Amerks Host Griffins Tonight
Published on April 5, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release
Tonight, the Rochester Americans return to home ice to host the Grand Rapids Griffins at The Blue Cross Arena in a North Division matchup. The 7:35 p.m. contest can be heard live on Hot Talk 1280 WHTK, whtk.com and B2 networks. The contest will also be televised live on Time Warner SportsNet Channel 26.
Promotions: The first 2,500 fans 21 and older will take home an Amerks' Stars and Stripes jersey koozie, courtesy of Labatt. It's also Zweigle's Night. Fans can purchase special packages courtesy of Zweigle's. The package includes four 200 Level End seats, four hot dogs, four sodas and four magazines for $60.00. It may be purchased through the Amerks office at 585-454-5335 or through The Blue Cross Arena Box Office.
Head-to-Head: Tonight's contest marks the eighth and final meeting between the divisional opponents this season. The Amerks have the season edge over the Detroit Red Wings' affiliate, posting a 5-1-1 record. Rochester defeated Grand Rapids 5-2 in their previous encounter at Van Andel Arena on March 29th.
Amerks Notes: Rochester (23-41-6-4, 56 points) enters the contest after falling 4-3 to I-90 interstate rival Syracuse Crunch at the War Memorial at Oncenter. Anthony Stewart, Mark Mancari and newly acquired Rochester native Derek Whitmore each scored in the losing effort. The goal was Whitmore's first AHL tally and first goal/point in an Amerk uniform. New additions Brady Calla and David Jarram each made their AHL/Amerk debuts last night after being signed to Amateur Tryout (ATO) contracts earlier in the week. Mancari's goal last night helped him regain the team lead with 51 points (18+33), while first-year man Marc-Andre Gragnani follows closely behind with 50 points (14+36). His 50 points ties him with Binghamton's Alexander Nikulin for third in rookie scoring, while his 33 helpers are a team best. Stefan Meyer has found the back of the net 20 times to lead the Amerks.
Player Moves: Amerks General Manager Jody Gage announced today that the Florida Panthers have recalled goaltender Tyler Plante to serve in a back-up role for the team's final regular season game tonight against the Washington Capitals. The promotion is Plante's first of the season. The 20-year-old netminder is 5-14-1 through 22 games this season with the Amerks. In a related move, Rochester has signed 31-year-old goaltending coach Bob Janosz to serve second to Adam Dennis.
Grand Rapids Notes: The Griffins (28-40-2-6) come into tonight's contest currently riding a five-game losing streak, with the most recent loss coming in a 4-1 decision to the Houston Aeros last night at Van Andel Arena. Grand Rapids currently resides in sixth place in the American Hockey League's North Division with 64 points. Right Winger Carl Corazzini leads the team in all offensive categories with 23 goals, 34 assists and 57 points. Mark Cullen trails in a close second with 47 points (16+31). Goaltender Jimmy Howard has earned a .907 save percentage over 52 games, including two shutouts this season.
Next Game: The weekend ends with a second meeting between the Amerks and Crunch on Sunday, April 6th. The 6:05 p.m. home game will be broadcast live on Hot Talk 1280 WHTK, whtk.com and B2 networks. The game will also be televised tape delayed on Time Warner SportsNet Channel 26. Sunday night will be Amerks Hall of Fame Night, presented by Rochester Lead Works. Prior to the contest, the Amerks will induct Gates Orlando and Craig Charron as the 43rd and 44th members into the team's prestigious Hall of Fame. Former 1980 U.S. Olympic goaltender Jim Craig, uncle of Charron, will be present to take part in the festivities. Craig and the rest of the 1980 Olympic team shocked the world with the "miracle on ice" win over the Soviet Union at Lake Placid under coach Herb Brooks en route to gold medal honors. Sunday is also a Supercuts $6.00 Sunday. All kids 12 and under will receive a ticket to the game for just $6.00.
American Hockey League Stories from April 5, 2008
- Hogs Fans Give Over $73,000 for charity - Rockford IceHogs
- Admirals Top Aeros 2-1 - Milwaukee Admirals
- Houston downed by Admirals 2-1 - Houston Aeros
- IceHogs make Rampage walk the plank - Rockford IceHogs
- IceHogs make Rampage walk the plank - Rockford IceHogs
- Wolves Feast Early, Down Rivermen 6-4 - Peoria Rivermen
- Moose manhandle Marlies 6-0 - Manitoba Moose
- Zigomanis nets 100th AHL goal in loss to Rockford - San Antonio Rampage
- Falcons Beat Senators 5-2 - Springfield Falcons
- Jaws V: Bernier Schools Fish - Manchester Monarchs
- Admirals Release D Sean Hurley - Norfolk Admirals
- Admirals Close Out Home Schedule with a Bang - Norfolk Admirals
- Tight game goes to Flames - Iowa Chops
- Bulldogs win over Monsters - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Corazzini's Late Goal Lifts Griffins, 3-2 - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Overtime Goal Sends Phantoms Past Penguins - Adirondack Phantoms
- Devils Nipped By Bruins in Shootout, 2-1 - Albany Devils
- Morgan's hat-trick in the third helps Bears to a 6-3 victory - Bridgeport Islanders
- P-Bruins Regular Season Eastern Conference Champions - Providence Bruins
- Purcell Paces Monarchs In 4-1 Win Over Sharks - Worcester Sharks
- Amerks Host Griffins Tonight - Rochester Americans
- Kings Assign Taylor To Reading - Manchester Monarchs
- Houston visits Milwaukee tonight at 7:30 p.m., look to clinch playoffs - Houston Aeros
- B-Sens sign goaltender David Leggio to ATO, release Joel Martin - Binghamton Senators
- Rampage win fourth straight, 4-2 over Milwaukee - San Antonio Rampage
- Tambellini completes hat-trick with OT game-winner - Bridgeport Islanders
- Monsters Muzzle Bulldogs in Shootout - Cleveland Monsters
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