Giordano Earns Recall to Calgary

January 30, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


Omaha, NE - The Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights announced today that the Calgary Flames, their NHL affiliate, have recalled defenseman Mark Giordano. It is his first NHL recall. Giordano will join the Flames in time for their game tonight at St. Louis. The Knights also announced that defenseman Adam Pardy and center Chris Neiszner have been re-assigned on loan to the Las Vegas Wranglers, the Knights' affiliate in the ECHL.

Giordano has played in all 49 games with the Knights this season, earning 35 points (9 goals, 26 assists) and 94 penalty minutes. The 6'0", 203 lbs. rearguard is one of only two Knights to appear in every game. Giordano is currently second on the Ak-Sar-Ben Knights in points, first in assists, third in penalty minutes and third in power play goals (7). The native of Toronto, Ontario made his professional debut during the 2004-05 campaign after playing 133 games in the Ontario Hockey League with Owen Sound posting 97 points (32 goals, 65 assists) and 181 penalty minutes. The Flames signed Giordano as a free agent on July 6, 2004.

Pardy has played in 12 games with the Knights this season, earning no points and 12 penalty minutes. He is in his first pro season after completing his junior career in 2004-05 with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the QMJHL. He set career highs for games played (69), goals (12), assists (27), points (39) and penalty minutes (163). The native of Bonavista, Newfoundland was the Flames sixth pick, 173rd overall, in the 2004 Entry Draft.

Neiszner made his AHL debut with the Knights on January 18th at Chicago. In seven games, the rookie had one goal and one assist for two points and two penalty minutes. His first AHL goal came last Friday against Grand Rapids. Prior to turning pro, Neiszner played four seasons of junior hockey for the Red Deer Rebels in the Western Hockey League. In 286 career games, he scored 49 goals and added 52 assists for 101 points. He also had 20 points in 61 career playoff games. Neiszner was signed by the Flames as a free agent in July of 2005.

The Knights return to action on Friday and Saturday, February 3rd and 4th when they host the Chicago Wolves. Both games start at 7:00 p.m. Friday's game is also Nebraska Lottery T-Shirt Night. The first 1,500 fans receive a Knights' t-shirt courtesy of Nebraska Lottery. On Saturday, the Knights are hosting Fremont Friends and Family Night. Following the game, fans are invited to join the Knights on the ice for a skate with the team. Children must have helmets for this event.

Tickets for all home games are available at the Civic Auditorium box office, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The box office is open through the opening face-off on game nights. Tickets may also be purchased through any Ticketmaster outlet, by phone at (402) 422-1212 or at Ticketmaster.com. Group tickets for the game may be purchased through the Knights office or by calling (402) 344-4625.



American Hockey League Stories from January 30, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central