AHL Syracuse Crunch

Week 16 - a Successful Road Trip

Published on January 16, 2012 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Syracuse Crunch News Release


The Crunch embarked on their longest road trip of the season on New Year's Eve. After seven games of being away from the War Memorial Arean, the Crunch came away with an impressive 4-2-1 record, earning nine out of a possible 14 points (.643). Three different goalies earned at least a point for the Crunch in that span. Jeff Deslauriers and Marco Cousineau each picked up two wins, while Iiro Tarkki fell in a shootout on Sunday against Worcester. Offensively, the Crunch were led by newcomer Luca Caputi, who had seven points (2g, 5a) in seven games. Kyle Palmieri led the team with four goals in just four games. After the road trip, the Crunch improved to two games over .500 and are now just three points out of eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

COUSINEAU STARS IN DEBUT: With Iiro Tarkki and Jeff Deslauriers on recall to Anaheim, the Crunch were reassigned goalie Marco Cousineau, who began the year in Elmira (ECHL), but has played much of the season with Allen of the CHL. Taking on the Senators in a rowdy Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena on Friday, Cousineau sparkled in his AHL debut, stopping 35 of 37 shots to earn the victory. Cousineau went right back to work the next night in Albany and was equally impressive, turning aside 33 of 35 shots, plus two of five shooters in the shootout to give the Crunch a 3-2 win. Cousineau was a third-round draft pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 2008.

TRANSACTIONS: Josh Brittain was reassigned from Elmira to the Crunch, while Nick Schaus was recalled from Elmira. Schaus registered an assist in three games with Elmira over the weekend, and Brittain registered a goal.

UPCOMING OPPONENTS:

NORFOLK (TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING): The Crunch host the Norfolk Admirals for the second time this season. The first meeting saw Norfolk win, 6-2, on October 29. This will be the last regular-season meeting in Syracuse between these two teams. The final two games will be played in Norfolk in February. The Admirals are currently tied with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for second place in the East Division. They have won their last two games, both at home against Connecticut. The Admirals are led in points by Trevor Smith, who was just recalled to Tampa Bay. Smith, rookie scoring leader Cory Conacher and defensemen Mark Barberio were selected to this year's AHL All-Star Classic. Dustin Tokarski has been solid in goal with a 16-9-0 record and a 2.39 goals-against average.

WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON (PITTSBURGH PENGUINS): The Crunch and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins will meet for the sixth and seventh times this weekend for a traditional home-and-home matchup. The Crunch have won three out of the five first contests this season, including a 4-3 win on January 7 on the road. Since that loss, the Penguins have won three straight, including a pair of games in St. John's this weekend. Peter Holland has led the way against the Penguins, with eight points in five games. For the Penguins, Geoff Walker and Jason Williams each have five points against the Crunch this season. Brad Thiessen and Scott Munroe each have a win against the Crunch.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS:

BOWLING NIGHT: Mark Roth Benefit Bowling Night presented by Flamingo Bowl will be held at the club's home games on January 20 and January 22.

Roth, who currently resides in Fulton, NY, is a four-time Professional Bowlers Association Player of the Year, who suffered a stroke in June of 2009 leaving him partially paralyzed on his left side. The stroke sidelined Roth's professional bowling career and his rehabilitation is ongoing. Roth's professional accomplishments include holding a PBA record for most titles in a single season (8) and being a six-time winner of the PBA High Average Award. Roth was inducted into the PBA Hall of fame in 1987.

A portion of ticket proceeds from the club's January 20 game against Norfolk and January 22 game against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will benefit Roth family. To purchase tickets call Stephen Fiorella or Todd Cross at 315-473-4444. In addition, Roth will be recognized prior to the Jan. 20 game.

RIUNITE WINE SAMPLING: Riunite Wine Sampling Night, to be held on Friday, January 20 when the Crunch take on the Norfolk Admirals.

Fans 21 and over will have the opportunity to sample Riunite Lambrusco and Riunite D'Oro, America's all-time favorite wine.Sampling will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. when doors open through the second intermission, outside of Memorial Hall located on the first floor of The Oncenter War Memorial Arena

Riunite, America's #1 and best-loved Italian wine for over four decades, is the leading source of classic wines from Central Italy's Emilia Romagna Region, home of Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar.

Riunite is most closely identified with the Lambrusco grape, a variety native to central Italy.Lambrusco is said to be one of the oldest grapes in history, one that was first verified by the Etruscans, dating back to before the first century, B.C.When you are drinking Riunite, you are drinking history.

NY LOTTO NIGHT: The Friday, January 20 game against the Norfolk Admirals will be New York Lottery Nights at the Crunch.The first 500 fans 18 and over in attendance will receive a lottery coupon, courtesy of the New York Lottery.

HOCKEY N HEELS: Hockey N Heels is the perfect opportunity to learn the game of hockey and enjoy a fun ladies night out! Evening includes: Admission to the club's January 20 game vs Norfolk, Entrance to exclusive pregame gathering with hors d' Oeuvres and drinks (package includes one complimentary drink ticket), Hockey 101 session taught by a Crunch player and Janet Holick, wife of Associate Coach Mark Holick. January 20, 2012 - pregame gathering at 6:30 in assembly hall (third floor of War Memorial), puck drops at 7:30 p.m. Call Maggie at 473-4444 ex. 30 to order the Hockey n Heels package for just $25.

UPCOMING APPEARANCES:

Tuesday, Jan. 17

Miller/Molson Celebrity Bartending 5-7 p.m. Tully's Erie Blvd.

"Herb" Philipson's 6-7 p.m. Western Lights

All-Star Sports Cards 6-7 p.m. Carousel Center

Wednesday, Jan. 18

Tops Friendly Markets/Kelloggs 5-6 p.m. Brewerton Rd.

Thursday, Jan. 19

B'ville A0 6-7 p.m. Baldwinsville

CRUNCHABLES: The Crunch picked up two victories over the weekend after surrendering the first goal. It was just the second and third times all season the Crunch won when allowing the first goal...Luca Caputi has a five-game point streak (2g, 5a)...The Crunch have points in their last four games (3-0-0-1)...Peter Holland is tied for seventh in AHL rookie scoring with 28 points.

Check out the Syracuse Crunch Statistics

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American Hockey League Stories from January 16, 2012


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