by Mike Ries, Staff Writer, AHL Report

BRAMPTON, ON — As the season winds down franchise records continue to fall as the Beast continue their push to a North Division crown.  Brampton captain Brandon Marino became the all-time points leader assisting on a goal by Connor Crisp on Thursday night.  The assist was the 101st point by Marino surpassing the mark previously set by Jason Pitton.

Speaking of Crisp, he is on a scoring streak with seven points in his last eight games heading into the game on Friday night.  Crisp is becoming a physical presence in front of the opposition’s net.  His resurgence this season has prompted the Beast coaching staff to elevate him to the top line with David Pacan and Brandon Marino.

Forward David Pacan is currently leading the league with 36 goals in only 60 games.  David Vallorani is sitting fourth in league scoring with 77 points (28 goals, 49 assists).  Goaltender Zach Fucale who earlier set the franchise record for wins on a season is tied for third in the ECHL with four shutouts.

In roster news the Beast signed Brampton native and four-year OHL veteran defenceman Matt Petgrave to a Standard Player Contract (SPC).  Petgrave just completed four years of CIS hockey at University of New Brunswick.  He helped the Reds to two national championships.  To make room for Petgrave, the Beast released defenceman Chris Weidauer.  Mitch Zion and Justin Baker continue to be on injured reserve.

In the standings the Beast continue fight for the lead in the North Division.  Just nine points separate first to fifth place in the division with the Beast a mere eight points of being out of the playoffs.   The top four teams in the division will advance to the playoffs. While the Beast are in a good position, nothing has been decided yet.  

Brampton has six regular season games remaining with five of those contests against division foes.  So while the playoffs haven’t started yet, each game is crucial for the Beast.