Sports stats

Laughton and Alt 1st Pro Points in ADK Debuts

April 12, 2013 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


It was a glimpse into the future on Friday night with several newcomers getting their first Glens Falls ice-time. Scott Laughton and Mark Alt both recorded their first career professional points in solid Phantoms debuts. But the Springfield Falcons broke a late 2-2 tie on a goal by Spencer Machacek as the Northeast Division champions took a 3-2 decision that ended Adirondack's six-game home-ice point streak.

Matt Konan's second goal of the season on a perfectly placed top-shelf snipe from center-point had tied the score with 7:44 remaining and the Phantoms had momentum after the late equalizer. But Machacek came out of the penalty box along with Brandon Manning of Adirondack at the completion of some 4-on-4 hockey and was able to knock in a rebound of a Brian Boucher stick-save for the game-winner.

Jason Akeson had scored earlier in the game on the power play for his team-leading 17th goal of the season, 11 of which have come on the man-advantage.

Much of the focus of the game was on Adirondack's new-look lineup and young talents, some of whom were making their professional or Phantoms debuts. With just two weeks remaining in the regular season, it was a good opportunity to give some serious ice-time to the newcomers and the future of the Flyers' organization.

#17 Scott Laughton was playing his first AHL game. #4 Mark Alt on defense was making his professional debut. And #25 Nick Cousins was playing in Glens Falls for the first time in just his third professional game. The youngsters were out there with other recent newcomers Brandon Alderson, Kyle Flanagan and Derek Mathers. It was an interesting look into the future for the Phantoms as it can be expected that some, or most, of those prospects may very well be part of the Opening Night lineup in October.

Laughton centered the Phantoms top-line with Tye McGinn and Jason Akeson. The first-round pick last year (#20 overall) from the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League arrived into Glens Falls late Thursday, took morning skate on Friday, and was into the game and logging top minute by the night.

"It was pretty exciting coming here and getting that opportunity with such little time left and them giving me confidence," the 18-year-old Laughton said. "I felt pretty good out there and just tried to play my game. Pretty long day yesterday but it was all worth it coming in today."

His faceoff win on the power play led to Akeson's goal for his first pro point. Laughton had zero points with the Flyers in five games before being sent back to Major Juniors for the rest of the season. Laughton also had a steal that he turned into a shorthanded breakaway and very nearly scored on three different shots on that burst into the Falcons' zone.

Mark Alt comes to the Phantoms from the University of Minnesota. He had a little more time to get acclimated in the North Country having arrived on Monday and suiting up for his first practice on Tuesday in preparation for his professional debut.

"It felt good. Obviously there's a lot of talent out there for me to work with," Alt said. "So I just try to move the puck around and give the guys some chances. There were definitely some nerves. It's a different game. I had to adapt. But it's nice having (37-year-old veteran) Lilja as a D-partner. I went under his wing there for that game and that was nice. He's got a lot of advice and I'm just trying to listen to him and see what he has to say. He was helping me out throughout the game in making the right decisions and coming up with plays."

Second-year pro out of RPI, Allen York, was the winning goaltender for Springfield. Adirondack outshot the Falcons 28-23. The Phantoms were 1-for-6 on the power play while Springfield went 1-for-3.

Before the game, Zack FitzGerald received an ovation as the IOA/American Specialty Phantoms Man of the Year for 2012-13.

Saturday vs. the Connecticut Whale is Dan Miner Bobblehead Night for the first 2,500 fans featuring a post-game concert. Sunday at 3:00 is World Record Day against the Binghamton Senators as the Phantoms' Fans will attempt to set an actual world record...for longest On-Ice Conga Line On Skates. We need you fans to bring your skates for this one!! Call the Phantoms for tickets at 518-480-3355.



American Hockey League Stories from April 12, 2013


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.

Other Recent Adirondack Phantoms Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central