Adjusting to a new league can take time, and the Deseronto Storm have the pre- season to make some major adjustments. The Storm took on the visiting Picton Pirates tonight at the Deseronto Community Centre. The contest marked the first home game for the Storm since joining the Empire B Junior C hockey league this past off-season. Picton came to town firing on all cylinders. Streaks of five and four unanswered goals helped the Pirates to a 9-2 victory over Deseronto.

Both teams killed off early penalties without issue. Cody Stapley opened the scoring for the Storm five minutes in off a long outlet pass from Carson Nelles. Stapley made no mistake on the breakaway to give the Storm the lead. Picton tied the game up six minutes later, and then pulled ahead 2-1 late in the opening frame. Also in the first, Storm defenseman Kirby Maracle skated to the bench favoring his wrist. Maracle was able to return later in the game.

Picton came out strong in the second period, scoring three more times in the first eight minutes. Mitchell Smith scored the first two goals of the period for the Pirates as part of his four point effort. Storm goalie Dan Corrigan was knocked down during the second, but was able to continue. Corrigan played a valiant game despite letting up nine goals. Several of Picton’s goals came off turnovers and odd-man rushes as the Storm players adjusted to the speed of the Empire B loop. Deseronto defenseman Bobby Breadman scored in the final minute of the middle frame with the assist going to returning forward Brett Maracle. After his assist, Maracle went into the end boards awkwardly, but was able to leave the ice under his own power. It was a scene no fan wanted to see, especially in exhibition play. Deseronto will need all hands on deck in two weeks when the regular season begins.

The final period was more of the same with Picton scoring four consecutive goals. The final two were from Picton’s newest pick-up, Kenny Murdoff. Deseronto fought until the final whistle, but ultimately mustered very little offence against the speedy Pirate squad.

The Storm’s next pre-season game is Sunday in Amherstview against the Jets. Amherstview then comes to Deseronto on Friday September 14th to close out the home part of the exhibition schedule.

The games that count begin September 21st when the Napanee Raiders come to Deseronto. Game time is 8:30p.m.

Following the September 1 exhibition game in Wellington (vs Picton Pirates) the Deseronto Storm announced two additions to the roster. Defenseman Chris Rogalsky and goaltender Cody Dafoe were signed by the Storm. Additional signings are expected later this week.

Upcoming games include an exhibition game on September 7 against the Picton Pirates at 8:30 pm in the Deseronto Community Recreation Centre and a pair of exhibition games with the Amherstview Jets. On September 9 the Storm travel to Amherstview for a 7:30 pm game at WJ Henderson Arena and on September 14, the Jets travel to Deseronto for a 8:30 pm start. The regular season home opener is on Friday September 21 against the Napanee Raiders with a 8:30 pm start.