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Hamel Catches Merkosky in 5-1 Phantoms Win

December 2, 2011 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


From 2001-05, there was no more popular Norfolk Admiral than Michael Leighton. Leighton, the Admirals' all-time leader in wins (75), returned to his old haunts and led Adirondack to a 5-1 win at Norfolk Scope on Friday night.

Leighton made 28 saves on 29 shots improving his record to 10-5-0. The win also extended Adirondack's season-high win streak to four straight victories, improving the team's record to 13-7-1.

Special kudos also went out to the Phantoms defensive corps who held the Admirals attack in check. Playing with only five defensemen, Dan Jancevski, Culled Eddy, Blake Kessel, Oliver Lauridsen and newcomer Andy Thomas helped keep the Norfolk forwards frustrated throughout the night. Although he Admirals possess the league's highest-scoring offense, it was as if they were stuck in the mud all night against the tight checking of the Phantoms' defense. Adirondack limited the Admirals to 29 shots (they average 35 per game) shots, while killing off all four of their power plays.

The other major storyline was Denis Hamel. Hamel scored his milestone 325th AHL goal, tying him with Adirondack Hockey Hall of Famer Glenn Merkosky for 12th place in all-time AHL goal scoring. Hamel's goal was an empty-net goal, scored with 5:10 remaining in the third period. Down 4-1 and not mustering much offense, the Admirals pulled their goalie with 6:17 remaining in the third period.

While Hamel's milestone earned him the night's headlines, the offensive star was Tye McGinn. McGinn netted his first professional two-goal game and now has three of his four goals this season over the last two games. McGinn's first professional goal came in Adirondack's first meeting with Norfolk this season, on October 26 at the Glens Falls Civic Center.

McGinn's first goal on Friday gave Adirondack a 1-0 advantage 5:49 into the first period, when the former member of the Gatineau Olympiques scored over Jaroslav Janus' blocker while on a power play. Ben Holmstrom got the primary assist, setting up McGinn with a pass from the left-wing sideboards.

McGinn's second goal gave the Phantoms a 3-1 lead with 6:58 left in the second period, and was assisted by Mike Testwuide and Denis Hamel.

Holmstrom and Dan Jancevski scored the Phantoms' two other goals. Holmstrom's goal was the game-winner, breaking a 1-1 tie early in the second period. Holmstrom finished the night with two points (1g,1a), giving Adirondack's captain two goals and two assists over the last four games.

Jancevski, a member of the Norfolk Admirals in 2007-08, blasted a shot from the point past Jaroslav Janus to give the Phantoms a 4-1 lead with 15:51 left in the third period.

The featured several late fights and a couple of ejections in the closing seconds of the game. Cullen Eddy and Tom Sestito both took game misconducts at 19:41 into the second and a nasty tone appeared to be set for the weekend finale of the series back at Scope Arena.

The Phantoms are second in the Northeast Division and keep pace with the Connecticut Whale, who also won on Friday. Adirondack has 27 points and Connecticut has 29.

The rematch between the Phantoms and Admirals is Saturday night at 7:15. The rematch comes Saturday night at 7:15. Adirondack is 1-0-1 against Norfolk in the season series which will see the two teams face each other eight times.

The Phantoms were 1-of-4 on the power play on Friday.

The shots were 29-23 in favor of Norfolk.

Adirondack's scratches were Johan Backlund, Eric Wellwood, Oskars Bartulis and Brandon Manning.

Defenseman Matt Walker was called up and also re-entry waivers so is with the Philadelphia Flyers now. Adirondack activated rookie defenseman Brandon Manning who was expected to make his professional debut in the game but was a late scratch. The Prince George, BC native will wear #28.

The Phantoms played with 17 skaters in the contest.

Upcoming Events

Friday, December 2, 7:30 - Phantoms at Norfolk Admirals

Saturday, December 3, 7:15 - Phantoms at Norfolk Admirals

Monday, December 5 - No Phantoms Power Hour show. The team will be traveling.

Tuesday, December 6, 7:30 - Phantoms at Hamilton Bulldogs

Friday, December 9, 7:00 - Portland Pirates at Adirondack Phantoms. $2 draft beer specials through first intermission; Bud Light and Labatt Blue Light.

Saturday, December 10, 7:00 - Rochester Americans at Adirondack Phantoms. Phantoms T-Shirts for the first 2,500 fans courtesy of Papa John's. First Goal Teddy Bear Toss to benefit the Salvation Army and needy children in the North Country.

Phantoms Holiday Socks are on sale now. $49 package for 4 tickets to a premium Phantoms game, an autographed puck, a program, all in a game-worn Phantoms hockey sock. $59 for an autographed stick with the 4 premium game tickets and game-worn Phantoms hockey sock.

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.



American Hockey League Stories from December 2, 2011


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.

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