Carolina Recalls Grahame; Sends Leighton To Albany

January 21, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


ALBANY, NY - The Albany River Rats announced today that goaltender John Grahame has been recalled from loan by the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League. As part of that transaction Carolina reassigned goaltender Michael Leighton to Albany.

Leighton, 26, was called up to the Hurricanes on January 3rd and made three starts, including a 4-3 win on the road in Atlanta in his Carolina debut. on January 4th. During his first stint with the 'Canes the Petrolia, Ontario native posted a 1-1-0 record, a 2.66 goals-against average and a 0.897 save percentage. His only loss came in St. Louis on January 5th as he made 18 saves in a 1-0 loss to the Blues. Leighton played in his 50th career NHL game on January 15th, getting the start against the Toronto Maple Leafs in his home province. He returns to the River Rats currently leading the AHL in save percentage (0.928), tied for the league lead in shutouts (5) and ranked second in goals-against average (2.14). On January 9th Leighton was named as the starting goaltender for the Canadian All-Star team for the 2008 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Reebok on January 28th in Binghamton, New York.

Grahame, 32, appeared in seven games for Albany since being assigned to the River Rats on January 4th, posting a 4-3-0 record, a 3.04 goals-against average and a 0.912 save percentage. The Denver, Colorado native started the River Rats last seven straight games, including playing four games in five nights for Albany from January 9th - January 13th. Grahame made his 4,000th AHL save on January 19th against Bridgeport; one of his 42 saves in Albany's 4-3 win over the Sound Tigers. He also had a 38 save performance and stopped a penalty shot attempt on January 13th in a 2-1 loss at Syracuse.

The River Rats are back in action on Wednesday, January 23rd, as they will face off with the Hartford Wolf Pack at the Times Union Center. Scheduled for a 7:00 pm face off, it is the only time the New York Rangers' top minor-league affiliate will travel to Albany this season.

Partial season tickets and flex ticket packages for the 2007-08 River Rats season are on sale now. For more information please contact the Albany River Rats at (518) 487-2244 or online at www.albanyriverrats.com.



American Hockey League Stories from January 21, 2008


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