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Published on November 6, 2013 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release


TORONTO MARLIES (5-3-1-0) @ UTICA COMETS (0-6-1-1)

Utica Memorial Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.

Radio: 94.9 K-Rock

The Comets are back in action at The AUD for their final game of a six game homestand. Making the trip to Utica for the first time are the Toronto Marlies, who enter tonight's action nine points ahead of the Comets in the North Division. Utica is still seeking its first victory of the season after having begun the season winless in their first eight.

When They Last Met: Tonight is the first ever meeting between these two teams.

Comets Outlook: The Comets have gone 0-3-1-1 in their first five games on home ice as they earned one point in two different games, coming against Syracuse and Abbotsford. The Comets have lost their last four games by just one goal each, which included their 4-3 defeat to Abbotsford this past Friday. Zach Hamill, Henrik Tommernes and Benn Ferriero each scored but Utica could not capitalize down the stretch as a Blair Jones goal sunk the Comets with less than five minutes to play in the game. Joe Cannata was admirable in net as he made 30 saves on 34 shots but was unable to pick up his and the team's first victory of the season.

Marlies Outlook: Toronto comes to Utica after they picked up three out of a possible four points in a two game set at Hamilton. Jerred Smithson and Greg McKregg each scored for Toronto in the first period before a Jerry D'Amigo goal late in the third period sealed the victory. In the following game, Josh Leivo's goal in the first period was enough to get the Marlies to overtime while goaltender Drew McIntyre recorded 35 saves on the evening to earn Toronto a standings point.

Cardiac Comets: Utica may be in search of their first win but that doesn't mean the games haven't been competitive. The Comets have lost by a single goal in five of their eight defeats, with one being a shootout decision and one an overtime defeat. The 4-3 loss against Abbotsford marks four straight games for the Comets that were decided by one goal.

New Faces: The Comets recently announced the additions of three players to the roster. Defenseman Adam Polasek returns to the Comets after spending training camp in Utica. The team also signed defenseman Kent Huskins and forward Mitch Wahl. Huskins brings a Stanley Cup ring to Utica, having played on the 2006-07 NHL champion Anaheim Ducks.

Photo Booth: The Comets also acquired winger David Booth to Utica on a conditioning assignment from Vancouver. Booth is a three time 20-goal scorer at the NHL level who scored a career high 60 points (31-29-60) in the 2008-09 season with the Florida Panthers. The Detroit, MI native has amassed 202 points (105-97-202) over 388 games in the NHL.

Benn There Done That: Comet forward Benn Ferriero is currently riding a three game point streak and has scored five points (2-3-5) over that span. With his goals in both games against Abbotsford, the winger scored goals in back to back games for the first time since Dec. 2012.

CorrAUDo: After he began the season scoreless in three games away from Utica, defenseman Frankie Corrado has taken to home ice and has scored four points (2-2-4) over five home games. Corrado and teammate Henrik Tommernes, are the only defenseman on the roster with multiple goals this season.

Staying Positive: Despite having played in each of the Comets' eight defeats, forward Alexandre Grenier remains at a plus three rating which leads the team. The forward is also second on the team in assists with five and tied with Ferriero for second with six points (1-5-6).

All Good Things Come To An End: After being held scoreless against the Heat on Friday, Pascal Pelletier saw his five game assist streak come to an end. The center's mark still stands tied for third longest on the season.

Scouting The Marlies: Spencer Abbott has carried the Toronto's forward corps, as the center racked up 11 points (1-10-11) over his first eight games. Abbott's 10 assists rank tied for fifth in the AHL and are tied for first amongst players who have appeared in just eight games or less. Greg McKregg leads all Marlies forwards with three goals and comeback story Wade McLeod is the only other active forward on the roster who has multiple goals, with two.

TJ Brennan has been a man possessed for the Marlies offensively this season, as the defenseman has racked up 12 points (8-4-12) in just eight games. Brennan's eight goals lead all AHL defenseman, with his closest competitor four goals behind. His 12 points also rank second in the league amongst blueliners and Brennan leads all Marlies players in both goals and points.

Drew McIntrye has carried the load in net for Toronto as his 2.12 goals against average ranks third in the AHL amongst goaltenders with seven or more games played. McIntrye enters tonight with a 5-2-0 record, which has accounted for all 11 of Toronto's points. The Charlottetown, PEI native also has a .913 save percentage.

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