Barons Weekly

Published on October 20, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Cleveland Barons News Release


Flashback...The Barons played a solid overall game in their only contest of the week against Grand Rapids. On Friday night, Dimitri Patzold thrilled the Gund Arena faithful by posting a 2-0 shutout victory against the high-octane Griffins. Patzold was helped out by stellar defensive work and timely offense. After the referee called a delayed penalty against the Griffins, the Barons perseverance paid off. Tavis Hansen threw a puck to the net that goaltender Marc Lamothe blocked, but could not collect. Craig Valette picked up the loose puck and centered it to the waiting Tomas Plihal, who beat Lamothe over his left shoulder. The goal gave the Barons enough offense for the night. But to insure the victory, Todd Harvey added an empty-net goal with the seconds dwindling.

Coming Up... The Barons will play the first ever "School Is Cool" game against the Syracuse Crunch on Tuesday morning at 10:30am. The 10:30am start is the first morning game for the Barons at Gund Arena. The Barons fared well against the Crunch last season, posting a 3-2-0-1 record. In 3 games against the Crunch last season, Niko Dimitrakos scored 6 points on 2 goals and 5 assists. Tavis Hansen also was solid against the Crunch recording 6 points in 6 games.

The concourse will be buzzing throughout the game, as school children from around Northeast Ohio will take part in interactive activities. Kids will have the opportunity to learn from the following organizations: Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Children's Museum, Cleveland Police Historical Society, Museum of Natural History, Great Lakes Science Center, John Glenn Research Center, Lake Farmpark, Avon Lake Public Library Discovery Works Center, and the Western Reserve Historical Society.

The Barons will then hit the road for a busy week in the Texas heat. The Barons will begin a five-game road trip by alternating between San Antonio and Houston on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. On Thursday, the Barons will look for revenge against the San Antonio Rampage, who won five of the six games against Cleveland last season. On Friday, the Barons head to Houston, home of the Calder Cup Champion Aeros. The Barons then head back to San Antonio to conclude their road series with the Rampage. It is the first 3-games-in-3-days stint for the Barons.

Top Barons... Dimitri Patzold began his North American career in grand fashion. The impenetrable Patzold was perfect in his first appearance for the Barons stopping all 19 shots faced. Patzold played three years of professional hockey in Germany prior to this season... Patzold was not the only person who made a successful debut this week. Tomas Plihal scored the game-winning goal against the Griffins in the second period. Plihal played two seasons in the WHL before making the jump to the professional rank. In his debut, Plihal put 4 shots on net and recorded a +1 plus/minus rating... Plihal's goal was set-up by Crag Valette, another rookie making his professional debut. Valette, also a product of the WHL, added two shots... Matt Carkner, known for his defensive prowess, was integral in the Barons offense this week. Carkner notched 4 shots on goal against the Griffins and registered a +2 to round out an excellent two-way game.

Injuries/Transactions... The San Jose Sharks recalled Lynn Loyns on Thursday. The gritty left wing was recalled due to the injury of first-round draft choice, Milan Michalek... Willie Levesque remained out of action due to injury.

Out and About...The Barons will hold the second WDOK Breakaway With The Barons on Monday, November 10th at the North Olmsted at 7pm. The WDOK Breakaway With The Barons will feature a one-hour practice session followed by a post-practice skate by the Barons. All kids 14-and-under will receive a complimentary Barons ticket courtesy of SoftRock 102.1 WDOK. Admission is free to all. The North Olmsted Recreation Center is located on 26000 Lorain Road in North Olmsted. For more information, contact the Barons front office by calling 216-420-0000.

Adding to the excitement of "WDOK Breakaway With The Barons" is WDOK's "1-on-1 With The Barons" promotion. Register for your chance to be the lucky player two weeks prior to the event at www.wdok.com . One lucky person will be selected to win the WDOK "1-on-1 With The Barons" for each Breakaway.

Barons Player of the Week...The Cleveland Barons Player of the Week is goaltender Dimitri Patzold. The rookie from Kazakhstan recorded his first shutout for the Barons in his first North American appearance. Patzold stopped all 19 shots faced against Grand Rapids in earning the win.

Up and West...The Sharks hosted their home opener last Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Sharks shutout the Flyers, but the effort by goaltender Evgeni Nabokov only resulted in a point as the Flyers were up to the task. The game ended in a 0-0 tie... The Sharks face an important week early in the season. They will host three games at HP Pavilion, two of which are against Divisional foes... The Sharks will have to go without this year's first-round draft choice, Milan Michalek, who is out due to injury. The Sharks recalled left wing Lynn Loyns in his absence.

Practice Makes Perfect...Below is the Barons schedule for the week. Practice times are subject to change. For information, contact the Barons at 216-420-0000...

Date Event Location Time
10-21 vs. Syracuse Gund Arena 10:30am
10-22 Practice Barons Arena 9:00am
10-23 @ San Antonio SBC Center 8:00pm
10-24 @ Houston Toyota Center 8:00pm
10-25 @ San Antonio SBC Center 8:00pm

Barons Broadcasts...The entire Texas road trip can be heard live by tuning in to Fox Sports Radio 1350-AM. All games can be heard live by Crashing The Net at www.clevelandbarons.net.

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American Hockey League Stories from October 20, 2003


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