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Adirondack Hibernates Bears On Snowy Night In Glens Falls

October 29, 2011 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


On an unusual snowy October night in Glens Falls, Michael Leighton put the Bears' offense into hibernation for the first 59 minutes, and the Phantoms defeated one of the league's best teams 2-1 at the Glens Falls Civic Center.

Adirondack had been held off the scoreboard through the first two periods, but Denis Hamel broke the deadlock with his team-leading eighth of the year early in the third period. Harry Zolnierczyk added a late goal which proved to be the game-winner.

Head Coach Joe Paterson said the defensive success was a team effort. "(The defense) was good at clearing in front of the net and letting (Leighton) see shots. They were staying in the zone together. If the puck came off the wall and there was a battle they stayed there."

For Hamel, the goal was his 323rd in 14 years in the AHL. He is now just two behind Adirondack Red Wing legend Glenn Merkosky for 12th all-time. Merkosky scored 325 times in an 11-year career which ended with the Adirondack Red Wings in 1991. The goal was also the eighth of the season for Hamel who leads the team and is among the AHL leaders.

Improving to 6-3-1(13 points), the Phantoms stay within one point of Northeast Division leading Connecticut who also won. The Phantoms will next be in action when they visit the Springfield Falcons next Friday. Meanwhile, Adirondack improved to 14-2-5 at home since last February and 3-1-1 this season. They bounced back for the victory one day after having their 11 game unbeaten-in-regulation streak snapped. The Phantoms are 10-1-2 in their last 13 home contests.

Leighton finished the night with 23 saves on 24 shots and improved his record to 5-2-0. Leighton's fifth win pulls him into a tie for the AHL's lead in goalie wins. He came within 39 seconds of his 36th career shutout but fell just short in his bid.

It was the first game this season in which the Phantoms outshot their opponents. "(We) didn't leave the zone early. And when you do that and you have better support you're able to win those areas when you outnumber people."

Adirondack poured on the pressure in the second period as the game remained 0-0 throughout. A 17 shot barrage on Dany Sabourin wasn't enough to get Adirondack on the board as they peppered away for a monster 17-3 shot advantage. Eric Wellwood, Ben Holmstrom and Tye McGinn among others had tremendous opportunities on net but Sabourin made a series of fabulous stops in his highlight-reel frame.

Early in the third period the Phantoms sustained pressure in the Hershey zone leading to the game's first goal. Denis Hamel followed up on a rebound of his own shot and carried it to the right-wing corner where he banked it in off the leg of Sabourin from a near-impossible angle for the 1-0 advantage. Shane Harper and Ben Holmstrom assisted on the play.

Eight minutes later, Harry Zolnierczyk stretched the lead to 2-0 when he parked himself just back of the left goalpost and stuffed home his fifth goal of the season after an impressive cross-ice feed from Marc-Andre Bourdon. Luke Pither also assisted on the power-play tally.

Having gone 15-of-67 on the power play for the season, Adirondack has scored on the man advantage in 9-of-10 games.

Dmitri Orlov's slapper from the right point was the Bears' only goal and busted Michael Leighton's shutout attempt with 39 seconds left. The AHL's leader in assists, Keith Aucoin, as well as former Philadelphia Phantom Boyd Kane earned helpers.

Despite making 29 saves on 31 shots, Dany Sabourin was the losing goalie for the Bears, who fell to 5-2-2.

With the win, Adirondack takes a 1-0 lead in the season series with Hershey. The Phantoms and Bears next play each other in the Outdoor Classic at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on January 6. The clubs also play two more times this season at Giant Center in Hershey.

The Phantoms were 1-of-6 on the power play. The Bears were 0-of-2.

The game also featured two fights, with both Ben Holmstrom and Tom Sestito dropping the gloves with Hershey's Andrew Carroll.

The shots were 31-24 in favor of Adirondack.

The Phantoms now run into a lull in the schedule in which they play only one game in the next 13 days. Adirondack travels to Springfield for a Northeast Division showdown against the Falcons on Friday, November 4. Adirondack's next home games are November 11 and 12 against Syracuse and Toronto back-to-back.

The Phantoms scratches were Mike Testwuide and Jon Kalinski. After missing the first nine games of the season due to injury, Garrett Klotz made his season debut.

Upcoming Events

Sunday, October 30, 1:30-4:00 - Cruise with the Phantoms presented by the Glens Falls Civic Center Foundation. All Phantoms players appearing! Hor d'oeuvres and cash bar. Tickets $25 for adults, $15 for kids: Available at GFCC Box Office and Achenbach Jewelers.

Monday, October 31, 7:00 - Phantoms Power Hour LIVE from McGinny's Tavern in Glens Falls (193 Glen Street). Player guests: #13 Garrett Roe, #24 Harry Zolnierczyk.

Friday, November 4, 7:00 - Phantoms at Springfield Falcons

Friday, November 11, 7:00 - Phantoms vs. Syracuse Crunch. $2 draft-beer specials Bud Light and Labatt Blue Light.

Saturday, November 12, 7:00 - Phantoms vs. Toronto Marlies. Youth Jersey giveaway for first 1,000 kids (age 14 and younger) presented by Glens Falls Hospital.

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 518-480-3355 and check the team's website at phantomshockey.com.

Catch all the action of Phantoms hockey all season long on the team's flagship station, Classic Hits Q101.7 and on phantomshockey.com. Bob Rotruck has the broadcast coverage 30 minutes prior to game-time with Countdown to Faceoff.

Reaching 4,000 Twitter followers during last Sunday's game in Rochester, the Adirondack Phantoms are now over 10,000 members strong on their social media networks. Be sure to follow us on twitter @phantomshockey and on facebook.com/adkhockey.

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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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