"I think Anthony needs to go down and play," coach and general manager Jacques Martin said. "I don't think he's ready to play in the National Hockey League. It's unfortunate he missed three quarters of a season last year. He has some excellent skills and excellent talent. But he has to learn about the pro game."

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.

"Our fans pay good money to watch us. ... Tonight's performance combined with last Saturday's is unacceptable to our organization. That's why we have a winning organization. We have people who care and play with passion, energy and life. We're going to demand it and stress it. If they don't want to play that way, sorry you're not going to wear an Everblades uniform." ~ Head Coach Gerry Fleming

Everblades suffer 4-1 set back to Stingrays
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2006/jan/27/everblades_suffer_41_set_back_stingrays/

Lackadaisical Blades stumble
Florida suffers second straight home loss
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060128/SPORTS/601280507/1010

Stingrays stun reeling Blades *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/jan/28/stingrays_stun_reeling_blades/?sports

Blades’ Osaer making adjustments *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/jan/28/blades_osaer_making_adjustments/?sports

The third reprinting of this story:

Vukovic lands with Lowell in AHL *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/jan/28/vukovic_lands_lowell_ahl/?sports

Special teams lift Rays past Blades
Stingrays 4, Everblades 1
http://www.charleston.net/stories/?newsID=67878§ion=sports
Photo Gallary *
http://www.naplesnews.com/photos/galleries/sets/florida_everblades/

Boxscore
http://www.geocities.com/bladesgal17/2005boxscores/012706box.html


Who: South Carolina Stingrays (16-14-10) at Florida Everblades (26-12-2)
When: Saturday, January 28, 2006; 7:30 PM
Where: Germain Arena
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770 AM
Internet: www.abc-7.com
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com

Rookie Evan Schwabe had two goals and an assist in South Carolina's 4-1 win at Florida on Friday.

Florida is unbeaten in regulation when leading after the first (12-0-0) and second period (16-0-1).

Stingrays' Davis Parley is 3-1-0 with a goals-against of 0.82 and a .972 save percentage his last four games.

In the last five games, Florida has scored five power-play goals, going 20 percent on the man advantage.

Everblades get Johner back from AHL
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2006/jan/28/everblades_get_johner_back_ahl/

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Who: South Carolina Stingrays (15-14-10) at Florida Everblades (26-11-2)
When: Friday, January 27, 2006; 7:30 PM
Where: Germain Arena
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770 AM
Internet: www.abc-7.com
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com


Stingrays' Brad Parsons has two game-winning goals and four points (4g-0a) in the last three games.

Everblades' Daniel Bergin has five points (3g-2a) in his last five games.

South Carolina's Davis Parley has gone 2-1-0 with 77 saves.

Florida's Daniel Sisca has four points (2g-2a) in three games against South Carolina.

Blades continue winning despite setbacks
Call-ups, injuries haven't slowed team
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060127/SPORTS/601270388/1010/SPORTS

====================
Note: NDN/Bonita News has been up and down since 6:3o this morning. Good luck viewing the articles!
====================

Blades looking to get back on track tonight *
http://www.bonitanews.com/news/2006/jan/27/blades_looking_get_back_track_tonight/?sports

Hartlieb scores in ECHL All-Star Game *
http://www.bonitanews.com/news/2006/jan/27/hartlieb_scores_echl_allstar_game/?sports

====================

Nationas outlast Americans in ECHL All-Star Game
http://www.charleston.net/stories/?newsID=67614§ion=sports

South Carolina Stingrays Head Coach Jason Fitzsimmons announced today that Derek Engelland and Cam McCaffrey have been called up to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League. Engelland a defenseman has been called up three times to the Bears this season, while McCaffrey gets the call for the first time this year.

The Stingrays welcomed Nate Kiser back into the lineup in time for their weekend set of games with the Florida Everblades, which begins tonight at 7:30 at Germain Arena in Estero. He had been on a call up to the Albany River Rats.

"It is going to be a tough weekend without those two players," commented Head Coach Jason Fitzsimmons. "But, getting Nate Kiser back should really help our defense against a talented Florida team.

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Kevin Nastiuk made a good impression during his first start for the home crowd and Kevin Bergin netted two goal, one for his mother, one for his father, who were attending the game.

Dan Sisca also had a multipoint night for the Blades, netting a goal and an assist.

The Blades improve to 7-0-0 on the season against the Pensacola Ice Pilots.

Blades continue domination over Ice Pilots, 4-1
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060121/SPORTS/601210500/1010/SPORTS

Blades pummel Pensacola *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/jan/21/blades_pummel_pensacola/?sports

Everblades open home stand with 4-1 win
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2006/jan/20/everblades_open_home_stand_41_win/

Photo Gallery *
http://www.naplesnews.com/photos/galleries/2006/jan/21/blades_pummel_pensacola/

Boxscore
http://www.geocities.com/bladesgal17/2005boxscores/012006box.html

Lehun, Vukovic swept up by business aspect *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/jan/21/andy_kent_lehun_vukovic_swept_business_aspect/?sports



XM Satellite Radio to Carry ECHL All-Star Game
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2006/jan/21/xm_satellite_radio_carry_echl_allstar_game/


Who: Augusta Lynx (16-20-3) at Florida Everblades (26-10-2)
When: Saturday, January 21, 2006; 7:30 PM
Where: Germain Arena
TV: UPN-8, B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770 AM
Internet: www.abc-7.com
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com

Lynx' Jason Wolfe is 2-2-0 with a goals-against of 2.45 and a .917 save percentage in his last four starts.

Florida's Paul Cabana has eight points (4g-4a) in five games against Augusta in 2005-06.

Ryan Lang leads the Lynx in January with seven points (3g-4a) in seven games.

Everblades are 5-0-0 with a goals-against average of 1.97 against the Lynx.

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Evidently, the Blades did not get to Alcatraz as Big Ern was late and they missed the boat by 15 minutes.

The are to try to go again today. There is some speculation that they will try to make Hartlieb swim back to shore with his skates on.

In other news...Panther prospect Grant McNeill, who is, granted, a tough guy, has been playing professional hockey for three years. Last night, he scored his first professional goal.

As a result, he earns a special "Get out of jail free" card, which he may need once the wardens at Alcatraz get a look at him.

Everblades earn third straight win, shoot down Condors 5-3
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2006/jan/15/everblades_earn_third_straight_win_shoot_down_cond/

Blades win third straight *
http://www.bonitanews.com/news/2006/jan/16/blades_win_third_straight/?everblades

Boxscore
http://www.geocities.com/bladesgal17/2005boxscores/011506box.html

Late Saturday:

Blades work overtime to silence Thunder
Strome's goal yields victory late Saturday
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060116/SPORTS/601160360/1010

Next Game: Florida Everblades (25-9-2) at Fresno Falcons (20-6-8)
When: Tuesday, January 17, 2006; 10:00 PM
Where: Save Mart Center
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770 AM
Internet: www.abc-7.com
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com

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Former Panther prospect Wade Flaherty was named the starting goaltender for the 2006 Canadian AHL All-Star team.

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.

"You have to have a foundation of hard work. Fresno worked their butts off tonight. We, on the other hand, laid an egg." ~ Gerry Fleming

Falcons have their eyes on postseason *
http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/falcons/story/11676119p-12403913c.html

Falcons defeat Everblades, 4-1 *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/jan/11/falcons_defeat_everblades_41/?sports

Press Release
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2006/jan/11/everblades_fall_falcons_41/

Boxscore
http://www.geocities.com/bladesgal17/2005boxscores/011006box.html

3 STARS:

1) John Wroblewski - FRE
2) Cory Murphy - FRE
3) Trent Walford - FRE

League award won by Blades' Saviano
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/SPORTS/601110356/1010

Saviano named ECHL Co-Player of the Week *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/jan/11/blades_saviano_named_echl_player_week/?sports

Saviano Earns Player of the Week Honors
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2006/jan/10/saviano_earns_player_week_honors/

Everblades Add Black to Roster
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2006/jan/10/everblades_add_black_roster/

Who: Florida Everblades (22-9-2) at Stockton Thunder (6-18-4)
When: Friday, January 13, 2006; 10:30 PM
Where: Stockton Arena
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770AM
Internet: www.abc-7.com
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com

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========================================
Amerks
========================================

Rochester Americans 3 at Toronto Marlies 1

Amerks offense revives in win
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051212/SPORTS02/512120331/1007/SPORTS

Marlies fall apart in final five minutes
http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Hockey/2005/12/12/1349273-sun.html

Third period rally key in Amerks win
http://www.amerks.com/FeatureStories.aspx?news_id=652

Marlies falter late, Fall to Amerks at Ricoh
http://www.torontomarlies.com/NewsDetail.tm?newsid=4329

Boxscore
http://ahl.leaguestat.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1001388



Next Game: Rochester Americans (15-11-0) at Cleveland Barons (11-16-2)
When: 7:05 PM, Wednesday, December 14
Where: Quicken Loans Arena
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: WHTK 1280 AM /www.whtk.com
Web site: www.amerks.com (includes link to B2 Networks $6 web cast).

========================================
Everblades
========================================
http://www.geocities.com/bladesgal17/
========================================

Next Game: Florida Everblades (13-6-0) at Augusta Lynx (10-11-2)
When: Wednesday, December 14; 7:05 PM
Where: Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770AM
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com

The puck doctors
Blades’ physicians always ready to go
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051212/SPORTS/51211002/1010

=============================
Americans
=============================

"We contended he kicked the puck in, but I don't think he (Banfield) saw very much of the whole night." ~ Randy Cunnyworth

But Banfield did see a high stick on Matt Henrick's tying goal, and disallowed it. The Moose on the contest, 2-1

Disputed goal costs Amerks in loss
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051204/SPORTS02/512040341

Amerks fall to Manitoba
http://www.amerks.com/FeatureStories.aspx?news_id=644

Boxscore
http://ahl.leaguestat.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1001338

Panthers Prospect Kamil Kreps had an assist on the lone standing Amerks goal.



Next Game: Houston Areos at Rochester Americans
When: Friday, December 9, 2005 7:35 PM
TV: B2 Networks, Tape delayed Saturday at 12:30 p.m. on Time Warner Ch. 98
Radio: WHTK 1280 AM
Web site: www.amerks.com (includes link to B2 Networks $6 web cast).

=============================
Everblades
=============================

A fight in the first and some goals in the second and third equaled a 5-2 Everblades victory at Germain Arena.

Blades exact some revenge
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051204/SPORTS/512040496/1010

Newest Blade pitches in; Florida wins *
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sp_everblades/article/0,2071,NPDN_14992_4288518,00.html

Q & A: Everblades goalie Phil Osaer
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051204/SPORTS/512040424/1010

Estrada fitting in well with Everblades *
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sp_everblades/article/0,2071,NPDN_14992_4288519,00.html

Video: *
http://www.bonitanews.com/mediagalleries/everblades_games/440/

Boxscore
http://www.geocities.com/bladesgal17/2005boxscores/120305box.html



Who: Pensacola Ice Pilots at Florida Everblades
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9
Where: Germain Arena
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770AM
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com

Meanwhile, I've always said it:

Miracle rank as best deal among local minor leagues
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051204/SPORTS/512040457/1010/SPORTS

Area fans go the distance with their team loyalty
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051204/SPORTS/512040473/1010

=============================
Ghosts of Panthers Past
=============================

Former Panther/prospect Brad Smyth, now with the AHL Manchester Monarchs, has been named the recipient of the CCM/AHL Milestone of the Month award for November. Smith became the 40th player in the history of the AHL to reach 600 career points when he scored a first-period goal at Lowell on Nov. 20. He has 22 points (7g-15a) in 20 games for Manchester giving him 603 points (299g-304a) in 550 career AHL games. He is the leading career scorer among active AHL players (38th) and with his next goal will become only the 17th player in league history to score 300 career AHL goals.

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