Falcons Weekly Notes
Published on December 20, 2005 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
THIS WEEK'S GAME PREVIEWS
--FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2005 AT PROVIDENCE BRUINS--
The Falcons will face the Bruins for the fourth time this season. Springfield's record stands at 1-2 against the Bruins this year. The two teams last met on December 11 when Providence won 6-2. Norm Milley scored on the Falcons' first penalty shot of the season late in the third period, while Darren Reid scored a shorthanded goal midway through the third period. Providence's Nathan Robinson recorded a natural hat trick within a span of 4:06 midway through the second period. Goaltender Tim Thomas has played in eight consecutive games for the Bruins. In that span he has seen his GAA drop to 2.36, which is ninth best in the league, with a save percentage of 92.1, which is eighth best in the league. Former Falcon Eric Healey continues to lead the Bruins in scoring with 12 goals and 16 assists for 28 points in 22 games played.
LAST WEEK'S GAME RECAPS
---Game 1 - Springfield vs. Portland, December 16 - L 4-3---
The Springfield Falcons played their one and only game this weekend Friday night at the MassMutual Center losing to the Portland Pirates 4-3. Marek Kvapil, David Spina and Jim Campbell all scored for the Falcons.
The Falcons found themselves facing a first period deficit when Corey Perry and Dustin Penner each converted in the opening period giving the Pirates a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes of play.
In the second period, the Falcons responded quickly when Kvapil scored on a breakaway at 1:16 of the middle period assisted by Norm Milley.
The game remained a one-goal game until the third period when David Spina evened the score at 2-2 just 17 seconds into the third period. Ryan Shannon gave Portland a 3-2 lead at 10:15, only to see Falcons right winger Jim Campbell's slap shot beat Portland goaltender Nathan Marsters at 14:46 of the final period evening the score at 3-3.
Portland regained their lead for good at 15:01 of the third period when Tim Brent netted the game-winner.
PLAYER / TEAM NOTES:
Captain Ryan Craig and RW Darren Reid made their NHL debuts with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings. Craig scored his first NHL goal.
The Falcons have three of the top 20 scorers in the AHL. Norm Milley ranks 11th followed by rookie Ryan Vesce at 13th and Jason Jaspers at 15th.
INJURY REPORT
Falcons forward Steve McLaren missed games due to injury.
TRANSACTION REPORT
12-20-05 - Springfield Falcons release Anders Eriksson from his PTO.
12-17-05 - Tampa Bay Lightning recall Ryan Craig and Darren Reid.
COMMUNITY SPRINGFIELD SLIDERS HOCKEY TEAM HITS THE ICE! - Starting Tuesday, October 18th, Assistant Coach Phil Russell and players will be attending the Springfield Sliders Sled Hockey Practice at Amelia Park in Westfield from 6-7 p.m. every Tuesday. The Sliders Hockey Team is a program through Shriners Hospital that allows children with orthopedic issues the opportunity to experience the game of hockey.
SOUPY'S KITCHEN CUPBOARD - #10 Jim Campbell, whose nickname is "Soupy," is proud to announce a unique food collection program for the 2005-06 season. The program which is called "Soupy's Kitchen Cupboard" encourages fans to bring a canned good or non-perishable food item to any Falcons home game. Those who donate will receive a raffle ticket to win autographed items from Campbell and the rest of the Falcons. One lucky grand prize winner will receive lunch with Campbell in March. Campbell will donate all food to local area food banks.
HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE - The Springfield Falcons would like to remind fans that Holiday Gift Certificates remain on sale through the Falcons Office. Flex Packs also remain available for the 2005-06 season and can be purchased by calling 413-739-3344.
PINK RIBBON POWER PLAY: This program was brought to our attention by #9 Ryan Vesce, whose mother is a breast cancer survivor. For each power play goal scored by the Falcons starting with the December 9th game, sponsors will donate funds that will benefit area breast cancer centers. We are looking for sponsors, both from an individual level and corporate level, to pledge any amount. For example, if Screech pledged $1 for each power play goal and the Falcons score 20 power play goals for the rest of the season, Screech will donate $20 to the breast cancer cause.
ON THE FARM - JOHNSTOWN CHIEFS
The Johnstown Chiefs went 1-1-0-1 last week, including a 1-0 shutout over Trenton on Wednesday. Goaltender Jonathan Boutin made 37 saves, improving his record to 4-5-2. Justin Kelly scored the lone goal of the game, assisted by Adam Henrich and Gerard Dicaire.
WEEK IN REVIEW
DECEMBER 16 Springfield 3, Portland 4
THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE
DECEMBER 23 Springfield at Providence Bruins 7:05 PM at Dunkin' Donuts Center
*Radio Broadcasts on WMAS 1450AM
*Watch Live on the B-2 Network
American Hockey League Stories from December 20, 2005
- Hamilton, Collins and Colliton Return From Islanders - Bridgeport Islanders
- B-Sens claim defenseman Brad Norton on waivers - Binghamton Senators
- Falcons Weekly Notes - Springfield Falcons
- Aeros to honor local police, firefighters December 28 - Houston Aeros
- Oilers recall Winchester - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Janssen Recalled; Bergfors To Play In WJC - Albany River Rats
- Sound Tigers snippets - Bridgeport Islanders
- Admirals warm up for the holidays - Milwaukee Admirals
- Bulldogs food drive continues - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Rampage weekly - San Antonio Rampage
- Delmore Recalled by Columbus -- Havern Released From P.T.O. - Syracuse Crunch
- Babchuk Back, Gusev Gone - Norfolk Admirals
- P-Bruins Deliver Toys to Toys for Tots - Providence Bruins
- Falcons Release Eriksson - Springfield Falcons
- Iowa Deletes Three From Roster - Iowa Chops
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