Lewiston native Nick Pomerleau jumped into the Twin City Thunder offensive attack Friday.
The 19-year-old defenseman scored two goals in a 5-0 victory over the Islanders Hockey Club in a USPHL NCDC contest in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts.
“We needed a spark offensively and he started it,” Thunder coach Dan Hodge said.
Pomerleau now has three goals and five assists in 10 games this season.
Forward Tommy Gannon notched a goal and assists, while forward Hunter Young and defenseman Anthony Marra tallied two assists apiece for the Thunder (7-3-0, 14 points). Trey Miller turned aside 39 shots for the shutout.
Hodge said the Thunder had to shake off some rust after an eight-day layoff between games.
“We started skating,” Hodge said. “We started to move the puck and I thought we were individuals the first two periods, overhandling the puck and doing too much. In the third period, we start moving the puck and moving our feet to create opportunities with our speed and pace.”
After two scoreless periods, the Thunder scored two early goals in the third period. Pomerleau started with his second goal of the year. The power-play tally came 3:33 into the third period.
Ty Walker scored 40 seconds later for his first goal of the season, beating Islanders (2-8-1, 5 points) goalie Connor Strobel (32 saves).
Patrick Last extended the Thunder’s lead to 3-0, with assists from Matt Cole and Marra.
Pomerleau scored his second power-play goal four minutes after his first goal for a 4-0 lead.
Richard Davis scored his sixth goal of the season with a shorthanded effort nearly 14 minutes into the third period.
“It’s one of those days where everyone contributed, which is always nice,” Hodge said. “Pat Last got a goal, Pomerleau got two, (Ty Walker) and Richard Davis.”
Twin City returns home Saturday at Norway Savings Bank Arena with the Northern Cyclones of Hudson, Hampshire, coming to town at 5 p.m.
MATT COLE RETURNS TO THE THUNDER
Forward Matt Cole made his season debut for the Thunder on Friday after beginning the season with the Shreveport Mudbugs of the North American Hockey League.
Hodge said it’s nice to have Cole back.
“He adds some depth to our team and he’s a veteran; he’s been here before,” Hodge said. “We brought him in and said: ‘Hey, earn an opportunity to make the team,’ and has done well so far. I am looking forward to where it takes him.”
The 20-year-old of Saginaw, Michigan, didn’t record any points in six games with the Mudbugs this season. Last year with the Thunder, he totaled eight goals and 16 assists in 29 games after starting the season with the Metro Jets of the USPHL Premier League. He notched 13 goals and 12 assists in 20 games with the Jets.
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