Amerks host Manitoba tonight in final regular season meeting
February 23, 2007 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release
Game Notes: Tonight, the Rochester Americans host the Manitoba Moose on AAA Night at The Blue Cross Arena. Fans who show their AAA membership card at The Blue Cross Arena Box Office will be able to purchase tickets to the game for best available seating for $10.00 each. Orders of 10 or more tickets can be placed by calling Adam Winslow at (585) 454-5335, ext. 3019. Thundersticks will be given to the first 8,000 fans courtesy Time Warner Cable. The 7:35 p.m. contest will be broadcast live on Hot Talk 1280 WHTK, whtk.com and B2 Networks, and will be televised live on Time Warner SportsNet Channel 26.
Head-to-Head: After winning their first four meetings with Manitoba this season, the Amerks have lost three straight against the Moose, including a 3-0 loss in their last meeting on February 18th. A win tonight, in their eighth and final meeting of the season, is extremely valuable for both teams, as the Moose currently trail the Amerks by just two points for first in the North Division Standings. The Amerks are now 14-13-0 all-time against the Moose.
Amerks Notes: Despite being shut out in their last two contests, the Amerks still cling to a two-point lead over the Moose in the North Division standings. The Amerks have faced a flurry of recalls over the past two weeks, and now have eight players from their opening day roster playing on recall in the NHL. The Amerks' current roster is now led offensively by forward Janis Sprukts, who has 46 points (13+33) in 42 games. His 46 points is good enough for fifth among league rookies, and his 33 assists leads all first-year AHLers. Brandon Smith is currently third among league defensemen with 33 points (8+25). His 25 assists is good enough for fifth among league blue liners.
Amerks Player Moves: On February 22nd, the Rochester Americans recalled forward Jonathan Lehun from the Florida Everblades (ECHL). Lehun signed with the Amerks as a free agent in 2006, but he has not played with the team since the preseason. He has registered 18 goals and 16 assists in 33 games with the Everblades this season.
Rochester Americans General Manager Jody Gage announced today that forward Mark Mancari received his first recall by the Buffalo Sabres this season, and the Amerks have recalled forward Chaz Johnson from the Rockford IceHogs.
Johnson has recorded 13 goals and 11 assists in 44 games with the 'Hogs this season. He has nine games of AHL experience with the Milwaukee Admirals over the last two seasons. In those nine games, the Montreal native netted one goal and collected 12 minutes in penalties.
Manitoba Notes: Manitoba enters tonight's contest on an eight-game winning streak, and now stands second in the North Division after picking up two points with a 4-1 win over Toronto on Wednesday night. Moose forward Jason Jaffray leads the team with 59 points, good enough for eighth among league leaders. Goaltender Drew MacIntyre is fourth among the AHL's leading goalies with a 2.23 goals-against average, and a .923 save percentage.
Next Game: On Saturday, February 24th, the Amerks will head north of the border to take on the Toronto Marlies at Ricoh Coliseum. The Amerks are 3-1 this season against the Marlies. The 4:00 p.m. contest will be broadcast live on Hot Talk 1280 WHTK, whtk.com and B2 Networks.
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