AHL Utica Comets

Gameday: Comets at Rochester

Published on October 19, 2013 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release


The Utica Comets make their second trip to Rochester in just eight days, when they take on the Americans at the Blue Cross Arena tonight at 7:05 p.m. The Comets seek their first victory in their young existence. following two defeats in their opening weekend of play.

When They Last Met: The Comets fell in Rochester last Friday by a score of 4-1. The Comets saw forward Pascal Pelletier score the first goal in franchise history, but American goaltender Matt Hackett made 21 saves on 22 shots to earn the victory.

Comets Outlook: Utica played their first two regular season games in franchise history a last weekend, falling at Rochester and at Albany. Following the tough 4-1 loss against the Americans, the Comets put in a workman's effort against the Devils, but their third period comeback came up just short as they fell by one goal, 3-2. Pelletier led all Comets with three points (1-2-3). Alexandre Grenier scored his first career American Hockey League goal on Saturday at Albany, and is second on the team in points with two (1-1-2).

Americans Outlook: Rochester enters with a record of 2-2-0-0. The Americans notched their second win of the season last night vs. the Marlies. Luke Adam is tied for second in the AHL with four goals, which leads the team. Adam (4-2-6), and Phil Varone (1-3-4) lead the Americans in points. In net, Hackett comes in with a 1-2-0 record and a .878 save-percentage, while Nathan Lieuwen comes into the Americans fourth game with a 1-0 record, and a .935 save percentage.

Empire State Of Mind: The Comets are currently in the third of nine straight games in the state of New York. The Comets head home for a six game home stand in Utica after tonight's game.

Pascal Flatts: The Utica Comets have scored three goals thus far in 2013 and Pascal Pelletier has played a part in all of them. The 30-year-old center has three points (1-2-3) over two games played, tops on the Comets roster. In addition to netting the first goal in Comets history against Rochester, Pelletier, had the first two-assist game in Comets history against Albany.

Alexandre The Great: In just his sixth AHL contest, the 3-2 loss against Albany, Alexandre Grenier netted both his first career AHL goal and assist. The 22-year old forward also recorded a fight against the Devils for the first "Gordie Howe Hat Trick" of the season for the Comets.

Five Four Fighting: The Comets racked up four fighting majors against the Americans and Devils last weekend, coming from four different players. Darren Archibald had a scrap late in the game against Rochester, while Grenier, Kellan Lain and Brandon DeFazio fought against Albany.

Good Wilson Hunting: The Comets made a roster move this past week, signing free agent forward Kelsey Wilson. The 6'1" winger spent last season split between the ECHL and the EIHL in the United Kingdom. Wilson was a part of the Panthers' run to the EIHL Championship, as he skated in in 26 league games and recorded 18 points (9-9-18). Wilson also appeared in three playoff contests en route to playoff and Challenge Cup championships.

Four Days until AHL Hockey returns to the Aud. The Comets home opener against the Albany Devils on Oct. 23 is completely sold out for the AHL's return to Utica.

Scouting The Americans: Rochester comes into tonight's game sitting fourth in the North Division standings, four points ahead of the Comets and two points behind the division and Western Conference leading Toronto Marlies.

Forwards Adam Tardiff and Varone have each enjoyed solid starts to their season with six and five points, respectively. Adam recorded two goals against the Comets and Tardiff netted two assists. Varone enters tonight on a four game point streak, with an assist in each of Rochester's first four games.

Matt Hackett has started three of the four contests thus far for the Americans. The London, Ontario native enters tonight at 1-2-0, with a 4.61 GAA and a .878 save percentage. Nathan Lieuwen made his first start of the season last night for the Americans, as he recorded a 4-1 win.

Check out the Utica Comets Statistics

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American Hockey League Stories from October 19, 2013


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