Tight Contest

The weekend kicked off with a challenging away fixture against the Dundee Rockets, a team that has proven difficult to break down this season. The Pirates started strong, applying pressure early and getting on the scoreboard through Gary Parker and Jay Herd. With a tight defensive effort and a strong performance in goal from Daniel McGowan, the Pirates looked to be in control for much of the game.

However, as the third period progressed, the Rockets found their rhythm, capitalising on key moments to score two unanswered goals and claim a 4-2 victory. The Pirates gave everything they had, but in the end, Dundee managed to edge ahead when it mattered most.

A standout performance from Daniel McGowan earned him Man of the Match honours, as he kept the Pirates in the game with a string of brilliant saves under relentless pressure. Despite the disappointment of not securing the win, the Pirates walked away with valuable lessons and immediately shifted focus to Sunday’s home clash.

Sunday: Pirates Respond with Convincing Shutout Win Over North Ayrshire Wild

Determined to bounce back, the Pirates returned to Braehead Arena on Sunday and delivered a dominant 5-0 victory over North Ayrshire Wild. From the opening faceoff, the team looked sharp, controlling the tempo and executing their game plan to perfection.

Leading the charge was Alex Lane, who stole the show with a clinical hat-trick, showing his skill and precision in front of goal. Marty Simpson and Gary Parker also added their names to the scoresheet, ensuring that the Pirates kept the pressure on throughout all three periods.

At the other end of the ice, Daniel McGowan capped off a brilliant weekend with a well-earned shutout, stopping every attempt that came his way to ensure the Pirates ended their final home game of the regular season in style. Alex Lane was named Man of the Match, a fitting reward for his outstanding performance.

One Last Challenge Before Playoffs

With the final home game of the season now behind them, the Pirates set their sights on their last regular season fixture—an away trip to Fife to face the Kirkcaldy Kestrels next Sunday. The team will be looking to carry their winning momentum into this game and finish the season on a high before heading into the playoffs.

A huge thank you to all the fans who supported the team this weekend, both in Dundee and at home in Braehead. Your backing makes all the difference, and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible next weekend as we take on the Kestrels!