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Phantoms Weekly - Thank You, Fans

April 3, 2013 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


This Week's Games

Friday, April 5 (7:00) - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at Adirondack Phantoms

Saturday, April 6 (7:00) - Rochester Americans at Adirondack Phantoms

Sunday, April 7 (5:00) - Adirondack Phantoms at Bridgeport Sound Tigers

Last Week's Scores

Friday, March 27 - Binghamton Senators 5 - Adirondack Phantoms 2

Saturday, March 28 - Adirondack Phantoms 4 - Bridgeport Sound Tigers 1

Top Scorers Goals Assists Points

Jason Akeson 15 30 45

Danny Syvret 6 30 36

Brayden Schenn 13 20 33

Sean Couturier 10 18 28

Tye McGinn 14 12 26

Goalies

W-L-SOL

GAA SVS

Scott Munroe 12-16-0 2.78 .913

Brian Boucher 5-5-1 2.45 .912

Cal Heeter 10-14-2 2.97 .907

Upcoming

The Phantoms play back-to-back home games this weekend on Friday and Saturday as we thank all of our fans for their terrific support in the 2012-13 season.

Friday features $2 Draft Beer Specials.

And then our Fan Appreciation Night presented by Stored-Tech is Saturday featuring hundreds of prizes from the Phantoms, Flyers, and our wonderful corporate partners and area businesses. Some of our partners generously donating gift certificates to be included in our huge pool of prizes are Adirondack Nautilus, Broadway Lanes, Dango's, East End Eatery and Recovery Sports Grill.

Please note, the appearance of SuperFan Cameron Hughes has been moved from April 6 to April 20.

Adirondack will really have to bare down for every goal they can get as they might face two of the very top goaltenders in the league back-to-back. Jeff Zatkoff of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton leads the league in goals-against average at 1.99. David Leggio of Rochester leads the league in wins, games and total saves and was also named CCM/AHL Goalie of the Month for March. The Phantoms will be sure to keep those shots coming as they try to break these guys!

It's the stretch-run for the Adirondack Phantoms who have just three weeks remaining in the regular season but will play seven home games out of their nine total contests remaining.

The Phantoms have won four straight home games to improve to 16-14-1 overall at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Adirondack is also 7-4-1 in their last 12 overall games.

There's still lots of terrific hockey left at the Glens Falls Civic Center this year. Call the Phantoms to get your tickets in advance and save: 518-480-3355.

Auction Time!

Time is running out to bid on your favorite game-worn orange Phantoms jerseys. The online auction ends on Sunday, April 7 at 7:00pm. Don't miss out!

Click Here to Get Bidding

Phantoms in the Community

Ian Slater and Derek Mathers hanging with kids like Brandon Willard at Johnny Rockets in Queensbury. Thanks, guys!

The Phantoms players, staff and Dax combine to make over 300 community appearance per year!

To find out more about the Phantoms in the community or to inquire about the Phantoms at your local charity or school function or community event, please contact Phantoms Director of Fun and Community Development, Andrew Hill at 518-480-3355 or ahill@phantomshockey.com

Promotions!

Lots of great home game promos on the way. Here are some of the big ones!

Saturday, April 6 (7:00) - Fan Appreciation Night presented by Stored Tech. Hundreds of great prizes and giveaways for the fans including Phantoms gear and Fan-Experience prizes such as bench-seats during warm-ups. Plus Philadelphia Flyers gear as well as valuable coupons and merchandise from our awesome sponsors.

Saturday, April 13 (7:00) - Dan Miner Bobblehead Night (first 2,500 fans) and tribute to the long-time voice of Adirondack hockey. "Not Tonight - Actually, Yes...TONIGHT!"

Also, Faith and Family Night. Post-Game Concert.

Sunday, April 14 (3:00) - World Record Night! Be a part of a verified world record as we invite the fans to join us for what will officially be the World's Longest On-Ice Conga Line!! Yes, we're actually serious...haha!

Saturday, April 20 (7:00) - Scoville Jewelers Gemstone Giveaway Night. 500 great gemstones ranging in value from $5 to $50 to be given away....plus one Phantoms Orange gemstone valued at $500 that includes a big prize package too. This one is hard to believe. I'ts an incredible promotion with even more specials involved which we will announce in the future.

Season Ticket Renewal Incentive - Sign Up Now!

It's the 25th season of AHL hockey excitement in Glens Falls and it's coming this October. Sign up for new or renewal season tickets. Don't forget our unlimited ticket exchange policy. Your unused tickets are good for any other Phantoms games.Last week, Brian Smith won a 40" screen television by getting registered for our Season Ticket Incentive drawing. He pulled the winning card out of the envelope and made himself a big winner. Way to go, Brian!!

This month, we're giving away a new laptop computer. That's right...a laptop! You must purchase your season tickets by April 19 and pay 50% of your balance to be eligible. Call the Phantoms to find out more about season tickets at 518-480-3355.

Milestones

Terry Murray - 600th career professional win last Saturday. (499 in NHL, 84 in AHL and 17 in the old IHL)

Jason Akeson - 100 points for ADK, most in ADK Phantoms history

Jon Sim- 199 points in the AHL, 397 points in his pro career

Phantoms 100-Point Club

Jason Akeson became the first ever Adirondack Phantom to reach 100 points last Friday with his power-play goal from the left-circle at Binghamton. He is the 22nd player in the 17-year history of the Phantoms' franchise into the 100-point club but the first to do it exclusively with Adirondack. A couple weeks ago, he passed Denis Hamel (96) for the most points in Adirondack Phantoms history.

Two other players are also in the Phantoms 100-Point club. Danny Syvret (141) and David Laliberte (123) had some of their points with the Philadelphia Phantoms in 2008-09 too.

100-Point Club, Phantoms Franchise (1996 - 2013)

1. Peter White 472

2. Mark Greig 372

3. John Slaney 293

4. Kirby Law 222

5. Shawn McCosh 196

6. Jared Ross 191

7. Boyd Kane 178

8. Jon Matsumoto 173

9. Jim Montgomery 161

10. Mike Maneluk 149

11. Craig Darby 146

12. Danny Syvret 141

13. Paul Healey 138

14. Stefan Ruzicka 125

15. Mark Freer 123

16. Bruce Coles 122

17. David Laliberte 123

18. Tony Voce 115

19. Patrick Sharp 114

20. Thomas Divisek 112

21. Patrick Maroon 106

22.

Jason Akeson

100

Transactions

Mar 27 - Erik Gustafsson (D) - Recalled from loan by Philadelphia (NHL)

Mar 29 - Oliver Lauridsen (D) - Recalled from loan by Philadelphia (NHL)

Apr 1 - Blake Kessel (D) - Reassigned from Trenton (ECHL) to ADK (AHL)

Apr 1 - Shane Harper (F) - Reassigned from Trenton (ECHL) to ADK (AHL)

Apr 1 - Mitch Wahl (F) - Reassigned from ADK (AHL) to Utah (ECHL)

Apr 3 - Brandon Alderson (RW) - Signed to ATO

Apr 3 - Cal Heeter (G) - Recalled from loan by Philadelphia

One of the newest Adirondack Phantoms is Brandon Alderson who joined the team this week. The 21-year-old just completed his Major Juniors career with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey League. He signed an entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers last month (pictured below). Welcome to the Phantoms, Brandon!

Cal Heeter received a nice opportunity due to Philadelphia's in-between state among their backup goalies. Wednesday afternoon, the Flyers traded Michael Leighton to Columbus in exchange for Steve Mason. But Mason would not be able to make it to Philadelphia in time to serve as the backup goalie for the game. So Heeter was called upon to take that role and barely made it to Wells Fargo Center in time for the game. He didn't get to play, but just the experience of getting to dress for an NHL game for the first time was a nice moment for the rookie goalie.

Phantoms Week in Review

Friday, March 29 - Binghamton Senators 5 - Adirondack Phantoms 2

Jason Akeson became the first player to reach 100 points with the Adirondack Phantoms when he blasted his team-leading 15th goal of the season in the second period, but Adirondack lost on the road to the Binghamton Senators 5-2 on Friday night.

Binghamton raced out to a 4-0 lead by the opening minutes of the second period and the Phantoms weren't able to recover. Adirondack helped open the game up when they got down in the game and had several chances to narrow the margin in the wild and exciting second period but only the Akeson tally would get past Nathan Lawson in that frame.

Eric Wellwood also scored for the Phantoms, on a power play early in the third period, for his ninth of the year. Adirondack had closed the lead to 4-2 but Derek Grant's goal about seven minutes into the third would dim the Phantoms' hopes of a comeback. Cole Schneider had two goals for Binghamton who improved to 4-3-0 against Adirondack this year. The game ended the Phantoms' two-game winning streak.

Saturday, March 30 - Adirondack Phantoms 4 - Bridgeport Sound Tigers 1

It was a sneak-peak into the future of the Adirondack Phantoms and some of the additions likely to be on the team next season. Newcomers Kyle Flanagan and Derek Mathers both notched their first professional goals as Adirondack disposed of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers 4-1 on Saturday night in Glens Falls.

The Phantoms have won their last four straight home games as they improved to 3-1-1 against the Sound Tigers this year. Adirondack knocked out veteran goalie Rick DiPietro in the process.

Rookie Marcel Noebels (11th) and veteran Jon Sim (4th with ADK) also scored in the win. For Sim, the goal came against his former team as well as teammate in DiPietro. He had played with Bridgeport and their parent-club, the New York Islanders, a couple seasons ago.

Noebels recorded his fourth goal in his last seven games. The young prospect from Germany now has 20 total goals this season including the nine he scored with Trenton in the ECHL in the first-half of the season.

But it was Flanagan and Mathers who perhaps drew the most attention as the newest kids on the block scored the first two goals on the night with puck-saving moments on their historic professional firsts.

Saratoga Spine Phantoms Player of the Week - Kyle Flanagan

It was a nice start in the professional career of Kyle Flanagan who earns Saratoga Spine Player of the Week honors. He scored his first pro goal less than two minutes into Saturday night's game, added a terrific assist later on a Jon Sim deflection, and earned #1 Star of the Game honors. All of this in just his fourth game as a pro.

The Hobey Baker Finalist out of St. Lawrence University who comes to the Phantoms from Canton, NY (home of SLU) was one of the top scorers in college hockey scoring 15 goals and 32 assists for 47 points in only 35 games this year.

Key Team Stats

The Phantoms are...

- 26-8-3 when tied or leading after two periods. (15-2-1 if leading after two. 11-6-2 if tied after two)

- 13-3-1 when leading after one period.

- 22-4-2 when score 3 or more goals

- 16-1-1 when they score 4 or more goals

- 2-2 in overtimes and 4-3 in shootouts for a combined 6-5 in games decided after regulation.

- 13 of the Phantoms wins have come when they have held the opponents to 0 or 1 goals.

- 19-5-1 when scoring the first goal.

- 16-14-1 at home

- 24-16-2 when scoring at least one PPG

Power Surge

The Phantoms have been lighting it up especially well on the power play. All the more impressive when one considers the various promotions to Philadelphia and all the roster moves and near-constant changes to the personnel on the team's man-advantage.

Adirondack has notched a power-play goal in each of the last four games going 8-for-20 (40%). The Phantoms are also 13-for-49 (26.5%) in their last nine games.

The Phantoms keep leap-frogging past teams with all their power-play goals lately and have moved all the way up to 13th out of 30 in the AHL at 17.2%.

Upcoming Opponents

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, 37-28-4 (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Friday, April 5 (7:00) - Glens Falls Civic Center - $2 Draft Beer Specials

Adirondack and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton wrap up the four-game regular season series as the Penguins visit Glens Falls for their only trip this year. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is in sixth-place in the Eastern Conference with 78 points entering the last three weeks of the regular season. They are on a four-game point streak which included a 3-2 win at Norfolk on Tuesday in their most recent game.

Jeff Zatkoff seems to have won the #1 goaltender position on the team and, in fact, is the #1 goaltender in the AHL right now with some impressive stats boosted by the stingy defense of his teammates in front of him. Zatkoff's 1.99 goals-against average is best in the AHL and his .919 saves percentage rates highly as well.

The Penguins boast the top defense in the AHL allowing just 2.35 goals per game. They accomplish that by limiting their opponents shots on goal, 26 per game which is second-best in the AHL. WBS is an impressive 20-9-4 in one-goal games this year.

Bobby Farnham knows how to agitate and drop the gloves. He leads AHL rookies with 19 major penalties and also leads in minor penalties with 32.

Trevor Smith (21-25-46) and Riley Holzapfel (18-26-44) lead the offense.

Rochester Americans, 37-26-4 (Buffalo Sabres)

Saturday, April 6 (7:00) - Glens Falls Civic Center -

Fan Appreciation Night presented by Stored-Tech - Hundreds of Prizes!

Adirondack is 1-2 against Rochester this season but has not played against the Americans since December. The Americans are in fifth-place in the Western Conference with 78 points and are in good shape for a post-season berth.

One needs to beat these guys in the first 65 minutes. If the game gets to a shootout, Rochester is 7-1, best in the AHL.

Ron Rolston was in his second year as head coach of the Americans but was called up to Buffalo on February 20 after the Sabres fired Lindy Ruff. Assistant Chadd Cassidy took over at the helm shortly after.

David Leggio is the workhorse goaltender of the AHL again this season. He is running away with the league lead in total games (57), minutes (3433) and saves (1765). His 35 victories give him a three-win advantage over Niklas Svedberg of Providence for most in that category as well. He made 23 consecutive starts to finish last season and continued that streak and extended it to 35 consecutive starts.

Leggio was CCM/AHL Goaltender of the Month for March gong 9-4-0, 1.86, .946 with two shutouts. He allowed two goals or fewer in 11 of those 13 games.

Rochester isn't just about the goaltending though. They are fifth in the league in total offense with 3.1 goals per game. They will give the opponents some chances as they allow 33.5 shots against per game which is 29th out of 30. Indeed, the last time Adirondack played against Rochester was December 7 at Blue Cross Arena as the Phantoms outshot the Amerks 42-21 yet lost the game 3-1 against rookie Connor Knapp in a rare game NOT started by Leggio.

Mark Mancari (20-38-58) leads the offense. Brayden McNabb from the blue-line has 5-21-36.

Bridgeport Sound Tigers, 28-28-11 (New York Islanders)

Sunday, April 7 (5:00) - Webster Bank Arena, Bridgeport, Conn.

Adirondack is 3-1-1 entering the sixth and last game of the regular-season series against their Northeast Division rivals.

The Phantoms bounced Rick DiPietro to an early exit last Saturday in a 4-1 win in Glens Falls. Adirondack last played at Bridgeport on March 2 in a match-up of Sound Tigers alums. Rick DiPietro of Bridgeport defeated Scott Munroe of Adirondack 4-3 in that one on a late game-winner by Brock Nelson of the Sound Tigers shortly after Matt Konan's first career professional goal had tied it for Adirondack. It was DiPietro's first win in Bridgeport since 2002.

Bridgeport is allowing 3.25 goals per game which is 30th out of 30 in the AHL.

Rick DiPietro - 6-5-0, 3.08, .888. The most famous Bridgeport Sound Tiger who was sent down from the Islanders about a month ago. The #1 overall pick in the draft in 2000 out of Boston University has a career NHL record of 130-133-8-28, 2.86, .903 with the Islanders. This season, he went 0-3 in three games for New York with a 4.09 goals-against. He had last suited up for Bridgeport in 2009-10 playing in four games going 1-2. His last AHL win was December 19, 2009 at Springfield and his last AHL game was January 3, 2010 vs. the Worcester Sharks in a loss.

Head Coach Scott Pellerin - 1992 Hobey Baker Award winner from the University of Maine might be remembered by long-time fans in the area when he played for the Albany River Rats for three seasons including on their Calder Cup Championship team in 1995. He also played in 536 career NHL games mostly with New Jersey and St. Louis. In first season as AHL head coach after serving as an assistant coach with Manchester for six years.

Nino Niederreiter - 26-19-45. 20 year old Swiss prospect. 5th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft while Philadelphia's Brayden Schenn was the fifth overall selection in the 2009 draft (by the Los Angeles Kings). 55 games with Islanders last year scoring 1 goal. 41 goals with Portland (WHL) in 2010-11.

Brock Nelson, 19-26-45. Another 2010 first-rounder (30th overall). Joined the team last season out of the University of North Dakota.

Aaron Ness, 3-22-25. In second full season with Bridgeport. Second-round pick in 2008 out of the University of Minnesota.

UPCOMING

Friday, April 5 (7:00) - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at Adirondack Phantoms. $2 Draft Beer Specials.

Saturday, April 6 (7:00) - Rochester Americans at Adirondack Phantoms. Fan Appreciation Night with Hundreds of great giveaways and prizes from the Phantoms, Philadelphia Flyers, and our awesome corporate partners and area businesses who have generously donated some gift certificates.

Sunday, April 7 (5:00) - Adirondack Phantoms at Bridgeport Sound Tigers

Monday, April 8 (7:00) - Phantoms Power Hour LIVE on Q101.7. Featuring player guests, rookies Kyle Flanagan and Derek Mathers.

Friday, April 12 (7:00) - Springfield Falcons at Adirondack Phantoms. $2 Draft Beer Specials

Saturday, April 13 (7:00) - Connecticut Whale at Adirondack Phantoms. Dan Miner Bobbleheads (first 2,500 fans). Faith and Family Night featuring Post-Game Concert with Christian rock band, The Wrecking!

Sunday, April 14 (3:00) - Binghamton Senators at Adirondack Phantoms. World Record Night. Be a part of the official World's Longest Conga-Line On-Ice...No, we're not kidding!!!

Call the Phantoms in advance for tickets and Sunday Family 3-Packs and SAVE! 518-480-3355

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