Moose produce win in Philadelphia

December 7, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


PHILADELPHIA - Fifty-two schools from throughout the Delaware Valley piled into the Wachovia Spectrum for an 11 am face-off as the Philadelphia Phantoms welcomed the Manitoba Moose for the fourth annual School Day Game. The lesson plan didn't go to form, however, as the Phantoms lost 3-1.

In the first-ever meeting of the teams, it was the Moose that struck first. With just a shade under a minute remaining in the opening period, Jason Jaffray scored a power play goal. He pounced on a Martin Houle rebound for the 1-0 lead.

Hired gun Jozef Balej made it 2-0 on a 2-on-1 in the middle period. This time it was Jaffray that registered the assist, as he slid a cross-ice pass to the streaking Balej, who finished with a redirection at the back post.

Former member of the Moose, Pat Kavanagh scored Philadelphia's only goal at 18:27 of the second. Situated at the top of the crease, Kavanagh slammed in Josh Gratton's delivery. Gratton, who dropped the gloves just two seconds into the game, slipped the puck from his position behind the net to the Phantoms leading scorer. The goal was Kavanagh's 12th and his 20th point overall.

Prestin Ryan's blue line shot negotiated its way to the net at 2:34 of the third for the eventual 3-1 final.

"We need more", said Phantoms Head Coach John Stevens. "We need guys to step up and start scoring some goals for our hockey team, bottom line. If that means getting real greasy in the confrontational areas of the rink, then that's what we need. But we need more fight inside the dots offensively right now."

The loss was the Phantoms third straight and kept them hanging at the 24-point plateau, and because of a Bridgeport loss in another afternoon affair, Philadelphia held on to third place in the East Division. The Tigers are just two back of the Phantoms.

Martin Houle was handed the loss after making 21 saves. Maxime Ouellet, now 2-0 with Manitoba since being dealt recently by the Capitals organization, stopped 31, as the Phantoms outshot their opponent for seventh straight time.

The school children were treated to a unique learning experience, which included a booklet for each of the 4,600 students containing lessons on hockey math and science, as well as a history lesson focusing on the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The 11-14-0-2 Phantoms next host the Albany River Rats this Saturday evening at 7:05 pm. The Phantoms will be collecting toys at the game to benefit Toys For Tots. All fans are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the game to benefit children in need this holiday season. For tickets, visit www.phantomshockey.com or call (215) 336-2000, (856) 338-9000 or (302) 984-2000. All kids tickets for all Phantoms games are just $8.



American Hockey League Stories from December 7, 2005


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