Hamel Scores Historic 300th in 3-1 Win
December 17, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release
Denis Hamel scored the 300th AHL goal of his career on a special night at the Glens Falls Civic Center as the Adirondack Phantoms defeated the two-time defending Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears 3-1.
Hamel's milestone goal would come midway through the third converting on a breakaway. The top shelf tally that gave the Phantoms a 3-1 lead came off a long stretch pass from the Phantoms zone by Mike Testwuide. The fans rose to their feet again moments later when legendary P.A. Announcer Dan Miner announced to the crowd that it was his 300th all time and that he was just the 19th AHL player to accomplish the feat. The standing ovation was accompanied by the Phantoms players tapping their sticks at the bench in acknowledgment.
But with 8:30 to go in the game, the Phantoms work was not done. They scrapped and blocked and hustled their way onto the Bears' attack while goalie Nic Riopel blocked their remaining efforts to preserve the win.
Brian Willsie gave the Bears the initial lead with a power play goal in the first period on a centering feed from the left-wing by reigning AHL MVP Keith Aucoin. Willsie's 11th of the year gave the Bears a 1-0 advantage after one period.
Denis Hamel's first of the night and ninth of the season came on the power play in the second period. Danny Syvret fed a pass from the right point to Hamel on the left-wing side of the crease for the redirection for his career 299th tying the score at 1-1. Erik Gustafsson also assisted on the tally.
Minutes later, Shane Harper picked up a turnover in the neutral zone, went in on a breakaway and deked a sprawling Bears goaltender Dany Sabourin to flip home a backhander and give the Phantoms their first lead of the night at 2-1. It was Shane Harper's first AHL goal of the season after tallying a goal in five games last season with the Phantoms.
Riopel had a stellar effort in net with 25 saves on 26 shots including some showstoppers for his first AHL win of the season after going 6-2-1 in the ECHL with Greenville (SC). One of his best was in the first period when Dmitri Kugryshev went in all alone and Riopel stoned the Bears forward on the breakaway who tried beating him short-side.
Hamel had three different chances in the final minute to gain a hat trick with an empty netter. His initial drive from the left defensive side missed the goal by about a foot on the short side. Then without about 30 seconds remaining he shoveled a backhanded down the ice from the Phantoms bench boards area which hit into the side of the cage on that side. After going in behind the goal to accept a pass from Greg Moore he tried to carry it back in front for a wraparound by the Bears steered him back. And then his drive all the way down ice with 4 seconds left barely made it to the goal-line but missed wide by a few feet.
It was Adirondack's first victory of the season against Hershey. The Phantoms will host the Bears again on Friday, January 14.
The Bears outshot the Phantoms 26-25 in the game while both teams went 1-for-5 on the power play.
Notes: Defenseman Dan Jancevski moved into a tie for 50th place playing in his 722nd career game with Dick Mattiussi and Jim Morrison. Hamel sits 19th all-time in scoring in AHL history and is second among active AHL'ers. Former Hershey Bear Alexandre Giroux, now with Oklahoma City, has 318 career goals.
The Phantoms received hundreds of coats, teddy bears, non-perishable food items and new toys for their various charity drives benefitting the Salvation Army and the donators were rewarded with free Phantoms tickets. Thanks to everyone who participated and helped us make some happy holiday seasons for needy kids and families in the North Country.
The Phantoms play their last game before the holiday break and wrap up their three game homestand with a Saturday night encounter hosting the Abbotsford Heat.
Phantoms Upcoming Games
Saturday, December 18 - Abbotsford at Adirondack - 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 26 - Adirondack at Binghamton - 5 p.m.
Tuesday, December 28 - Adirondack at Syracuse - 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 29 - Manchester at Adirondack - 7 p.m.
Saturday is Phantoms T-Shirt Night for the first 2,500 fans courtesy of Papa John's.
Don't be left out! Tickets for all Phantoms games are on sale now. Discount rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Save off the individual ticket price by asking the Phantoms about their great group rate packages.
The AHL is celebrating their 75th anniversary season and is the top development league for the NHL. More than 85 percent of today's NHL players are American Hockey League graduates and more than 6 million fans attend AHL games every year.
Come watch future NHL stars and up-and-coming Flyers prospects with exciting Adirondack Phantoms hockey! A variety of ticket packages for all the fast-paced action are on sale now. The Phantoms selection of discount ticket packages includes 3-packs, 6-packs, 12 and 22 Select Plans, full season plans and Flex Packs. Choose the plan that works best for you! Get your tickets at the Phantoms office inside the Glens Falls Civic Center, online at ticketmaster.com, or by calling the Phantoms at 518-480-3355.
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American Hockey League Stories from December 17, 2010
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