Giordano Recalled To Calgary; Knights Bring In Two Defensemen

April 7, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


Omaha, NE - The Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights announced today that the Calgary Flames, their National Hockey League affiliate, have recalled defenseman Mark Giordano. He will join the Flames for their home game tonight against the Minnesota wild. Also, the Knights have recalled defenseman Jan Vodrazka from the Greenville Growwl of the ECHL and Steeve Villeneuve from the Long Beach Ice Dogs of the ECHL. Both players will join the Knights for their home game against the Iowa Stars tonight at 7:00 p.m.

Giordano has played in all 73 games for the Knights this season, posting a team leading 58 points (16 goals, 42 assists) and 141 penalty minutes. The 6'0" 203 lbs. native of Toronto, Ontario is first in assists (42), third in goals (16), third in penalty minutes (141) and second in power play goals (12). Giordano played in two games with the Flames earlier this season making his NHL debut on January 30th in St. Louis. He made his professional debut during the 2004-05 campaign after playing in 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.

Vodrazka is making his second appearance with the Ak-Sar-Ben Knights. He played in two games in late December, registering no points or penalty minutes. Vodrazka is in his ninth professional season. In 191 career AHL games played with Kentucky, Lowell, Saint John, Houston and Omaha, he has three goals and 14 assists for 17 points and 434 penalty minutes. He's also played in 141 IHL games with Kansas City and Milwaukee. The native of Plzen, Czech Republic played two seasons of junior hockey for the Detroit Whalers of the OHL, scoring 12 goals and adding 32 assists for 44 points in 108 games. He has four goals and 20 assists for 24 points and a team-leading 192 penalty minutes in 68 games for Greenville this season.

Villeneuve is making his AHL debut with the Knights. He has ten goals and 35 assists for 45 points and 91 penalty minutes in 63 games for Long Beach this season, making him the top scorer among Long Beach defensemen. He had five goals and 20 points in 70 games for Long Beach (ECHL) during his rookie season in 2004-05. Prior to turning pro, the native of St. Jerome, Quebec played four seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for Drummondville, Cape Breton and Halifax.

Tonight's game is big for both the Knights and Stars. They are tied for the final playoff spot in the West Division. On Saturday, the Knights host the Peoria Rivermen at 7:00 p.m. Congressman Tom Osborne will be on hand Saturday to meet fans from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and then drop the puck prior to the game. It's also Nebraska Lottery Night. The first 1,000 fans 19 and older will receive a free scratch ticket from the Nebraska Lottery. Anyone who brings a non-winning lottery ticket to the game can purchase a ticket for just $10.

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 April 7, 2006


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