50 Shots Not Enough in 3-2 Loss in Adirondack

April 14, 2012 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


GLENS FALLS, NY - Jack Combs and Brian O'Hanley scored for Worcester but Phantoms netminder Michael Leighton made 48 saves in goal as the Sharks fell 3-2 to the Adirondack Phantoms at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Saturday night.

Rookie Thomas Heemskerk made 22 saves in his first career AHL start and Tony Lucia added two assist in the los as the Sharks dressed 11 rookies in the loss. The Sharks close out the season on Sunday afternoon on Fan Appreciation night at the DCU Center with a 3pm battle vs. the Hershey Bears.

Goaltender Michel Leighton stood tall in the first period making 16 saves to keep the Sharks off the board and Phantoms rookie Jason Akeson (13th) scored a late power play goal at 15:58 as the Phantoms took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission. Captain Mike Moore (7th FM) fought Frank Mathers (2nd FM) in a long battle at 11:59 in a physical period. The Sharks outshot the Phantoms 16-10 in the opening frame with Thomas Heemskerk making nine saves.

Each team scored in the 2nd period with the Phantoms charging out to a 2-0 lead. Tye McGinn (the younger brother of Jamie McGinn)(12th) deflected a hard pass in front of the net past Heemskerk at 7:57 to give Adirondack a two score lead. Jack Combs (16th) got the Sharks on the board on a controversial strike at 16:43 after goaltender Michael Leighton was down on his back after he was nudged by a battle on top of his crease. Leighton threw his blocker in discuss and earned a two minute minor for unsportsmanlike conduct but Worcester was unable to capitalize. The Sharks trailed 2-1 after 40 minutes despite outshooting the Phantoms 29-16.

Brian Holmstrom (14th) finished off a 4-on-1 rush at 7:57 of the third period to put Adirondack ahead 3-1. But the Sharks got the score right back after a nice rush down the left side by Tony Lucia who found Brian O'Hanley (4th) breaking down the middle for a quick one timer score at 9:06. Worcester fired 21 shots in the third period but couldn't tie the score as the Phantoms held on for the 3-2 win.

Worcester's record falls to 30-33-4-8, with 72pts and currently in 13th place in the Eastern Conference with 1 game remaining.

Notes: FIVE GUYS BURGERS Three Stars: 3rd Star Tye McGinn (1-0-1) 2nd star: Brian Holmstrom (Goal) 1st star: Michael Leighton (Win, 48 saves)... Final shots were 50-25 in favor of Worcester... Michael Leighton made 48 saves on 50 shots for Adirondack; Thomas Heemskerk made 22 saves on 25 shots for Worcester... Worcester went 0-for-5 on the power play while Adirondack went 1-for-3... Taylor Doherty, Tyson Sexsmith, Brodie Reid, Jimmy Bonneau, Cam MacIntyre, Ryan Del Monte, James Livingston, Matt Pelech, Marek Viedensky, Frazer McLaren, and Curt Gogol did not dress for Worcester...with the 1 fight, the Sharks continue to lead the AHL with 120 fighting major penalties.

Coming up... On Sunday, April 15th the Sharks host the Hershey Bears at 3pm in the final regular season home game at the DCU Center. Doors will open at 12pm with the Boston Bruins Alumni game to benefit the Why Me organization presented by Lundgren Honda to start at 12:30pm. The first 1,000 fans will receive a free drawstring backpack courtesy of Becker College. Tickets as low as $10, with one ticket good for both games!

Join the WAAF street team in the lobby and enjoy face painting from Andi the Clown. Before the game, the Sharks will announce their team awards which include Team MVP, Rookie of the Year, and the 7th Player Award during an on ice presentation. Welcome the annual Parade of Champions as youth hockey teams throughout central Massachusetts will take to the ice and be recognized for a terrific season.

Throughout the game, the Sharks will be hosting a game worn jersey auction, with the winners receiving the jerseys right of the back of the players during a post game ceremony!

There also will be several giveaways of Sharks merchandise and other prizes. Three lucky fans will have an opportunity to win a car courtesy of Lundgren Honda of Auburn during a SHOOT to WIN contest during the 2nd intermission!

It will be another $5 KIDS Sunday presented by Southwick's Zoo, with a full price adult ticket. Plus, kids get a FREE Southwick's Zoo one day pass!

Score a family fun pack today for only $74! Four tickets, four hot dogs, and four sodas for a portion of the price! Available only through the Sharks front office for every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday games this season!

Marina Riva, Jonathan Forsberg, Jason Jones, Chris Curtis, and Kristyn Galante are ready to take your orders and answer your questions today! Season Tickets for the 2012-13 season are on sale now by contacting the Worcester Sharks Office at 508.929.0500 or by crashing the net at www.SharksAHL.com.

All games can be heard live on 580AM and 94.9FM WTAG, as well as online through AHL Live, by following the link on the Sharks website at www.SharksAHL.com.



American Hockey League Stories from April 14, 2012


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