Marc's Post-Game Skate on Saturday
March 31, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Cleveland Barons News Release
The Barons will host the St. John's Maple Leafs on Saturday, April 2nd on the National City Rink located in Gund Arena at 7pm. St. John's is currently in a dog fight with the Manitoba Moose for the second spot in the North Division.
Cleveland fans know all to well about the Barons situation. With nine games to play, the Barons trail the Hamilton Bulldogs by six points, the Syracuse Crunch by four points, and the Edmonton Road Runners by two points. It didn't help when all three teams were victorious in their respective games on Wednesday night.
When the Barons host the Maple Leafs, both teams will be a little road weary. Both teams are not expected to arrive in Cleveland until approximately 3am due to travel. The Barons will return home from Rochester on Friday night, while the Maple Leafs will trek in from Hamilton.
The Barons won't go home early on Saturday either. Following the grudge match with the Maple Leafs, the Barons will host a Post-Game Skate courtesy of Marc's. It will be the last chance for fans to skate with the team after a game this season. Fans must bring their own skates to the game to take part in the festivities on the National City Rink.
FARE THE WELL
After the Barons host the Maple Leafs on Saturday night, they will say goodbye to their North Division rival for the final time. In the summer, St. John's affiliate, the Toronto Maple Leafs, will move the team to Toronto and play with the moniker of "Marlies".
Although the make-up of the team will be similar, the Barons hate to see St. John's off of their schedule. In their two-year series since the teams moved into the North Division, the Barons have nine wins, four losses, one tie, and one shootout loss against the Maple Leafs.
It will also be with mixed emotions for Barons forward Ryane Clowe. Clowe is a native of St. John's and it is certain that he won't play in his hometown for the first time in his professional career next year.
SPEAKING OF CLOWE
Ryane Clowe has made a huge impact on the Barons this season. His team lead - or share of the team lead - in goals (24), assists (30), points (54), power play points (21), and power play goals (14) speak for themselves.
But what is most impressive is his team leading plus-minus rating of +15. Of the Barons active skaters, Scott Dobben is the closest skater to Clowe with a +6.
His positive production on the ice has him sitting tied for 29th in the league. He is also challenging the Barons franchise record of +18 set by current captain Matt Carkner last season.
Last season, Clowe finished fourth on the Barons with a +15 mark. Quick math shows that Clowe is now a +30 in less than two seasons as a professional. That is a number that San Jose Sharks personnel will look at very closely.
BUFFALO WILD WINGS
Speaking of Clowe, he will be one of four players expected to appear at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Garfield Heights on Wednesday, April 6th from 9:30-11pm. Clowe is expected to be joined by Josh Gorges, Aaron Gill, and Craig Valette.
It will be the second night that the Barons host a Buffalo Wild Wings night. On Tuesday, April 5th, Josh Prudden, Mike Hoffman, and Doug Murray are expected to sign autographs at the Lyndhurst Buffalo Wild Wings location from 8-10pm.
Restaurant goers will have the opportunity to gain autographs and pose for photographs with the players. Also, they will get the chance to win fantastic prizes courtesy of the Cleveland Barons and Labatt Blue.
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American Hockey League Stories from March 31, 2005
- Penguins reassign Sgroi to Wheeling - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Aeros featured on Fox Sports Net's "Southwest Sports Report" tonight - Houston Aeros
- Amerks bring in Ryan Bennet - Rochester Americans
- Bruins ready for big weekend - Providence Bruins
- Bulldogs celebrate St. John's rivalry - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Marc's Post-Game Skate on Saturday - Cleveland Barons
- Media stars turn hockey players - Connecticut Whale
- Rogers Sportnet to broadcast April 1st St. John's Maple Leafs game - Toronto Marlies
- Former American Idol Contestant Marlea Stroman to Perform National Anthem at April 9 Crunch Game - Syracuse Crunch
- Monarchs Sign Murphy To Tryout Agreement - Manchester Monarchs
- River Rats to Celebrate 10th Anniversary of 1995 Calder Cup title on Friday - Albany River Rats
- IceCats to Wear Inaugural Season Jerseys - Worcester IceCats
- Wolf Pack send two to Charlotte - Connecticut Whale
- Jon Sim Named Toyota Phantoms Player of the Month for March - Adirondack Phantoms
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