Flyers Recall Zolnierczyk and Holmstrom; Phantoms Get Two

Published on November 1, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


Adirondack Phantoms forwards Ben Holmstrom and Harry Zolnierczyk have been recalled to the Philadelphia Flyers, according to Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren. The Phantoms received Matt Walker on loan from Philadelphia and forward Andy Bohmbach from Trenton-ECHL.

For the Phantoms gritty captain Holmstrom, 24, this is his first recall to the Flyers this season. The product of Colorado Springs, Colorado played his first two NHL games for the Flyers last season, when he was named Adirondack's team MVP after posting 16 goals and 22 assists for 38 points. With Philadelphia, Holmstrom recorded five penalty minutes by engaging longtime NHL enforcer Chris Neil in a fight on April 5, at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa. In eight games this season, all with Adirondack, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound forward has registered four assists and 20 penalty minutes. Prior to his memorable rookie season with the Phantoms last season, Holmstrom played four collegiate seasons at UMass-Lowell (Hockey East), with whom he served as team captain and won his conference's award as the Best Defensive Forward in 2009-10. Holmstrom previously served as the captain of the Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL), for whom he played junior hockey from 2003-2006.

Zolnierczyk, 24, joins the Flyers for the second time this season. In his first NHL game, October 18 in Ottawa, the speedy forward dazzled NHL fans with a sparkling deke on Senators goalie Craig Anderson, which produced Zolnierczyk's first NHL goal. The former Brown University captain has displayed his strong skating and soft hands all season with Adirondack, where he is among the AHL's rookie leaders in several offensive categories. He's fifth in points (9), fifth in goals (5), second in power-play points (6), second in power-play goals (4) and leads the way with two game-winning goals. The native of Toronto first joined the Phantoms last season, when he completed his fourth season at Brown University by being named the Ivy League Player of the Year. Zolnierczyk had 69 total points (30g, 39a) in his collegiate career.

For dependable defenseman Matt Walker, a 313-game NHL veteran with Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, Chicago and St. Louis; this is his first stint with the Phantoms this season. Walker's three games in the 2011-12 season have all come for the Flyers, with whom he has 16 penalty minutes. The 31-year-old played in 11 games for the Phantoms last season, registering two assists and a +3 rating. Walker came to the Flyers organization during the summer of 2010, when he was acquired from Tampa Bay in the same trade which sent Simon Gagne to the Lightning. Walker played for the Lightning in 2009-10 and he Chicago Blackhawks in 2008-09. Prior to that, Walker spent all seven of his professional seasons in the St. Louis Blues organization, for whom he made his NHL debut in 2002-03. Originally drafted by the Blues in the third round (83rd overall) in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, Walker has 30 points (4g, 26a) and 464 penalty minutes in the NHL.

Andy Bohmbach, 24, comes to the Phantoms for the second time this season, after tearing up the ECHL with the Trenton Titans. In five games with Trenton, Bohmbach led the Titans with six goals He recorded a hat trick in his first game with Trenton on October 22 in an 8-5 victory against Florida.. Last season, as a member of the Toledo Walleye (ECHL), Bohmbach led all ECHL rookies with 72 points (28g, 44a), while finishing ninth in overall league scoring. Bohmbach's high-scoring ways earned him his first six AHL games last season, with the Rockford IceHogs (Chicago), with whom he had two assists. The University of Wisconsin product has played in one game for the Phantoms this season, making his team debut in Adirondack's 6-3 win over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on October 14 at the Glens Falls Civic Center.

Upcoming Events

Friday, November 4, 7:00 - Phantoms at Springfield Falcons

Monday, November 7, 7:00 - Phantoms Power Hour LIVE from McGinny's, downtown Glens Falls. Join host Bob Rotruck with Phantoms players. Airs live on Q101.7 and classichitswnyq.com

Friday, November 11, 7:00 - Phantoms vs. Syracuse Crunch. Veterans Appreciation Night. Free admission to all active duty and military personnel when accompanied by paid admission. Must purchase in advance by Thursday, November 10. $2 draft beer specials: Bud Light and Labatt Blue Light.

Saturday, November 12, 7:00 - Phantoms vs. Toronto Marlies. Youth Jersey giveaway for first 1,000 kids (age 14 and younger) presented by Glens Falls Hospital.

Get great savings and have fun with your friends, family or co-workers by bringing your group of 15 or more fans to enjoy fast-paced, hard-hitting Phantoms hockey. Call the Phantoms to find out more at 518-480-3355 and check the team's website at phantomshockey.com.

Catch all the action of Phantoms hockey all season long on the team's flagship station, Classic Hits Q101.7 and on phantomshockey.com. Bob Rotruck has the broadcast coverage 30 minutes prior to game-time with Countdown to Faceoff.

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American Hockey League Stories from November 1, 2011


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