by Mike Ries, Staff Writer, AHL Report
BRAMPTON, ON — It was a quiet week for the Beast as they prepared to embark on their longest road trip of the season. With just one game on the schedule, Brampton hosted the Worcester Railers, the ECHL affiliate of the New York Islanders, on Sunday afternoon.
The Beast came away with a hard fought 4-3 shootout win at the Powerade Centre. Brampton played well but surrendered a late goal to send the game into overtime. Goaltender Marcus Hogberg was again strong in the Brampton net facing 36 shots with a high percentage of good scoring chances by the Railers. Defenceman Reggie Traccitto scored the shootout winner for Brampton in the fifth round.
The Brampton Beast welcomed back veteran David Vallorani who signed a standard player contract. Last season, the 28-year-old was the top scorer with the Beast recording 83 points in 53 games. The diminutive forward was playing in Sweden with Almtuna IS to begin this season recording 11 points in 23 games before re-signing with Brampton.
Vallorani had an immediate impact scoring in his first game with the Beast. Forward Daniel Ciampini was sent down to Brampton from the Belleville Senators of the AHL. Forward Vincent Dunn, who was impressive in his short stint with the Beast, returned to Belleville.
Brampton captain Brandon Marino continues his torrid scoring pace recording 24 points in 22 games this season including 17 assists. His centerman veteran Alex Foster has piled up points at a point a game pace through 11 games.
The goaltending tandem of Marcus Hogberg and Zach Fucale has played well since joining the Beast and are a formidable duo. Hogberg struggled early as he adjusted to the North American style of play and the smaller ice surface. But he has played very well recently and has the potential to be one of the top goaltenders in the ECHL.
The Beast return to action on Friday December 15th as they host the Toledo Walleye and then travel to Kalamazoo to face the Wings. It will be another long travel weekend as the Beast finish the weekend at home against the Atlanta Gladiators on Sunday afternoon.
