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Barons Weekly Report

March 28, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Cleveland Barons News Release


Coming Up

3/29/05 @ Grand Rapids – Van Andel Arena - 7:00pm SportsTalk 850-AM WKNR www.sportstalkcleveland.com

TuesdayÂ’s game will decide the season series between the Barons and Griffins. Each team has posted identical 3-3-0-1 records against each other. Each team has posted two shutouts against the other in the season series. Nolan Schaefer owns both of the Barons shutouts against Grand Rapids this season and has posted an overall record of 2-2-0 with a 1.76 goals against average and a .944 save percentage against them. Joey MacDonald and Drew MacIntyre each have a shutout against the Barons for the Griffins this season. Any game not ending in a shutout has been decided by a 3-2 score, with two of those games decided in a shootout. Niklas Kronwall leads the season series with seven points (1-6-7). Christian Ehrhoff, Ryane Clowe, and Shane Joseph each have four points in the series to pace the Barons.

CYBERCAST COURTESY OF THEAHL.comÂ… The American Hockey League is proud to join with B2 Networks to provide live internet video webcasts for Tuesday nightÂ’s game. The cost to watch is just $6 (US). Simply visit the official Web site of the Griffins, Barons, Admirals or Grizzlies beginning 10 minutes prior to game time and click on the Watch the Game Live link to purchase, and watch live AHL action from the comfort of your own computer.

4/1/05 @ Rochester – Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial - 7:35pm

SportsTalk 850-AM WKNR and www.sportstalkcleveland.com

The Barons are winless in six tries against the Americans this season. Rochester is the only team in the Western Conference to have clinched a playoff spot. With a league-best 106 points, the Amerks magic number to clinch the number one seed in the North Division is just 5 points. Grant StevensonÂ’s five points (1-4-5) in six games against Rochester lead the Barons. Meanwhile, Chris Taylor (4-6-10) and Daniel Paille (7-2-9) have scorched Cleveland in the season series. Blue-chip prospect Ryan Miller is 3-0-0 with a 1.33 goals against average and a .963 save percentage against the Barons this year. His back-up, Ohio State alum Tom Askey has matched that 3-0-0 record with a 1.67 goals against average and a .941 save percentage.

4/2/05 vs. St. John’s – National City Rink located in Gund Arena - 7:00pm www.sportstalkcleveland.com

The Barons will play their last regular season game ever against the St. JohnÂ’s Maple Leafs. The Toronto Maple Leafs will relocate their AHL affiliate to Toronto for the 2005-06 where they will play as the Marlies. The Barons are 3-3-0-1 against St. JohnÂ’s this season. Cleveland exploded for seven goals, five of which came in the third period, in the teamsÂ’ last meeting on March 16th in St. JohnÂ’s. Barons forward Ryane Clowe is a native of St. JohnÂ’s, Newfoundland. In five games against his hometown team this season, Clowe has three goals and four assists. Patrick RissmillerÂ’s eight points (4-4-8) in five games against St. JohnÂ’s are tied for the series lead. Kyle Wellwood of St. JohnÂ’s also has eight points (7-1-8). Five of those goals came in their 8-3 win over the Barons on October 30th.

POST-GAME SKATE PRESENTED BY MARCÂ’SÂ… Following the contest, the Barons will join fans in a Post-Game Skate presented by MarcÂ’s on the National City Rink. Fans can obtain autographs and pose for photographs with their favorite Barons players. Fans must provide their own ice skates for the event.

Flashback

3/25/05 Syracuse 4 – Cleveland 3… Powered by three power play goals, the Syracuse Crunch defeated the Barons. The decider was scored with 2:06 left in the game by Mark Hartigan. Hartigan (2-1-3) and Joe Motzko (0-3-3) each posted three-point nights for the Crunch. Grant Stevenson registered a multi-point night of his own by recording one goal and one assist. Ryane Clowe made his return from a six-game absence and scored a goal.

3/26/05 Cleveland 3 – Syracuse 1… The Barons dominated the pace of play, out-shooting the Crunch 41-27. Ryane Clowe scored the game’s first goal for the eighth time this season, which leads the Barons. His power play strike extended his goal-streak to four games. A Prestin Ryan goal in the first period evened the game at one. Josh Prudden notched his team-leading fifth game-winning goal of the season in the third period. Ryane Clowe tacked on an empty net goal for the win. Dimitri Patzold stopped 26 shots on the night for his 15th win of the season.

IceLand USA Open Skate

Fans that attended Friday and SaturdayÂ’s games won free admittance to select open skates at IceLand USA in Strongsville. Barons left wing Ryane Clowe scored power play goals in each contest, securing the fans a free open-skate. Fans presenting their ticket stubs from the game at IceLand USA will receive free admittance at any open skate. For scheduling information, contact a Barons Account Representative at 216.420.0000.

BlazinÂ’ Barons

Entering play on February 4th, the Barons trailed Edmonton by 13 points for the fourth and final playoff spot in the North Division. Since February 4th, the Barons have gained at least one point in 15 out of their last 21 games (12-6-1-2). Nine of the Barons 12 wins in that span have been decided by just one goal. The Barons have received several impressive performance during the span including: Ryane Clowe – 15 games, 13-6-19, +7; Marcel Goc – 21 games, 5-13-18; Grant Stevenson – 21 games, 5-12-17, +6; and Patrick Rissmiller – 19 games, 6-12-18.

Shot In The Dark The Barons have dominated their opponents in shooting over the last nine games. They are averaging 33.6 shots per game (302) in that span in contrast to allowing only 25.8 shots (232). In those nine games, the Barons are 4-3-1-1. The league average of shots per game is 30.37.

Power Play Prowess

Over the last seven games, the Barons are 9-for-33 with the power play for a 27.3% mark. In four of the last seven games, the Barons have scored two power play goals. The Barons have equaled or surpassed their opponent in power play opportunities in all seven of those games.

Bowling With The Barons

Fans will go “Bowling with the Barons” on Sunday, April 3rd from 1:30-3:30pm at Brookgate Lanes on Snow Road. The “Bowling with the Barons” incentive is a perk for Cleveland Barons Season Ticket Holders.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Two Barons Nights at Buffalo Wild Wings will take place on Tuesday, April 5th and Wednesday, April 6th. The Barons will be at the Lyndhurst location (5433 Mayfield Road) on Tuesday from 8-10pm. On Wednesday, fans can join the Barons at the Garfield Heights location (12668 Rockside Road) from 9:30-11pm. The Cleveland Barons and Labatt Blue will host contests to win wonderful prizes.

Booster Club Banquet

The Cleveland Hockey Booster Club will hold its annual end of the season Awards Banquet on Wednesday, April 6th at 6:30pm at Ridge Manor Party Center on 4630 Ridge Road. To purchase tickets to the event, contact Cindy Torkowski at 216.749.5026. Tickets must be purchased by March 31st.

Cleveland Barons Hockey Insider Show The Cleveland Barons Hockey Insider Show will air for the final time this Monday night from 8-9pm on SportsTalk 850-AM WKNR. The weekly show will be hosted by The Voice of the Barons Jamie Smock and Jason Gibbs, Promotions Director for WKNR. This week, Tom Holy, Public Relations Coordinator for the Barons, will fill in for Jamie Smock as a guest co-host.

Rubbermaid Player of the Game

At the end of each game the Barons select a Rubbermaid Player of the Game, given to the player who displays toughness and durability throughout the game. At the end of the season, the player with the most selections will receive a prize package courtesy of Rubbermaid. Currently, Josh Gorges leads the race for the Rubbermaid with eight selections. Nick Bootland earned his seventh selection on Saturday to take sole possession of second place. Ryane Clowe and Doug Murray tied for third with six picks. A full list of the Rubbermaid Points Standings can be found on www.clevelandbarons.net.

Barons Player of the Week

The Cleveland Barons Player of the Week is left wing Ryane Clowe. Clowe, who returned from a six-game absence, scored three goals in two games. On Friday night, Clowe scored late in the third period to tie the game at three. On Saturday, he scored the gameÂ’s first goal for his eighth time this season and added an empty-netter late in the third. Two of CloweÂ’s three goals were via a power play opportunity.

Making Teams Risserable

Patrick Rissmiller has recorded at least one point in 11 of the last 15 games (4-12-16). Since returning to the lineup 19 games ago, Rissmiller has totaled six goals and 12 assists (6-12-18) as the Barons have gone 10-6-1-2. His 21 points on the power play (7-14-21) are tied for first on the Barons, his 19 goals are second, his seven power play goals are tied for second, and his 42 points are third. Rissmiller ranks second in goals (47), assists (80), points (127), and games played (206) in Barons franchise history.

A Swing And A Riss

Over the last five games, Patrick Rissmiller has taken 28 shots for an average of 5.6 per game. For comparisonÂ’s sake, should he have averaged 5.6 shots per game over the course of the season, he would have 330 shots on goal. That would easily surpass that of Andy HilbertÂ’s league leading 305.

United Marcel Service

The United Marcel Service has been delivering lately. Marcel Goc has delivered 20 assists to teammates in the last 29 games. Overall, he has 26 points (6-20-26) during that span. On the season, his 30 assists are tied for first on the team, his 44 points are second, and his 14 goals are third. He is tied for ninth in the league with three short-handed goals, which are all unassisted.

The Alberta Clipper

Grant Stevenson has posted 16 points in the last 17 games (5-11-16). Those 17 contests include five multi-point games for the Alberta native. Stevenson is again making a late point push. Over the last 27 games, he owns 21 (7-14-21) of his seasonÂ’s 34 points. Stevenson produced 16 of his 39 points during the 2003-04 season over the last 14 games of the season. Stevenson is currently fourth on the Barons with his 34 points and is tied for third with his 23 assists.

Mr. Game-Winner

Josh Prudden leads the Barons in game-winning goals this season. In fact, five of his 13 goals have gone for game-winners this season. Among league rookies, his five game-winners are tied for third. Prudden leads all Barons rookies with his 13 goals and they are tied for fourth on the team overall. His 13 goals are 10th among all league rookies this season. Creating his own offense, Prudden is also tied for first on the team with three unassisted goals. His 23 points on the year are second among Barons rookies and tied for 25th among all AHL rookies.

Demolition Man

Doug Murray has six points in his last nine games (1-5-6). Murray tied a career-high by posting a +4 plus-minus rating against St. JohnÂ’s last Wednesday. Murray previously recorded a +4 in his fifth career game on October 24th, 2003 against Houston.

Air Ehrhoff

Christian Ehrhoff has recorded one point in four of the last five games (2-2-4). The lone Barons All-Star representative, he is tied for 19th among all AHL defensemen with 33 points (12-21-33). Among defensive scorers, he is tied for third in goals (12) and power play goals (7), and tied for seventh in game-winning goals (3). EhrhoffÂ’s 209 shots lead all league defensemen. Ehrhoff leads all Barons defensemen in points and goals, and is tied for first in assists. His 17 points on the power play (7-10-17) are fourth on the team.

Sugar Shane

Rookie forward Shane Joseph has amassed eight points in the last 10 games (1-7-8). On the season, Joseph leads all Barons rookies with 19 assists and 29 points. Those 29 points are 14th among all league rookies and his 19 assists are tied for 12th.

Hoffman, The Graduate

Mike Hoffman has registered one goal, four assists, 41 penalty minutes, and a +1 plus/minus rating in his last 14 games. Hoffman is ninth among AHL rookies with 170 penalty minutes and is fourth among rookies with 24 major penalties. Hoffman is in striking distance of surpassing Yuri Moscevsky in the Barons all-time record books for second place in penalty minutes by a rookie. HoffmanÂ’s needs just two PIMÂ’s to pass MoscevskyÂ’s 172 minutes in 2002-03. Matt Carkner has the Barons rookie record of 335 minutes in 2001-02.

The Clowe-ser

In his last 10 games, Ryane Clowe has scored the Barons first goal six times (Note: Clowe missed six games). Four of the goals were the first between either team. Clowe leads the Barons by scoring the gameÂ’s first goal eight times. In his last 19 games, Clowe owns 15 goals and 8 assists (15-8-23). Clowe leads the Barons with 14 multi-point games on the season. His 54 points, 24 goals, and +14 plus/minus rating all lead the Barons, while his 30 assists are tied for first. Clowe has been productive on the power play as he leads the team with 14 goals and is tied for first with 21 points.

Staff Report

Garrett Stafford has totaled a +8 plus/minus rating in his last nine games. StaffordÂ’s 15 assists and 20 points are third among all Barons blue-liners.

According To Jim

Defenseman Jim Fahey, who has missed the last four games, is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday. He has recorded one point in seven of his last 12 games (2-7-9). Three of FaheyÂ’s four goals this season have gone for game-winners. His 21 assists are tied for the lead among Barons defensemen and his 25 points are second.

The Life Of Riley

Riley Armstrong has recorded six of his 16 points this season in the last 13 games. The six points in 13 games are good for .46 points per game. It is an increase over his .21 points per game average over his first 47 games. Armstrong is also a +4 over those last 13 games.

Plihal Power

Tomas Plihal has recorded one point in four of the last eight games (2-2-4). On the season, Plihal ranks tied for fourth on the team with 13 goals and tied for eighth on the team with 23 points. Plihal turned 22-years-old on Monday (today).

Practice Makes Perfect

Below is the Barons schedule for the week. Practice times are subject to change. All practices at Barons Arena are open to the public. For information, contact the Barons at 216-420-0000Â…

Date Event Location Time

3-29 @ Grand Rapids Van Andel Arena 7:00pm

3-30 Practice Barons Arena 12:30pm

3-31 Practice Barons Arena 10:30am

4-1 @ Rochester Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial 7:35pm

4-2 Pre-Game Skate National City Rink located in Gund Arena 10:00am

4-2 vs. St. JohnÂ’s National City Rink located in Gund Arena 7:00pm

Barons Broadcasts

The Barons two road games this week can be heard live on SportsTalk 850-AM WKNR. In addition, TuesdayÂ’s game against Grand Rapids can be watched via webcast on www.clevelandbarons.net. All games this season can be heard live by Crashing The Net at www.clevelandbarons.net or www.sportstalkcleveland.com.

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