The Pilgrim (Warwick, RI) varsity ice hockey team will play a neutral non-conference game against Bishop Guertin (Nashua, NH) today at 8 p.m.

Matchup Information

• Teams: Bishop Guertin vs. Pilgrim
• Date: Friday, Dec. 27, 2024
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Location: Providence College

Team Comparison: Bishop Guertin vs. Pilgrim (2024-2025 Season)

As we dive into the 2024-2025 hockey season, two teams stand out with contrasting early performances: Bishop Guertin and Pilgrim. Both teams have played an intriguing mix of games, with Bishop Guertin struggling in their early contests, while Pilgrim holds a more balanced record. Let’s break down their performances, stats, and what’s to come for both teams as the season unfolds.

Bishop Guertin Performance Overview

Bishop Guertin’s early season record stands at 0-2. Both of their losses came on the road, against teams that are starting to show their strength. The team has scored 3 goals but allowed 8, with a goal difference that has hurt their chances. The overall win percentage stands at 0.000%, which shows that they will need to turn things around quickly to stay competitive in the league.

Team Scoring Averages:

• First Period: 0 goals
• Second Period: 2.0 goals
• Third Period: 0 goals
• Final: 1.5 goals

While Bishop Guertin has shown some spark in the second period, their inability to finish games strong has contributed to their losses. Their offensive output needs to improve if they are to compete with higher-ranked teams.

Pilgrim Performance Overview

Pilgrim, with a 2-2-1 record, has had a slightly more successful campaign so far. They have won 2 games at home, lost 2 on the road, and earned a tie in a neutral-site game. With a .500 win percentage and a .000 league percentage, Pilgrim has shown inconsistency in their league games, but they have been solid at home, posting a 2-0 record. They have scored 17 goals while allowing 12, putting their goal difference in a more favorable light compared to Bishop Guertin.

Team Scoring Averages:

• First Period: 1.0 goal
• Second Period: 0.3 goals
• Third Period: 1.0 goal
• Final: 3.4 goals

Pilgrim’s strong start in the first period has been a key component of their success. They also finish games with higher scoring averages than their opponents, which speaks to their resilience and ability to push the pace as the game progresses.

Statistical Breakdown

• Bishop Guertin:
  • Goals: 8
  • Assists: 8
  • Goals Against Average (GAA): 1.1
• Pilgrim:
  • Goals: 17
  • Assists: 12
  • Goals Against Average (GAA): 4.8

Despite scoring fewer goals than Pilgrim, Bishop Guertin has a much stronger goals-against average (1.1 GAA), showcasing a solid defensive structure. Pilgrim’s GAA of 4.8 indicates potential vulnerabilities defensively, which they will need to address if they are to improve on their record.

Team Leaders

• Bishop Guertin:
  • Top Scorer: #13 Jack Sayler (2 goals)
  • Top Assists: #12 Marcus Walsh (2 assists)
  • Top Goaltender: #1 Brandon Laudon (0.0 GAA)
• Pilgrim:
  • Top Scorer: #13 Jack Sayler (3 goals)
  • Top Assists: #12 Marcus Walsh (3 assists)
  • Top Goaltender: #1 Brandon Laudon (4.8 GAA)

Jack Sayler’s goal-scoring leadership for both teams highlights his significance, while Marcus Walsh stands out as the top playmaker. However, Brandon Laudon’s impressive performance with Bishop Guertin in the goal should not go unnoticed, as he holds a perfect GAA thus far.

Common Opponents Comparison

Both teams have faced common opponents this season, and it is interesting to note their contrasting results.

• Bishop Guertin vs. Prout (12/21/24): Lost 5-2 (Away)
• Pilgrim vs. Prout (1/7/25): This matchup is still pending but will provide more insight into their standings.
• Bishop Guertin vs. Smithfield (12/26/24): Lost 3-1 (Away)
• Pilgrim vs. Smithfield (12/21/24): Lost 5-4 (Home)

While both teams have lost to their common opponents, Bishop Guertin’s performance against Smithfield suggests a more competitive edge, as they held their opponents to just 3 goals, unlike Pilgrim, who conceded 5.

Record Breakdown Summary

• Bishop Guertin:
  • Overall: 0-2
  • Home: 0-0
  • Away: 0-2
  • Non-League: 0-2
  • Common Opponent: 0-2
• Pilgrim:
  • Overall: 2-2-1
  • Home: 2-0
  • Away: 0-2
  • Neutral: 0-0-1
  • Common Opponent: 0-1

Looking Ahead

For both teams, the season is still young, and adjustments will be necessary. Bishop Guertin must improve their offensive production and find a way to capitalize on their defensive stability. Pilgrim, on the other hand, needs to tighten up defensively to complement their ability to score goals. With more league games and matchups ahead, both teams will have opportunities to refine their play and push toward improving their overall records.

In conclusion, while Pilgrim currently holds a better record, both teams are striving to find their rhythm. As they face off against each other and continue through the season, it will be interesting to see which team can make the necessary adjustments to move up in the rankings.