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There was a time when Randy Cunneyworth would skate onto the ice for practice wearing a Rochester Americans sweat top and a Buffalo Sabres cap.
At Buffalo's American Hockey League affiliate since 1979, apparel from the Sabres and Amerks was virtually interchangeable for nearly three decades.
Not anymore. That hat is forbidden on the ice.
Nothing against the Sabres. Hey, they pay his salary and are still a parent team. But the Florida Panthers are also a parent team in this dual affiliation.
The Canes and the Avs call themselves "Developmental Partners", which kind of has a nicer ring...
Can Amerks build unity?
The Rochester Americans begin their 51st season in the American Hockey League with a very different look.
Of the 30 players on the opening-night roster, 17 are new to Rochester, including 14 first-year pros.
With the Buffalo Sabres and the Florida Panthers equally stocking the team, the Amerks hope to improve on last year's 37-39-4 record, which resulted in the first non-playoff season in 16 years.
Young Amerks may take time to mesh
Video: Meet the Amerks
Amerks Player Profiles
Rats are looking to alter a trend
New era spurs optimism
Also, I guess I missed this yesterday:
Craig Anderson made his practice debut with the Rochester Americans (yesterday), and will very likely be the starting goalie in Friday's night's 7:35 season opener.
Defenseman Alexei Semenov is expected to arrive tonight and could also play when the Amerks play the Albany River Rats.
Anderson spent all of last season with the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks, posting a 6-12-4 record with a 3.32 goals-against average in 29 games.
The arrival of Anderson, 25, gives the Amerks four goalies. Rookie Adam Dennis is still unsigned but talks between the Buffalo Sabres and his agent continue.
There are 30 players on the roster. Coach Randy Cunneyworth would at some point like to be down to 23 or 24 players. Since ECHL camps open on Monday, a few reassignments could come over the weekend.
===============================
Next Game
===============================
Who: Albany River Rats at Rochester Americans
When: Friday, October 6, 2006; 7:35 PM
Where: Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: B2 Networks
Internet: mms://168.75.182.197/rochester
Web site: www.amerks.com
- Location:Somewhere between the sacred silence and sleep
- Mood:
awake - Music:System of a down
With no car and no knowledge of this city that he'll call home for the next seven or eight months, Mike Card passes some of his idle time in a Gates hotel plucking on his guitar.
Card, one of 13 players new to the Rochester Americans and the American Hockey League, has been playing hockey pretty much since he could talk. He just picked up the guitar about a year ago.
So can he play a tune?
"I have a good work ethic," he says with a smile. In other words, Eddie Van Halen has nothing to fear.
New Amerks in town
The American Hockey League begins its 71st season as 27 teams start down the road to the 2007 Calder Cup championship. The 2006-07 campaign gets underway tonight when the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins host the Manitoba Moose at the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza. It marks the seventh consecutive year in which the Penguins have hosted the AHL's regular-season opener.
AHL's 71st Season set to begin tonight
Throughout their nine-year history, the Florida Everblades have carried two goalies — a standard employed by most hockey teams — on their roster.
The Blades won't be using that standard this season. At least not in the beginning.
Florida will carry three goalies entering the 2006-07 ECHL season, Blades general manager Craig Brush said Wednesday. Netminders Craig Kowalski, Kevin Nastiuk and David Shantz were officially reassigned to the Blades on Wednesday. The goalies' NHL parent clubs want each to get playing time in Estero.
The three goalies were part of 13 players officially added to the Blades roster Wednesday. Florida will kick off training camp Monday with 28 players — 23 contracted and five camp invitees.
Blades to have 3 goalies on roster
Three goalies are going to be fighting for ice time at the start of next week’s training camp for the ECHL’s Florida Everblades — and there are only two nets.
Craig Kowalski and Kevin Nastiuk, both under contract to the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, were sent down Wednesday morning by Carolina’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Albany River Rats. The pair join Florida Panthers rookie goaltending prospect David Shantz, who was reassigned by the AHL’s Rochester Americans over the weekend.
“They’re used to training camps where there are lots of goalies, so I don’t think that’s an issue at all,” said Craig Brush, Everblades team president and general manager, about the addition of the two Hurricanes goalies. “Right now they’ll both be with us. These situations usually have a way of solving themselves. With four teams above us there’s a chance that there could be somebody that has an injury.
“I don’t think we’ve ever had a full season where we haven’t been looking for an emergency backup, so if it’s determined that we have three goalies here then that’s a luxury we’ve never had.”
It's crowded between the pipes
Two other goalies who are Carolina property -- Craig Kowalski, 25, and Kevin Nastiuk, 21 -- were assigned Wednesday to the Hurricanes' ECHL affiliate in Fort Myers, Fla. Defenseman Chris Lee also was sent to Florida.
Youth Rats' net result
also
Everblades fill out training camp roster; add 13 players
The Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League announced Tuesday they have been assigned left wing Ryan Bayda by the Carolina Hurricanes.
Bayda, 25, appeared in three of Carolina’s five pre-season games and registered a goal and two assists to go along with two penalty minutes and an even plus/minus rating. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Saskatchewan, Sask., native is entering his sixth professional season after signing with the Hurricanes as a free agent August 4, 2006. Bayda has recorded seven goals and 13 assists in 69 career NHL games with the Hurricanes. He has 45 goals and 100 assists in 229 AHL games with Lowell and Manitoba.
River Rats assigned left wing Ryan Bayda by Carolina Hurricanes
ECHL Vice President of Hockey Operations Rod Pasma traveled to the National Hockey League office in Toronto to develop the video, which is narrated by NHL Senior VP & Director of Officiating Stephen Walkom, for a new standard of officiating under the one-man referee system.
“We encourage our fans to watch this video as the new standard of rules enforcement will change how the game is played in the ECHL,” said Pasma.
ECHL coaches watched the video at their annual meeting, and each coach received copies of the video with instructions to show and review it with their players during training camp. It was also shown to the Board of Governors at their Preseason Meeting on Sept. 28.
ECHL makes rules enforcement video available online
===============================
Next Game
===============================
Who: Albany River Rats at Rochester Americans
When: Friday, October 6, 2006; 7:35 PM
Where: Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: B2 Networks
Internet: mms://168.75.182.197/rochester
Web site: www.amerks.com
- Location:Cape Coral, Fl
- Mood:
busy - Music:Korn: Coming Undone
Left winger Michael Ryan, who cleared NHL waivers over the weekend, scored one goal, and rookie forward David Booth scored the other, as the Rochester Americans closed their preseason with a 5-2 loss to the Toronto Marlies Monday afternoon.
The article mainly talks about the latest Sabres send downs.
Amerks lose preseason finale
Former Florida Everblades defenseman Grant McNeill was released on Monday by the American Hockey League's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
According to a press release, McNeill is expected to attend the training camp of the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers.
There are no enforcers in the Panthers System -- I would have liked to have McNeill back. Still, the Canes have a fine crop of bruisers.
Ex-Blade McNeill cut by AHL club
Could the Panthers start the season with three goalies on the roster?
(Craig) Anderson likely will be sent down to the AHL affiliate in Rochester, N.Y., or traded/loaned to another AHL franchise in the coming days.
Healthy Belfour practices for Panthers
An interesting tidbit -- there are only six NHL players that are 40 years old or older. Three of them, Ed Belfour (41), Joe Nieuwendyk (40) and Gary Roberts (40), are on the Florida Panthers Roster.
The other three? Ex-Panther Scott Mellanby (40) now with the Atlanta Thrashers, Detroit defenseman Chris Chelios (44) and Detroit goalie Dominik Hasek (41).
Canes at Camp
The Panthers and the Amerks both open their season Friday Night. The Amerks will be holding a "Red Out" to kick off their season.
Amers to hold a 'Red Out' Friday in Season Opener.
- Location:Cape Coral
- Mood:
indifferent - Music:Breaking Benjamin: Diary of Jane
Oh please. Andy Kent is full of himself again. I broke this story yesterday after it was reported in the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.
He didn't even have the first draft of the story up at 8 AM when I left for Sarasota...
Rochester sends five players to Blades
The Blades also received three more players, this time from their Carolina affiliate: Left wing Mike Angelidis, center Vince Bellissimo and defenseman Brett Carson.
Vince is a returning Everblade. G. Falls supports hockey
The Amerks where idle yesterday and will conclude their preseason schedule when they head to Toronto for a noon showdown against the Marlies on Monday, October 2nd at Ricoh Coliseum.
Meanwhile between Belf and Auld, Craig Anderson may have to stay with the Panthers permently...
Van Ryn, Belfour Hurt
The updated Everblades roster can be found here.
- Mood:
sleepy
MacDonald, Brine and Taylor all made the TV cut and signed contracts with the Panthers. MacDonald is now hoping to make another cut and stay with the Rochester Americans, rather than go to the ECHL's Florida Everblades.
Reality TV leads to deal for MacDonald
The Rochester Americans lost for the first time this preseason, dropping a 4-1 decision tonight to the Toronto Marlies at the ESL Sports Centre on the campus of Monroe Community College.
Rochester falls to 2-1-0-0, after opening the preseason with wins over the Syracuse Crunch. The Marlies improved to 2-0-0-0 with the road win.
Amerks drop first perseason game, Lose 4-1
Meanwhile Defenseman Alexei Semenov, who was optioned to Rochester on Thursday, was recalled by the Panthers on Friday following an injury to Mike Van Ryan.
Van Ryn Hurt
Rochester made their first cuts yesterday. Coming to Southwest Florida will be goaltender David Shantz, defenseman Steve Czech and Bret Nasby, and forwards Dustin Johner and Jonathan Lehun.
Also released were defenseman Christopher Trick and Gabriel Proulx, and forwards Austin Sutter, Branislav Fabry, J.F. Soucy, Darryl McKinnon, and Derek Damon. It is unclear where these players are being assigned.
The Blades also received Jon Jakus from the Albany River Rats where he was attending AHL camp. The forward from the University of Maine was signed by the Everblades in July.
Also cut from River Rats camp were defensemen Preston Briggs, Jacob Schuster and Andrew Winnik, and centers Brad Parsons.
Rats squander lead
In other ECHL news...
The ECHL will once again have a different number of teams in its two conferences for the 2006-07 season. The conferences will also play under distinct playoff formats.
The ECHL released its division and conference alignments, and playoff format for the 2006-07 season Friday afternoon.
For the most part, not much will change from last season. The Estero-based Florida Everblades will remain in the American Conference's South Division.
ECHL divisions stay uneven; playoff format set
also
ECHL conferences shuffled; playoff format revised
And the European exodus continues:
In addition to (Paul) Cabana and (Matt) Bannan, forwards Kevin Bergin (Basingstoke Bison of England’s Elite Ice Hockey League), Daniel Sisca (Italy’s HCJ Milano Vipers), Steve Saviano (Växjö Lakers of the Allsvenskan League in Sweden), defensemen Corey Neilson (GMB Nottingham Panthers of the EIHL) and Tyson Teplitsky (EIHL’s Cardiff Devils) and goaltender Phil Osaer (Cardiff Devils) have crossed the Atlantic Ocean.
Last season, Cabana scored 46 points (23 goals, 23 assists) in 60 regular-season games, missing some time with a separated shoulder, and added seven points (5 goals, 2 assists) in seven playoff games. But Florida did not list him on the protected list or tender a qualifying offer, so he had to start exploring other options.
Cabana to play in Germany
- Location:Wasteland
- Mood:
anxious - Music:10 Years
Other cuts included former Michigan State standout David Booth; defensemen Alexei Semenov and Ari Vallen; and center Janis Sprukts. All five are expected to start the season with the Americans. Florida is required to send a minimum of nine players to Rochester, although that number could be more if the Americans request it.
Roster nearly set for opener
also
ROSTER MOVES
and
Panthers open up offense
and of course the actual Panthers Press Release
"There's three goalies for one spot," Pelletier said after practice. "Craig Anderson and myself can't get sent down to the East Coast (ECHL), so something has to give."
Ideally, the Panthers will loan Pelletier — or possibly Anderson — to another AHL team. That way the No. 3 and 4 goalies in the organization can play at the highest level outside of the NHL while Shantz learns the pro game with the ECHL's Florida Everblades.
No loan has been arranged, however. Most NHL teams believe they have adequate goaltending depth and want their young prospects playing in the AHL.
Pelletier's stay could stop short
Yesterday's big Blades headlines:
The Blades — who have 10 players signed for the 2006-07 regular season which will kick off in three weeks — are expecting to receive many players from their NHL affiliates, the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes, and didn't have enough space for Aucoin on their roster.
"We do not have enough room for him unfortunately," Blades general manager Craig Brush said. "We're getting guys from the (American Hockey League) and we already signed too many players.
Aucoin no longer with Everblades
"Phil signed his qualifying offer at a time when we weren’t quite certain about how many players we were going to receive from our affiliates (Carolina and the Florida Panthers), and unfortunately for Phil, it looks like we’re going to get more than we originally had anticipated," Fleming said by phone while on his way to Albany, N.Y., to watch some of Carolina’s prospects at the Albany River Rats’ American Hockey League camp.
"So we just didn’t have the room to play him and Phil’s the type of player that has to play. We released him to give him the opportunity to go to Memphis, a team that he’s familiar with."
Aucoin joins CHL team after being released by Everblades
It looks like the duel affiliation is going to work out worse than ever for the Everblades in terms of call ups during the season. Albany is carrying 36 guys already and are expecting 11 more to join their camp this weekend.
- Location:Somewhere between the sacred silence and sleep
- Mood: awake
- Music:System of a Down
More experienced players have already been cut from training camp. That includes three minor-leaguers who had short stints with the Panthers last season.
Rookie left winger David Booth, however, is still here. Wednesday, Booth skated on the fourth line and also saw ice time on the penalty kill. While this is the first pro camp for the 21-year-old out of Michigan State, there was a feeling after the first practice nearly two weeks ago that he'd hang around for a while.
"He definitely was our best player of rookie camp, and he looked like he didn't miss a beat," Martin said then, and added Wednesday that Booth has continued to have a strong camp.
One of 30 remaining players on the roster, Booth most likely will be assigned to Rochester of the American Hockey League before the start of the season. There's a slim chance he will stay with the Panthers if left-winger Ville Peltonen is placed on injured reserve because of an injured shoulder, though right-winger Anthony Stewart would be the likely candidate to be the 13th forward.
Regardless, "This has been some of the best couple weeks of my life," said Booth, who scored his only goal this preseason at Chicago last Thursday.
Also
Cats' rookie Booth making impression*
From the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle:
Rookie defenseman Franklin MacDonald strengthened his chances of staying with the Rochester Americans by scoring once in regulation and then twice in the shootout in a 4-3 win over Syracuse Wednesday night at the ESL Sports Centre.
In regulation, David Brine scored one goal and assisted on the other by Jonathan Lehun.
Goalie David Shantz stopped 35 shots.
MacDonald, Brine, Taylor and Shantz have all been projected to start the season with the ECHL Florida Everblades. Lehun played part of last season with the Blades.
also
Amerks beat Syracuse 4-3 in sudden-death shootout
Jean-Marc Pelletier may be the odd man out in the Panthers goaltending situation. Yesterday, the Miami Herald reported:
General manager and coach Jacques Martin said defenseman Alexei Semenov and goalies Craig Anderson and Jean-Marc Pelletier cleared waivers Tuesday, with Pelletier sent to the team's minor-league affiliate in Rochester, N.Y.
Semenov and Anderson will remain with the team for the time being, although the Panthers can send them to the minors without having to clear waivers again within the next 30 days.
Anderson and Pelletier are competing for the Panthers' No. 3 job, which means starting the season in Rochester. Pelletier, who looks like the odd man out, gave up one goal in two preseason games. Florida could lend either Pelletier or Anderson to another AHL franchise.
"They did what they had to do, so it puts me and them in a strange position," Pelletier said. "There are five goalies for four spots. Something has to give. All I can do is what I do on the ice."
Naples Daily News reporter Andy Kent seems to feel that Pelletier may be coming to Southwest Florida:
Pelletier has never played at the ECHL level, and wasn’t too keen on the idea when it was mentioned as an option if he wanted to remain with the Panthers organization.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there, however, it’s not in my contract so I’d have to accept (the assignment),” he said. “I’m an educated man. I’ve got two years of college done (at Cornell) and I always told myself when somebody told me that I wasn’t good enough to play I’d just move on to other things. But I think I’m still good enough to play and we’ll see where that leads me.”
Kent also thought Southwest Florida was in the Frankie Liriano lottery as well, but Liriano made his rehab start earlier this year with Rochester.
And finally:
Hurricanes Night among Blades' many promotions
I am scheduled for surgery on October 26th, and will be stuck in bed for Hurricane night. Oh well...
* Requires registration. Try <a href="http://www.bugmenot.com>www.bugmenot.com</a> if you do not wish to register.</i>
- Location:Cape Coral, Fl
- Mood:
bouncy - Music:Disturbed: Diefy
Goaltenders Craig Kowalski and Kevin Nastiuk and forwards Vince Bellissimo and Kevin Estrada will report to the American Hockey League's Albany River Rats early next week for the start of their training camp. Forwards Mike Angelidis, Joe Barnes and Stephen Peat and defenseman Brett Carson will be joining them.
-- Former Blades reassigned by Hurricanes
Before heading out on the road for a pair of preseason games, the Hurricanes trimmed their roster by nine Saturday morning; sending Mike Angelidis, Joe Barnes, Vince Bellissimo, Brett Carson, Kevin Estrada, Craig Kowalski, Kevin Nastiuk and Stephen Peat to Albany (AHL), and returning Harrison Reed to his junior team in Ontario.
No surprises in that group, with forwards Patrick Dwyer and Scott Kelman and defensemen Derrick Walser, J.D. Forrest and Tim Conboy avoiding the axe.
-- Canes at Camp
Peters will be moving on as well. It was no doubt his only opportunity of the preseason, with John Grahame expected to start tonight and Cam Ward and Grahame certain to split the final two games next weekend.
But there will be other chances for him in the years to come, his future as bright as ever even after a dark night in the net.
"The only way to get better prepared is experience," Peters said. "Tonight was an experience."
-- Canes' Peters lets in seven goals
In related news, the Florida Panthers lost their Exhibition game in Pueto Rico to the New York Rangers, 3-2.
Florida Panthers goalie Alex Auld made 38 saves and defensemen Steve Montador scored the first NHL goal on Puerto Rican ice. New Panthers defenseman Ari Vallin also scored for Florida.
Cuts were expected to be made after the game, but none have been announced by the Panthers, who now fly to Detroit for an exhibition game against the Red Wings. The Panthers are 0-for-5 in the 2006 preseason.
Meanwhile...
The Rochester Americans opened their 2006 training camp Saturday night at the ESL Sports Centre on the campus of Monroe Community College.
The teams treated fans to a red-white scrimmage. The red team was led by forward Mark Mancari, as he assisted on one goal and scored the shootout game-winner in a 2-1 red team win. The white team was led by a goal from Bret Nasby.
The Amerks will return to the ice on Sunday, September 24th from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the ESL Sports Centre. The session is free and open to the public.
Rochester opens the season against the Albany River Rats on Friday, October 6th at 7:35 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial.
-- Amerk Press Release
- Location:Cape Coral, Fl
- Mood: sleepy
- Music:Disturbed
[quote]The Rochester Americans extended their home losing streak to six games, falling 3-1 to the Manitoba Moose at The Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial.
Jason King led the Moose with one goal and one assist and goalie Wade Flaherty stopped 24 of 25. Rochester got a single goal from Clarke MacArthur.
Jesse Schultz opened the scoring in the second period with the Moose on a 5-on-three power play. He beat Amerk goalie Michael Leighton to the near post for a 1-0 at 8:41 of the second period.
In the third period, Rochester tied the game at one on a goal by MacArthur. The Amerk forward took a pass from Jiri Novotny in the slot and ripped a shot past Flaherty. The Moose, however, regained the lead just 17 seconds later on a wrist shot from the left point by Prestin Ryan. Manitoba tacked on another goal at 10:27 by King for a 3-1 advantage.
In the first period, Amerk forward Dominic Noel nearly gave Rochester a 1-0 lead, but was denied his first goal of the season by a pad save by Flaherty.
The Amerks (21-21-1-1, 43 points) remained in fifth place in the North Division, five points behind the Toronto Marlies. Tonight’s contest began a stretch of three divisional games in four nights, as the team heads into the AHL All-Star Break (January 29th to February 1st). Rochester plays Syracuse Crunch Friday and Hamilton Bulldogs Saturday.
The Moose (28-13-3-2, 61 points) are in second place in the North Division and still trail the first place Grand Rapids Griffins by four points. Manitoba also won for the first time in five games on the road. [/quote]
Moose beat Amerks, 3-1
http://www.amerks.com/FeatureStories.as
Amerks continue to stumble at home
Blue Cross losing streak reaches six
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
Amerks swap give-away goals in loss to Manitoba
Rochester scores, then allows quick goal
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
Manitoba's King gets Amerks out of his system
He scores, Moose victorious and teammates have his back
http://www.moosehockey.com/news/05-06/2
Moose end road woes with win
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/AHL/20
Moose defeat Americans
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/AHL/20
Boxscore
http://ahl.leaguestat.com/stats/game-su
Kevin's 3 stars
1. Prestin Ryan, D, Manitoba
2. Wade Flaherty, G, Manitoba
3. Maxime Fortunus, D, Manitoba
Next Game: Syracuse Crunch (25-15-3) at Rochester Americans (21-21-2)
When: Friday, January 27, 2006 at 7:35 PM
Where: Blue Cross Arena
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: WHTK 1280 AM /www.whtk.com
Web site: www.amerks.com (includes link to B2 Networks $6 web cast).
- Mood: tired
The Rochester Americans blanked the San Antonio Rampage 1-0 tonight at the SBC Center. Goalie Michael Leighton stopped all 27 shots he faced and Chris Thorburn scored with just 1:04 to play to give the Amerks' a two-game split on their Texas road trip.
With the win, Rochester moved one point ahead of the Cleveland Barons and into fifth place in the North Division. The Amerks (21-20-1-1) now have 44 points and trail the Toronto Marlies by three points for the fourth and final playoff spot.
Amerks Blank Rampage
Renewed Amerks sneak by Rampage
Rampage endure another tough loss
Boxscore
Next Game: Manitoba Moose (27-13-5) at Rochester Americans (21-20-2)
When: January 25, 2006 at 7:05 PM
Where: Blue Cross Arena
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: WHTK 1280 AM /www.whtk.com
Web site: www.amerks.com (includes link to B2 Networks $6 web cast).
- Mood: amused
- Music:System of a Down "Hypnotize"
[quote]The Rochester Americans allowed four first-period goals to lose 5-1 to the Houston Aeros tonight at the Toyota Center. The contest began a two-game set in Texas, which concludes on Saturday with a trip to San Antonio.
Rochester (22-19-1-1, 42 points) remains in sixth place tie in the North Division. The Amerks have fallen one point behind the Cleveland Barons and five behind the Toronto Marlies.
On Friday, the Aeros blitzed the Amerks for four goals in the 9:34 and chased Rochester starting goalie Jean-Marc Pelletier. Patrick O'Sullivan led the way with two goals, while Erik Westrum and Roman Voloshenko added single goals. Rochester scored its lone goal at 18:38 of the first period on a power-play goal by Scott Sheppard. Josh Olson netted a goal in the third period to complete the win over the Amerks. Seamus Kotyk stopped 34 of 35 shots to earn the win for Houston. Michael Leighton stopped 20 of 21 in a relief appearance for Rochester.[/quote]
Of note: Panther prospect and former Everblade Drew Larman returned off the IR for the game.
Amerks lose to Houston
http://www.amerks.com/FeatureStories.as
Amerks' woes extended with big loss in Houston
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
Fast start, Kotyk pace Aeros
With head coach gone, assistant Shaw gets first win
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/spo
Boxscore
http://ahl.leaguestat.com/stats/game-su
Nice article on Panther goaltending prospect JMP:
Pelletier is an example for Amerks to follow
Goalie has turned his game around, team hopes to also
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
Next Game: Rochester Americans (20-20-2) at San Antonio Rampage (12-26-3)
When: Saturday, January 21, 2006 at 8:00 PM (ET)
Where: AT&T Center
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: WHTK 1280 AM /www.whtk.com
Web site: www.amerks.com (includes link to B2 Networks $6 web cast).
- Mood: crazy
- Music:Nickleback - "Animals"
Since a split from San Antonio, the Panthers have not found a new mate. But they have found the AHL equivalent of a great roommate who has a really nice apartment.[/quote]
On the AHL Road
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Columnists/Wi
On the affiliation for next year:
[quote]Orlando, which surfaced as a possibility in talk last summer, has not materialized. That said, Orlando is an easy destination to reach from just about anywhere in North America. Considering that the AHL has set up shop in St. John's, Edmonton and Salt Lake City over the years, the league is not shy about sampling new land.[/quote]
[quote]Such a move does not seem likely, though the AHL has flirted down south in the past. The Carolina Monarchs, a former Florida affiliate, were based in Greensboro, N.C. The AHL skated in Jacksonville back in the 1970s for a short spell. Even today, the Norfolk Admirals could be considered something of a southern market, playing just a short hop from the North Carolina state line.
"It would be great," Loughran said of such an arrangement. I don't think it's going to happen in the short-term. I just don't think there are enough markets. In a perfect world, that's what we would want. Unfortunately that's not the way it is, and that's one of the challenges that we have."[/quote]
===================================
Friday
===================================
River Rats 2, Amerks 1
Mogilny's first AHL goal lifts Albany over Amerks
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
Mogilny pays early dividend
In Rats debut, veteran tallies game-winning goal
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/st
Boxscore
http://ahl.leaguestat.com/stats/game-su
Three Stars:
1. ALB - 1 Frank Doyle
2. ROC - 41 Clarke MacArthur
3. ALB - 6 Dan McGillis
Thorburn is latest to be called up to Sabres
Thursday's injury to Mair means Buffalo needs more help on offense
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
===================================
Saturday
===================================
Amerks 5, Bulldogs 3
AMERKS TAME THE BULLDOGS
http://www.amerks.com/PressReleases.asp
Mancari's two goals help Amerks beat Hamilton
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
Boxscore
http://ahl.leaguestat.com/stats/game-su
Three Stars:
1. ROC - 26 Mark Mancari
2. HAM - 44 Jean-Francois Jacques
3. ROC - 35 Jean-Marc Pelletier
AMERKS SIGN DOMINIC NOEL AFTER THORBURN’S RECALL
http://www.amerks.com/FeatureStories.as
Amerks seek pledge from Sabres before extending affiliation
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
===================================
Sunday
===================================
Bulldogs 3, Amerks 1
BULLDOGS BITE BACK, BEAT AMERKS 3-1
http://www.amerks.com/FeatureStories.as
Flat Amerks can't wake up in time against Hamilton
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
Boxscore
http://ahl.leaguestat.com/stats/game-su
1. Dan Smith, D, Bulldogs
2. Maxim Lapierre, C, Bulldogs
3. Jeff DesLauriers, G, Bulldogs
Amerks' Jacina returns to Florida
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
===================================
Next Up
===================================
Next Game: Rochester Americans (19-16-2) at Houston Aeros (29-10-2)
When: Friday, January 20, 2006 at 8:35 PM (ET)
Where: Toyota Center
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: WHTK 1280 AM /www.whtk.com
Web site: www.amerks.com (includes link to B2 Networks $6 web cast).
- Mood:
curious - Music:White Zombie - Astro Creep
None of the current Florida prospects were named to either the Canadian or to the Planet USA team.
Despite regularly facing up-and-coming stars more than 15 years his junior, Wade Flaherty has had a terrific 2005-06 campaign, cracking the AHL’s top 10 in wins, goals-against average and save percentage and leading the entire circuit with five shutouts in 26 games.
The MVP of the 2004 Calder Cup Playoffs and veteran of 120 NHL games is making the first AHL All-Star Game appearance of his 17-year professional career.
A former 9th round Buffalo Sabres draft pick, Flaherty was in the Cats system for two years, playing 45 games with AHL Utah Grizzlies in the 2001-02 season and 20 games with the San Antonio Rampage in the 2002-03 season. Flaherty also appeared in four games for the Florida Panthers during the 2001-02 season, posting a 2.94 GAA and a .919 save percentage.
It should be noted that none of the Panthers prospects in the ECHL made their respective All-Star team either.
- Mood:
aggravated
The Rochester Americans used five second-period goals to beat the Binghamton Senators, 6-2, tonight at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. The game was the sixth of eight meetings between the two clubs. Rochester now leads the season series with a 4-2-0-0 record.
The victory was the second in a row for the Amerks (19-16-1-1, 40 points), who maintained a one-point lead over the Toronto Marlies for fourth place in the North Division. The game was intense and typical of a Rochester-Binghamton contest as it featured 139 minutes in penalties.
Rochester took advantage as it scored three power-play goals, two of those from defenseman Nathan Paetsch. The Amerks also received two-assist performances from Chris Thorburn and Clarke MacArthur. Jean-Marc Pelletier earned the win in goal with 30 saves. Grant Potulny led the Senators with two power-play goals.
The Amerks opened the game with a 22-shot first period as they peppered Sens goalie Billy Thompson. Thompson, however, was stellar in goal as he made 21 stops. Scott Sheppard scored the lone goal at 18:15 on the power play for a 1-0 Amerks lead.
In the second frame, Rochester made the most of its 12 shots, beating Thompson five times. The Amerks opened the game up in a 1:55 span, scoring three times. Mark Mancari started the onslaught at 4:23 and Sam Paolini scored his first of the season just 27 seconds later for a 3-1 lead. Paetsch made it 4-1 at 6:18. Polulny got one back for the Senators at 9:39, but Rochester responded with goals by Jeff Jillson and Paetsch to take a 6-1 lead into the third.
The final period featured one goal and 58 minutes in penalties. Binghamton’s Polutny netted his second of the contest at 3:12 to make it 6-2.
Amerks' Press Release
http://www.amerks.com/FeatureStories.as
Paolini stars in Amerks win
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
B-Sens bowled over
Amerks surge with five-goal spree
http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/p
Boxscore
http://ahl.leaguestat.com/stats/game-su
Panther Prospect Stefan Meyer
Next Game: Rochester Americans (19-16-2) at Toronto Marlies (19-16-1)
When: Saturday, January 7, 2006 at 3:00 PM
Where: Ricoh Coliseum
TV: B2 Networks, Leafs TV
Radio: WHTK 1280 AM /www.whtk.com
Web site: www.amerks.com (includes link to B2 Networks $6 web cast).
- Mood: sleepy
- Music:Hazey Shade of Winger (Bangles Version)
Chris Thorburn led Rochester with one goal and two assists. Goalie Jean-Marc Pelletier was stellar in goal, making 24 saves. The win allowed the Amerks (18-16-1-1, 38 points) to move one point ahead of the Toronto Marlies for the fourth spot in the division. The contest was the fifth in the eight-game season series between the two teams. Rochester leads the season series with a 3-2-0-0 record.
Rochester opened the scoring in the first on a power-play goal by Scott Sheppard, as he beat Wade Flaherty. Manitoba, however, tied the game at one on Jesse Schultz's 17th of the season in the second period. In the third, Matt Hendricks' power-play goal at 8:24 gave the Amerks a 2-1 lead. Thorburn iced the contest with an empty-net goal with just nine seconds left.
~ Amerks Press Release
This was almost all the Sabres kids except for Panther prospect Jean-Marc Pelletier who collected the win over former Panthers prospect Wade Flaherty.
Sheppard hits stride as Amerks beat Moose
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
No more streaking
Amerks end Moose heat wave
http://www.winnipegsun.com/Sports/Hocke
Boxscore
http://ahl.leaguestat.com/stats/game-su
Next Game: Rochester Americans (18-16-2) at Binghamton Senators (14-17-4)
When: January 6, 2006 at 7:05 PM
Where: Broome County Veterans Memorial Auditorium
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: WHTK 1280 AM /www.whtk.com
Web site: www.amerks.com (includes link to B2 Networks $6 web cast).
- Mood:
listless
Grant Potulny had a monster of a game for the Sens, scoring four times. Binghamton also got two-assist performances from Lance Ward, Steve Martins and Cory Pecker. Jiri Novotny (0+2), Jeff Jillson (0+2) and Clarke MacArthur each had two assists for the Amerks.
The game was the fifth of eight meetings between the two clubs. Binghamton leads the season series with a 3-2-0-0 mark. Rochester trails the all-time series with a record of 9-15-3.
Binghamton raced out to a 2-0 lead with early goals by Mike Berry and Brett Clouthier. It was Berry’s first goal of the season. The Senators signed him earlier in the day from the Adirondack Frostbite of the United Hockey League. The 22-year-old Kanata, Ontario native made his AHL debut tonight.
The second period was a wild five-goal outburst. MacArthur made it 2-1 with his fourth of the season at 5:53. Potulny answered for the Sens with his first of the night at 9:06. Mark Mancari brought Rochester within one with a goal at 13:23. Binghamton, however, wasted little time regaining its two-goal lead. Potulny scored his second of the game just 36 seconds later to make it 4-2. Thorburn replied with Rochester’s third of the night at 18:36 to again cut the gap to one. The Senators closed out the period with another goal by Potulny. He completed the hat trick at 19:20.
Potulny added his fourth of the night, scoring into an empty net at 19:36. Billy Thompson earned the win in goal with 26 saves. Michael Leighton was tagged with the loss in 39:57 of work. Panthers prospect Jean-Marc Pelletier stopped all three shots he faced in nearly 20 minutes of relief work.
~ Amerks Press Release
The Sens were without Denis Hamel, who as called up to Ottawa on an emergency basis Friday.
Amerks play giveaway in a defeat
Rochester gains momentum, but loses it in the second period
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
Potulny's 4 goals spark B-Sens
Newcomer Berry scores in AHL debut
http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/p
Boxscore
http://ahl.leaguestat.com/stats/game-su
Three Stars:
1. Grant Potulny, LW, Binghamton
2. Lance Ward, D, Binghamton
3. Clarke MacArthur, LW, Rochester
Season's largest crowd attracted to Friday's matchup despite talent drain
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
Next Game: Rochester Americans (17-15-2) at Manitoba Moose (21-11-3)
When: January 2, 2006 at 3:00 PM
Where: MTS Centre
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: WHTK 1280 AM /www.whtk.com
Web site: www.amerks.com (includes link to B2 Networks $6 web cast).
- Mood: sleepy
Three of Hamilton's goals came on the power play, making them 3 for 11 while Rochester was 0 for 8.
Amerks coast in loss to Hamilton
Injuries, recalls contribute to lethargic performance on the road
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
Amerks fall to 'Dogs
http://www.amerks.com/FeatureStories.as
Three Stars:
1. Michael Lambert, LW, Hamilton
2. Mathieu Roy, D, Hamilton
3. Maxim Lapierre, C, Hamilton
Next Game: Binghamton Senators (12-17-4) at Rochester Americans (17-14-2)
When: December 30, 2005 at 7:35 PM
Where: Blue Cross Arena
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: WHTK 1280 AM /www.whtk.com
Web site: www.amerks.com (includes link to B2 Networks $6 web cast).
Injury update: C Drew Larman (shoulder), RW Greg Jacina (shoulder), LW Michael Ryan (ankle), C Chris Taylor (thigh), D Dan Focht (back), D Brandon Smith (concussion) and D Jeremy Swanson (concussion) are out. LW Clarke MacArthur (shoulder) and RW Sean McMorrow (hip) returned to the lineup Thursday.
Panthers director of hockey administration Matt Loughran said of Swanson "The doctors don't foresee him coming back any time soon."
The Amerks recalled Martin Lojek and Dustin Johner from the ECHL Florida Everblades. Both are expected to say with the team through their road trip to Manitoba, January 2 and 3rd.
- Mood: energetic
- Music:Pearl Jam -- Vs
Rochester Americans
========================================
Next Game: Rochester Americans (17-13-2) at Hamilton Bulldogs (12-20-2)
When: December 29, 2005 at 7:30 PM
Where: Kopps Coliseum
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: WHTK 1280 AM /www.whtk.com
Web site: www.amerks.com (includes link to B2 Networks $6 web cast).
Amerks play two games to close out 2005
http://www.amerks.com/FeatureStories.as
Amerks reading program stops in Brighton Tuesday
http://www.amerks.com/FeatureStories.as
Former Amerk Ryan Miller wins NHL Weekly Honor
http://www.amerks.com/FeatureStories.as
========================================
Florida Everblades
========================================
Tonight: Florida Everblades (16-7-1) at Augusta Lynx (12-14-2)
When: Tuesday, December 27; 7:05 PM
Where: Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770AM
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
Brawling brothers
Bergin, McNeill go from battling as opponents to pairing up as Blades
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
Tuma, Johner back as Blades open road trip at Augusta *
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sp_everb
If you're going to be by online during tonight's game vs. the Lynx, stop by the Bladesline message board at
http://www.xsorbit4.com/users/everblade
and say hello!
Going on at Germain Arena:
Quartet of teams to battle for title
Classic tourney at Germain begins today
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
Former champions Cornell, Maine headline Everblades College Classic *
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sports/a
Former Blades:
Former Everblade LaRose making his mark in NHL *
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sp_everb
*Free Online Registration required to view or use www.bugmenot.com
- Mood: bouncy
- Music:Pearl Jam -- Rats
Rochester Americans
========================================
Next Game: Rochester Americans (17-13-2) at Hamilton Bulldogs (12-20-2)
When: December 29, 2005 at 7:30 PM
Where: Kopps Coliseum
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: WHTK 1280 AM /www.whtk.com
Web site: www.amerks.com (includes link to B2 Networks $6 web cast).
Amerks beat 'Dogs 3-2, make three player moves
http://www.amerks.com/FeatureStories.as
========================================
Florida Everblades
========================================
Next Game: Florida Everblades (16-7-1) at Augusta Lynx (12-14-2)
When: Tuesday, December 27; 7:05 PM
Where: Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770AM
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
The Amerks sent center Dustin Johner and defenseman Martin Tuma back the Florida Everblades (ECHL).
Can't take the fight out of McNeill *
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sp_everb
Q & A: Everblades forward Phil Aucoin
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
*Free Online Registration required to view or use www.bugmenot.com
- Mood: drained
Thursday
=============================
Panthers prospect Rob Globke (RW) with a goal and an assist and Drew Larman (C) with a goal. Stefan Meyer (LW) with an assist.
OT turnover costs Amerks a victory
Mancari ties game late, but Crunch wins
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
Spencerport's Paolini gets third shot with Amerks
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
Mauldin scores winner in OT
Crunch rallies to beat Rochester as Sugden goes from forward to defense
http://www.syracuse.com/sports/poststan
Boxscore
http://ahl.leaguestat.com/stats/game-su
Panther's prospect Drew Larman
Panthers defensive prospect Martin Tuma has been called up from the Florida Everblades.
Amerks visit Hamilton; add Martin Tuma
http://www.amerks.com/FeatureStories.as
=============================
Friday
=============================
Stefan Meyer and Martin Tuma both had assists in the game, with Meyers coming on the game winning goal. Tuma impressed in his first Amerks game.
"He has a strong presence in front of the net, which is what we need right now," head coach Randy Cunneyworth said of Tuma, a 6-foot-4, 216-pound defenseman.
Tuma played five AHL games with the San Antonio Rampage last season.
Amerks rally on road to defeat Bulldogs
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
Boxscore
http://ahl.leaguestat.com/stats/game-su
Panther prospect Jean-Marc Pelletier earned the win in net, saving 31 of 33 shots.
The two teams meet again next Thursday for a rematch.
Next Game: Rochester Americans (17-13-2