AHL Syracuse Crunch

Crunch Hit The Road Looking To End Streak

Published on January 6, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Syracuse Crunch News Release


Syracuse embarked on their longest road trip of the year last night in Philadelphia (eight games), losing 2-0 to extend their winless streak to a franchise record 13-games (0-9-3-1), breaking the previous mark of 12 set February 25 – March 17, 2000. Things are not going to get any easier for Syracuse who will face the Western Conference leading Grand Rapids Griffins twice, the South Division leading Norfolk Admirals twice, the Hershey Bears (.595 winning percentage) twice and the defending Calder Cup Champions Chicago Wolves, once on their current road trip. Syracuse is 6-7-2-0 away from the War Memorial at Oncenter this season while playing to a 5-14-2-1 record at home. Syracuse will not play at home again until January 24 vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

SCOVILLE SHINES – HURT AGAIN: Defenseman Darrel Scoville did not waste any time making his presence felt on Saturday night. After missing 31 games with an abdominal tear, Scoville returned to the line-up and helped the Crunch to a 2-2 tie against Binghamton, scoring once and adding an assist. Scoville's bad luck reappeared the next night in Philadelphia, when he broke his foot blocking a shot. He is expected to miss up to six weeks. In six games with the Crunch this season, Scoville has two goals, three assists and eight penalty minutes. A native of Regina, SK, Scoville has appeared in 258 career AHL games with Saint John and Syracuse with 34 goals, 83 assists and 358 penalty minutes. He has also appeared in six career NHL games with Calgary, recording two penalty minutes. Columbus signed Scoville as a free agent on July 10, 2001.

MANNING NHL DEBUT: Defenseman Paul Manning made his National Hockey League debut on January 4 against the Phoenix Coyotes, playing 13:11 in the Blue Jackets 2-0 victory. Manning, who was recalled on Saturday morning, has appeared in 26 games for the Crunch this season, tallying one goal, three assists and 10 penalty minutes. Originally drafted by Calgary with their 3rd pick, 62nd overall, in the 1998 Entry Draft, Columbus acquired Manning for a 5th round pick in the 2001 Entry Draft on June 24, 2001. A native of Red Deer, Alberta, Manning was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 20th round of the 1997 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENTS:

HERSHEY (COLORADO AVALANCHE): The Crunch travel to Hershey on Wednesday, January 8 for the third of six regular season meetings. The series is tied at one a piece. Left wing Jordan Krestanovich (1g, 2a) and center Charlie Stephens (1g, 2a) lead the Bears with three points each in head-to-head scoring. Defenseman Radim Bicanek (1g, 2a), right wings David Ling (3a) and Matt Davidson (2g, 1a) lead the Crunch with three points against the Bears. Crunch goaltender Pascal Leclaire appeared in both games, with a 1-1-0 mark, a 3.53 goals against average and a .919 save percentage. Goaltender Philippe Sauve also appeared in both games for Hershey with a 1-1-0 mark, a 3.53 goals against average and a .870 save percentage. Lifetime, Syracuse is 19-27-10 against Hershey.

GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS (DETROIT RED WINGS): Syracuse's road trip continues onto Grand Rapids on Friday, January 10 and Saturday, January 11 for the second and third of four regular season meetings this season. Grand Rapids leads the series 1-0, after defeating Syracuse at home 6-2 on October 26. Left wing Michel Picard leads all players in head-to-head scoring with three points (2g, 1a). Former Crunch goaltender Marc Lamothe appeared in the game stopping 23 of 25 Syracuse shots. Lifetime, the Crunch is 0-1-0 against the Griffins.

CHICAGO (ATLANTA THRASHERS): The Crunch conclude their week in Chicago on Sunday, January 12 for the final of the two regular season meetings. Chicago leads the series 1-0, after defeating Syracuse 5-3 on November 8. Chicago's right wing Rob Brown (1g, 1a) and left wing Simon Gamache (1g, 1a) and Syracuse's right wing David Ling (2a) and defenseman Duvie Westcott (1g, 1a) lead their respectful teams in head-to-head scoring with two points each. Goaltender Norm Maracle appeared in the game stopping 17 of 20 Syracuse shots. Lifetime, Syracuse is 0-1-0 against Chicago in the regular season.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS:

Friday, January 24

POWERADE CAP NIGHT: On Friday, January 24 one of the Crunch's most popular give-aways returns. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a cap, courtesy of Powerade. The caps are red in color with the Crunch logo in the center and the Powerade logo on the side.

Saturday, January 25

SPONGEBOB NIGHT: On Saturday, January 25 SpongeBob will visit the War Memorial at Oncenter. SpongeBob will be available during the intermissions and post-game to take pictures with fans. (Due to the costume make, SpongeBob will be unable to sign autographs.) During the night one lucky fan will receive a SpongeBob doll, courtesy of Time Warner.

INJURY UPDATE: Left wing Andrej Nedorost is listed as day-to-day with a hip flexor injury suffered on January 3 vs. Norfolk. He has missed two games with the injury... Defenseman Dan Watson is listed as day-to-day with a leg injury suffered on January 6 @ Philadelphia... Defenseman Darrel Scoville is expected to miss up to six weeks with a broken foot suffered on January 6 @ Philadelphia.

INJURIES BY THE NUMBERS: Through 37 games this season, Syracuse has lost 95 man-games due to injuries Darrel Scoville – 31, Brad Moran – 20, Paul Manning – 9, Pauli Levokari – 8, Trent Cull – 7, Ben Knopp – 5, Blake Bellefeuille, Radim Bicanek, Kent McDonell & Andrej Nedorost – 3, Martin Paroulek – 2, Adam Borzecki & Dan Watson – 1, represent the Crunch's injury list this season.

CRUNCHABLES: Center Brad Moran and left wing Jeremy Reich each appeared in his 150th Crunch game on Sunday, January 6 @ Philadelphia... Defenseman Dan Watson is three games shy of 150 in a Crunch uniform... Sunday night's blanking by Philadelphia was the fourth time this season the Crunch has been shutout... In their last three games the Crunch have been out shot 44-14 in the second period. On Sunday against Philadelphia, the Crunch recorded nine shots on goal in the second period, which almost doubled their total from their previous two games (5).

Check out the Syracuse Crunch Statistics

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American Hockey League Stories from January 6, 2003


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