Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

Behind cheers lurk Pirates fans' fears

Drawn to the family-friendly entertainment, hockey lovers across the region worry about the unthinkable.

By Deirdre Fleming dfleming@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

PORTLAND — The way Kyle Murcin and Carey Fullerton of Greene see it, the Portland Pirates just can't leave town.

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Kyle Murcin, left, and Carey Fullerton, both of Greene, celebrate a goal by Pirates captain Brad Larsen in the first period Friday night against the Manchester Monarchs at the Cumberland County Civic Center. “We come to every game,” Murcin says. “It’s our thing.”

Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer

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Dan Bailey of Yarmouth waves the Jolly Roger at the end of the second period during Friday night’s game between the Portland Pirates and Manchester Monarchs at the Cumberland County Civic Center. Bailey, who has been a fan of the Pirates since their first season, says he’s concerned about the team’s possible move to Albany, N.Y. “I think Portland is a far better hockey market,” he says.

Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer

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First of all, Murcin is a New York native and a lifelong fan of the Buffalo Sabres, the Pirates' National Hockey League affiliate. Second, Portland's minor-league team is the closest thing these hockey fans have to "real hockey."

Finally, following the Pirates kind of brought the engaged couple together.

"We enjoy it together. We come to every game. It's our thing," said Murcin, 20, wearing a red Pirates jersey that he had signed by every player.

Before Friday's game against the Manchester Monarchs, die-hard fans at the Cumberland County Civic Center voiced disappointment, sadness and even frustration that their team may pick up and move to Albany, N.Y.

Rumors of a move have been reported for weeks, and the Pirates have confirmed that it's possible, with the team's five-year lease at the civic center due to expire April 30.

The Pirates entered into a long-term extension of their affiliation with the Sabres on Wednesday, but negotiations for a new lease with the civic center's board of trustees continue.

Some fans said Friday that they don't want the team to leave but understand that relocating a professional team goes with the business of managing a team or running an arena.

"I'm upset, but I can see both sides," said Bob Knights of Sanford, who has been a season-ticket holder for 16 years.

Others who came in their red-and-black jerseys Friday said a move would be unfair.

"This kind of came out of nowhere for us, for the fans. We're not happy," said Robert Beaudoin of Rochester, N.H.

Beaudoin drives 50 minutes to meet his son, Corey, 24, of Dover, N.H., at most games. The Monarchs in Manchester, N.H., are closer, but the two men prefer to root for the Pirates.

Corey Beaudoin said he doesn't know what they will do if the Pirates move to New York and another team moves into Portland.

"We'd have to root against our team. Players come and go and affiliates change. But as long as they're the Pirates, that's all that matters," he said.

Many fans just want a hockey team in Portland, regardless of the name or the National Hockey League affiliate.

Die-hard Pirates fans say hockey is better when watched in person, and it's more exciting in the minor leagues.

"I like to see these guys trying to get to the top. They're not fat cats like the major league. They put it out there every game," said Joe Estrella, 77, of Cornish, who has been a season-ticket holder for eight years.

Some questioned how the managers of the civic center could risk letting a good thing slip away. These staunch hockey fans say the atmosphere in the stands is electric, and the games are good family fun.

Bob Pinkelman of Harpswell bought season tickets for the first time this year. He paid for them through a second job. "I rewarded myself," he said with a grin.

Pinkelman is now a total convert. He has made it to every game, looked forward to each one, and is now collecting Pirates jerseys.

"This is very fan-friendly. It's very family-friendly. My older son is meeting me here. I'd like the team to stay longer," Pinkelman said, wearing the jersey he bought recently on eBay. "I think we took this team for granted."

Staff Writer Deirdre Fleming can be contacted at 791-6452 or at:

dfleming@pressherald.com