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The Florida Everblades had five players assigned down from the Albany River Rats, but the local papers are only making fuss about two.
Grant Goeckner-Zoeller, Brad Herauf and returning Everblade Brett Peterson were all on the Blades roster previously but were attending Rats camp. They came down along with a pair of new defenseman, Brandon Roach and Steve Ward.
No decision has been made of yet on the netminding situation although goalie Danny Manzato can be ruled out as he is starting the season with a sprained MCL and will remain in Albany while he is rehabbing. This leave the Rats trying to decide between Justin Peters and Kevin Nastiuk.
Meanwhile Rochester has not made a decision between David Shantz and Tyler Plante. Plante made 18 saves in Rochesters 4-3 loss to Syracuse in the Amerk's final exhibition game on Sunday. Shantz suffered the loss on Saturday in overtime to the Hamilton Bulldogs.
Peters and Nastiuk spilt wins for the River Rats over the Crunch in preseason.
Both Peterson and Goeckner-Zoeller had assists in Saturday's 5-3 win.
As for the new defensemen, Everblades head coach Gerry Fleming had the following to say:
"Both players have good puck sense and are coming off solid junior careers.
"Both of them are defensemen that move the puck well and skate well, and they are two players that we will utilize on the power play."
The two rookies will be making their professional debuts this season, with Roach joining the Blades out of college having played with Acadia University in Nova Scotia last season. Ward is coming in after spliting time with the Sarnia Sting and the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League, finishing up five years of Junior Major hockey.
Blades get 2 prospects from Albany
Pair assigned to Blades
Blades get two players assigned from Albany
On a side note, the Everblades have left Stevie Tomatoes in favor of Don Haney's Smokehouse for the coach's show for the upcoming season. "Blade's Talk" is also moving to Tuesday night at 7 PM. The first show will be Tuesday, October 16, and it will be held at the Daniels Parkway location. As always the show will be aired on SportsRadio 770 ESPN and on the internet via www.abc-7.com.
The Everblades play a pair of preseason games against the CHL Mississippi RiverKings on Friday, October 12, and Saturday, October 13. It is the first time that the Blades have played a team outside their league, although not the first time interleague play has occured in the ECHL. Tickets to the game are available at the Germain Arena boxoffice and at all Ticketmaster locations.
Join Jason and his crew Halloween night for Terror on 20th!!!
This October 31st, head over to 2812 SW 20th Ave, it's the 1st left after Chiquita from Veterans, on the Cape and explore something really scarey!!!
This Cape Coral tradition drew in over 600 people last year. You can view pictures from last year's haunting HERE.
Terror on 20th is free and they are give out candy for the kids!!!
- Location:Cape Coral, Fl
- Mood:
tired - Music:Drowning Pool: Bodies
The Amerks remain without Daniel Paille, who remains in Buffalo, as well as Drew Larman and Rob Globke, who are with the Florida Panthers. The Panthers also re-assigned goaltender Jean-Marc Pelletier to Adler Mannheim of the German Elite League last week.
Clarke MacArthur remains the Amerks leading scorer with 25 points (10g, 15a) in 23 games. Mark Mancari jumps to second place with 19 points (9 goals, 10 assists). The Amerks Brandon Smith and Florida's Martin Lojek are both +13 on the season.
The Amerks are 1-1 against Syracuse this season, suffering a 5-0 shut out at the Onodaga County War Memorial at Oncenter, but rebounding the following night at home for 2-1 win. The Amerks won both preseason games against the Crunch earlier this season.
Joe Motzko leades the Crunch in scoring with 20 points (6 g, 14 a). The fifth year player has appeared in 4 NHL games with the Columbus Blue Jackets since signing with the team out of St. Cloud State University. Center Goeff Platt, who appeared in three games with Columbus earlier this year, has 15 points on the season (11 g, 4 a).
Former Panther prospect Filip Novak has 12 points on the season for the Crunch, most coming on assists (11) for the defenseman. Novak was returned to the Crunch yesterday after a stint with Columbus.
The Crunch are in last place in the North Division and trail the Rochester Americans by 24 points. They have lost 6 of their last 10 games, but defeated the Toronto Marlies in their last outing.
Ty Conklin and rookie Tomas Popperle have been splitting the netmind chores for Syracus, Conklin has a 3.51 GAA and a .901 save percentage in 13 goals with a 2-9-1 record, while Popperle has a 4-6-0 record, has a 3.72 GAA and a .865 save percentage in 10 games.
The Amerks have their Toys for Tots campaign underway. Bring a new, unwrapped toy with you to Blue Cross arena and receive a free $16 ticket.
Amerks host Cruch tonight
Amerks return to Rochester in high spirits
The ECHL Florida Everblades take on the Ice Pilots in Pensacola tonight and tomorrow, both teams receiving a bit of a makeover from their last meeting.
Florida acquired help on the blue line, receiving Franklin MacDonald from the Amerks (in exchange for Jeremy Swanson) and re-signing Ryan Van Buskirk, who played with the Blades in the 2003-04 season.
Pensacola shipped brothers Derek and Jordan Krestanovich off to the Victoria Salmon Kings in exchange for forwards Adam Taylor and David Wrigley.
The Blades did catch a bit of a break though, as Pensacola will be without netminder Mike Mole, who was recalled to Bridgeport of the AHL Thursday.
Florida is short on forwards, so head coach Gerry Fleming will be looking for defenseman Chris Lee and Brett Peterson to swing some two way shifts on a checking line for this weekend's games.
Veteran Brent McDonald leads the Blades in scoring with 18 points (7 g, 11 a); Florida prospect Dustin Johner has 16 points (7 g, 9a) in 15 games.
Carolina's Craig Kowalski leades the Everblades netminding duo with a 6-5-0 record, a 2.27 GAA and a .929 save percentage in 11 games. Rookie David Shantz, a second round draft pick by the Florida Panthers, is 6-2-1 on the season with a 2.72 goals against average and a .905 save percentage.
Mike Wirll leads the Pilots gunners with 19 points (11 g, 8a), 10 of which (5g/5a) he has recorded with Pensacola. Colin Hemingway has 18 points (12 goals, 6 assists) in 19 Pilot games this season.
Mike Ayers will likely handle the Pilots net with weekend, he is 2-3-1 in six games this seson with a 3.17 GAA and a .912 save percentage.
The season is 1-1 between these two teams, with Pensacola winning the last meeting on the road at Germain Arena.
Ice Pilots hot, host cool Blades
Pilots goaltender Mole recalled to Bridgeport Sound Tigers of AHL
The Carolina/Colorado affiliated Albany River Rats take on the Tampa Bay affilated Springfield Falcons tonight in Albany. The Rats are in fifth place in the East division with an 11-11-2 record, good for 24 points. The Falcons are in fifth in the Atlantic Division with a 13-11-0 record. They are 7-3-0 in their last ten, but dropped their last game.
The Grand Rapid Griffins host the Toronto Marlies, Hartford visits Worcester, Norfolk is at Binghamton, the Chicago Wolves invade Philadelphia, Portland tangles with the Baby Bruins in Providence, the Penguins are at Hamilton, Peoria takes on the Moose at the MTS center and Lowell and Manchester tangle at the Verizon Wireless Arena.
- Location:On Frozen Pond
- Mood:
cheerful - Music:Nirvana: Come as You Are
In a game that seemed almost a carbon copy of Tuesday night's performance, the Rochester Americans downed the Vancouver affiliated Manitoba Moose by a score of 3-2 in front of 5,933 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg.
Again the Amerks fell behind early. Again they rallied late in the third. And again, Manitoba managed very few shots against Panther prospect Craig Anderson.
Only the players were a little bit different this time.
Buffalo's Drew Stafford had a goal and an assist in the third period for Rochester while Florida's Janis Sprukts scored the game winning goal off Stafford's rebound with 1.29 left to play to cap the come back rally.
Manitoba's Jason Jaffray opened the scoring in the first while the Amerks were shorthanded, Martin Lojek spending some time in the penalty box for cross-checking. It was one of only three shots that Manitoba would put on net that period.
Lee Goren made it 2-0 Moose at 7:06 of the second, again on the power play, this time with Greg Jacina off for tripping.
But Stephan Meyer started the comeback at 16:10 of that period with assists from Buffalo's Patrick Kaleta and Andreja Sekera. Sekera also assisted on Sprukts game winning goal.
Wade Flaherty turned back 24 Rochester shots in the losing effort, Manitoba's fourth straight. Anderson faced 17 shots, turning back 15.
The Amerks return to Blue Cross Arena to face the Syracuse Crunch. The Amerks are 1-1 in 2006-07 against the Columbus Blue Jackets affiliate and are 71-52-15 all-time against the Crunch. In their last meeting on October 29th, the Amerks eked out a 2-1 shootout-win.
Amerks pull off another late rally for victory
It's Deja Vu as Amerks upend Moose with two third-period goals
Game Summary
Game Report
Boxscore
Two Everblades received disciplanary action from the ECHL Wednesday. Michael Angelidis was suspended for two major penalties (boarding & fighting) and a game misconduct during Friday's match against the Texas Wildcatters. Left Wing Bill Kinkel was fined an undisclosed amount as a result of his actions during Saturday night's rematch against the same team.
Angelidis will miss Friday's game against the Pensacola Ice Pilots.
“I’ve been fined in the past where I expected it to be handed down, like for coming off the bench in a fight, but I never expected to get fined for something so minor,” Kinkel was quoted as saying in Thursday's Naples Daily News. “After the original call the Texas guys came after me and kept coming after me and I was just kind of standing my ground more than anything, so yeah, I’m a little surprised, but I’ll deal with it.”
Angelidis, a rookie, and Kinkle are both on two-way contracts with the Carolina Hurricanes affiliated Albany River Rats.
ECHL suspends Blade
- Location:On Frozen Pond
- Mood: weird
- Music:Sisters of Mercy: Ribbons
While Daniel Briere was notching a hat trick to help the Sabres over the Lightning in Tampa Bay, a Sabres prospect was scoring a hat trick of his own against the Manitoba Moose.
Well, call it a Mark Mancari hat trick. The Sabres' 7th round draft pick in the 2004 Entry Draft netted two goals and made a nifty poke save in front of an empty Amerks net to lead Rochester to a 3-2 victory over Manitoba.
Mancari tied the score up in the third with 7:46 to play after Patrick Kaleta set him up in the slot, then converted a Michael Ryan pass off a two-on-one with only 1:56 left for the game winning goal.
Sabres prospect Clarke MacArthur opened the scoring for Rochester at 19:10 of the first on a power play goal. Ryan was good for two assists on the night, with Brandon Smith and Dylan Hunter also recording helpers.
Panther prospect Craig Anderson handled the netminding chores, allowing 2 goals on 14 shots. The Vancouver affiliated Moose managed only two shots in the third period.
Former Panther prospect Wade Flaherty turned back 24 Amerk shots for Manitoba, but could not keep out the efforts of the Mancari-Kaleta-Hunter checking line.
The two teams rematch tonight in Winnipeg at 8:30 E.S.T.
Mancari scores twice, makes a neat save in Amerks win
Mancari helps Amerks take down the Moose
Game Summary
Game Report
Boxscore
Everblades bring back Bussy
when Everblades fans talk about the need for a physical presence on the ice, one name always comes up: Ryan Van Buskirk.
That name also resurfaced Friday - as being waived by the Wichita Thunder. So perhaps it was no surprise that the Everblades announced the return of Van Buskirk Tuesday afternoon.
"Bussy's a physical guy, a physical player on the back end and we think that's an area that we can always improve on," Everblades head coach Gerry Fleming was quoted in saying in the Naples Daily News. "So we brought him in to be that guy, to be that crasher and banger, throw some big hits to keep other team's players a little more aware when they're out there."
Van Buskirk played in 2003-04, the season the Everblades reached the ECHL's Kelly Cup finals for the first time, scoring 15 points (2 goals, 13 assists) and spending 50 minutes in the penalty box in 27 games before suffering a separated shoulder.
"I wasn't even planning on playing hockey this year but I wound up going with (ex-Blade Joe) Blaznek to Wichita, then after I got in shape and played in Wichita for four weeks I decided I might as well play at a higher level," Van Buskirk said in the same article. "I sort of initiated things with Gerry and the team to see if they had an opening, and we worked it out, but I have to perform still to hold onto my spot. It's good that I played here before and for Gerry, and my intention is to play hard for this team and help them as much as I can, and I feel like I'm adjusting to the new rules clamping down on clutching and grabbing."
Van Buskirk spent the time since last playing for the Blades in the ECHL with Gwinnett, the AHL with the Chicago Wolves and in the UHL with the Richmond Riverdogs and Motor City Mechanics.
The Blades also announced that Ernie Hartlieb was place on the three day IR with an undisclosed injury, forward Johathan Lehun was moved to the 7 day IR and forward Brad Parsons, who was injured on November 18th against Pensacola, was moved to the 30-day IR.
The Blades take on the Ice Pilots for a pair of games Friday and Saturday at the Pensacola Civic Center. Both games start at 8:05 eastern time.
Everblades sign tough defender
Blades sign defenseman
Everblades ink Van Buskirk to contract
- Location:On Frozen Pond
- Mood:
lazy - Music:Sisters of Mercy: Ribbons
The Rochester Americans conclude their six-game road trip in Manitoba tonight and tomorrow before returning to Blue Cross Arena to face the Syracuse Crunch on Friday and the Hamilton Bulldogs on Saturday.Despite droping two to Grand Rapids this last weekend and losing 3 of their last 5, the Amerks remain in first place in the North Division, eight points ahead of Hamilton and Manitoba.
The Amerks won their past two meetings against the Moose this season, and are 12-10 all-time against Manitoba. The two games start at 8:30 eastern and you can listen live on the Amerks website at www.amerks.com.
Clarke MacArthur leads the Amerks in scoring with 9 goals and 14 assists (23 points). Michael Ryan also has 9 goals on the season, despite playing in four fewer games than MacArthur. Drew Stafford was returned to the Amerks by the Buffalo Sabres, he scored his second NHL goal on Saturday in the Sabres loss to the Washington Capitals. Stafford has 5 goals and 4 assists (9 points) in 11 games this season with the Amerks.
Craig Anderson and Dennis Adams have been splitting time in net for the Amerks, and the trend will likely continue through the next two games. Anderson, a Panthers prospect who has seen time in the NHL has a 2.33 GAA on the season with a .923 save percentage in eight games, while the Sabres' Dennis has a 2.56 GAA with a .925 save percentage in nine games.
Anderson has a 6-2-0 record, while Dennis has a 6-3-0 record.
The Vancouver affiliated Moose are lead by Jason Jaffrey (14 g, 11 a) and Brad Morgan (11 g, 14 a) with 25 points each.
Former Panther prospect Wade Flaherty has a handled the bulk of the Moose netminding and has a 6-5-0 record with a 2.91 GAA and a .886 save percentage. Partner Drew MacIntyre, who played last season for the Griffins, has a 3-5-2 record with a 2.92 GAA and a .897 save percentage.
Manitoba lost dropped to this weekend, one to the Hershey Bears and one to the Philadelphia Phantoms, both by the score of 2-5, and have lost 3 of their last five. The division leading Amerks have 4 games in hand over the 2nd placed Moose.
In NHL action the Sabres take on the Lightning in Tampa Bay tonight at 7:30, while the Panthers will try their luck at Pittsburgh against the Penguins. The Panthers are last in the Southeast Division, and only 1 point ahead of last placed Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference standings. They trail the Lightning by seven points, and both Philly and the Bolts have one game in hand on the lowely Panthers.
Henrik Tallinder and Tim Connolly remain out of the line up for the Sabres. Derek Roy is expected to play tonight. Tampa Bay is without forward Rob DiMaio.
Joe Nieuwendyk is expected to miss tonight's game for the Panthers, forward Jurij Kolnik is doubtful and Todd Bertuzzi remains sidelined indefinitely following back surgery. Mike Ouellet is day to day for the Pens, and defensemen Eric Cairns, Mark Eaton and Ryan Malone all remain on Pittsburgh's disabled list.
- Location:On Frozen Pond
- Mood:
embarrassed - Music:Blue Oyster Cult: The Revenge of Vera Gemini
When the bears rained down to the ice at the end of the second period Saturday night at Germain Arena, it was not in response to an Everblades' goal. Indeed, the Blades did not score at all Saturday night, suffering a 3-0 blanking by the Texas Wildcatters.
"You want to get that goal early," Blades forward Ernie Hartlieb was quoted as saying in the Naples Daily News. "You want to let the fans throw the bears."
Instead it was Texas' Mike Bayrack who started the scoring off at 14:33 of the first period, and who ended it, at 15:48 of the third. ECHL player of the week, Olivier Proulx, also tallied for the Wildcatters.
"Our intention was certainly to score," Everblades assistant coach Jason Nobili said.
The game was a complete turn around of Friday night's contest, in which Bill Kinkle opened the proceedings by taking on 6'8", 248 pound Riley Emmerson. While Emmerson may have gotten a few more punches in, the fight off the opening face off fired up the Blades.
Veteran forward Brent McDonald recorded two goals and two assists to lead the Blades to a 5-2 victory over the division leading Wildcatters.
“Tuesday, we came out flat and we knew we had to respond," McDonald was quoted as saying in the Fort Myers News Press. "Playing shorthanded tonight, a lot of guys stepped up to the plate and really came out with a strong start. Kinks led the charge and the boys followed up.”
Veteran Reggie Berg also scored for the Blades as did Florida Panthers prospect Dustin Johner. Defenseman Chris Lee, who is on a two way contract with the AHL Albany River Rats, opened up Saturday's scoring.Carolina Hurricane's prospect Craig Kowalski took the start in net for both games for Florida but without the offensive help from his teammates, he could not take a win on Saturday.
Both teams had 35 shots on goal. Both teams had 8 power play opportunities. But it was the Wildcatters who made the most of those opportunities.
Czech goalie Miroslav Kopriva was solid in net for the Texas team Saturday. He replaced Matt Yeats at 37:09 of Friday's contest, and allowed only 1 goal. A sixth round draft pick of the Minnesota Wild in the 2003 draft, Kopriva split time last year between the AHL Houston Aeros and the CHL Austin Ice Bats.
The Blades now head out on a six game road trip, while the Wildcatters will play their next six at home.
Friday's game:
Game Summary
Game Report
Boxscore
Blades ratchet up the heat, win 5-2
Wildcatters rookie is coming of age
Blades pull no punches, win 5-2
Saturday's Game:
Photo Gallery
Game Summary
Game Report
Boxscore
On-the-ice training
Around the ECHL
Catching up with Old Friends
In AHL action, the Rochester Americans dropped both games to the Grand Rapid Griffins this weekend.
Friday, the Amerks lost 4-2 and Saturday, 4-1, to the Detroit Red Wings affiliate.
Florida Prospect Anthony Stewart and Buffalo prospect Mark Mancari tallied the two goals for Rochester in Friday's Game, while Mancari had the lone Amerks goal in Saturday's rematch.
Sabre's prospect Dennis Adams turned back 21 shots Saturday, while Florida farmhand Craig Anderson handled the netmind chores in Friday's loss.
The Amerks were without wingers Drew Stafford and Daniel Paille who are on recall to Buffalo, and centers Drew Larman and Rob Globke, who played in another Florida Panther loss, this time, 3-1 to the Thrashers.
Rochester remains on the road for two games, Tuesday and Wednesday, against the Manitoba Moose.
Friday's game:
Amerks fall short at Grand Rapids
Game Summary
Game Report
Boxscore
Saturday's Game:
Amerks look rundown in another road loss
Game Summary
Game Report
Boxscore
The Hurricane affiliated Albany River Rats also dropped their weekend pair, 4-3 Friday to the Milwaukee Admirals and 3-1 Saturday to the Portland Pirates.
River Rats leading scorer Pat Dwyer tallied the lone goal Saturday. Mark Flood, Carolina's Keith Aucoin and Colorado's Ben Guite tallied for the Rats on Friday night.
Cane prospect Justin Peters got the nod in net on both nights turning back 23 shots on Friday and 27 on Saturday. The rookie netminder is now 2-9-0 on the season with a 3.25 GAA and a .877 save percentage.
- Location:On Frozen Pond
- Mood:
annoyed - Music:Metallica: No Leaf Clover
The formal portion of Tuesday's practice was already over for the Rochester Americans.
So, too, were the drills that are optional in name but pretty much mandatory for anyone who can't outskate, out stickhandle or outscore Jaromir Jagr.
With the clock pushing noon, the only people still on the ice were the coaches and the guys who haven't played a whole lot this season.
And Rostislav Olesz.
Olesz making most of time as an Amerk
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Next Game
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Who: Milwaukee Admirals at Rochester Americans
When: Wednesday, November 22, 2006; 7:35 PM
Where: Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: WHTK 1280-AM
Internet: mms://168.75.182.197/rochester
Web site: www.amerks.com
Prior to Tuesday night’s ECHL games between the Charlotte Checkers and Gwinnett Gladiators as well as the Columbia Inferno at the Augusta Lynx, the Florida Everblades were in first place all by themselves in the South Division.
But that will change this morning because Charlotte and Augusta both had 16 points and Gwinnett had 17, while Florida (9-4-0) has 18, so at best there will be a tie atop the standings. Of course, with 59 regular-season games left for the Everblades, including tonight’s matchup with the Inferno (4-6-4) in Columbia, some might say it’s a little too early to be looking at the standings.
Maybe so any other year, but this season, 64 of Florida’s 72 games are against division opponents, and every one of the remaining 59.
Blades in early battle for first place
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Next Game
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Who: Florida Everblades at Columbia Inferno
When: Saturday, November 22, 2006; 7:05 PM
Where: Carolina Coliseum
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770 AM
Internet: www.abc-7.com
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
- Location:On frozen pond
- Mood: gloomy
- Music:Blur
While the two Amerks' left wingers earned callups, Olesz may have earned his demotion. Drafted seventh overall by the Panthers in 2004, Olesz scored just 1-5-6 in 21 games with the Panthers.
Last season he scored 8-13-21 in 59 games as a rookie and also skated in the 2006 Winter Olympics for the Czech Republic.
Olesz, 21, was to fly into Rochester Sunday night and is scheduled to join the Amerks for practice today. Many scouts would say he is now the most talented player on the Amerks' roster.
Booth, Paille promoted to NHL
Booth and Paille recalled; olesz assigned to Amerks
Amerks embark on four-game in five-night stretch
Drew Larman and the Moose to visit Charlotte Library
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Next Game
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Who: Milwaukee Admirals at Rochester Americans
When: Wednesday, November 22, 2006; 7:05 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
It was Swampy’s birthday Saturday, but there was nothing to celebrate as the Florida Everblades lost to the Pensacola Ice Pilots 2-1 in front of nearly 5,700 fans at Germain Arena.
The loss left a sour taste after an otherwise successful five-game homestand that saw the Everblades go 4-1. The loss also ended the Blades’ five-game win streak.
The Ice Pilots (2-9-1) came out hard and physical from the beginning and never let off the pressure.
The Breeze doesn't publish on Sunday, so they are always a little behind on their weekend game recaps.
Everblades lose 2-1
Puck save (Photo)
ECHL scores; Everblades Schedule
A March of Mikes (Blog)
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Next Game
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Who: Florida Everblades at Columbia Inferno
When: Wednesday, November 22, 2006; 7:05 PM
Where: Carolina Coliseum
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770 AM
Internet: www.abc-7.com
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
- Location:On frozen pond
- Mood: indifferent
- Music:Godsmack: Speak
When the Rochester Americans reported to work on Saturday morning, they'd still only experienced defeat once in seven weeks and owned the best record in pro hockey.
But coach Randy Cunneyworth didn't have cake and Kool-Aid for them in the dressing room to celebrate Friday's 4-3 overtime victory over Manitoba.
He applauded them for again finding a way to win but also pointed out the things they didn't do right, the things that made Friday's game more difficult than necessary.
Maybe they can have cake today.
Greg Jacina, Mark Mancari and Michael Ryan each scored two goals as the Amerks routed the Springfield Falcons 8-0 on Saturday night.
Panthers prospects Jacina and Kamil Kreps were the first and third stars of the game, respectively.
Amerks unload on offense in 8-0 victory
Facing a red hot Rochester Americans team that was undefeated at home, the Springfield Falcons hoped to jump out to an early lead and try to set the pace for the game.
Instead, it was the Amerks who took the early lead and never looked back on their way to an 8-0 win last night at BlueCross Arena.
In a dominating performance, Rochester made a statement as to why it just might be the team to beat in the American Hockey League. Michael Ryan, Greg Jacina and Mark Mancari each scored two goals as the Amerks cruised to the victory and improved to 9-0-0 at home.
Amerks dominate Falcons
Amerks pound Falcons 8-0 to remain unbeaten at home
Game Summary
Game Report
Boxscore
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Next Game
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Who: Milwaukee Admirals at Rochester Americans
When: Wednesday, November 22, 2006; 7:05 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
More pictures of Panther prospect David Shantz
The Florida Everblades dominated the Sunshine State's only other ECHL team last season, beating the Pensacola Ice Pilots all 12 times the clubs met.
That dominance came to an end Saturday night.
Newly acquired forward Mike Wirll gave Pensacola the lead early in the second period and goalie Michael Mole stopped a slew of quality scoring chances in the late stages as the Ice Pilots beat Florida 2-1 on Saturday in front of 5,690 at Germain Arena. The defeat snapped Florida's five-game winning streak and ended an eight-game home winning streak against the Ice Pilots (2-9-1).
The ECHL's worst team, Pensacola only previous win happened two weeks ago when they beat the Augusta Lynx. Saturday's defeat was just the fifth time Pensacola beat Florida on the road. The Blades are 21-5-6 at home and 38-11-9 overall against the Ice Pilots.
Pilots goalie Mike Mole deserves a lot of credit for that win.
Pilots ground Everblades
This group of Pensacola Ice Pilots wanted to send a message over the weekend that they aren't anywhere close to being the same as the 2005-06 version, despite their slow start.
As far as the Florida Everblades are concerned, message received.
Pensacola upended Florida, 2-1, on Saturday night in front of a paid crowd of 5,690 at Germain Arena, snapping the Everblades' five-game winning streak in the process. The Ice Pilots (2-9-1) also broke an 0-for-13 streak against Florida dating back to last season behind a solid goaltending effort by Michael Mole, who turned away 35 of 36 shots and rarely gave up any rebounds.
Ice Pilots halt Blades' streak
Ice Pilots rally from early deficit to earn second victory of season
Born to Skate
Sharp as a Blade
Around the ECHL
Catching up with old friends
Game Summary
Game Report
Boxscore
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Next Game
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Who: Florida Everblades at Columbia Inferno
When: Wednesday, November 22, 2006; 7:05 PM
Where: Carolina Coliseum
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770 AM
Internet: www.abc-7.com
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
- Location:On the permafrost
- Mood: hungry
- Music:Drowning Pool: Bodies
The numbers belie the talents, without a doubt.
In the seven games Kamil Kreps had played, he produced just one assist for the Rochester Americans. So much ability, so little production.
But on Friday, Kreps played up to his capabilities.
The third-year centerman scored two goals, including the game-winner just 13 seconds into overtime, as the Amerks defeated the pesky Manitoba Moose 4-3 at Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial.
Panthers prospect does good! Craig Anderson was also back in the net for this one.
Kreps nets OT winner for Amerks
Amerks left winger David Booth escaped injury on a dangerous hit into the end boards in the first period.
Moose defenseman Joe Rullier hit Booth from behind and the rookie plowed into the boards head and shoulder first.
He was sprawled on his stomach for a few moments afterward, then skated off.
"I thought for sure something was wrong," Booth said. "My neck went in so weird. I didn't want to move because I was thinking, 'There's gotta be something wrong.'"
Amerks notebook: Funk called up; Card sent down
Game Summary
Game Report
Boxscore
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Next Game
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Who: Springfield Falcons at Rochester Americans
When: Saturday, November 18, 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
Playing with little intensity, the Florida Everblades watched as the ECHL’s worst team ripped off three consecutive goals to take the lead late in Friday’s second period.
A chorus of boos filled Germain Arena as the Pensacola Ice Pilots inched toward their second win of the season.
A Blades rookie turned those boos to cheers.
Mike Angelidis scored two of his three goals in the third period as Florida overcame a one-goal deficit to beat Pensacola 4-3 in front of an announced crowd of 7,225.
Angelidis is a Canes prospect, I'm afraid. Panthers prospect David Brine had two assists in the game.
Blades charge back to down Ice Pilots
Mike Angelidis needed every bit of his first professional hat trick Friday night in order to ensure his Florida Everblades pulled out a 4-3 victory against a gritty Pensacola Ice Pilots team in front of a sellout crowd at Germain Arena.
Two of Angelidis' three goals came in the third period after Florida (9-3-0) had allowed Pensacola (1-9-1) to erase a 2-0 first-period deficit and score three unanswered goals in the second.
The line of Angleidis, veteran center Brent McDonald and rookie forward David Brine was the only effective trio of the night, accounting for all four Everblades goals.
Angelidis’ hat trick gives Everblades 4-3 victory
Brothers finally get chance to play together for Pensacola
Blades just do get past Ice Pilots
Wirll scores in Pensacola debut, but Ice Pilots fall to Everblades
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Who: Pensacola Ice Pilots at Florida Everblades
When: Saturday, November 18, 2006; 7:30 PM
Where: Germain Arena
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770 AM
Internet: www.abc-7.com
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
- Location:Ice Side, Germain Arena
- Mood: cold
- Music:Seether: Fine Again
The No. 1 goalie is still hurt, the No. 2 goaltender is on recall and three of the top six defensemen weren't in the lineup because of injury or recall.
Even so, Rochester Americans coach Randy Cunneyworth told his team on Sunday night that there was no reason they couldn't beat the Chicago Wolves, the most explosive team in the American Hockey League.
So they did just that, and with surprising ease.
Second-year left winger Clarke MacArthur scored three goals and assisted on another while veteran Jean-Marc Pelletier was marvelous in goal as the Amerks sprinted away from the Wolves, 7-3, at Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial.
Drew Larman, Anthony Stewart and Greg Jacina all had goals for the Amerks. Stewart, Janis Sprukts, Rob Globke, and Kamil Kreps all added assists. JMP took the win in net.
MacArthur, Amerks soar past Chicago
Amerks win fifth straight; MacArthur nets hattrick
American Snap Wolves Perfect Road Streak
As a carrot for his teammates to chase on Sunday night, Drew Larman said he'd pay the first $200 of the tab at their postgame gathering as long as they defeated the Chicago Wolves.
The Rochester Americans did indeed win, but Larman had to call it an early night. He had a plane to catch this morning.
The second-year centerman was recalled by the parent Florida Panthers and is expected to play in tonight's 7:30 game against the Washington Capitals in suburban Miami.
Larman recalled by Panthers
Clarke MacArthur had his first multi-goal game of the season recording a hat trick and four points in the Americans’ 7-3 win at home against Chicago. The Americans, who are winners of five straight games, improved their record to a league best 12-1-0-0 and 24 points and now lead the North Division by nine points over second-place Grand Rapids.
Daniel Paille and Anthony Stewart each had two points (1g, 1a) while defenseman Mark Mancari recorded three assists in the contest, the Amerks' seventh straight victory on home ice.
Jean-Marc Pelletier improved his record to a perfect 4-0-0, making 33 saves.
TheAHL.com Press Release
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Who: Manitoba Moose at Rochester Americans
When: Friday, November 17, 2006; 7:35 PM
Where: Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: WHTK 1280-AM, TW-98 (Tape delay)
Internet: mms://168.75.182.197/rochester
Web site: www.amerks.com
- Location:Cape Coral, Fl
- Mood: cranky
- Music:Breaking Benjamin: Diary of Jane
The Rochester Americans didn't skate on Saturday but not because they don't need the practice.
Sure, their 11-1 record is best in the 27-team American Hockey League, yet no part of their game is perfect and practice time is valuable.
Except there apparently was no available ice in the city so the players did some dry-land training and skill-enhancement work in the basement of Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial.
The War Memorial ice was covered up for Saturday night's Trace Adkins concert and the ESL Sports Centre was booked by youth hockey tournaments.
Thus, the Amerks made the most of their day without ice. Kevin Collins, their strength and conditioning coach, put the players through foot-agility drills. They also did stick-handling drills using wooden balls.
Amerks don't let ice drought halt practice
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Who: Chicago Wolves at Rochester Americans
When: Sunday, November 12, 2006; 6:05 PM
Where: Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: WHTK 1280-AM
Internet: mms://168.75.182.197/rochester
Web site: www.amerks.com
He's the only current Florida Everblade with a Stanley Cup championship ring. He's the only Blade who was on a 2005-06 NHL postseason roster. And he's the only Florida player who has hoisted Lord Stanley's mug in front of a soldout arena.
Craig Kowalski, 25, played like a goalie with NHL experience Saturday night.
The Carolina Hurricanes prospect stopped 46 shots in leading Florida to a 3-1 ECHL win over the Columbia Inferno in front of 6,091 at Germain Arena. The Blades (7-3), who beat the Inferno 2-1 on Friday, can sweep their three-game series with the Inferno (3-5-3) when the teams meet again Tuesday night at Germain Arena.
Columbia's 47 shots Saturday night were a high for a Blades opponent this season and one of the highest for an opponent in Florida's nine-year history. The Greenville Grrrowl set the franchise record with 55 shots against the Blades on April 28, 2002.
K-Wol was a Hurricanes practice goal during their Stanley Cup season.
Blades' goalie stifles Inferno
A shortage of defensemen nearly caught up with the Florida Everblades on Saturday night, but goaltender Craig Kowalski took it upon himself to seal off the net to the Columbia Inferno.
Kowalski faced a mind-boggling 47 shots and stopped all but one in a 3-1 victory, Florida's third straight and second in as many nights over Columbia. The two teams meet again Tuesday night at 7:30 back at Germain Arena.
Rookies Derek Damon and David Brine and veteran Reggie Berg scored for the Everblades (7-3-0), with Damon and Brine connecting on the power play.
Columbia (3-5-3) got its lone goal 7:32 into the first period from Adam Tichauer on a one-timer from the blue line after Jeff Miles won the face-off outright.
The Blades also spend substanitally less time in the penalty box than they did the night before.
Blades finish sweep of Inferno
Two quality goaltenders — one a rookie and the other with significant professional experience under his belt — proved to be part of a successful formula for the Florida Everblades during their best season in franchise history.
Seven years later, head coach Gerry Fleming is hoping a similar tandem will yield even better results, perhaps even bringing Florida its first ever championship.
David Shantz, a 20-year-old rookie under contract to the NHL's Florida Panthers, has stormed out of the gate three weeks into the 2006-07 ECHL season to put himself among the elite goaltenders in the league. But he is not yet the clear-cut No. 1 goalie for the Everblades because Craig Kowalski still has a say.
One good turn in goal deserves another
Catching Up With Old Friends: Nov. 12
Around the ECHL: Nov. 12
Everblades win third straight; douse Inferno 3-1
Power play dooms Columbia
Inferno Drop Second Straight
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Who: Columbia Inferno at Florida Everblades
When: Tuesday, November 14, 2006; 7:30 PM
Where: Germain Arena
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770 AM
Internet: www.abc-7.com
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
- Location:Cape Coral, Fl
- Mood: tired
- Music:Disturbed
Daniel Paille knew there was a chance he'd be playing for the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night, just as he and Drew Stafford did on Sunday night.
The Sabres, however, decided to bring up only one skater, Stafford, so Paille remained with the Rochester Americans.
The third-year left winger didn't pout one bit. He simply played his hound-the-puck game and in doing so helped the Amerks defeat the Binghamton Senators 4-2 at Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial.
Paille scored a short-handed goal 3:25 into the third period to break a 2-2 tie, and the Amerks maintained the one-goal lead until Rob Globke scored into an empty net with 27.2 seconds left.
Paille provides spark for Amerks
Amerks add to B-Sens' struggles
The examination on Anderson's ailing left knee earlier this week revealed no surprises. Anderson tweaked the knee in the third period of a 3-1 victory over Peoria on Oct. 20. He completed the game but hasn't practiced since.
Amerks notebook: Miller's injury prompts Sabres to call up Dennis
Amerks win fourth straight, down Binghamton
Michael Ryan scored twice and Daniel Paille broke a 2-2 tie with 3:25 gone in the third period as Rochester defeated Binghamton, 4-2.
The Amerks improved to 11-1-0-0 on the season, while the Senators lost for the sixth time in their last seven outings.
Rob Globke added a goal and an assist for Rochester, and Jean-Marc Pelletier finished with 28 saves.
Jeff Heerema and Cory Pecker scored for the B-Sens.
TheAHL.com Press Release
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Who: Chicago Wolves at Rochester Americans
When: Sunday, November 12, 2006; 6:05 PM
Where: Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: WHTK 1280-AM
Internet: mms://168.75.182.197/rochester
Web site: www.amerks.com
Scoreless games after two periods were a rarity for the Florida Everblades' high-octane offense last season. The defensive-style game has become more common this season at Germain Arena.
For the second consecutive home game, the Blades found themselves in a scoreless ECHL contest entering the third period.
Florida proved it can win a defensive slugfest Friday night with its 2-1 victory over the Columbia Inferno in front of 6,057 at Germain Arena. It was the perfect way for the Blades (6-3-0) to kick off their five-game homestand and a three-game set with the Inferno (3-4-3). Florida and Columbia will meet again tonight at Germain.
Blades top Inferno 2-1
Picking up where they left off in Ohio, the Florida Everblades pulled out a solid victory Friday night on home ice over the Columbia Inferno, 2-1.
Rookie forward David Brine broke a scoreless tie 34 seconds into the third period with his third goal of the season and it came on his team-leading sixth shot of the night.
Brine picked up the puck on the other side of the net after fellow rookie forward Brad Zancanaro sent it around from the left circle, and found a little opening inside the near post left uncovered by Inferno goalie Robert Gherson.
Veteran forward Brent McDonald got the second assist.
Brine gives Everblades 2-1 win
Inferno coach no stranger to Germain
Everblades kill off Inferno
Everblades open home stand with 2-1 win over Columbia
Everblades place Lee on IR
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Who: Columbia Inferno at Florida Everblades
When: Saturday, November 11, 2006; 7:30 PM
Where: Germain Arena
TV: B2 Network, UPN-8
Radio: Sportsradio 770 AM
Internet: www.abc-7.com
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
- Location:Cape Coral, Fl
- Mood:
awake - Music:Alice in Chains
When Anthony Stewart is killing time after practice or on the bus, he's often hooked up to his iPod.
A little music is always good to ease the mind and soothe the soul.
He might want to consider adding a song to his playlist, though: Expect the Unexpected by Dog Eat Dog.
That could certainly be Stewart's motto for the first two months
Stewart was Florida's first round draft pick, 25th overall, in the 2003 entry draft.
Stewart finds a few bumps in the road
Amerks return home for six-game homestand
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Who: Binghamton Senators at Rochester Americans
When: Friday, November 10, 2006; 7:35 PM
Where: Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: WHTK 1280-AM
Internet: mms://168.75.182.197/rochester
Web site: www.amerks.com
So far: The Amerks have won the first two meetings, 2-1 in a shootout at home on Oct. 13 and 3-2 at Binghamton on Oct. 14.
The Florida Everblades left Germain Arena a week ago as a struggling .500 team trying to find its identity. The Blades return tonight tied for second place in the American Conference's South Division thanks to a 3-1 Ohio road trip.
"I think we're getting better every day. We're no where near where we want to be but we're starting to build a foundation for that," said Blades coach Gerry Fleming, whose club will kick off a five-game homestand tonight at Germain Arena. Florida (5-3) will play the Columbia Inferno (3-3) tonight and Saturday and then host the Pensacola Ice Pilots (1-8) for three games next week.
In the franchise's first Northern road trip, the Blades beat the Cincinnati Cyclones twice, the Toledo Storm once and dropped a game to the Dayton Bombers. It was a successful road trip off the ice, too. The players bonded during their down time — on the team bus, in the airplane, in the hotel.
Everblades return home on a roll
Starting tonight, every game for the Florida Everblades might as well be a playoff game.
Thanks to a curious schedule to say the least, all 64 of Florida’s remaining ECHL games are against South Division opponents, with the Columbia Inferno first in line at Germain Arena for a three-game series.
Last week’s four-game road trip through the state of Ohio was it as far as non-conference and non-division games go for the Everblades (5-3-0), and from here on out points will be at a premium.
“That first game home after you’ve come off of a good road trip sometimes there’s a little bit of a letdown,” said Everblades head coach Gerry Fleming. “We’re done playing outside our division right now so every game and each point are critical.”
Blades set to open series with Inferno
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Who: Columbia Inferno at Florida Everblades
When: Friday, November 9, 2006; 7:30 PM
Where: Germain Arena
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770 AM
Internet: www.abc-7.com
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
- Location:Cape Coral, Fl
- Mood: bored
- Music:Trapt
Goalie Craig Anderson's knee isn't healing as quickly as hoped, meaning the veteran goalie won't play this weekend with the Rochester Americans.
Anderson sat out the past five games because of a knee ailment. He was hurt in the third period of the Nov. 20 game against Peoria, though he never left the ice that night.
Initial examinations did not reveal a meniscus tear, trainer Kent Weisbeck said, but further tests may be necessary if problems persist.
Anderson has not skated in more than two weeks.
Movement, but on the Buffalo end of things...
Cap has Amerks callups on the fly
Amerks Return home for six-game homestand
And, a good skill, for either a Panther prospect or a mascot to have...
Amerk Rob Globke and the Moose at Scottsville Library tonight
- Location:Cape Coral, Florida
- Mood: sad
- Music:Soundgarden: Black Days
This is Michael Ryan's fourth season in the American Hockey League, and on Friday the Boston native finally got to skate in front of family and friends.
Ryan made sure he put on a show, too.
The veteran left winger scored two goals and assisted on the game-winner by Janis Sprukts with just 79 seconds to play as the Rochester Americans defeated the Springfield Falcons 5-4 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass.
No relationship to Michael Van Ryn, who is a Panther, and who I just found a bunch of trading cards for...
JMP picked up the win.
Ryan delights family with two goals, assist in Amerks victory
Amerks Fly Past Falcons
Falcons rally, but fall short
Amerks hang on to beat Springfield, 5-4
Falcons edged by Amerks, 5-4
Janis Sprukts scored on a power play with 1:19 left to lift Rochester past Springfield, 5-4.
The Amerks got the man advantage when the Falcons were whistled for having too many men on the ice at the 17:21 mark of the third period.
Springfield had rallied to tie after trailing 3-0 and 4-2. Justin Keller had a goal and three assists to lead the Falcons.
Massachusetts native Michael Ryan picked up two goals and an assist and rookie Drew Stafford added a goal and two assists for the Amerks.
ROCHESTER 5, SPRINGFIELD 4
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Who: Rochester Americans at Machester Monarches (L.A. Kings)
When: Friday, November 4, 2006; 7:35 PM
Where: Verizon Wireless Arena
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: WHTK 1280-AM
Internet: mms://168.75.182.197/rochester
Web site: www.amerks.com
So far, so good for the Florida Everblades on their four-game tour of the state of Ohio.
The Toledo Storm outhit and outshot the Blades on Friday night, but they couldn’t outscore them as Florida rode an outstanding performance by goaltender Craig Kowalski to a 4-1 victory at the Toledo Sports Arena.
Key saves by Kowalski through the first two periods kept the game close as Florida was outshot 28-13 before its offense came to life in the third period for three goals on 17 shots.
The first period saw both teams come out physical as they combined for 28 penalty minutes, including 10 for fighting when Florida’s Bill Kinkel and Toledo’s Paul Crosty dropped the gloves less than four minutes into the game.
I'm sure Wendy will post the fight tape on YouTube later today.
Blades top Storm, 4-1
Everblades make it two straight, defeat Toledo 4-1
Toledo Drops First Home Contest, 4-1
The Toledo Blade will update sometime later today with their coverage of the game...
Meanwhile the ECHL feed stopped somewhere in the first period, evidently for all the games last night. It might get corrected sometime in the near future (one can hope).
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