AHL Rochester Americans

Amerks Kick Off Four-Game Road Swing Wednesday

Published on January 14, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release


(Rochester, NY)... After playing only two of their first six games of the New Year on home ice, the Rochester Americans will spend more time away from their upstate New York home as the team will play their next four games away from the friendly confines of The Blue Cross Arena.

Rochester's four-game road stint kicks off with a pair of meetings against North Division rival Grand Rapids Griffins. The Amerks will be in action on Wednesday, January 16th and Friday, January 18th at Van Andel Arena. Both contests are slated for a 7:00 p.m. EST start and will be broadcast live on Hot Talk 1280 WHTK, whtk.com and B2 networks. The Amerks are 2-0-0 this season and 13-14-1 all-time against the Detroit Red Wings' affiliate.

The Amerks remain on the road as they make their first ever trip to Moline, Illinois to take on the American Hockey League expansion Quad City Flames on Sunday, January 20th at the I Wireless Center. The 6:05 p.m. EST contest will be the first ever meeting and the first of two this season between the two teams. The game can be heard live on Hot Talk 1280 WHTK, whtk.com and B2 networks.

Rochester will complete its road trip the following night as the Amerks travel to Wells Fargo Arena to battle the Iowa Stars in a non-divisional matchup. Faceoff for the first of two meetings this season is set for 6:05 p.m. EST. The rare Monday evening contest will be broadcast live on Hot Talk 1280 WHTK, whtk.com and B2 networks. The Amerks own a perfect 4-0-0 all-time record against the Stars.

Despite collecting three out of a total six points this past weekend, the Amerks remain at the bottom of the AHL's North Division and Western Conference standings. Rochester has now lost 17 of its last 19 games to fall to 12-26-2-2 on the season.

The Amerks enter the week after posting a 1-1-1-0 record over the weekend. Rochester dropped a 3-2 decision to the Manchester Monarchs in its first game of the weekend on Friday night to extend their losing streak to six games. Forwards Kenndal McArdle and David Brine each notched a goal and an assist to provide the scoring for the Amerks.

The following night, Rochester snapped its six-game losing streak with a 7-3 blowout over the defending Calder Cup champion Hamilton Bulldogs at Copps Coliseum. Rochester's seven-goal outburst was more than their previous six games combined. The Amerks scored four second-period goals to secure the win over the 'Dogs. Rookie Marc-Andre Gragnani led the Amerks with a season high four-point performance (1+3) and a plus-four rating to earn the game's first star honors. Mark Mancari (2+1) and Marek Zagrapan (1+2) each chipped in with three points, while second-year man Dylan Hunter had a goal and assist as well. Defenseman Mike Weber recorded his first professional goal to round out the scoring. Tyler Plante finished 26 saves between the pipes for Rochester.

The Amerks closed out their weekend last night with a 4-3 overtime loss to the Peoria Rivermen at The Blue Cross Arena. Gragnani (0+2), Zagrapan (1+1) and Mancari (1+1) each picked up two points to power Rochester's offense. For the second consecutive game, Gragnani and Mancari garnered third and first star honors, respectively.

Mancari increased his lead as the Amerks top point-getter with 11 goals and 21 assists. The power play extraordinaire also currently ranks 19th in the league, as 13 of his 21 helpers have come on the man advantage. Zagrapan sits closely behind Mancari with 27 points (14+13). His 14 goals are a team best. Gragnani's point production has been consistently increasing since being moved to forward. His 23 points (4+19) presently rank him 14th among all league rookies and fourth best on the team.

Rochester returns home on Wednesday, January 23rd to host the Quad City Flames at The Blue Cross Arena. The 7:05 p.m. contest will be broadcast live on Hot Talk 1280 WHTK, whtk.com and B2 Networks. That night, fans can turn in their business cards at The Blue Cross Arena Box Office and receive a $21.00 ticket for just $10.00. Offer is valid for all Amerks home games Monday through Thursday. Contact the Amerks Ticket Office at (585) 454-5335 for more information.

Check out the Rochester Americans Statistics

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



American Hockey League Stories from January 14, 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