Amerks Close Out Regular Season This Weekend
Published on April 8, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release
(Rochester, NY)... After a season that saw Randy Cunneyworth's 300th coaching victory, Marc-Andre Gragnani's 10-game point streak, and Rochester native Derek Whitmore's AHL debut, the Rochester Americans will close out the 2007-08 season with four divisional games in five nights.
Rochester's final week begins on the road as the Amerks head to the Copps Coliseum to face the defending Calder Cup champion Hamilton Bulldogs on Wednesday, April 9th. The 7:30 p.m. contest is the last of an eight-game season series in which the Amerks have collected 11 points. This midweek matchup will be broadcast live on Hot Talk 1280 WHTK, whtk.com and B2 networks. The Amerks fell 4-1 at home in their last meeting with the 'Dogs on February 17th.
The Blue Cross Arena will light up as the Amerks head home for their last meeting this season with heated rivals the Syracuse Crunch on Friday, April 11th. The 7:35 p.m. contest will be broadcast live on Hot Talk 1280 WHTK, whtk.com and B2 networks. The game will also be televised live on Time Warner SportsNet Channel 26. Rochester suffered two tough losses last week against Syracuse and is looking to close out the season series on a high note.
Friday's game falls on the last installment of the Amerks' Friday Night Frenzies. Fans can enjoy live music from Johnny Bauer in the main lobby of The Blue Cross Arena up until gametime. The Amerks will be wearing special camouflage jerseys at Friday's game. Fans can participate in a silent auction for the limited jerseys. All proceeds from the auction go to Foodlink.
The Amerks head into Canada the afternoon of Saturday, April 12th to face the North Division leading Toronto Marlies. The 4:00 p.m. contest will be broadcast live on Hot Talk 1280 WHTK, whtk.com and B2 networks. Rochester shut out the Marlies 3-0 in their last meeting on February 2nd.
The season comes to a close on Sunday, April 13th as Rochester hosts the Lake Erie Monsters. The 6:05 p.m. divisional contest will be broadcast live on Hot Talk 1280 WHTK, whtk.com and B2 networks. The Amerks look to end the season strong, fueled by the 5-4 overtime victory over the Monsters in their last meeting.
Sunday is Amerks Awards Night. Fans present at Sunday's game will witness the Amerks honoring their top performers of the year. After the game, fans are invited to the Nathaniel's Postgame Party. Head down to Nathaniel's Pub at 251 Exchange Blvd. to enjoy the official postgame party.
Rochester's three-in-three weekend last week saw three tough losses. Rochester sits at the bottom of the North Division of the American Hockey League with a 23-43-6-4 record.
The Amerks fell 4-3 in Syracuse Friday night as the Crunch scored the game-winner on a power play with less than a minute left in regulation. Rochester garnered two-point efforts from Anthony Stewart (1+1) and Marek Zagrapan (0+2), as well as Whitmore finding the back of the net for his first professional goal in an Amerk uniform.
Saturday night, the Amerks fell 3-2 to the Grand Rapids Griffins at The Blue Cross Arena. Again, a power play goal towards the end of the third period sealed the Amerks' fate. Goaltender Adam Dennis put forth a strong effort, making 36 saves on the night.
Sunday night saw a painful 10-3 loss to Syracuse in the second meeting in three nights between the teams. The Amerks scored first and last blood from Dylan Hunter and David Brine, respectively.
Marc-Andre Gragnani continues to sit among the top rookies for scoring in the AHL with 50 points (14+36). The defenseman-turned-forward holds the team lead in assists and is second in Amerks scoring behind Mark Mancari's 53 points (19+34). Stefan Meyer and Dylan Hunter share the team lead for goals with 20 apiece.
American Hockey League Stories from April 8, 2008
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