AHL Rochester Americans

Amerks Host Bears Tonight

Published on February 15, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release


Rochester Americans vs. Hershey Bears Friday, February 15, 2008 @ The Blue Cross Arena, AHL Game #761

Game Notes: The two oldest teams in the American Hockey League will be in action tonight as the Rochester Americans host the Hershey Bears in the last game of its current four-game homestand. The 7:35 p.m. contest is the second of two meetings this season and 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. Tonight's contest falls on the next installment of the Amerks' Friday Night Frenzies. Fans can enjoy live music from the Spencerport Jazz Band up until gametime. As part of the festivities, all fans in attendance that night will take a home a 2007-08 Amerks team photo courtesy of Connors and Ferris.

Teddy Bear Toss: Tonight, the Amerks will litter the ice with the Amerks' Teddy Bear Toss to benefit Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. The Amerks are encouraging fans to bring teddy bears to throw on the ice during the second-period intermission. The furry friends will then be donated to Golisano Children's Hospital. Fans can also receive $3.00 off a premium seat at the box office by bringing in a teddy bear.

Zweigle's Night: Tonight, fans can purchase a special package that includes four 200-level end seats, four hot dogs, four sodas and four magazines for $60.00. The package may be purchased through the Amerks office at 585-454-5335 or through The Blue Cross Arena Box Office.

Head-to-Head: This is the second and final contest between the two oldest league members. The Amerks dropped a 3-1 decision to the Bears on October 20th at Giant Center in the previous encounter between the two teams. Rochester is 0-1-0 this season and 179-199-53 all-time against its longtime rival.

Amerks Notes: Rochester (15-32-3-4, 37 points) enters tonight's contest after winning its first pair of back-to-back games since late November. The Amerks currently sit at the bottom of the American Hockey League's Western Conference and a last place standing in the North Division. Mark Mancari remains Rochester's top point-getter with 41 points (15+26), while Stefan Meyer leads the team with 16 goals. First-year man Marc-Andre Gragnani comes into the game riding a four-game point streak (2+3). Gragnani's 31 points (6+25) currently ranks him second on the team and 10th among all league rookies. Adam Dennis ranks seventh among all league netminders with three shutouts.

Player Moves: Rochester Americans General Manager Jody Gage announced yesterday that the Florida Panthers have reassigned right wing Dan Collins to the Amerks from the Florida Everblades of the ECHL. Collins, 20, returns to the American Hockey League after being assigned to the Everblades on December 5th. The Syracuse native leaves Florida after notching 18 points (4+14) and 34 penalty minutes (PIM) in 28 games. This season with the Amerks, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound forward has eight points (3+5) and 15 PIM in 24 AHL appearances. Collins was the Florida Panthers' third-round selection (90th overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. In a related move, the Florida Panthers returned Stefan Meyer to Rochester today after being called up on February 12th on emergency conditions. The recall was his fourth of the season. Further, Rochester signed forward Justin Aikins to a 25-game PTO today. A native of Surrey, British Columbia, Aikins has 30 points (9+21) in 46 games this season with the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the CHL.

Hershey Notes: The Bears (28-17-0-5) are 6-1-0-3 in their last 10 games and have 61 points, placing them tied for second in the East Division. Daren Machesney is among the top goalies in the league, having earned 16 wins thud far in his rookie season. Hershey's offense is currently powered by right wing Joe Motzko with 40 points (19+21). Rookie defenseman Sami Lepisto has been the Bears' top playmaker, earning 29 assists.

Next Game: Rochester will continue their weekend tomorrow by hopping on I-90 to visit the rival Syracuse Crunch at 7:30 p.m. The evening matchup can be heard live on Hot Talk 1280 WHTK, whtk.com and B2 networks.

Check out the Rochester Americans Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Hockey League Stories from February 15, 2008


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.

OurSports Central