Albany's Two-Game Week Opens Final 20-Game Stretch

Published on February 27, 2006 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


The Week Ahead:

The Albany River Rats make their only visit of the season to the Arena at Harbor Yard to face-off against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Wednesday night at 7:05pm (6:50pm WVKZ 1240AM; B2 Networks @ www.albanyriverrats.com). The Sound Tigers (31-25-3-2, 3rd East) dropped a 6-5 decision to the Binghamton Senators at home last night. RW Sean Bergenheim scored a franchise-record four goals against Hartford on Wednesday night and leads the AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders with 25 goals, while placing second with 47 points during the 2005-06 season. The River Rats have a 9-15-5-4 record in the all-time regular season series against the Sound Tigers, including a 2-9-2-3 road record. Bridgeport defeated Albany 3-2 at Pepsi Arena on November 5th in the only other meeting of the season series.

The River Rats then head East for their fourth and final trip to Paul E. Tsongas Arena and a meeting with the Lowell Lock Monsters on Sunday at 4:05pm. (3:50pm WABY AM 1160 & WVKZ 1240AM & B2 Networks @ www.albanyriverrats.com). The Lock Monsters (23-28-5-5, 5th Atlantic) are coming off a 6-5 overtime loss to the Hartford Wolf*Pack at home last night and host Norfolk on Saturday. LW Paul Healey has five goals in the last five games and ranks second on the team with 15 goals, including 12 power play markers this season. The River Rats have a 9-11-2-0 record in the all-time series against the Lock Monsters, which includes a 4-6-1 record away from home. Albany and Lowell have split the first six games of the 2005-06 season series with the River Rats holding a 21-19 edge in scoring. The final meeting will take place at Pepsi Arena on March 11th at 5:00pm.

River Rats Practice Schedule: * The schedule is subject to change, so please verify with the Communications Staff

Tues., February 28, 2006 - 10:00am practice @ Bethlehem YMCA

Wed., March 1, 2006 - 10:00am Game Day Skate @ Bethlehem YMCA; RIVER RATS @ Bridgeport Sound Tigers, 7:05pm

Thurs., March 2, 2006 - 10:00am practice @ Bethlehem YMCA

Fri., March 3, 2006 - 10:00am practice @ Bethlehem YMCA

Sat., March 4, 2006 - 9:00am practice @ Bethlehem YMCA; Travel to Lowell

Sun., March 5, 2006 - RIVER RATS @ Lowell Lock Monsters, 4:05pm

Mon., March 6, 2006 - OFF DAY

Story Ideas

Krisjanis Redlihs - The River Rats leading defender played for Latvia at the recent Winter Olympics and brought back a new, more confident edge to his game. He has a career-high point total for Albany and plays in all situations.

David Clarkson - He continues to impress both with his offensive flair and toughness. He has quickly become a fan favorite and is getting better as the season moves along.

Rat Bites:

* LW Ahren Nittel recorded his first pro hat trick in Sunday's overtime win against Syracuse at Pepsi Arena. The 22-year-old also moved into a fourth place tie with Bryan Helmer by scoring his 23rd career power play goal in Sunday's win.

* C Chris Minard set a career-high with three assists on Sunday and holds 15 (6-9) points in 22 games this season.

* Albany scored on seven-of-18 power play chances (38.8%) over the weekend's final two games, improving their ranking to 20th overall at 15.9% efficiency.

* RW David Clarkson shows six (3-3) points over his current five-game, point-scoring streak and ranks second on the club with 13 goals and 34 points during the 2005-06 season. His 233 penalty minutes rank first among AHL rookies and fifth overall on the circuit.

* D Dan McGillis has assists (five) in three straight games and ranks third among River Rat blueliners with 17 (5-12) points in just 24 games this year.

* The River Rats posted the franchise's first ever shootout victory on home ice on Wednesday against the Norfolk Admirals.

* RW Aleksander Suglobov record four (2-2) points in three games last week and leads the team with 46 (23-23) points in 49 games during the 2005-06 campaign.

River Rats Rewind: Week 21 - February 20, 2006 (2-1-1-0, 5pts)

February 22 - NOR 3 @ ALB 4 F/SO - G Frank Doyle turned away all three Admirals he faced in the shootout, propelling the River Rats to their first ever shootout victory at home. C Petr Vrana, LW Ahren Nittel & LW Tuomas Pihlman scored in regulation, while C Nicklas Bergfors, C Chris Minard & RW David Clarkson connected in the shootout.

February 24 - HER 4 @ ALB 3 F/OT - C Nicklas Bergfors matched a personal best with two goals, but the River Rats' 3-2 third period lead would not hold up. RW David Clarkson scored the other Albany goal, while C Ivan Khomutov & RW Aleksander Suglobov each added two assists on the night.

February 25 - ALB 4 @ HFD 5 - RW Aleksander Suglobov scored two of the River Rats' franchise-record four power play goals in the first period. C Ivan Khomutov & RW David Clarkson added the other goals, while D Dan McGillis & Bryan Miller each chipped in two assists. G Gregg Naumenko stopped 38 shots on goal in his first start since February 11th.

February 26 - SYR 4 @ ALB 5 F/OT - RW Barry Tallackson scored twice, including the game-winner 1:54 into the extra session as the River Rats earned their second overtime win over Syracuse. LW Ahren Nittel posted his first hat trick and C Chris Minard added three assists, while RW David Clarkson extended his point-scoring streak to five games with two helpers.

Upcoming Promotions:

Wednesday, March 8, 2006 @ 7:00pm - Kids In Free Wednesday!

All Children 12 & Under Get In FREE With A Paid Adult!

Special "Mouse Trap" Kids Concession Stand with Discount Prices!

Friday, March 10, 2006 @ 7:00pm -Family Fun Friday!

Radio Disney Fun Zone with Games, Music & Prizes!

4 Tickets, 4 Hot Dogs, 4 Sodas & A Family Portrait All for $44!

Saturday, March 11, 2006 @ 5:00pm - Meet SpongeBob Squarepants!

The first 200 kids get a FREE picture with Spongebob!

Win a SpongeBob Squarepants Prize Pack!

Hannaford Supermarkets Kids Club Post-Game Skate With the Players!

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American Hockey League Stories from February 27, 2006


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