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AHL Syracuse Crunch

Ayers Has Strong Showing

February 13, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Syracuse Crunch News Release


2005-06 RECORD: 31-18-2-1, 65 points (16-5-1-0 home, 15-13-1-1 road), third place, North Division

THIS WEEK'S GAMES

Wednesday, February 15 @ Binghamton (in Utica) (20-26-2-2), 44 points, sixth place, East Division

Radio: SportsRadio 620 WHEN, Internet: B2 Networks (www.syracusecrunch.com)

Friday, February 17 @ Toronto (27-21-4-0), 58 points, fourth place, North Division

Radio: SportsRadio 620 WHEN, Internet: B2 Networks (www.syracusecrunch.com)

Saturday, February 18 vs. Cleveland (20-31-0-3), 44 points, sixth place, North Division

Radio: SportsRadio 620 WHEN, Internet: B2 Networks (www.syracusecrunch.com)

Sunday, February 19 @ Binghamton (in Utica) (20-26-2-2), 44 points, sixth place, East Division

Radio: SportsRadio 620 WHEN, Internet: B2 Networks (www.syracusecrunch.com)

*Radio station subject to change.

LAST WEEK'S RESULTS

Tuesday, February 7 PEORIA 1 Crunch 0

Wednesday, February 8 Crunch 3 CHICAGO 1

Friday, February 10 CRUNCH 2 Binghamton 0

Saturday, February 12 CRUNCH 6 Rochester 0

HOME TEAM IN CAPS

AYERS RECORDS FIRST BACK-TO-BACK SHUTOUTS OF SEASON: Goaltender Mike Ayers continued his strong play this past week, appearing in three of Syracuse's four games and stopping 102 of 103 shots faced. He recorded back-to-back shutouts on Friday against Binghamton and Saturday against Rochester, Syracuse's first consecutive shutouts this season. His two shutouts last week puts him fifth on the Crunch's all-time shutouts list with three. In 12 games with Syracuse this season, Ayers has posted a 8-3-0 record, a 2.16 goals against average and .932 save percentage. A native of Hingham, Massachusetts, Ayers signed an AHL contract with Syracuse November 17, 2005.

HARTIGAN EXTENDS STREAK: Center Mark Hartigan has recorded Syracuse's game-winning goal in the Crunch's last three wins and five out of their last six wins, moving him into sole possession of first place on the Crunch's all-time game-winning goals list with 16. Hartigan has recorded a point in 21 of his last 22 games (20g, 21a). This season he has set franchise marks for longest point streak (18 games), set December 14, 2005 - February 4, 2006 and longest assist streak (12 games), set December 18, 2005 - January 28, 2006. He has two hat tricks on the season. Hartigan continues to climb the Crunch's all-time leaders list, moving into fourth with 161 points all-time, fourth with 78 goals, fourth with 31 power play goals and eighth with 83 assists. He is currently ranked sixth among AHL scorers and tenth in the AHL in goals. Through 38 games this season, Hartigan has a team high 56 points (24g, 32a). In 14 games with Columbus this season, Hartigan has recorded 1 goal and 12 penalty minutes. A native of Fort St. John, British Columbia, Hartigan was re-signed as a free agent by Columbus August 22, 2005.

CRUNCH ANNOUNCE ROSTER MOVES: The Syracuse Crunch announced today that the Columbus Blue Jackets have reassigned left wing Joakim Lindstrom, goaltender Andrew Penner and center Ben Simon to Syracuse. The Blue Jackets also reassigned right wing Tim Konsorada to Dayton (ECHL). The Syracuse Crunch announced that they have reassigned right wing Jeff Szwez to Dayton (ECHL) and released goaltender Derek Gustafson from his professional try-out contract.

Lindstrom, 22, made his NHL debut with Columbus on February 8, 2006 vs. Los Angeles. He appeared in three games with the Blue Jackets without recording a point. In 36 games with Syracuse this season, Lindstrom has tallied 9 goals, 17 assists and 24 penalty minutes. A native of Skelleftea, Sweden, Lindstrom signed a NHL contract with Columbus, February 2, 2006.

Penner, 23, has served as back-up in Columbus on four separate occasions. In 25 games with Syracuse this season, Penner has posted a 13-7-1 record, a 3.09 goals against average and .907 save percentage. A native of Scarborough, Ontario, Penner was signed as a free agent by Columbus on September 17, 2001.

Simon, 27, has appeared in 11 games with Columbus, recording four penalty minutes. In 40 games with Syracuse, Simon has registered 11 goals, 11 assists and 49 penalty minutes. A native of Shaker Heights, Ontario, Simon signed an NHL contract with Columbus, August 11, 2005.

Konsorada, 21, has appeared in 17 games with Syracuse this season, recording three goals, two assists and seven penalty minutes. In 29 games with Dayton, Konsorada has tallied 9 goals, 19 assists and 4 penalty minutes. A native of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Konsorada was selected by Columbus in the sixth round, 168th overall, in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

Szwez, 24, has appeared in 13 games with Syracuse this season, recording 3 goals, 3 assists and 18 penalty minutes. In 35 games with Dayton, Szwez has recorded 17 goals, 16 assists and 66 penalty minutes. A native of Etobicoke, Ontario, Szwez, signed an AHL contract with Syracuse this off-season.

Gustafson, 26, was recalled by Syracuse on February 10 and served as back-up to Mike Ayers for both of Syracuse's games this weekend. A native of Gresham, Oregon, Gustafson, has appeared in 27 games with Adirondack (UHL) this season, posting a 18-5-3 record, a 2.88 goals against average and .901 save percentage.

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENTS:

BINGHAMTON (OTTAWA SENATORS): Syracuse plays Binghamton on Wednesday, February 15 in Utica and Sunday, February 19 for the fifth and sixth of eight regular season games. The series is tied 2-2-0 after Syracuse shutout Binghamton 2-0 on February 10 at the War Memorial at Oncenter. Center Mark Hartigan (1g, 4a) leads the Crunch in head-to-head scoring with five points. Senators center Charlie Stephens (2g, 3a) leads the Senators in head-to-head scoring with five points. Goaltender Mike Ayers has a 2-1-0 record against Binghamton. Binghamton goaltender Billy Thompson has a 1-2-0 record. Lifetime, the Crunch are 10-16-2 against the Senators.

TORONTO (TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS): Syracuse travels to Toronto on Friday, February 17 for the fifth of eight regular season games against the Marlies. The series is tied 2-2-0 after Toronto defeated Syracuse 4-1 on December 10 at the War Memorial at Oncenter. Marlies center John Pohl (4g, 2a) leads all players in head-to-head scoring with six points. Center Mark Hartigan (1g, 4a) leads all Crunch players in head-to-head scoring. Goaltender Andrew Penner (1-1-0) and Martin Prusek (1-1-0) have split time in net for Syracuse. Toronto goaltender Jean-Sebastien Aubin has a 2-1-0 record against Syracuse. Lifetime, the Crunch are 2-2-0 against the Marlies.

CLEVELAND (SAN JOSE SHARKS): Syracuse returns home on Saturday, February 18 to host Cleveland for the sixth and final regular season game against the Barons. Syracuse leads the series 4-1-0 after defeating Cleveland 4-3 on February 3 at Quicken Loans Arena. Left wing Joakim Lindstrom (4g, 2a) leads the Crunch in head-to-head scoring with six points. Center Josh Hennessy (1g, 5a) leads the Barons in head-to-head scoring with six points. Goaltender Martin Prusek has a 2-0-0 record for Syracuse. Cleveland goaltenders Jamie Holden (1-1-0) and Nolan Schaefer (0-2-0) have split time in net. Lifetime, the Crunch are 23-13-1 against the Barons.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS:

Monday, February 13

Crunch Players To Appear at Bradley's Jewelers: The Syracuse Crunch announced that left wings Joakim Lindstrom and Alexandre Picard and defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen will be appearing at Bradley's Jewelers on Monday, February 13.

Lindstrom, Picard and Tollefsen will be at Bradley's Jewelers on Monday, February 13 from 5-6 p.m. to sign autographs. Bradley's Jewelers is located at 304 First Street in Liverpool. Call 471-4822 for directions.

Monday, February 20:

Crunch Players to Sign Autographs at Advance Auto Parts: The Syracuse Crunch announced that left wing Greg Mauldin and goaltender Andrew Penner will be at the Advance Auto Parts on Teall Ave. on Monday, February 20.

Mauldin and Penner will be available from 5-6 p.m. on Monday, February 20 to sign autographs and take pictures. Advance Auto Parts is located at 1802 Teall Ave. Call 432-0400 for directions.

Celebrity Bartending Series Continues at Dodester's on February 20: The Syracuse Crunch, along with Labatt's, announced that the Labatt's Celebrity Bartending series will continue on Monday, February 20 at Dodester's.

Crunch players Aaron Johnson, Marc Methot and Joe Motzko will serve as celebrity bartenders at Dodester's from 5 - 7 p.m. on Monday, February 20. Dodester's is located at 120 St. Marks Ave. (at the very end of Fayette St. by Strathmore paints). For directions call 488-2411.

All tips generated by the players that night will be donated to the Central New York Cat Coalition. CNYCC is an all volunteer run organization whose objective is to help reduce the feral, stray cat overpopulation in CNY by non lethal means. Through their feed, spay, neuter and vaccinate program they manage the health of, find homes for or improve the living conditions of the homeless cat population. The organization does not have a shelter and the success of the program depends entirely on the volunteers and support of the public.

Tuesday, February 21

Canzanello and Sugden to Sign Autographs at Quickway February 21: The Syracuse Crunch announced that Crunch players Andy Canzanello and Brandon Sugden will be at Quickway in Lakeland on Tuesday, February 21 from 4-5 p.m. to sign autographs. Quickway is located at 915 State Fair Blvd. For directions please call 487-9157.

Platt and Tollefsen to Visit Kinney Drugs Tuesday, February 21: The Syracuse Crunch announced that Crunch center Geoff Platt and defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen will be at Kinney Drugs in Baldwinsville on Tuesday, February 21.

Platt and Tollefsen will be available from 5-6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21 to sign autographs and take pictures. Kinney Drugs is located at 31 E. Genesee St. in Baldwinsville. Call 635-3155 for directions.

Carrabba's Al's Pals Kid's Club Dinner with the Crunch Set for February 21: The Syracuse Crunch announced that Carrabba's will be holding a special dinner for Al's Pals members only on Tuesday, February 21 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Crunch center Tyler Kolarik and left wings Joakim Lindstrom, Alexandre Picard and Darcy Verot will be at Carrabba's from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21 for a special Al's Pals Kids Club dinner.

Anyone interested in attending the Al's Pal's Kid's Club Dinner on February 21 must call in advance to reserve a seat. Please call the Crunch office at (315) 473-4444 ext. 127.

Each Al's Pals member will receive a free entrée from the child's menu. Carrabba's is located at 550 Towne Drive, Fayetteville. Please call 637-7400 for directions.

Al's Pals, the Crunch's kids club, was established to give children 12 and under the opportunity to attend a Crunch hockey game and receive benefits exclusive to them. The registration fee is a one-time charge of $15.

Each Al's Pals member will receive an official Al's Pals membership card, and exclusive Al's Pals shirt, a Crunch folder, and invitation to Al's birthday party and a set of 2004-05 Syracuse Crunch trading cards. Members will also receive a birthday card from Al, tickets to Al's Pals night with a discounted parent/friend ticket on February 22, an Al's Pals newsletters and 10% off Crunch merchandise at stands.

To sign-up for Al's Pals fans can call the Crunch office at (315) 473-4444 ext. 124 or 125 or visit the Crunch's official website www.syracusecrunch.com and scroll over the Fan Zone section then by clicking Al's Pals.

Thursday, February 23

MacMillan and Sarno to Sign Autographs at Quickway February 23: The Syracuse Crunch announced that Crunch players Jeff MacMillan and Peter Sarno will be at Quickway on Erie Blvd. on Thursday, February 23 from 4-5 p.m. to sign autographs.

Quickway is located at 2501 Erie Blvd. East. For directions please call 446-2900.

Crunch Players to Sign Autographs at Tully's, February 23: The Syracuse Crunch announced that Crunch players Mark Hartigan, Andrew Murray and Andrew Penner will be at the Tully's on 7th North Street on February 23.

Hartigan, Murray and Penner will be available on Thursday, February 23 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Tully's on 7th North Street to sign autographs and take pictures. Call 451-6766 for directions.

Crunch Announce Details of Time Warner Cable Hockey Mom of the Year Program: The Syracuse Crunch, along with Time Warner Cable, introduced the Time Warner Cable Hockey Mom of the Year program to salute the hockey moms who dedicate their time and energy to taking their kids to hockey practices through all kinds of weather and at all hours.

During the 2005-06 season, youth hockey kids will be encouraged to nominate their mom as the Time Warner Cable Hockey Mom of the Year. The child must write an essay, up to 250 words, giving reason why their mom is Hockey Mom of the Year. The application can be mailed, emailed or dropped off at the Crunch office.

A panel of judges, including Crunch/Time Warner Cable management and Crunch players will select one (1) winner each month. Each monthly winner will receive four (4) tickets to a Crunch game, participate in a ceremonial face-off, a prize pack from Time Warner Cable and a post game tour of the locker room for up to four (4) people.

All winners will be eligible to win the Grand Prize, which includes a one (1) year membership to Gold's Gym, a spa gift certificate and dinner for two (2) to an area restaurant.

Applications are available on the Crunch's official website (www.syracusecrunch.com) and at the Advance Auto Parts Guest Service Center at all Crunch home games.

Crunch Announce Details of Advance Auto Parts Fan of the Year Contest: The Syracuse Crunch, along with Advance Auto Parts, introduced the Advance Auto Parts Fan of Year program to salute the loyal hockey fans who dedicate their time and energy following the Crunch.

Beginning November 7 and running through March 20, the Crunch will select one (1) fan as a finalist for the Advance Auto Parts Fan of the Year. Each of the twenty (20) finalists will be featured on the Crunch's official website (www.syracusecrunch.com), receive a "Best PART of the Crunch" t-shirt and a gift certificate to Advance Auto Parts.

A panel of judges, including Crunch/Advance Auto Parts management and Crunch players will select three (3) finalists from the twenty (20) featured fans. Crunch fans will then select the Advance Auto Parts Fan of the Year through in-arena and website voting.

The winner will be announced prior to the final home game of the season during an on-ice presentation.

Applications are available on the Crunch's official website (www.syracusecrunch.com) and at the Advance Auto Parts Guest Service Center at all Crunch home games.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE: The Crunch's weekly schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, February 14 10:30 a.m. practice @ War Memorial at Oncenter

Wednesday, February 15 10:00 a.m. skate @ War Memorial at Oncenter

7:05 p.m. game @ Binghamton (in Utica)

Thursday, February 16 10:30 a.m. practice @ War Memorial at Oncenter

1:00 p.m. Depart for Toronto

Friday, February 17 10:00 a.m. skate @ Ricoh Coliseum

7:30 p.m. game @ Toronto

Saturday, February 18 10:00 a.m. skate @ War Memorial at Oncenter

7:30 p.m. game vs. Cleveland

Sunday, February 19 5:05 p.m. game @ Binghamton

*All practice times and locations subject to change

CRUNCHABLES: This weekend is the first time Syracuse has shutout opponents in back-to-back games this season... Syracuse's 65 points this season is the most by a Crunch team in franchise history through 52 games... After a five-game drought, defenseman Andy Delmore tallied points in back-to-back games this weekend... On Saturday, February 11, Syracuse and Rochester combined for 143 penalty minutes, a new season high. Rochester's 87 penalty minutes on Saturday night is also a new season high by an opponent... Defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen's 21 penalty minutes on Saturday against Rochester is a new season high for Syracuse... Left wing Darcy Verot tallied his first goal in a Crunch uniform on Friday night against Binghamton... Defenseman Jeff MacMillan's next game with be his 350th career AHL game.

Check out the Syracuse Crunch Statistics

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