The night also paid tribute to Pat West, a former player of the Liverpool Bruins. West’s wife Donna-Leigh West, and former Bruins players lined up to pay tribute to their friend before the game began. The processional of dignitaries was led onto the ice by members of the local air cadet squadron of Milton.
MC for the evening was Bruce Inglis, president of the Wild and friend of Pat West.
“Pat was a team player, and in many cases just like in the Mosher and Rawding Bruins picture on the front wall, Pat often wore a letter on his jersey,” said Inglis in a speech written by another Bruins teammate who couldn’t make it out that evening.
“It was not because he was overly vocal, aggressive or assertive. It was because Pat said and did what needed to be said and done when it was needed.”
Inglis went on to add West loved the game of hockey, and represented what hockey should mean to anyone that plays the game.
“It is a game where you can build character, have fun, make friends, get some exercise, compete or just play.”
Before the game began, the 2011/2012 South Shore Wild team skated onto the ice for their introduction.
Wild vs. Barrington
The South Shore Wild weren’t there just to introduce themselves though. The team took on rivals the Barrington Ice Dogs, in a tough fought match.
Both teams were evenly matched for most of the first period, skating aggressively and not letting either close to the net. However the Ice Dogs managed to get a goal late in the first period, and quickly followed it up by another less than two minutes later. The Ice Dogs added another early in the second period, making it 3-0.
After the third goal, the Wild rallied the defenses and kept the Ice Dogs at bay. Many shots were fired at the Ice Dogs goalie, but none made it past his keen eye.
The Wild managed to get their first goal of the season in the third period from Nick Mercer, assisted by Alex Garland.
A forth goal by Barrington slipped past the Wild goal tender late in the third period, to end the game 4-1.
Shots on goal were 32 for the Wild and 47 for the Ice Dogs.
In there away game against Fundy on Oct. 9, the Wild won 8-7.
The Wild play their next home game on Friday Oct. 14 at 9:15 p.m. at the Queens Memorial Arena against Spryfield. Before the game begins, the team will pay tribute to the Fire Department. Admission for the game will be $1 more, with the proceeds going to the fire department.
