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Phantoms Weekly

October 3, 2011 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


Phantoms Preseason Results

Wednesday, September 28 (Saratoga Springs):Adirondack Phantoms 3 - WBS Penguins 1

Saturday, October 1 (Glens Falls): Albany Devils 3 - Adirondack Phantoms 1

Sunday, October 2 (Wilkes-Barre): WBS Penguins 3 - Adirondack Phantoms 1

Phantoms Upcoming Games

Saturday, October 8, 7:00 (Opening Night!) - Connecticut Whale at Adirondack Phantoms

Opening Night presented by Nemer Ford!

Phantoms Magnet Schedules courtesy of Great Meadow Federal Credit Union

Postgame jersey auction immediately following the game featuring the Phantoms special Opening Night jerseys being worn for one game only!

Phantoms Golf Scramble

Possibly some perfect weather in store for the first ever Phantoms Golf Scramble. The long-range forecast predicts sunshine and 74 degrees for Monday, October 10 (fingers crossed!) so reserve your spot now for a perfect day on the links with the Adirondack Phantoms at Hiland Golf Course in Queensbury. Each four-some will include a Phantoms player or staff. Lunch provided as you compete for great prizes and have lots of fun on the links with the Phantoms. Call the Phantoms to find out more at 518-480-3355 or download the entry-form at phantomshockey.com

Be Here! Phantoms Tickets are On Sale Now!

Adirondack Phantoms game tickets are on sale now. Starting at just $12.25 for adults and $10 for kids it's the best entertainment value in town. Season tickets offer great savings and outstanding perks and benefits. 22 game and 12 game plans give the fans flexibility to choose the games that work best for their schedule while also saving big compared with purchasing the tickets individually. Call the Phantoms at 518-480-3355 to find out more.

Leighton Returns!

The Phantoms have announced that goaltender Michael Leighton has been assigned to Adirondack according to Philadelphia Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren. "Leights" was Lights Out in his half-season with the Phantoms in 2010-11 going 14-12-3 with a 2.22 goals against average and a Phantoms franchise record .926 saves percentage. One of the stars of the second half season, Leighton dazzled the Glens Falls fans with his spectacular saves and five shutouts in the last two months of the year.

Leighton led Philadelphia to the Stanley Cup Final in 2010 with three shutouts again Montreal in the Eastern Conference Final series. He has 34 career shutouts in the AHL which is the most of any goalie since 1975 and rates sixth all-time. Leighton has played in 104 career NHL games and 296 AHL games. In his AHL career he has 144 total victories, a 2.30 goals against average and

a .917 saves percentage. He set the all-time record league with 98 saves in a game in April, 2008 as an All-Star member of the Albany River Rats in their historic five overtime game against the Philadelphia Phantoms.

Additional Transactions

The Adirondack Phantoms have announced the following players have been released from tryout camp: Peter Boyd, David Brownschidle, Peter Merth, Paul Crowder, Andrew Thomas, Patrick Johnson, Steven Tarasuk and Brad Phillips. With the recent additions of Tom Sestito and Michael Leighton, the Phantoms roster currently stands at 25 players so Head Coach Joe Paterson faces some difficult decisions in the coming days. Additionally, the Philadelphia Flyers can still send players to the Phantoms. Adirondack players from last year still in camp with the Flyers who are trying to earn a coveted spot on the Opening Night roster with the big club include Erik Gustafsson, Matt Read, Zac Rinaldo, Matt Walker and Harry Zolnierczyk.

Last Week

Wednesday, September 28 - The Phantoms invaded Weibel Arena in Saratoga Springs for their preseason opener against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The local community got to enjoy exciting AHL action in their own backyard while the Phantoms took care of business on the ice disposing of the Penguins 3-1. Garrett Klotz, Eric Wellwood and Shane Harper all scored for Adirondack with power play goals in each period. Veteran Jason Bacashihua was stellar in net in his Phantoms debut turning aside 35 shots but falling just short of his shutout bid with only 2.7 seconds remaining in the game when Wilkes-Barre got on the board. The event was a terrific success and the Phantoms send their gratitude to the great people at Saratoga Youth Hockey for serving as such wonderful hosts.

Saturday, October 1 - Adirondack played host to the Albany Devils in their second preseason game and dropped a 3-1 decision to their local rivals. Rookie Jason Akeson scored the lone Phantoms goal on the game. The Phantoms blasted away for 37 shots on Albany netminder Jeff Frazee but could only get the one goal into the net. Adirondack missed star players Ben Holmstrom, Mike Testwuide and Eric Wellwood who were all called up to the Flyers for their preseason game at New Jersey that evening.

The fans enjoyed coming back to the Civic Center for Phantoms hockey for the first time since April and were treated to one of the major improvements installed over the offseason with the outstanding sound system. Many fans commented that the sound was markedly better and made for a better game experience.

Sunday, October 2 - The Phantoms concluded their preseason with a game on the road at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and fell to the Penguins 3-1. Rookie blueliner Oliver Lauridsen broke up Brad Thiessen's shutout bid with a powerful slapshot goal with 1:11 remaining in the game. In 5-on-5 play, the Phantoms and Penguins finished tied 1-1. But Adirondack

took some untimely penalties allowing Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to have a pair of lengthy 5-on-3 power-plays. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton was able to capitalize on both opportunities on plays in which goalie Jason Bacashihua realistically had no chance. Holmstrom, Testwuide and Wellwood all returned to the Phantoms following their preseason game with the Flyers the night before, but the Phantoms were without several of their key players including Denis Hamel, Jon Kalinski, Stefan Legein, Dan Jancevski and Garrett Klotz. Adirondack does not play Wilkes-Barre/Scranton again until March 4 when the Penguins come to Glens Falls. The Phantoms and Penguins will meet only two times in the regular season.

Phantoms Day-by-Day

Please note, the ice at the Glens Falls Civic Center is unavailable this week due to concerts. The Phantoms will hold practice at the Lake George Forum on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Practices are free and open to the public. The team returns to the GFCC this Friday for practice on their home ice.

Tuesday, Oct 4 - Morning practice, 10:00 am at Lake George Forum.

Wednesday, Oct 5 - Morning practice, 10:00 am at Lake George Forum.

Thursday, Oct 6 - Morning practice, 10:00 am at Lake George Forum.

Friday, Oct 7 - Morning practice, 10:00 am at GFCC

Saturday, Oct 8 - Morning skate, 10:00 am at GFCC. Game vs. Connecticut Whale, 7:00 pm. Opening Night!

Phantoms to Host Outdoor Classic

The Phantoms have announced they will be a part of the NHL Winter Classic week-long celebration of hockey when they host the Hershey Bears on January 6 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. This will be only the third outdoor game in AHL history and is the first to be associated with the NHL Winter Classics. It is also the first ever outdoor game for the Phantoms.

"This is an extremely exciting day for the Phantoms organization and Phantoms fans everywhere," said Phantoms President Rob Brooks. "A hockey celebration and atmosphere unlike anything the AHL has ever seen will happen at Citizens Bank Park. We are extremely grateful to (Comcast Spectacor President) Peter Luukko for helping make this truly great event a reality."

Citizens Bank Park will also host the Philadelphia Flyers vs. the New York Rangers on January 2. It is the baseball home for the Philadelphia Phillies and will have a seating capacity of approximately 40,000. The Phantoms are hoping to break the all-time AHL attendance record of 21,673 set last season at an outdoor game in East Hartford, Conn.

On the Air!

All Adirondack Phantoms games are carried live on the flagship home of the Phantoms Hockey Network, Classic Hits Q101.7 FM. Each broadcast begins with a 30 pregame show. Also featured is an extended post-game show including audio replay highlights of the big goals so be sure to tune in as you driving home after the game. Bob Rotruck returns for his second season has the Voice of the Phantoms.

Fans can also listen on the Phantoms Hockey Network on the internet at phantomshockey.com and on the team's alternative audio link, ustream.tv/channel/phantomsradio . Games can also be seen on www.ahllive.com. The presenting sponsor of the Phantoms Hockey Network is Curtis Lumber.

The first broadcasts of the season are this weekend for the preseason games on October 1 and 2. The debut broadcast begins on Saturday night at 6:30 with the Countdown to Faceoff show from the Glens Falls Civic Center as the Phantoms get ready to take on the Albany Devils.

Jimmer Bobbleheads and More!

The first ever bobblehead of local sports icon Jimmer Fredette highlights a great schedule of promotional giveaways, events and bargains and fun. Even more post-game skates with the players and lots of other opportunities for fans to interact with the team. Magnet Schedules, Youth Jerseys, T-Shirts, Youth Knit Caps and that's just to name a few.

Every Sunday home game is Sunday Family Fun Pack Day when $39 gets you an amazing value with three tickets, three hot dogs, three sodas, bucket of popcorn and a program. All Wednesday games are Dollar Hot Dog Nights.

Don't forget other fun and special events like Pucks and Paws on December 28 when fans can bring their dog to the game. And the On Ice Halloween Costume Parade on October 29.

AHL Changes

The Adirondack Phantoms are in the newly formed Northeast Division in the Eastern Conference in 2011-12. The four divisional rivals in the Northeast include the Albany Devils (NJ), Bridgeport Sound Tigers (NYI), Connecticut Whale (NYR) and Springfield Falcons (CLB). The top eight teams out of 15 in the conference will qualify for the post-season this year and the divisional champion will automatically receive one of the top three seeds.

Mark your calendars! Adirondack Phantoms Opening Night is Saturday, October 8. The Phantoms take on the Connecticut Whale to begin the third season of exciting Phantoms hockey in Glens Falls. Get great savings and have fun with your friends, family or co-workers by bringing your group of 15 or more fans to enjoy fast-paced, hard-hitting Phantoms hockey. Call the Phantoms to find out more at 518-480-3355and check the team's website at phantomshockey.com.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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