Pirates braced for stern test

Paisley Pirates face their toughest challenge of the season so far as they host treble winners Dundee Comets in a mouth-watering clash tomorrow.

The visitors completed a clean sweep of domestic honours last year, winning the Scottish Cup, the league playoffs, and the SNL title – the latter by the virtue of a better goal difference than the Pirates.

“It’s got the potential to be another classic between the teams,” said off ice operations manager Jackie Turley.

“It was a closely fought 3-3 draw here last year with some terrific entertainment for the fans – real edge of the seat stuff – while when we went to the Dundee Ice Arena it finished 6-6 with two goals in the last minute.

“The game isn’t likely to let anyone down in terms of value for money.

“They’ve got a lot of fine players but then so do we. Our goals have been spread throughout the team with no single player taking the headlines.”

Turley added: “We’re expecting a larger crowd than usual as this really is one of the fixtures you look out for every year.

“Our advice is to get along early and make sure you catch every one of the 60 minutes – if you don’t you’re likely to miss something.

“It’s our last home game for a couple of weeks, so we’re advising supporters to get themselves along and catch some of the best ice hockey action.”

Face- off is at 5pm with doors opening to the arena at 4.20pm.